Cascade Locks public meetings in 2023

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss and review the Cascade Locks Strategic Plan. The discussion includes addressing specific document revisions, terminology updates, and community concerns regarding funding and services.

• Review of Strategic Plan project purpose and terminology
• Discussion of downtown development and WaNaPa Street references
• Review of potential tax, utility rate, and fee increases
• Discussion of translation service implementation and costs
• Evaluation of community partnerships and funding streams

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a proposal from CFM Advocates to provide state lobbying services during the 2024 legislative session. The firm proposes a monthly retainer of $7,500 to help the City secure $1 million in state funding required by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to move and replace power lines. The work is needed to meet ODOT’s deadline for completion by the end of next year.

• Proposal for state lobbying services from CFM Advocates at a cost of $7,500 per month from December 2023 through March 2024
• Objective is to secure $1 million in state funding for ODT-required power line relocation and replacement
• CFM Advocates team includes Zack Reeves, Dale Penn II, and Waylon Buchan

City Council

The City Council will meet on November 27, 2023, to discuss the McCord Creek Bridge electric redesign and an OTIB loan. The agenda also includes a planning commission appointment and presentations from Mt Hood Community College.

• Approve McCord Creek Bridge Electric Redesign and OTIB Loan
• Planning Commission Appointment: Miceala Keller
• Ratification of bills totaling $613,043.23
• Presentation of Special Olympic Athletes

City Council

The City Council will ratify $296,019.80 in bills and approve the creation of a Temporary Charter Review Committee. The body will also approve quotes for a truck box and Community Development Code changes. Additionally, the Council will hear reports on the Hood River Garbage issue and a review of an OMA basket purchase.

• Ratification of bills in the amount of $296,019.80
• Approval of the creation of a Temporary Charter Review Committee
• Approval of a quote for Community Development Code changes
• Approval of a Truck Box quote
• Appointment of Karen Wolfe to the Tourism Committee

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions regarding a surplus backhoe and generator, as well as the Cascade Locks Strategic Plan. The agenda also includes the ratification of bills totaling $137,857.37.

• Resolution No. 1495: Surplus Backhoe and Generator
• Resolution No. 1496: Cascade Locks Strategic Plan
• Ratification of bills in the amount of $137,857.37

City Council

The provided text is a presentation from the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) rather than a City Council meeting agenda. It outlines MCEDD's business assistance programs, lending statistics, and regional strategic goals.

• MCEDD loan program has made approximately 315 loans totaling over $21.3 million
• Leveraged $44M in private funding and $17M in public funding
• 2023 priority: Port of Cascade Locks' Business Park Infrastructure Development
• 2023 priority: Port of Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge Replacement
• 2023 priority: 780 Rand Road Housing Development project in Hood River

City Council

The City Council is reviewing a proposal from Goodlife Homebuyers regarding energy demand response. The meeting also includes the ratification of bills totaling $410,035.56 and discussions on council procedures.

• Ratification of bills in the amount of $410,035.56
• Proposal from Goodlife Homebuyers for an energy charge of $0.052 per kWh
• Decision to donate surplus Medic 92 vehicle to Columbia Gorge Community College
• Review of Council Procedures and public comment time limits

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop regarding public comment procedures and agenda formats. During the regular meeting, the Council is scheduled to choose a recipient for Resolution No. 1492 and discuss a tourism support contract.

• Ratification of bills totaling $249,341.57
• Approval of OLCC Annual Renewals
• Decision on Resolution No. 1492 recipient
• Discussion of Tourism Support Contract
• Workshop on Public Comment Procedures and Agenda Format

City Council

The City Council will review Resolution No. 1491 regarding electrical rates and discuss short-term rental policies. The meeting also includes the ratification of bills totaling $441,855.98.

• Resolution No. 1491: Electrical Rates
• Ratification of bills in the amount of $441,855.98
• Discussion regarding Short Term Rentals
• Report from City Administrator Bennett

City Council

The City Council is reviewing an update on the EDA Electrical System Hardening Project, including a proposed $250,000 substation acquisition from BPA. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a recent electrical rate study suggesting a 5.64% revenue shortfall.

