Potential zoning change, operational updates and open seats in Cascade Locks

Councilor Tiffany Pruit took umbrage at the age of the 2009 data that “identifies tourism and recreation as key economic drivers” for Cascade Locks, followed by both Councilor Bernard Seeger and interim City Administrator Gordon Zimmerman reiterating the importance of tourism dollars. The community has lost out on several economic opportunities for various reasons over the years, including a Nestle water bottling plant, a casino, and a data center project.

With no public comments offered, the council heard the first reading of the amendment as an action item. It requires a second reading before council can take a vote.

City admin report

Interim City Administrator Gordon Zimmerman said he is still seeking the current lien holder of the property at Benson Avenue, particularly because he knows of someone interested in buying and rehabilitating the property, at the Aug. 10 city council meeting.

He also reported that city staff has begun working on the 2023-24 audit, and that work continues on the city’s water system improvement. The city has also received permission to move forward with its electrical infrastructure resiliency grant.

Work on the roof of city hall is slated to begin in the next few weeks, and, separately, Zimmerman received a cost analysis to bring the building up to code with a multi-million-dollar price tag. He suggested that the council approach local congressional delegates or the federal government for assistance, after the audits are up to date.

New online system for residents

Zimmerman and staff have launched a new online system for residents to access all their city accounts and make bill payments online. The new portal will be the exclusive online payment system starting Sept. 1, though XPress BillPay will continue to function for several weeks after that. The new system is already up and running, and a QR code can be found on the city’s website for those interested.

Open seats

There are three open seats on the city’s tourism committee, two on the budget committee, and one on the planning committee.

As for elected representatives, the mayoral seat will be open this fall, along with three council seats currently filled by Pete Happy, Courtnee Keilman, and Shirelle Price. As of press time on Aug. 17, only Mayor Brenda Wood had filed for reelection.

The last date for an incumbent to file was Aug. 18, and for everyone else, Aug. 25, ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election.