Cascade Locks public meetings in 2021
19 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will consider several action items, including a second reading of an ordinance amending transient lodging tax collection procedures and a resolution to increase electric utility rates. The council will also make committee appointments and select delegates for a League of Oregon Cities business meeting. The meeting includes an executive session for labor negotiations and legal counsel.
- Ratification of bills totaling $214,155.98
- OLCC Special Event Application Approval for TIB
- Second Reading of Ord. 454 Amending Transient Lodging Tax Collection Procedures
- Resolution No. 1467 Increasing Electric Utility Rates
- Appointments to Tourism Committee: Val Stepanchuk and Harry Troeger
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will hold its regular meeting, addressing several action items including a funding request from Envirovillage, a resolution to suspend enterprise zone employment requirements, and a first reading of an ordinance amending TLT procedures. The council will also discuss a BPA rate increase and consider consent agenda items such as bill ratification and OLCC license approvals.
- Ratification of bills totaling $140,761.68
- Approve OLCC license for Thunder Island Brewery (Oct 23-24)
- Approve OLCC license for Landmass Wines LLC
- Approve Resolution No. 1466 suspending enterprise zone employment requirements
- First reading of Ordinance No. 454 amending TLT procedures
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council meeting on August 23, 2021, was dedicated to reviewing the city's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. The audit, completed by Merina+Co, resulted in an unmodified opinion, meaning the statements fairly present the city's financial position. Key figures include a net position of $13,077,032, an increase of $1,345,474, and combined governmental fund balances of $2,073,888, a decrease of $112,738. The agenda is procedural, focused on accepting the audit report.
- Net position of $13,077,032 as of June 30, 2020, with $564,952 restricted for system development, cemetery maintenance, highways/streets, and tourism
- Total net position increased by $1,345,474 in FY 2019/20
- Governmental funds ending fund balances totaled $2,073,888, a decrease of $112,738 from the prior year
- Total debt increased by $495,169 during the fiscal year due to a loan from Business Oregon
- Independent audit report dated July 31, 2021, issued by Merina+Co with an unmodified opinion
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the Windsong Subdivision Phase 2 Planned Unit Development. The commission voted unanimously to accept the staff report and remove a specific condition regarding cul-de-sac width.
- Approval of Windsong Subdivision Phase 2 development
- Removal of Condition of Approval number 32 regarding 50' vs 60' cul-de-sac right of way
- Public hearing regarding lot sizes, home heights, and open space usage
- Discussion of downtown sign lighting and paved driveway requirements
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will meet to consider routine consent agenda items, including approval of minutes and bills totaling $199,319.14, plus action items on committee appointments, an Envirovillage funding request, and OLCC special event permits for Thunder Island Brewery. No public hearings are scheduled. The meeting is open via Zoom.
- Ratification of bills in the amount of $199,319.14
- Approve Envirovillage funding request
- OLCC special event permit applications for Thunder Island Brewery
- Appointment to committees
- Public hearing: none
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council is meeting to consider routine consent items including bills of $171,281.78, a noise ordinance waiver for an August wedding, and ratification of a fireworks ban emergency declaration. Action items include appointments, a wildfire mitigation contract with BKI, and a conduit installation contract with Extreme Excavating on Riverview. The agenda also includes discussion of primitive camping and a council meet-and-greet.
- Ratify bills totaling $171,281.78
- Noise ordinance waiver for August wedding in Marine Park Pavilion
- Ratify State of Emergency for Fireworks Ban Declaration
- Approve contract with BKI for Wildfire Mitigation Plan
- Approve contract with Extreme Excavating, Inc. for conduit installation on Riverview
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will consider adopting the 2021-2022 municipal budget of $20,072,738, along with adjustments to the current budget and a resolution to receive state revenues. They will also vote on consent agenda items including a $119,619 contract amendment with Jacobs for wastewater treatment plant operations, a noise ordinance waiver for a wedding, and an OLCC liquor license for local events. The meeting includes committee appointments and public comments.
