Signal Burst
A quick burst of what happened at this week’s meeting
Ranked by how much your voice could impact the outcome
- Full Signal – High impact. Now is the time for public input
- None this week
- Moderate Signal – Important things are happening, but there is still time to act
- LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
- Council reviewed several priorities but took no vote. The discussion continues in the next meeting on September 8. A final decision is due by September 25
- LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
- Low Signal – Items to keep an eye on
- Street sweeper purchase
- A $447,590 street sweeper purchase was approved as part of the consent agenda
- Ordinance No. 1926 – Spectrum Pacific West franchise agreement
- Passed 1st reading. Renewed cable franchise agreement with Spectrum
- Ordinance No. 1927 – Forged Fiber 37 franchise agreement
- Passed 1st reading. A new franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37. Insurance language still being finalized for 2nd reading
- Ordinance No. 1928 – Background checks for city employees and volunteers
- Passed 1st reading. This ordinance will formalize background-check rules for city employees, volunteers, certain vendors, and ride-along participants
- Street sweeper purchase
- No Signal – For your information only
- Resolution No. 3577 – Repealing Resolution 3440
- Passed 8-0. This repealed the old traffic sign requirement on Levens and Ellendale. There is now a traffic signal at that intersection
- Resolution No. 3577 – Repealing Resolution 3440
Full Signal
High impact. Now is the time for public input.
Nothing reached Full Signal this week.
Moderate Signal
Important things are happening, but there is still time to act.
LOC’s Priorities for 2027 Legislative Session
Why Moderate Signal: Council has not voted yet and will continue to discuss the priorities. Now is the time to make your voice heard, since no decision has been made yet.
The City Council discussed the League of Oregon Cities’ 27 legislative priorities. They covered topics including funding for water infrastructure, city cybersecurity, 911 dispatcher staffing, and city disaster planning.
Councilor Shein wanted to look at the Public Meetings Law Clarity priority. This would re-write current language on the Oregon Public Meetings Law. Councilor Barrientos spoke in favor of the priority to fund 911 dispatcher staffing and technology. This topic drew agreement from other Councilors.
City Manager Latta answered questions from Councilor Holsapple on cybersecurity coverage and Council President Briggs regarding water and wastewater project funding under the Infrastructure Funding priority.
Councilor Schilling wanted to look at the Administrative Procedures Act Reform priority. This would sync state agencies’ rule-making process to avoid conflicting rules and limit the ability to make rules under emergency uses.
No vote was held. Discussion will continue at the September 8 meeting. A final top-five decision is due by September 25.
Low Signal
Items to keep an eye on.
Street Sweeper Purchase
Why Low Signal: This equipment purchase was already built into the budget for this year and was presented in the consent agenda.
The $447,590 street sweeper purchase passed by a unanimous vote as part of the consent agenda. There was no discussion on the topic.
Ordinance No. 1926 – Franchise Agreement with Spectrum Pacific West, LLC
Why Low Signal: First reading of a franchise renewal ordinance. It includes small changes to insurance coverage requirements.
Spectrum Pacific West, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Charter Communications) is renewing its franchise agreement with the City of Dallas.
City Manager Latta confirmed the final agreement includes both changes the Public Administration Committee requested. The insurance coverage maximum is now consistent with the other franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37, discussed later in the meeting. Plus, a new requirement that subcontractors carry their own coverage was added.
The franchise fee will stay at 5% of gross revenue since cable fees are capped by federal law.
The 1st reading passed. 2nd reading is scheduled for September 8.
Ordinance No. 1927 – Franchise Agreement with Forged Fiber 37, LLC
Why Low Signal: This is a 1st reading of an ordinance for a new franchise agreement. Staff are still working on the insurance requirement, which will be added before the 2nd reading.
A new franchise agreement with Forged Fiber 37 (a wholesale fiber infrastructure subsidiary of AT&T) is under consideration.
Council President Briggs and Councilor Holsapple asked questions about the structuring of the insurance coverage requirements. City Manager Latta and the City Attorney explained the state law sets a minimum coverage required at $1-2 million. The city now asks for $2-3 million coverage with franchises. The difference in minimums reflects what the franchises agreed to.
Councilor Schilling also noted the franchise agreement with the city carries a coverage of $2-3 million for the city. A subcontractors’ lower coverage with the franchise company wouldn’t hurt the city.
This telecommunication franchise agreement would carry a 7% fee on gross revenues.
The 1st reading passed. 2nd reading is planned for September 8.
Ordinance No. 1928 – Background Checks for City Employees, Volunteers, Vendors, and Program Participants
Why Low Signal: 1st reading of an ordinance to formalize required background checks. This will match up with state law.
Police Chief Mott explained this ordinance is needed to pass a future audit to maintain access to the state’s Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) used for criminal background checks.
City Manager Latta said this is needed to pull background checks on volunteers and on new city employees when an offer is made. The background check process won’t change, but the city will add a written policy stating what findings could disqualify a candidate.
Criminal background checks for people who were not hired or appointed are kept for 3 years. If someone was hired or appointed, their background check is retained permanently.
The 1st reading passed. 2nd reading is scheduled for September 8.
No Signal
For your information only.
Resolution No. 3577 – Repealing Resolution 3440
The old stop sign and yield sign requirement at SW Levens Street and W Ellendale Avenue is officially repealed. The intersection got a new traffic signal in December 2025. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Vote: 8-0, passed.
Learn more
Attendance: All present except Jantz (absent).
- City Council full agenda
- City Council YouTube video archive
