Signal Burst
A quick burst of information on this week’s agenda
Ranked by how much your voice can still shape the outcome
Full Signal – Things that need your attention
Empty this week
Moderate Signal – Items likely to affect you
Planning Fees – Regional staff take over most planning work, and fees would change to a base charge plus hourly costs
Low Signal – Topics to keep an eye on
None on this agenda
No Signal – For your information only
Salem Health License Update – The Council votes on adding a second underground conduit to the hospital’s license
Full Signal
Things that need your attention
Full Signal sits empty for this meeting.
Moderate Signal
Items likely to affect you
Planning Fees
Why Moderate Signal: These fees apply to every land use application in Dallas, from home businesses to subdivisions. The resolution is new on the agenda and could be adopted the same night.
The City of Dallas is moving most of its planning work to the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments (COG), a regional group that provides services to its member cities and counties. The Council will vote on Resolution No. 3582 to change the city’s planning fee schedule to match the new process and costs.
- What COG staff would handle
- Land use applications, including legal notices
- Planning reviews on building permits
- Sign permits that need a code exception
- Floodplain development permits
The COG will bill the city by the hour. To cover that cost, the resolution would change planning fees to a base fee plus actual expense.
The base fee pays for the city’s own work, like taking in applications, staffing public hearings, and closing out files. Most fees have a base fee of $50-250.
The actual expense is the COG’s hourly charge for each application. The hourly rate isn’t listed in the agenda packet.
Learn more: Compare the proposed fees with the current planning fee schedule (council agenda, pg. 48)
If adopted by the Council, the new fees take effect November 17.
YOUR SIGNAL: Resolutions pass by roll call vote the same night, so speak during Public Comment or email a Councilor before Monday’s meeting.
Low Signal
Topics to keep an eye on
No items fall into Low Signal this time.
No Signal
For your information only
Salem Health License Update
On November 2, the Council voted 7-0 to give Salem Health a revocable license to run private utility lines under SE Uglow Avenue to West Valley Hospital.
After that meeting, the hospital asked to add a second 6-inch conduit for future power and fiber needs. The rest of the agreement is unchanged, including the city’s right to end it with 9 months’ written notice.
- Follow the money
- $1,500 – Yearly license fee paid to the city, or $3 per foot of each line (if higher)
The City Council will vote on authorizing the City Manager to sign the updated agreement.
Learn more: Read the revised license agreement (council agenda, pg. 41-44)
Council Training Opportunities
The City Manager will report on training opportunities for Councilors, including the League of Oregon Cities’ City Day at the Capitol in Salem in January 2027. No other information was provided prior to the meeting.
Make your voice heard
- Attend in person:
- Monday, November 16, 2026 – City Hall in downtown Dallas, Oregon
- City Council starts at 7:00 pm
- Monday, November 16, 2026 – City Hall in downtown Dallas, Oregon
- Speak at the meeting: Public comment happens near the start of the City Council meeting. Everyone gets up to 3 minutes
- Submit public comment by phone: Dial +1 (253) 215-8782, enter Meeting ID 213 855 0622, then press #. Log in before 7:00 pm to make sure your comment is received
- E-mail the Mayor or a Councilor: Contact your representatives to share information
- Watch live or later: The meeting streams on the city’s YouTube page live and is archived afterward
- City Council agenda
Congratulations!
You’re all caught up on 48 pages of agenda for this week’s meeting. Now, are you ready to get involved?
November Event Calendar
Are you looking for something to do in the City of Dallas? The Dallas Public Library has a November calendar of events running through the end of the month. What sounds interesting to you?