- Resolution No. 1462 adopting $20,072,738 budget for 2021-2022
- Resolution No. 1463 adjusting 2020-2021 budget
- Contract amendment #15 with Jacobs for wastewater treatment plant operations, $119,619
- Ratification of bills totaling $126,654.54
- Noise ordinance waiver for wedding at Port of Cascade Locks Marine Park Pavilion
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is reviewing a traffic study for the Windsong Terrace Phase 2 housing development on Forest Lane. The study recommends clearing vegetation at the Warco Drive and Forest Lane intersection to meet sight distance standards, and concludes no additional turn lanes, signals, or off-site improvements are needed. The commission will consider these findings as part of the development review.
- Traffic study for Windsong Terrace Phase 2 housing lots on Forest Lane
- Vegetation removal required at Warco Drive and Forest Lane to meet 390-foot sight distance standard
- No turn lanes or traffic signals warranted at study intersections
- Intersections to operate at acceptable Level of Service (LOS) A through 2029
- Stop signs and stop bar markings recommended at site access points
Budget Committee Archives
The Budget Committee unanimously approved the proposed uses of State Revenue Sharing and the property tax rate of $2.705 per $1,000 of assessed value. The committee then approved the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 budget of $18,988,319, with a recommendation that the City Council add $5,000 to the Volunteer Fire/EMS stipend fund; Chair Pruit opposed. The budget includes a $2.5 million request for City Hall repairs, a $4.4 million USDA loan for sewer facilities, and a projected BPA rate increase of 23-24% that may require a utility rate increase.
- Approved FY2021/22 budget of $18,988,319 (motion passed; Pruit opposed)
- Approved property tax rate of $2.705 per $1,000 assessed value (unanimous)
- Approved proposed uses of State Revenue Sharing (unanimous)
- Approved 2021/2022 Budget Meeting Guidelines (unanimous)
- Approved Budget Committee Work Plan (unanimous)
- Re-elected Tiffany Pruit as Budget Committee Chair (unanimous)
- Elected Richard Randall as Budget Committee Vice Chair (unanimous)
- Approved minutes from May 27, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will consider routine consent items, including approval of minutes and ratification of bills totaling $299,303.78, plus a liquor license for Gorges Brewing. Action items include appointments to committees and approving a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an EDA project. Discussions will cover allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds with Hood River County and a primitive camping park.
- Ratification of bills in the amount of $299,303.78
- Local Government Approval of OLCC Liquor License for Gorges Brewing
- Approve RFQ for EDA Project
- America Rescue Plan Act Fund Allocation, Hood River County Discussion
- City Primitive Camping Park Discussion
May 22 Budget Committee
The Budget Committee reviewed the proposed 2024-2025 budget, focusing on the General Fund and other major funds. They directed the City Administrator to analyze the total General Fund budget to see if law enforcement can be covered this year, after noting a $70,000 shortfall in meeting the new contract demands. No final budget was approved; the discussion will continue at the next meeting on May 22.
- Directed CA Bennett to gather info on Local Government Investment Pool and present update
- Directed CA Bennett to provide analysis of total General Fund budget to see if law enforcement can be covered
- Discussed budget without $154,000 for dedicated police service, but no formal decision made
- Noted $70,000 shortfall in meeting new law enforcement contract demands
- Heard that HRCSO cannot provide dedicated coverage without hiring a deputy
- Discussed potential ballot measure for law enforcement deficit, but no action taken
- Heard that sewer rates need to increase $10/month, but no decision made
- Scheduled next meeting for May 22 at 6:30 PM
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will consider several action items, including a second reading of an ordinance amending the Community Development Code, and resolutions adopting Public Works standards, extending the COVID state of emergency, adopting a Section 3 Plan, and a Fair Housing Policy. They will also ratify bills totaling $212,561.45 and make committee appointments. Discussions will include recreation funding and parking.
- Ratification of bills in the amount of $212,561.45
- Second Reading Ordinance No. 453 Amending the Community Development Code
- Resolution No. 1456 Extending COVID State of Emergency to June 14, 2021
- Resolution No. 1458 Adopting Fair Housing Policy and Repealing Resolution No. 1301
- Resolution No. 1443 Adopting Public Works Design and Construction Standards
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will consider several action items, including first reading of Ordinance No. 453 amending the Community Development Code, adoption of Resolution No. 1454 for Electric Service Requirements and Guidelines, and approval of an Excessive Force Policy. The council will also ratify bills totaling $305,426.66 and discuss a noise waiver for an August event in Marine Park. The agenda includes committee appointments, contract approvals, and reports on recreation and homelessness.