• Update on EDA Electrical System Hardening Project and BPA substation acquisition for $250,000
• Proposed 4-day work week 6-month trial
• Ratification of bills totaling $714,719.15
• Funding request from Cascade Locks PTO
• Selection of Tourism Support Staff RFP

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss and prioritize potential amendments to the Community Development Code, following a citizen's request for a variance on the 120-day temporary vendor limit and other issues raised by residents. The commission will consider items such as food cart pods, vending machines, downtown outside storage, and housing-related changes like co-housing and ARU standards. No final decisions are expected at this meeting; the focus is on prioritizing a list of possible amendments.

• Discussion of code amendments for food cart pods, vending machines, and downtown outside storage
• Proposal to allow co-housing and ARUs in Medium and High-Density zones
• Citizen request to amend ARU owner occupancy and 12-month lease requirements
• Potential use of DLCD grant funds for planning tasks (deadline July 31)
• Concerns about Port of Cascade Locks projects without land use approval

City Council

The City Council will review Ordinance No. 437 regarding garbage and refuse removal and consider two new OLCC applications. The meeting also includes a presentation on an electrical rate study.

• Second reading and approval of Ordinance No. 437 (Garbage and Refuse)
• OLCC application for Ixtapa Cascade Locks, Inc.
• OLCC application for JettyLight, LLC
• EES Consulting Electrical Rate Study presentation
• Ratification of bills totaling $683,064.39

Planning Commission

The Cascade Locks Planning Commission will discuss potential amendments to the Community Development Code, prompted by a citizen request to change the 120-day limit for temporary vendors. The City Council has asked the Commission to consider code changes, but no specific amendments have been proposed yet. The agenda also includes approval of the January 12, 2023 minutes.

• Discussion of future code amendments to the Community Development Code
• Citizen request to amend 120-day temporary vendor limit
• No grants currently available for code amendment work
• Approval of January 12, 2023 minutes

City Council

The City of Cascade Locks Council held a work session on July 10, 2023. The primary agenda item was a discussion regarding follow-up questions for the 2023-2024 budget. No specific decisions, votes, or new ordinances were recorded in the provided agenda text.

• 2023-2024 Budget Follow Up Questions and Discussion

City Council

The City Council met to adopt the new annual budget and updated Fire and EMS rates. The meeting also included discussions regarding IT service providers, garbage service ordinances, and community fund allocations.

• Adoption of Resolution No. 1488 (2023-2024 Budget)
• Adoption of Resolution No. 1489 (Updated Fire and EMS Rates)
• Ratification of bills totaling $722,948.33
• $2,500 award to Museum for the Annual Pony Party
• $2,300 award to Gorge Canoe Club for summer programs

Budget Committee Archives

The Budget Committee reviewed and voted on the City of Cascade Locks 2023-24 budget, which was approved with a 10-3 vote. The discussion covered adjustments to various funds, including a $10,000 increase in tourism support for fireworks and museum utilities, and a $7,000 increase in water debt service. Committee members raised concerns about the accuracy of the South Bank deficit, the 80/20 cost split for electric services, and the tracking of EMS administrative overhead.

• Approved 2023-24 budget total of $20,118,014.00
• Tourism Support increased by $10,000 for fireworks and museum utilities
• Water System Improvement Fund debt service increased by $7,000
• Emergency Services permit fees increased by $2,000 and support fees by $1,000
• City Light groundman salary set at $104,562 with an 80/20 cost split between City Light and South Bank

The Cascade Locks Budget Committee reviewed and adopted the 2023-2024 budget totaling $20,118,014 across all funds, a 0.5% increase from the 2022-2023 adopted budget. The budget includes significant increases in grant funding (368.2%) and EMS personnel services (24.9%), while reducing capital outlay by 52.5%. The General Fund budget was adopted at $1,508,244, with revenues matching expenditures.

