City ponders new economic staffer

“The city desires an emphasis on economic development, this gives us that emphasis,” said The Dalles Mayor Steve Lawrence at the April 27 meeting where the idea was broached. “I think it’s great, myself.”

The project coordinator would take up a range of duties, some of which are currently being done by Dan Durrow, who is currently contracted to serve as economic development specialist through November.

The project coordinator would join other economic development-related staff, which includes: A four-month administrative intern, reduced from one year; a full time business development director; a RARE AmeriCorp volunteer to begin in September and a Main Street executive director, funded in part by $25,000 from the city.

The current economic development specialist position would be significantly decreased or phased out by November, under the proposal.

According to the job description presented to the council, the project coordinator would manage the City of The Dalles/Wasco County Enterprise Zone; serve as the city’s representative on The Dalles Main Street board; manage the Urban Renewal District’s property rehabilitation loan and grant program; work with constituents on the current Riverfront Trail project; manage the city’s partnership in providing shuttles with drivers for tours to The Dalles Dam Visitor Center; provide technical and professional support to implement council goals; report progress and outcomes to stakeholders; write and manage grants; and assist other city departments with special projects as assigned.

In addition to economic development, the project coordinator would “facilitate city council goals.”

In the upcoming year, such goals could include an update of the Bicycle Master Plan in coordination with a Transportation System Plan update; consideration and implementation of maintenance and operating plan for the Lewis and Clark Rock Fort site for potential transfer of ownership from Wasco County to the city.

Councilor Elliot Taner suggested that the position first be considered as part the budgeting process, rather than by the council. City Manager Nolan Young noted that the budget committee could approve funds, but only the city council can create the position.

The council chose to consider the new position in the budget process, which began in early May.

The budget committee included the proposal in the fiscal year 2015-16 budget, said Young Thursday afternoon.

The council now has to decide whether to create the position as proposed.

The proposed revision to the economic development staff (not including the RARE position) would mean an increase of $23,920.

The RARE position is an additional $22,000.