- First Reading Ordinance No. 453 Amending the Community Development Code
- Resolution No. 1454 Adopting Electric Service Requirements and Guidelines
- Ratification of bills in the amount of $305,426.66
- Noise waiver for event in Marine Park in August
- Approve contract for audit services
City Council
The City Council is holding a workshop to discuss amendments to the Community Development Code, Public Works Design Standards, and Electrical Design Standards. The main item is Ordinance No. 453, which would clarify rules for sidewalks, driveway access, parking, and signage. The council may take a first reading of the ordinance, but no final vote occurs until after a second reading.
- Ordinance No. 453 amends the Community Development Code (sections 8-6.08.020, 8-6.070, 8-6.112.020-050, 8-6.144.050, 8-6.184.050)
- Sidewalk requirements: sidewalks required wherever curbs are required; minimum widths range from 5 ft on collector streets to 10 ft on Downtown Main Street
- Driveway access standards set minimum easement and pavement widths for residential and non-residential uses
- Sign code changes: prohibits internally illuminated signs in Downtown Zone except back-lit signs; commercial/industrial sign area limited to 8% of building face
- Amendments to Public Works Design Standards (adopted 2005) to resolve conflicts with the CDC
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will hold its regular meeting on March 22, 2021, with a consent agenda that includes approving the March 8 minutes and ratifying bills totaling $193,551.13. The only action item is appointments to committees. No public hearings are scheduled. The meeting is accessible via Zoom.
- Ratification of bills totaling $193,551.13
- Appointment to committees
- Approval of March 8, 2021 minutes
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will hold a regular meeting on March 8, 2021, with a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant application. The council will consider resolutions on dishonored checks, public works design standards, and electric service requirements, as well as appointments to committees. The agenda also includes discussion on tobacco retail licensing and recreation.
- Ratify bills totaling $174,938.99
- Public hearing: Community Development Block Grant application
- Resolution No. 1453: policy for dishonored personal and electronic checks
- Resolution No. 1443: public works design and construction standards
- Resolution No. 1454: electric service requirements and guidelines
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will consider routine consent items, including approval of minutes and payment of bills totaling $77,536.11. Action items include adopting Resolution No. 1451 for 2021-2022 City Council Goals and Resolution No. 1452 in support of energy innovation and carbon dividend. The council will also discuss a Why Racing permit for Father's Day weekend and hear reports from committees and staff.
- Ratification of bills in the amount of $77,536.11
- Resolution No. 1451 adopting City Council Goals for 2021-2022
- Resolution No. 1452 in support of Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend
- Why Racing permit for Father's Day weekend
- Appointment to committees
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will meet to consider adopting Resolution No. 1451 for the 2021-2022 city goals, make appointments to committees and fill a council vacancy, and ratify bills totaling $237,391.88. The agenda also includes reports on the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act and air machines, plus a possible executive session on labor negotiations. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.
- Resolution No. 1451 to adopt 2021-2022 city goals
- Appointment to fill City Council vacancy
- Ratification of bills in the amount of $237,391.88
- Report on Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act
- Executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(d) for labor negotiations
City Council
The Cascade Locks City Council will hold its first meeting of 2021, starting with the oath of office for the new mayor and council members. Action items include appointments to committees, electing a council president, approving a process to fill a council vacancy, approving the 2021 CEDS projects, approving an enterprise zone redesignation, and authorizing specific staff and councilors to sign checks. The consent agenda includes approval of the December 14, 2020 minutes and ratification of bills totaling $303,953.42.
- Ratification of bills in the amount of $303,953.42
- Approve Resolution No. 1450 authorizing staff and councilors to sign checks, repealing Resolution No. 1409
- Approve Cascade Locks 2021 CEDS Projects
- Approve Enterprise Zone Redesignation
- Approve process to fill City Council vacancy