Floodplain development, wastewater rates continuing issues for council

The state gives each city three options: to ban all development in the floodplain, to require an expensive biological habitat assessment to accompany each permit application, or to adopt the FEMA’s and the state’s recommended guidelines for development, with the latter deemed the best choice for most cities. If the municipality does not adopt one of the three options, their community will not be eligible for the National Floodplain Insurance Program.

The updated code has some more stringent requirements, such as larger setbacks, and is intended to not only protect the homeowner from flood damage, but to also protect the riparian zone. Cascade Locks already regulates development in the floodplain, and the updated regulations will affect very few landowners. With no public comment, the council plans to adopt the FEMA guidelines at its July 14 meeting.

An update from lobbyist Tre Hendricks offered hope for one part of the city’s finances. Oregon’s Department of Transportation had previously ordered Cascade Locks to replace the power lines near the McCord Creek Bridge; however, the city was forced to borrow $1.1 million to do the work. Hendricks, hired to lobby for reimbursement of the loan, reported that House Bill 5006, which “appropriates moneys from the General Fund to specified state agencies for biennial expenses,” and features numerous city-specific allotments, includes $1 million Cascade Locks to pay off the project. The bill faces a third reading and vote, but Hendricks was grateful to have it included, and was cautiously optimistic about its success.

The second public hearing focused on the Downtown Revitalization Plan. After two years of work by University of Oregon consultants and the city’s Downtown Revitalization Committee, and robust public outreach, the grant-funded process has resulted in updated zoning for the downtown area, and some updates to city code regarding its development. Based on feedback from residents, consultant Amanda Ferguson said the plan seeks to create “a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented corridor.” With a single public comment made by resident Lach Litwer, the council will keep the option for residents to submit written testimony open until July 7.

Councilor Denise Emmerling-Baker, with plans to move outside the city, declared that July 1 will be her last day representing the city. Residents of Cascade Locks interested in being on the council will be asked to submit an application to the council once the seat is vacant. The invitation is typically open for 2-4 weeks. Council will then invite all applicants for an interview and vote on their choice to fill the empty seat until the next election, according to City Administrator Jordon Bennett.

Upcoming in Cascade Locks: The city burn pile will be open to residents on Saturday, July 12, 8 a.m. to noon. The next regular meeting is set for Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m.