Cascade Locks public meetings in 2024

December 18 Special City Council

The Cascade Locks City Council is holding a special meeting to consider adopting Ordinance No. 459, which continues and increases the existing EMS (emergency medical services) fee charged on electric utility bills. The fee was approved by voters as Ballot Measure 14-80 and is needed to fund EMS services. The ordinance sets new monthly rates for residential, public agency, and commercial meters in the city and the South Bank service area, effective January 1, 2025.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 459 continuing and increasing EMS fee on electric utility bills
• New monthly fees: $9 residential, $14 public agency, $18 commercial in city; $11, $16, $22 in South Bank area
• Fee effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029
• Repeals prior Ordinance No. 449 as of December 31, 2024
• Fee revenue used solely for EMS costs, including personnel, materials, capital purchases

December 9 City Council

The Cascade Locks City Council will certify the November 5, 2024 General Election results, including the election of Brenda Wood as Mayor and three councilors, and the passage of Measure 14-80 (EMS fee) and failure of Measure 14-81 (charter). The council will also consider Resolution No. 1513 to increase solid waste collection rates for 2025, review planning RFP responses, and appoint Councilor Seeger to the Tri-County HHW Board. The agenda includes routine consent items and a public comment period.

• Certify election results: Brenda Wood elected Mayor (339 votes), Tiffany Pruit, Marianne Bump, Bernard Seeger elected Councilors
• Measure 14-80 (EMS Service Fee) passed 486-195; Measure 14-81 (new charter) failed 303-365
• Resolution No. 1513: Solid waste fee increase with Waste Connections, Inc. (Hood River Garbage), annual license fee $1,000
• Ratify bills totaling $297,708.76
• Review and select Planning RFP responses

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee will meet on December 2, 2024, via Zoom to discuss old business including a conference presentation, Travel Oregon Competitive Grants, and the Recreation Ready program application draft. They will also approve minutes, financials, and bills, and receive a quarterly contract report from the museum. The meeting is largely procedural with key discussions on grant opportunities.

• Discussion of Travel Oregon Competitive Grants and Recreation Ready program application draft
• Conference presentation from Denise Emmerling-Baker on Main Street Cascade Locks
• Approval of bills, including $2,640 for 10,000 map brochures from Brown Printing (from prior minutes)
• Upcoming event: Cascade Locks Christmas on 12/6-12/7
• FCLHM quarterly report to be submitted to Council on 12/8/2024

November 25 City Council

The agenda for the November 25, 2024 Cascade Locks City Council meeting consists solely of a link to Oregon Revised Statutes 248.015 regarding precinct committeepersons. No meeting-specific business, decisions, or discussion items are listed. This appears to be procedural boilerplate or an error.

November 21 Planning Commission

The Cascade Locks Planning Commission will hold two public hearings: one for a site plan review by Herman Creek Lane, LLC (LU 24-003) and one for a sign variance requested by IXTAPA (LU 24-008). The commission will also approve minutes from its March 14, 2024 meeting. The agenda is otherwise routine, with no other substantive items listed.

• Public hearing LU 24-003: Herman Creek Lane, LLC site plan review
• Public hearing LU 24-008: IXTAPA sign variance
• Approval of March 14, 2024 meeting minutes

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee will meet to approve minutes, financials, and bills, including a $2,640 brochure reorder from Brown Printing. They will also discuss old business on EnChroma colorblind glasses and new business on Travel Oregon awards, grants, and accessibility programs. The meeting includes public comment and reports from members and the FCLHM.

• Approval of bills: Cascade Locks map brochure reorder from Brown Printing ($2,640)
• Discussion: EnChroma Colorblind Glasses follow-up
• Travel Oregon Awards nominations open
• Wheel the World accessibility assessments
• Travel Oregon Competitive Grants LOIs open 12/2/24-1/15/25

November 13 Downtown Revitalization Plan Steering Committee

The Downtown Revitalization Plan Steering Committee will review a proposed expansion of the Downtown District and modifications to the downtown code, including a Site Design Review section. The committee will also discuss next steps, including scheduling a community open house. This is a working session to refine the plan before public input.

• Review of modified Downtown District boundaries
• Proposed changes to downtown code
• Site Design Review section discussion
• Schedule Community Open House

November 13 City Council Special

The Cascade Locks City Council will decide whether to sign a letter, organized by the National League of Cities, urging Congress to pass a clean supplemental appropriation to fund and replenish disaster assistance accounts. The letter requests full funding for FEMA recovery efforts, replenishment of SBA disaster loans, and support for other federal disaster programs. The council will vote on a motion to approve the letter.