• Adopted 2023-2024 budget totaling $20,118,014 across all funds
• Approved General Fund budget of $1,508,244 with balanced revenues and expenditures
• Increased Grant Fund budget by 368.2% to $940,191, including new Oregon DOE, FEMA, and Oregon DOT grants
• Reduced EMS Fund budget by 30.6% to $657,637, with personnel services up 24.9%
• Cut Street Fund capital outlay by 64.6% to $23,000
• Increased Tourism Fund budget by 3.5% to $125,248, with tourism support up 60%
• Reduced Water Fund budget by 16.0% to $652,200, with capital projects down 48.2%
• Maintained Water System Improvement Fund at $898,181, with additional loan payment of $646,485

Budget Committee Archives

The Budget Committee approved a property tax rate of $2.705 per $1,000 of assessed value for the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Members discussed budget changes for several city funds, including shifts in electric utility staffing and equipment purchases.

• Approved property tax rate of $2.705 per $1,000 of assessed value
• Proposed increase in electric contract services from $60,000 to $300,000
• Tourism Fund materials and services budget set at $94,500
• Planned inter-fund transfers including $40,000 for water and $50,000 for sewer into reserves
• Allocation of funds for new backhoe and truck purchases across several departments

City Council

The City Council is meeting to decide on IT service providers, garbage service ordinances, and an electric rate study. The agenda also includes discussions regarding a community picnic and power usage requirements.

• Selection of Information Technology Support Services Provider
• Approval of Ordinance No. 457 — Mandatory Garbage Service
• Approval of Resolution No. 1487 — Garbage Service Rate
• Approval of Financial Auditor for 21-22 and 22-23 fiscal years
• Discussion on MOU between City and Good Life Realty LLC

Budget Committee Archives

The Budget Committee discussed the projected revenue and expenses for the upcoming budget, including adjustments to tax revenue based on updated population figures. The committee also held a public hearing on the use of State Revenue Sharing funds and reviewed various fund elements.

• Election of Tiffany Pruit as Budget Committee Chair and Marianne Bump as Vice Chair
• Proposed use of $6,000 for Community Programs and $3,000 for Low Income Senior Sewer subsidies from State Revenue Sharing
• Elimination of two unfilled City positions
• U.S. Forest Service contract to pay $10,000 per month to house a crew and truck at the Fire Station
• Proposed increase in fire and ambulance fees from $100,000 to $130,000

Budget Committee Archives

The Budget Committee met to review the budget preparation process, fund structures, and upcoming deadlines. The committee discussed City Council priorities for the new fiscal year and addressed the need for a new auditor.

• Review of 21 City Council priority items, including hiring a part-time Code Enforcement Officer
• Discussion of electrical and wastewater system improvement projects
• Identification of $3,000 as the threshold for Capital Outlay
• Note that the City Administrator requires Council approval for expenditures over $2,500
• Notice that budget documents will be filed July 15, 2023

City Council

The City Council will consider several action items, including selecting a company for an electric rate study and approving a finance department reorganization. The meeting also includes a presentation on BPA rate structures and the ratification of bills totaling $200,885.10.

• Ratification of bills in the amount of $200,885.10
• Selection of scope and company for Electric Rate Study
• Approval of Resolution No. 1486 regarding 2023-2024 fiscal year goals
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Good Life Realty LLC
• Presentation on BPA Rate Structure and Increase

City Council

This meeting is a work session for the Cascade Locks City Council. The agenda consists of procedural items including a report on the 2023 LOC Spring Conference.

• Report out on 2023 LOC Spring Conference

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee approved a $2,500 contract for travel journalist Bill Clevlen to produce a tourism video, approved a $300 sponsorship for the Gorge Canoe Club, and passed a $400 web ad on columbiagorgetomthood.com. They also approved the RFP for staff support and discussed a new ordinance and photo contest, with further review planned for the next meeting.

• Approved April 17, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved RFP for Staff Support (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Bill Clevlen for tourism video at $2,500 or less (unanimous)
• Approved $400/year web ad on columbiagorgetomthood.com (unanimous)
• Approved $300 sponsorship for Gorge Canoe Club (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider a purchase order for the Tourism Committee and an OLCC application for Cascade Locks KOA. The meeting also includes discussions on community development code amendments and a quarterly Fire and EMS report.

