HOOD RIVER — City council reviewed four potential bond levies at their regular Oct. 14 meeting, ultimately directing city staff to focus on what was termed the “Safety and Livability” package.
The package includes the four top-ranked projects identified by council: Remodeling the police facility, a new building for public works, affordable housing, and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects like new bike lanes, pathways, and signage in the city’s Transportation System Plan, as presented by Urban Renewal Administrator Will Norris and City Manager Abigail Elder.
Norris said the project cost of $13.2 million reflects amounts discussed during a September work session, though estimates on affordable housing and SRTS are variable.
A presentation by Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) Executive Director Leslie Naramore and Development and Partnerships Director Sarah Kellems, however, got some councilors thinking about how the city could help with the agency’s goal of a permanent shelter site in Hood River that would ideally also house its office. MCCAC currently runs two fulltime facilities in The Dalles: The Annex and the Gloria Center. Their Hood River site is open in mid-November through mid-March.
Urban Renewal Administrator
Will Norris
Council didn’t discuss what the city’s specific role in the shelter site would be, but Elder said in a follow-up email it could include land acquisition and/or a portion of the building costs.
Elder said the next step is to gauge voter interest in funding these projects with a bond — together or separately. Sometime this winter, a polling consultant will provide a summary of findings to council.
“Depending on the results, council may adjust or drop some of the package elements to better align with voter interests,” she said. Staff will stay in contact with other districts who may also have an interest in bond projects for potential collaboration.
Council next meets on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at city hall.
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