Zoning ordinance passes 5-2 during Cascade Locks City Council meeting

The public is invited to a meet and greet event for the two candidates being interviewed for the permanent city administrator position on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at City Hall (see related story).

New utility truck

Councilor Tiffany Pruit kicked off the Aug. 24 meeting by asking for discussion regarding staff’s plan to buy a new utility truck. In the discussion, Councilor Bernard Seeger supported the purchase but asked about buying a hybrid vehicle as opposed to gas-powered.

City staff reported looking at all types, but saw gas-powered as the best, most reliable option to fit their needs, explaining that the vehicle will get a lot of off-road, heavy use and must be reliable in all weather conditions. They collected quotes ranging from $46,000-$54,000. The council and Mayor Brenda Wood approved the purchase, with Seeger dissenting.

Zoning amendment

The city then held the second reading of the amendment to its light industrial (LI) zoning code. The revision would allow RV campgrounds in the LI zone as a permitted use. Councilor Shirelle Price moved to approve and Seeger seconded. Brief discussion followed, as the council discussed the revision previously during its first reading.

Councilors Price, Seeger, Courtnee Keilman, Pete Happy, and Tom Cramblett voted yes to approve the zoning change. Pruit and Wood both voted against allowing RV camping in this zone, with Pruit stating, “It doesn’t sit right. We already have a lot of traffic issues.”

Wood said she voted no “because of Forest Lane,” presumably referring to increased traffic concerns.