City officials consider national role

HOOD RIVER — Some cities in the United States have passed resolutions to voice their disapproval of the federal government using tax dollars to fund violence in other countries, specifically in Gaza. During the past several Hood River City Council meetings, community members have spoken about passing a resolution in Hood River while others have stated that foreign policy falls outside of the council’s authority and oversteps the role of local government.

After reviewing public comments and resolution drafts, council members deliberated over two proposed statements at the March 25 meeting. The statement that passed in a 3-2 vote plus the mayor’s approval reads as follows:

“The Hood River City Council is disappointed to learn that there has been an increase in anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic rhetoric and acts within our community in recent months. The city is working internally to increase racial and social equity, and envisions a community where every person feels safe. As such, the Hood River City Council condemns actions that make community members or visitors to our community feel unwelcome or unsafe as a result of their religion, race, or cultural or ethnic background.”

Mayor Paul Blackburn acknowledged that it was not a winning situation either way and more public comments have been made since that statement was approved. City council was not in agreement on passing a resolution versus a statement, but did agree that local community safety and acceptance is their job.

In other news, several presentations have been made to date about proposed mural ordinances in the downtown area, and the city continues to question drafts so that they address all concerns and restrictions. An update on March 25 included two different versions of historic district mural limitations for city council members to choose between.

Councilors preferred option one, which allows murals in the historic district but not on historic structures or along Oak Street, with a 75-foot buffer. Community Engagement Coordinator Jackie Vanderpuye took all comments and will continue to work on draft language and restrictions so the council can get to a first reading.

City council also authorized the sale of an additional piece of land for housing efforts. In April 2022, Hood River donated a 0.7-acre parcel of land on Tucker Road to Big River Community Land Trust to create an affordable single-family dwelling. Big River had since located a .04-acre section that still belongs to the city.

Hotel incentive program proposed

A proposal was made to city council to consider short-term hotel incentives as an economic development program, though more information is required to further consider such a program. Finance Director Chris Longinetti mentioned it could be beneficial, considering expenses are outpacing revenues and not keeping up with inflation. More tax income for the city could help lessen the burden on locals.

City Manager Abigail Elder said the program would be too small to attract new developers but rather would aim to support non-corporate, locally-owned hotels with financing and start-up security.

Committee, board appointments

Longinetti presented on City Budget Committee Appointments. There were four vacancies with two applicants and two previous committee members interested in reappointment; city council approved all four positions.

Blackburn appointed Cindy Walbridge and Will Ennis to the Landmarks Review Board; their terms will end in April 2027. City Planning Director Dustin Nilsen noted that open positions for the city’s Landmarks Board are regularly advertised.

The council approved a first reading of bylaw updates for the Urban Renewal Agency Governing Board and approved the transfer of board membership to city council. Urban Renewal Administrator Will Norris presented comments from previous discussions and mentioned that other districts do want to weigh in on urban renewal as projects occur. Further discussion will take place on this matter.

Juneteenth, El Día del Niño

The council decided to waive fees for the second annual Juneteenth celebration in Hood River. Last year’s celebration included a community art project, a freedom quilt that will be revealed at the 2024 event. They are still working out other celebration details but plan to host it at Jackson Park.

Councilmember Gladys Rivera reported that El Día del Niño, or Day of the Child, will be celebrated on April 27 at One Community Health in Hood River. Last year’s event brought more than 1,000 people and they are expecting great family turnout from the community.