CASCADE LOCKS — The Cascade Locks City Council met in chambers Sept. 23. The meeting began with a number of citizens sharing public comment.
The focus was the city’s plan to increase the utilities security deposit required for certain users, namely commercial, industrial, and public body accounts. The deposit, currently set at $300 per user for water and electrical services, has left the city encumbered when a local business closed and left an unpaid utility bill of more than $18,000. Residential accounts will remain at $300 per household.
Several representatives of local groups who would be affected spoke in objection. The proposal was an action item on the agenda and a decision was expected, but it has been moved to a future work session.
Next, the council heard a presentation from McRae Carmichael, representing the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments. Carmichael presented an overview of what planning services her group could provide if Cascade Locks should contract with them. The council has been looking at options for planning services for several months. Again, no decision was made.
The Tourism Committee provided the next step in updating the city’s Short-Term Rental policies. They are recommending a formal city policy which cites STR-allowed zoning, an updated permitting process, a required inspection and a required safety checklist provided to the city annually. The council will vote on the updated regulations at the next meeting.
The city is also preparing for the upcoming election in November.
It will send two ballot measures to voters. One is a new city charter, which, after being revised and recommended by the Charter Review Committee, and approved by the city council, now requires voter approval.
The second is a fee for emergency medical services (EMS). Ordinance 459 would ensure EMS services in the city.
Alongside nine citizens running for three city council seats, mayoral candidates to date are Pete Happy and Brenda Wood.
The next Cascade Locks City Council meeting is on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
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