• Approve letter to Congress requesting funding for FEMA disaster aid
• Letter urges replenishment of SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Program
• Requests funding for EDA response programs and DOT Emergency Relief funds
• Seeks funding for CDBG-DR and SNAP for disaster-affected families
• Deadline to sign letter is midnight November 13

October 28 City Council

The Cascade Locks City Council will consider adopting Ordinance 460, which updates short-term rental regulations and repeals Ordinance 448. The council will also decide whether to approve a request for proposals (RFP) for contract planning services. Consent agenda items include approval of minutes and ratification of bills totaling $113,779.89.

• Adopt Ordinance 460: Short Term Rental Regulations, repealing Ordinance 448
• Approve RFP for Contract Planning Services
• Ratify bills in the amount of $113,779.89
• Employee Pay Structure Proposal report
• League of Oregon Cities Conference report

October 14 City Council Workshop Regular

The Cascade Locks City Council will hold a workshop to discuss updating the city's utility deposit structure, with options including direct deposits or surety bonds, and a proposed policy based on Springfield Utility Board's model. The regular meeting will include a presentation on the HR Answers compensation and pay equity study, a discussion on short-term rentals, and routine consent agenda items including approval of minutes and bills totaling $296,333.41. No public hearings or action items are scheduled.

• Utility deposit discussion: proposed two-month average bill deposit, annual review, 60-month requirement, surety bond option
• HR Answers pay equity study presentation: recommendations for compliance with Oregon Pay Equity Act
• Short-term rental discussion
• Consent agenda: approval of September 23, 2024 minutes and bills totaling $296,333.41
• City Administrator Bennett report

September 23 City Council

The Cascade Locks City Council will consider approving Resolution No. 1512 to update utility deposit policies. The agenda also includes routine consent items, committee reports, and a short-term rental ordinance update. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Resolution No. 1512 – Utility Deposit Update
• Ratification of bills totaling $106,951.98
• Short Term Rental Ordinance Update (report)
• MWVCOG Planning Services report
• Committee Reports – Tourism

October 14 City Council Workshop Regular

The Cascade Locks City Council is reviewing a check register covering September 17-30, 2024, totaling $251,721.31. The largest payments include $171,150 to BPA for power, $23,607.78 to Vantage Point Solutions for engineering studies, and $15,068.27 to Jacobs Engineering for operations and maintenance. The agenda is limited to this financial review with no other business items.

• BPA power payment of $171,150
• Vantage Point Solutions: $23,607.78 for Good Life Interconnection, McCord Creek Bridge, and EDA Hardening studies
• Jacobs Engineering: $15,068.27 for operations, maintenance & management
• Lanes Paving: $10,835.00 for pave patches
• Deposit refunds to Bronson/Corrine Ignacio ($160.95), John Logan ($132.96), Stacia Zabadal ($26.23)

Downtown Revitalization Plan Project Advisory Committee

The Downtown Revitalization Steering Committee will discuss proposed changes to the Cascade Locks Development Code, focusing on consolidating the Downtown, Commercial, and Commercial Residential zones into one district along WaNaPa. The changes aim to broaden permitted uses, simplify architectural standards, and streamline review processes. The committee will also consider removing paint color restrictions and adding a new section for temporary uses.

• Consolidation of Downtown, Commercial, and Commercial Residential zones into one district
• Proposed removal of paint color restrictions in the Downtown zone
• Creation of a new Temporary Uses section, including food carts
• Modification of sidewalk requirements for developments
• Deletion of references to the Comprehensive Plan in application standards

September 9 City Council

The City Council is reviewing a proposal from Your Part-Time Controller, LLC (YPTC) to provide part-time accounting and financial services, including audit preparation, budgeting, and strategic planning. The city has had difficulty retaining a finance director and has outsourced this function in recent years. The council will decide whether to accept the proposal and sign an engagement letter.

• Proposal from YPTC for part-time accounting and financial services
• Start-up services estimated at $6,160 - $8,330
• Ongoing monthly services estimated at $3,990 - $5,985
• Annual services estimated at $3,325 - $4,655
• Hourly rates: $190 (associate), $240 (manager)

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee will discuss old and new business, including the EnChroma color accessibility program, a wine country license plate grant, and follow-ups on PCT Days and the Columbia Cross Channel Swim. They will also consider attending the Travel Oregon Learning Lab and Outdoor Recreation Summit, and review the FCLHM contract report, including a Multnomah Falls kiosk readability review and a quarterly report to City Council.

