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
- None this week
- Moderate Signal – Items likely to affect you
- LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session – The Council is expected to vote on the city’s final top 5 legislative priorities for the state’s 2027 session
- Low Signal – Topics to keep an eye on
- Ordinance No. 1926 – Spectrum Pacific West franchise agreement – 2nd reading and vote to adopt a renewed cable franchise agreement with Spectrum
- Ordinance No. 1927 – Forged Fiber 37 franchise agreement – 2nd reading and vote to adopt a new franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37
- Ordinance No. 1928 – Background checks for city employees and volunteers – 2nd reading and vote to adopt background-check rules for city employees, volunteers, certain vendors, and ride-along participants
- Resolution No. 3578 – Godsey Road Bridge grant application – A vote on whether to apply for a state grant to fund final design and permitting for the Godsey Road Bridge replacement
- No Signal – For your information only
Full Signal
Things that need your attention
Nothing rises to Full Signal this week.
Moderate Signal
Items likely to affect you
LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
Why Moderate Signal: The Council is expected to vote on the city’s top 5 legislative priorities in this meeting. Now is the time to make your voice heard before that vote is held.
Top 5 choices from the League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) 27 legislative priorities have been identified for the City of Dallas, after being collected before the meeting. Infrastructure Funding (water, wastewater, and stormwater investment) was the topic most voted for with a total of 8 votes, followed by Public Meetings Law Clarity with 7 votes, and Administrative Procedures Act Reform at 6 votes. Maintain Affordable Energy While Supporting Grid Hardening and Modernization got 3 votes, along with Strengthening Economic and Workforce Development.
The Council will likely vote at this meeting on the city’s official top 5. Cities across Oregon will submit their top 5 picks by September 25, 2026 to the LOC. Priorities will be adopted based on the overall rankings.
Learn More: Read about the Council’s first priorities discussion from the August 17 meeting.
YOUR SIGNAL: You can speak about this topic during the Public Comment section towards the beginning of the meeting. Each person has up to 3 minutes to speak.
Low Signal
Topics to keep an eye on
Ordinance No. 1926 – Franchise Agreement with Spectrum Pacific West, LLC
Why Low Signal: 2nd reading and vote to adopt. The insurance terms were already negotiated and passed with 1st reading.
Spectrum Pacific West, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Charter Communications) is renewing their franchise agreement with the city. The renewal will include an increase to Spectrum’s general liability coverage from $2 million to $3 million. It also adds a requirement for contractors and subcontractors to carry their own insurance. The franchise fee (paid to the city) will stay at 5% of gross revenue, which is the maximum allowed under federal law for cable franchises.
YOUR SIGNAL: Comments are accepted towards the beginning of the meeting during Public Comment. Each person has up to 3 minutes to speak.
Ordinance No. 1927 – Franchise Agreement with Forged Fiber 37, LLC
Why Low Signal: This is a 2nd reading and vote to adopt. The insurance language previously pending has now been added to the ordinance.
The City Council will have a 2nd reading and vote to adopt a brand new franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37 (a wholesale fiber infrastructure subsidiary of AT&T). This agreement would allow them to build, operate, and maintain telecommunications services in the city. The agreement now includes language requested by the Public Administration Committee that requires contractors and subcontractors to carry their own insurance. The telecommunications franchise agreement has a 7% fee on gross revenues that is paid to the city.
YOUR SIGNAL: You can speak on this item during the Public Comment section near the beginning of the meeting. Time is limited to 3 minutes per person.
Ordinance No. 1928 – Background Checks for City Employees, Volunteers, Vendors, and Program Participants
Why Low Signal: 2nd reading and vote for adoption. This ordinance formalizes the current practice in writing.
This ordinance would add the city’s background-check process to the municipal code. Police Chief Mott previously told the Council this ordinance is needed to pass future audits and keep the department’s access to the Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS), used to run checks. Background check records would be kept for 3 years on people who aren’t hired or appointed within the city. Permanent records would be kept for people who are hired or appointed by the city.
YOUR SIGNAL: You can provide testimony during Public Comment. Each person can speak for 3 minutes.
Resolution No. 3578 – Godsey Road Bridge Grant Application
Why Low Signal: This is a procedural funding step, not a design or construction decision.
The Godsey Road Bridge, which goes over North Fork Ash Creek, is in need of repair. The bridge replacement project is estimated to cost about $3.4 million. It was included in the 2027-30 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) which will cover around $2.5 million of the construction costs.
This resolution would authorize the City Manager to apply for a separate $217,300 Business Oregon Regional Infrastructure Fund grant to cover design work still needed (hydraulic, geotechnical, and seismic). The remaining permits to start construction would also be covered from this grant.
YOUR SIGNAL: Comments are accepted during the Public Comment portion towards the beginning of the meeting. Each person has up to 3 minutes to speak.
No Signal
For your information only
City Manager’s Office Annual Report
Why No Signal: This is information sharing only during the work session. No action or vote is likely.
The City Manager’s office will give their annual report to the City Council.
Finance Annual Report
Why No Signal: Informational update only. This is a work session item so no action or vote should result from this.
The Finance Department will present their annual update to the Council.
Make your voice heard
- Attend in person:
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – City Hall in downtown Dallas, Oregon
- Work Session starts at 6:00 pm
- City Council starts at 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, September 8, 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 then archived afterward
Congratulations!
You’re all caught up on 51 pages of agenda for this week’s meeting. Now, are you ready to get involved?
Did you enjoy the return of rain this week or are you missing the hotter days already?
Dallas Signal questionnaires have been sent to all candidates running for citywide election in November 2026. Stay tuned to election coverage and information on Signal’s election page.
