CASCADE LOCKS — The Cascade Locks City Council held its regular meeting on April 14 at City Hall. On the docket were a report from the city’s lobbyist and a slew of action items to be passed.
Recently hired lobbyist Tre Hendricks gave the council a report on his results at the capitol. Hendricks was hired to advocate for state funding for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)-ordered McCord Creek Bridge Project which cost the city $1 million and was paid for with a loan. City leaders are hoping to get reimbursement, particularly since the work was required by ODOT without funding.
Hendricks explained that the request would be attached to a legislator’s “placeholder bill” and that he had one senator amenable to such an agreement, Sen. Meek of Oregon City. Often, these bills die in committee, so Hendricks continues to find other possibilities and other legislators to promote this request. He also submitted a “capital construction request” as a way to get other legislators to take up the cause. He agreed that if they get reaction on a bill and end up going to the hearing level, having the mayor and/or council members present would be helpful.
Next, the council voted on several resolutions and ordinances. They approved Resolution 1518, a FEMA-recquired county-side Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. It’s the plan for the entire county, but has a section specifically for Cascade Locks. County Emergency Manager Charles Young was on hand to answer questions. The council also unanimously approved the passing of Ordinance 462, the updated public nuisance code. The biggest update was a clear definition and restriction of derelict buildings.
They also passed Ordinance 464, outlining more clear and specific guidelines for transient vendors, typically food trucks. Lastly, they approved a limited version of Resolution 1512 which updates utility deposits. They removed the personal letter of guarantee option, and are reviewing the 60 month requirement.
The majority of existing businesses will be exempt from the updated rules as they have been reliable customers for at least five years. Utility fees and rates arose as a topic of consternation with council members disagreeing on charter interpretation.
Councilor Tiffany Pruit and Mayor Brenda Wood argued that the council has the power to increase fees and rates that don’t affect everyone, and must be approved by voters only if they are universal. They believe that the city’s utility late fees are especially low and should be increased. Councilors Eric Keller and Marianne Bump believe that the charter requires voter approval for fee and rate increases. The topic was tabled for later discussion.
Solutions for a crumbling city hall continue to plague city staff and council. This winter saw serious leaks and water damage. Repairs are expensive and temporary; alternate spaces can’t accommodate all the current uses, such as the city staff, public works department, and food bank.
In council comments, Keller got consensus support from the council for a letter to the Hood River County School Board in support of the local PTO’s efforts in advocating for Cascade Locks Elementary School, which faces cuts that create multiple blended grade classes and reduce staff. City Administrator Jordon Bennett reminded everyone that FEMA will be virtually present at an open house on May 6, one week after their visit to the next city council meeting on April 28.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.