Saunders, Zanmiller leave council

“I feel so lucky to have been able to do this and that no one ever caught on to me not being able to do it well … It’s been a real joy,” Zanmiller joked.

Based on election results from November 2024, these two council positions will be filled by Anna Cavaleri and Amanda Goeke. Mayor Paul Blackburn and Councilor Gladys Rivera were reelected to their positions.

Hood River and URA

As part of the Heights Streetscape Plan, the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) purchased 1217 May St. on July 1 to help facilitate construction of a traffic roundabout at 13th and May streets. This month, Hood River city council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement transferring the ownership of 1217 May St. from the URA to the city.

This property transfer is intended to allow more flexibility with lease agreements between the city and a nonprofit who intends to temporarily use the property. Council’s agenda states that “construction of the roundabout is likely several years away.” As such, the Hood River Alliance Church plans to rent 1217 May St. and use it to house participants of a recovery program.

Hood River Alliance Church will assume all property costs and liabilities as tenant. They will leave the premise with 6 months’ notice about roundabout construction. This transfer comes at no cost to the city and all URA properties becomes city property once a district is declared closed, so this transfer expedites that process.

Indian Creek fire risk among agenda items

Public comment at the Nov. 25 city council meeting concerned the fire risk along Indian Creek Trail in Hood River, where brush, branches, and large tree trunks lay in piles. Fires have occurred in the area over the last few years and fuel continues to pile up on and along the trail.

Community members are concerned for their homes near Indian Creek and general public safety. Comments recognize that though many city departments have ideas to address this specific fire risk, some feel that not enough has been done to mitigate or address hazards.

For 30 years, Jacobs Engineering has managed Hood River’s wastewater treatment plant and the council has approved the renewal of another 15-year contract. Jacobs’ agreement with the city has been their longest-running contract, according to executive director of operations Paul Rheault.

Tina McNerthney was appointed to the Hood River planning commission after being the sole candidate to apply and participate in an interview. She currently serves on the city’s budget committee. There is one remaining vacancy on the planning commission.