• EnChroma Color Accessibility Program discussion with Kent Streeb
• RCTP Wine Country License Plate Grant
• PCT Days follow-up (reordering T-shirts)
• Travel OR Tourism Learning Lab (October 3-4, 2024)
• Outdoor Recreation Summit (December 5-7, 2024)

August 26 City Council

The City Council will discuss restructuring the finance department, considering whether to replace the contracted CFO with an in-house position. The city administrator's report outlines budget impacts, including potential elimination of the Deputy Recorder or Community Liaison positions to offset costs. The council will also consider approving a patrol agreement with Hood River Sheriff's Office, a bid for the McCord Creek Bridge project, and a letter of support for Columbia Area Transit.

• Discussion on Finance Department Structure: in-house CFO scenarios with cost comparisons and potential staff eliminations
• Approve Dedicated Patrol IGA with Hood River Sheriff's Office
• Approve Bid for McCord Creek Bridge Project
• Approve Columbia Area Transit Letter of Support
• Ratification of bills totaling $117,967.79

August 12 City Council Workshop

The Cascade Locks City Council will hold a workshop to discuss the structure of the Finance Department, comparing the costs and duties of an in-house Budget Officer versus a contracted CFO. The City Administrator recommends keeping the contracted CFO, citing ongoing progress and cost savings. The regular meeting will handle routine items like approving minutes, bills, and license renewals.

• Ratification of bills totaling $439,687.63
• OLCC annual license renewals
• Discussion on renewing extra patrol contract with HR Sheriff's Office
• CAT Travel Trainer presentation
• Planner RFP report

July 22 City Council

The Cascade Locks City Council will fill a vacant council seat, consider resolutions on official minutes and Juneteenth holiday, and approve a water/wastewater rate study quote. The agenda also includes consent items like bill ratification and committee appointments.

• Fill Council Vacancy
• Resolution No. 1509 — Designation of Official City Minutes
• Resolution No. 1510 — Juneteenth and Meal Reimbursement Employee Handbook Update
• Approve Water and Wastewater COSA and Rate Study Quote
• Ratification of Bills in the Amount of $247,660.73

July 8 City Council

The City Council will discuss a proposal to transition from written minutes to using digital recordings as the official record of meetings. The workshop also addresses a resolution to increase internal payments from Enterprise Funds to the General Fund from 5% to 6%.

• Discussion on replacing written meeting minutes with digital recordings
• Resolution No. 1506: Increasing internal payments from Enterprise Funds to General Fund to 6%
• Resolution No. 1508: Charter Amendment Ordinance for resident vote
• Ratification of bills totaling $618,314.08
• Authorization for City Administrator to apply for an ODOT grant

June 24 Council

The City Council will meet to discuss filling a vacant council seat and reviewing an ordinance for an EMS fee increase. The agenda also includes approving internal payment rates between funds and reviewing OLCC permit applications.

• Filling a City Council vacancy
• Resolution No. 1506: Establishing 6% internal payments from Enterprise Funds to the General Fund
• Resolution No. 1507: EMS Fee Increase Ordinance for resident vote
• OLCC Permit Applications for Thunder Island Brewery and Albert Nance
• Ratification of bills totaling $143,020.98

June 17 Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will review and approve the 2024-25 budget for the City of Cascade Locks. The committee will also present and review updated numbers for the Sewer Fund (#31).

• Review and approval of the 2024-25 City Budget
• Presentation and review of updated Sewer Fund (#31) numbers

Charter Review Committee

The Cascade Locks Charter Review Committee is meeting to review public comments from an open house and reach consensus on a final draft charter to send to the City Council. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom and in person.

• Review and discuss open house comments
• Final review and consensus of draft charter to send to Council

June 10 Council

The City Council is reviewing an employment agreement to retain Jordon Bennett as City Administrator. The agreement outlines terms for salary, benefits, and termination effective July 1, 2024.

• Annual salary of $96,000 for City Administrator
• $100 per month cell phone stipend
• Six months of severance pay in the event of termination without cause

June 17 Budget Committee

The Budget Committee approved the 2024-25 budget of $16,568,733 on the third motion, with a caveat to review DEQ and USDA loan payments and revenue at a June 17 meeting. The first two motions failed due to concerns about missing DEQ revenue and internal payments. The budget will go to City Council for final approval.