• Tourism Committee Purchase Order in the amount of $3,628.53
• Noise Ordinance Waiver for Gorges Beer Company
• Limited On-Premises OLCC Application for Cascade Locks KOA
• Ratification of bills totaling $1,029,888.96

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee is meeting to discuss tourism-related business, including a presentation on PCT Days, a new budget review, and edits to the city's tourism brochure. The committee will also consider an RFP for a staff support position and discuss ideas for a photo contest.

• Presentation by Jason Waicunas of Outdoor Viewfinder on PCT Days
• New budget review
• Review/edit RFP for staff support position
• Review Cascade Locks Tourism Brochure Edits
• Photo contest ideas

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review the status of 2022 goals and discuss 2023 objectives. The agenda included updates on the Wastewater System Improvement Project, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and Fire/EMS staffing. No new ordinances or contracts were decided during this session.

• Wastewater System Improvement Project anticipated to finish in October 2023
• Electrical System Improvement Project includes obtaining a BPA Station and sending out an RFP for construction
• Street light replacement cost is $200 per bulb
• City Hall Refurbishment goal involves determining if the current location will be permanent
• Suggested goals include a deep review of City Finances and completing the Community Vision Plan

City Council

The City Council reviewed updates regarding FEMA flood map changes and potential impacts on property insurance. The Council also discussed conducting a rate study to address doubling tier two electricity pricing.

• FEMA presentation on updated digital flood maps for local streams
• Discussion of a rate study for electrical usage due to doubling tier two pricing
• Ratification of bills totaling $280,449.59
• Counter-offer of $250,000 to BPA for substation and land
• Approval of $300 for Cascade Locks Elementary PTO Easter Egg Hunt

City Council

The City Council held a work session to review the 2022 City Goals and the status of the 2020-2023 Nine-Year Plan. The agenda contained no new motions, ordinances, or public hearings. The meeting focused on internal administrative reviews of past performance and ongoing projects.

• Review of 2022 City Goals including Public Works, Electrical, Emergency Services, Finance, and Administration
• Status check on Nine-Year Plan items such as the Wastewater Master Plan and Industrial Electric Rates
• Discussion of goal to hire a Part-Time Code Enforcement Officer
• Review of goal to install cameras in strategic locations for law enforcement
• Review of goal to purchase and install a speed limit trailer

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee approved four spending items: a $1,221 grant to the Cascade Locks Historical Museum for rack card distribution, $2,499.79 for reordered tourism brochures, $414 for brochure distribution at the new PDX Visitor Center, and $71.96 for business cards for conference attendees. The committee also approved the March 3, 2023 minutes and declined an Elk Ridge Golf Course ad opportunity. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were deferred to the next meeting.

• Approved $1,221 grant to Cascade Locks Historical Museum for rack card distribution (all in favor)
• Approved $2,499.79 for reordering tourism brochures from Precision Graphics with text edits (all in favor)
• Approved $414 for brochure distribution at PDX Visitor Center via Certified Folder (all in favor)
• Approved $71.96 for business cards for conference attendees from Staples (all in favor)
• Approved March 3, 2023 meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Declined Elk Ridge Golf Course ad opportunity (no vote)

City Council

The City Council will meet to decide on appointing a member to fill a council vacancy and review a proposal for information technology support services. The agenda also includes a financial assistance request from the Cascade Locks Elementary PTO and updates on the wastewater treatment plant.

• Appointment to fill a City Council vacancy
• Approval of Request for Proposal for Information Technology Support Services
• Approval of Financial Assistance Request from the Cascade Locks Elementary PTO
• Ratification of bills totaling $74,831.67
• Wastewater Treatment Plant update

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee approved a $2,500 grant for PCT Days, a $1,833.53 brochure distribution renewal, and memberships for the Mt. Adams and West Columbia Gorge Chambers of Commerce. The committee tabled a grant request from the Cascade Locks Historical Museum to discuss rebranding details. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $2,500 PCT Days grant (unanimous)
• Approved $1,833.53 Certified Folder distribution renewal (unanimous)
• Approved $85 Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce membership (unanimous)
• Approved $150 West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce membership (unanimous)
• Tabled Cascade Locks Historical Museum grant request
• Approved February 6, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider a contract for legal services regarding industrial electrical users and select a community vision proposal. The meeting also includes the ratification of bills totaling $215,729.92 and appointments to various committees.

