CASCADE LOCKS — The Cascade Locks City Council met at City Hall July 13 for its first meeting of the month. Though their Zoom connection was not working, the meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
Councilor Tiffany Pruit was reluctant to ratify the bi-monthly bills due to two specific expenditures. She did not think the city should have to pay for the Visitor’s City sign permit, to start, because it normally only covers a utilities payment. She further objected to the city paying for anything given to PCT cyclists who pass through Cascade Locks, which paid for some basic supplies including first aid supplies, tissues, and feminine hygiene supplies as examples.
Interim City Administrator Gordon Zimmerman explained that the expense was approved by the city’s own Tourism Committee and that “it’s a legitimate tourism expense.”
Pruit countered, saying, “I kind of have a problem with that. I’m not against the idea but to me the purpose of tourism was to spend money to get people to come to Cascade Locks not give people things when they got here.” Councilor Bernard Seeger agreed, saying that it seemed like an inappropriate “handout” for tourism funds. Pruit opposed the vote to ratify the bills.
Public comment
Public comment provided a number of concerns regarding a property on Benson Drive. The primary residence had been destroyed by a fire in October 2025. Neighbors testified that they are suffering due to the ongoing mess created by that fire. They believe that the clean-up is not occurring in a safe and responsible manner and asked the city to follow up. The property is said to be filled with debris, some accumulated before the fire and some since. They described construction noises and personal fires occurring all night long.
The council and mayor discussed the topic later, during council comments. All councilors and Mayor Brenda Wood expressed serious concern about the conditions at the burned property. Zimmerman was asked to give an update on the issues and progress at the next meeting.
City Hall improvements
Next, the council discussed the purchase of an improved sound system and physical dais for meetings at City Hall. Zimmerman reported that the port, which also meets there, has agreed to pay for half of an updated system, but Pruit wanted more than a verbal agreement. She asked about a contract to make sure the port pays its half.
“I have concerns doing anything with the port based on handshake or a nod,” she said, indicating concern that the city might get stuck with the entire cost.
Zimmerman said that Port Director Jeremiah Blue would likely ask for a motion for the Port Commission to approve the expenditure.
Further discussion focused on the need for the new furniture, with a written comment from Councilor Shirelle Price saying that the purchase should be delayed and re-examined. Councilor Pete Happy agreed that the city should move forward with the sound system purchase but not the furniture, which was a $36,000 cost. The council agreed to forgo most of the furniture.
Water rates
Cascade Locks can expect an increase in their water bills, as new rates for wastewater treatment are expected to increase around 9% starting in September.
Strengthening the grid
The city is still trying to maximize its "hardening grant” from the federal Economic Development Administration. The grant allows municipalities to update their infrastructure to make it better able to better withstand future natural disasters and economic shocks. The focus for Cascade Locks has been to strengthen its electrical grid.
As they have moved forward on the work, federal restrictions have tightened and limited the use of the funds. Federal officials assured the city that no additional federal funds will be available. The work relating to the grant must be completed by January 2027. Zimmerman explained that the EDA is cancelling more contracts than it is completing and said that he hopes the city gets to utilize its grant funds. Currently, engineers are working on the scope of work.
'National Night Out' features public safety
Councilors were reminded that the National Night Out is scheduled for Aug. 4. This event is a community-building campaign with a focus on public safety and fun activities. Cascade Locks will have a community picnic starting at 4 PM. There will be free food as well as music, karaoke, and traditional field day events like gunny sack, three-legged, wheelbarrow and other races (as well as, hopefully, a tug-of-war contest between the port and the city). The day's activities will conclude with special Movies in the Park showing of a family-friendly fire fighter comedy starring John Cena with free popcorn.
Council comments
In council comments, the group was reminded that, while cyclists are expected to use a bike lane when it is available, they are allowed to leave the bike lane to avoid hazards. When there is no bike lane, bicycles are treated as vehicles and are entitled to the entire lane.
The next Cascade Locks City Council meeting is set for Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m.
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