• Approved 2024-25 budget of $16,568,733 with June 17 review of DEQ/USDA loans (8-2)
• First budget motion failed (6-2)
• Second budget motion failed (6-2)
• Consensus to keep Burn Permits in Permit Fees
• Directed $710 from Memorial Fund to Volunteer Association Fund
• Directed $4,000 from Contingency for Vehicle Tires
• Added $12,000 to Tourism Support for Museum utilities and $8,000 for audits
• Moved $4,800 from Cemetery Trust to Cemetery Revenue

May 29 Budget Committee

The Budget Committee reviewed the proposed 2024-2025 budget and made several adjustments to the General Fund to afford a dedicated Hood River County Sheriff's Office contract starting September 2024. They approved cuts totaling $49,000, including $25,000 from contract services, and moved funds to capital reserves, but noted the city is still nearly $17,000 short. The committee also discussed the Electric Fund, debt funds, and other items, but no final budget was adopted.

• Approved minutes of May 15, 2024, with amendments (unanimous)
• Consensus to cut $49,000 from General Fund to fund dedicated sheriff service
• Consensus to move $10,000 from General Fund to Capital Reserve
• Consensus to move $4,000 from Museum Utilities to Capital Reserve
• Consensus to have Tourism pay $4,000 towards audit
• Consensus to reduce Travel and Training to $6,000 in General Fund
• Consensus to reduce Contract Services to $17,000
• Consensus to adjust Fire and EMS memorial fund to go to volunteers

May 20 City Council Work Session

The Cascade Locks City Council will hold a work session to discuss the City Administrator contract. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of City Administrator Contract

May 16 Charter Review Committee CANCELED

The May 16, 2024 Charter Review Committee meeting in Cascade Locks, OR, was canceled. The agenda had been set to review and discuss redline and clean versions of the updated city charter, with a consensus needed for an open house draft, but no meeting occurred.

• Meeting canceled; no decisions or discussions took place
• Agenda included review of updated charter redline and clean versions
• Consensus needed for open house draft of charter

May 13 City Council Pkt

The City Council will consider approving expenses for a community picnic and making appointments for the Downtown Revitalization committee. The meeting also includes the ratification of bills totaling $591,962.13.

• Ratification of bills in the amount of $591,962.13
• Approval of Community Picnic expenses
• Committee appointments for Downtown Revitalization
• Update on Ambulance Surplus

May 9 Charter Review Committee

The Cascade Locks Charter Review Committee will review and discuss the redline and clean versions of the updated city charter, and set a date for a charter open house. The committee is also expected to approve minutes from its April 10 and April 25 meetings. This is a working session focused on finalizing recommendations for the City Council.

• Review and discuss redline and clean versions of updated charter
• Set date for Charter Open House
• Approve minutes from April 10 and April 25, 2024 meetings
• Deadline for recommendations to Council is May 31

April 22 City Council

The City Council will review the future of the yard debris collection program following concerns over insurance liabilities. The agenda also includes discussions on community development code amendments and committee appointments.

• Discussion on future of Yard Debris collection program
• Review of Ordinance No. 458 regarding Community Development Code amendments
• Appointment of members to the Downtown Plan Advisory Committee
• Ratification of bills totaling $113,561.07

April 8 City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop regarding the Yard Debris Collection Program and a public hearing for Community Development Corporation (CDC) amendments. The agenda also includes action items for wastewater treatment plant operations and council goals.

• Public Hearing: CDC Amendments
• Action Item: Adopt Ordinance 458 (CDC Amendment)
• Action Item: Approve Resolution 1501 (2024-2025 Council Goals)
• Action Item: Approve Amendment 18 (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations)
• Workshop: Discussion on Yard Debris Collection Program

Charter Review Committee

The Cascade Locks Charter Review Committee is meeting to review, discuss, and compare examples of charters, including the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter, against the current Cascade Locks charter. The committee will also consider public input and continue its ongoing review of charter sections, including elections, vacancies, and city officer duties.

• Review and compare Cascade Locks Charter with model charters
• Discussion of charter sections including elections, vacancies, and city officer duties
• Public comment period for citizens
• Approval of minutes from March 6 and March 20, 2024 meetings

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee is meeting to approve minutes and bills, including annual dues to the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce. They will discuss drafts of the 2024-2025 marketing plan and budget, and follow up on upcoming events like Festival of Nations and Earth Day.

• Approval of minutes from March 4 and March 18, 2024
• Annual dues to Hood River County Chamber of Commerce
• 2024-2025 Marketing Plan Draft
• 2024-2025 Budget Draft
• Follow-up on Festival of Nations, Canoe Journey, and Earth Day celebration

March 25 City Council

The City Council will consider adopting a loan agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation and discuss the future of the yard debris collection program. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding a CDBG Grant for wastewater facilities improvement.