• Ratification of bills in the amount of $215,729.92
• Contract for legal services specific to industrial electrical users
• Selection of a community vision proposal
• Appointment to fill a Council vacancy
• Appointment to various city committees

City Council

The City Council appointed Pamela Thweatt and Sean Crompton to fill vacant council positions. The meeting also included discussions regarding a potential Oregon Department of Energy grant for City Hall upgrades.

• Appointment of Pamela Thweatt to City Council
• Appointment of Sean Crompton to City Council
• Approval of letter to apply for Oregon DOE Grant for City Hall upgrades
• Ratification of bills totaling $741,216.49
• July 2022 Financial Report review

Tourism Committee

The Tourism Committee approved the January 9, 2023 meeting minutes and discussed the scope of its beautification duties, with City Council member Denise Baker asserting that beautification is a legal duty. No formal decisions were made on beautification or other substantive items; the Skamania Lodge magazine ad vote was postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved January 9, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed vote on Skamania Lodge magazine ad to next meeting

City Council

The Cascade Locks City Council will meet to interview and appoint citizens to vacant council seats. The agenda also includes the ratification of bills totaling $134,972.04 and a request to apply for an Oregon DOE grant.

• Interview and appointment of interested citizens for vacant City Council positions
• Ratification of bills in the amount of $134,972.04
• Approval of noise waiver for a wedding in Marine Park on June 24, 2023
• Approval to apply for an Oregon DOE grant
• Oath of office for appointed City Councilors

Planning Commission

The Cascade Locks Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for the Gorge Canoe Club to use a Port-owned building for boat storage, a community gym, and a small café/co-working/bike repair space. The meeting also includes approval of the September 8, 2022 minutes. The agenda is otherwise routine.

• Public hearing on LU 22-008 Gorge Canoe Club Conditional Use Permit for 515 NW Portage Road
• Proposed uses: boat storage, community gym, small café, co-working space, bike repair/rental
• Permit would be for up to two years, with possible third-year extension
• Approval of September 8, 2022 meeting minutes

City Council

The City Council will ratify $548,913.32 in bills and approve the December 12, 2022 minutes. The body will also elect a new Council President, appoint members to committees, and approve a method for filling vacant council positions. Additionally, Council will review the City's goal setting and strategic planning approach.

• Ratification of bills totaling $548,913.32
• Election of Council President
• Approval of method for recruitment and filling of vacant council positions
• Approval of updated organizational chart
• Presentation on City Goal Setting and Strategic Planning Approach

Tourism Committee

The Tourism Committee approved updating the Multnomah Falls kiosk panel with new messaging and printing it at IGN for $172, and renewed the full back panel tourism ad on the Hood River City & County Map for $1,560. They also passed on the Travel Oregon advertising opportunity and discussed a potential OSU podcast collaboration. The committee voted to approve the October 3, 2022 minutes.

• Approved updating kiosk panel and printing at IGN for $172 (unanimous)
• Approved renewing Hood River map full back panel ad for $1,560 (unanimous)
• Approved October 3, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to pass on Travel Oregon advertising opportunity

Planning Commission

The Cascade Locks Planning Commission will consider amending two conditions of approval for the Gorge Canoe Club's conditional use permit. The proposed changes would reduce the minimum required parking from nine spaces to about five based on a revised floor-area breakdown, and extend business hours from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. to 6 a.m.–10 p.m. for retail and marina uses. The City Staff recommends approval of both revisions.

• Amend Condition 1: reduce parking requirement from 9 to 5.24 spaces based on use mix (retail coffee, boat storage, cardio/gym, bike rental/repair)
• Amend Condition 4: extend business hours for retail and marina uses to 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Parking calculation based on code section 8-6.108.030
• Business hours criteria from code section 8-6.152.060