• Public Hearing: CDBG Grant/Wastewater Facilities Improvement Project
• Resolution No. 1500: Oregon Department of Transportation Loan Agreement
• Ratification of bills totaling $279,385.83
• Approval of OLCC Application for Cascade Locks PTO

March 11 City Council

The City Council is reviewing a blanket voucher approval for payments totaling $373,080.46. This includes payroll for February 2024 and various accounts payable items.

• BKI Engineering Services: $10,000.00 for EDA hardening
• BKI Engineering Services: $12,868.00 for McCord Creek Bridge relocation
• Jacobs Engineering Group: $42,900.91 for operations, maintenance, and management
• T&R Electric Supply Company: $39,759.48 for transformers for Windsong
• BPA Power Bill (Pyramid): $175,752.00

March 10 City Council Goal Setting Session

The City Council held a work session to review progress on previous municipal goals and discuss upcoming departmental objectives. The session included updates on infrastructure projects, staffing transitions, and budget planning for the new fiscal year.

• Electrical System Improvement Project: RFP needed for upgraded transformer
• Wastemwater System Improvement: City collecting $15 per month on water accounts for loan repayment
• Public Works: Proposed undergrounding on Riverview Drive ($30,000) and West End of Sunset ($80,000 to $130,000)
• Public Works: Proposed new line truck costing between $450,000 and $600,000
• Staffing: Review of potential $20,000 to $25,000 cost for staff retention and recruitment plan

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to review, discuss, and compare example charters with the City of Cascade Locks' 1995 charter. The committee is tasked with recommending charter changes to the City Council by May 31, 2024, with a focus on Section 32(4) regarding voter approval of taxes and fees. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Review and comparison of example charters with the City of Cascade Locks Charter
• Discussion of Section 32(4) on voter ratification of tax, charge, or fee increases
• Recommendations due to City Council by May 31, 2024
• Two committee vacancies remain; applications still accepted
• Public access via Zoom; meeting at City Hall

February 26 City Council

The City Administrator reported on the status of the City's request for $1 million in state funding to cover the cost of moving powerlines impacted by the McCord Creek Bridge replacement project along I-84. The request was presented to the Joint Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee on February 16, and the Port of Cascade Locks has agreed to submit a letter of support. The outcome is expected to be determined by the end of the current week or early next week, prior to the session ending on March 10.

• Request for $1 million state funding for powerline relocation for the McCord Creek Bridge replacement project along I-84
• Testimony provided to the Joint Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee on February 16
• Port of Cascade Locks agreed to submit a letter of support for the City's request
• City provided a letter of support for the Bridge of the Gods project

Charter Review Committee

The Charter Review Committee will meet to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair and establish a timeline for reviewing the City Charter. The committee aims to complete its review by May 31, 2024, to facilitate a potential ballot submission for the November 5, 2024, election.

• Election of Committee Chair
• Election of Committee Vice-Chair
• Review of Committee Scope and timeline
• Establishment of approach and schedule for Charter review

February 12 City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to select the date, process, and format for setting municipal goals for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting also includes action items regarding financial policy and council phone systems.

• Ratification of bills totaling $687,491.06
• Adoption of Resolution No. 1498 — Financial Management Policy
• Approval of a new phone system for Council members
• Proclamation of support for the 2024 Hood River County Reads Program
• Review of proposed IGA update with the Port of Cascade Locks

January 22 City Council

The City Council will meet to consider adopting Resolution 1498 regarding the City Financial Policy and approve a new phone system for Council members. The agenda also includes reviewing storm responses and an update on the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Port of Cascade Locks.

• Adoption of Resolution 1498 — Cascade Locks Financial Policy
• Approval of phone system for Council Members
• Ratification of bills totaling $113,326.67
• Review of proposed IGA update with Port of Cascade Locks

Tourism Committee

The Cascade Locks Tourism Committee is meeting to approve minutes, financials, and bills, and to discuss old and new business. Key items include a review of the Tourism Committee Ordinance and committee structure, planning for a 2024-2025 marketing strategy work session, and a grant request from PCT Days. The committee will also receive reports on the FCLHM contract, the Port, and upcoming events.

• Approval of bills: lodging expenses for Governor's Conference for Tourism
• Discussion of Tourism Committee Ordinance review and committee structure
• Plan for 2024-2025 marketing strategy work session
• Grant request: PCT Days
• 20th Annual Gorge Days Festival – July 13-14, 2024