Astoria public meetings in 2021
16 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Historic Landmarks Commission
The Historic Landmarks Commission will hold public hearings on a new construction request by Portway Station LLC for two buildings at 432 West Marine Drive and 65 Portway, as well as exterior alteration requests at 197 Hume and 960 Franklin Avenue. The commission will also discuss and determine the 2021 Dr. Harvey Award recipients.
- Public hearing on new construction request NC21-01 by Portway Station LLC for buildings at 432 West Marine Drive and 65 Portway in C-3 and UTO zones, adjacent to the Uniontown-Alameda National Register Historic District
- Public hearing on exterior alteration request EX21-03 by Richard Bates to install a spiral staircase and lattice at 197 Hume (R-3 zone, Uniontown-Alameda Historic District)
- Public hearing on exterior alteration request EX21-04 by John Windus to replace a window at 960 Franklin Avenue (C-4 zone, Shively-McClure National Register District)
- Discussion and determination of 2021 Dr. Harvey Award recipients
The Commission approved a new construction request for Portway Station LLC and an exterior alteration for Richard Bates. A window replacement request for John Windus was also discussed, though the meeting minutes conclude during deliberation on that item.
- Approved March 16, 2021 minutes as corrected (5-0 to 1)
- Approved New Construction Request NC21-01 by Portway Station LLC (5-0 to 1)
- Approved Exterior Alteration Request EX21-03 by Richard Bates (unanimous)
Historic Landmarks Commission
The Historic Landmarks Commission will hold public hearings on several exterior alteration and new construction requests in historic districts. One application has been withdrawn. Items include a Portland Loo restroom at 1590 Marine Drive, siding replacement, foundation work, and a new garage.
- Withdrawn: Exterior Alteration EX20-07 for decks at 1312-1316 Kensington Avenue
- Exterior Alteration EX21-06: siding replacement at 811-813 Franklin
- Exterior Alteration EX21-08: foundation and window work at 629 9th Street and 875 Franklin
- New Construction NC21-03: garage at 408 40th
- New Construction NC21-04: Portland Loo restroom at 1590 Marine Drive
The Historic Landmarks Commission approved an exterior alteration (EX21-06) to replace siding and skirting with fiber cement at 811-813 Franklin Avenue, including conditions for smooth siding. A previous application (EX20-07) for deck and stairway work at 1312-1316 Kensington Avenue was formally withdrawn after a related variance denial. A motion was made to approve EX21-08 for work at 629 9th Street with staff-recommended changes, but the minutes end before recording the vote outcome.
- Approved minutes of May 18, 2021 as corrected (5-0-1, Sisson abstaining)
- Application EX20-07 (deck/stair replacement) withdrawn by applicant
- Approved EX21-06: fiber cement siding and skirting replacement at 811-813 Franklin Avenue (unanimous)
- Motion made to approve EX21-08 with amended conditions for windows and skirting at 629 9th Street (vote not recorded in truncated minutes)
Historic Landmarks Commission
The Historic Landmarks Commission will hold public hearings on three items: a continued exterior alteration request at 1312/1316 Kensington Avenue, a new exterior alteration request at 1229 Franklin Avenue, and a new construction request at 432 West Marine Drive and 65 Portway. The applicant for the Kensington Avenue project has requested a continuance to May 18, 2021. The commission will also accept Dr. Harvey Award nominations and receive a status update on permit NC20-08 for Bethany Lutheran Church.
- Continued exterior alteration (EX20-07) at 1312/1316 Kensington Avenue to replace two decks and stairways with one deck and stairway
- Exterior alteration (EX21-02) at 1229 Franklin Avenue to replace wood windows with composite and reconfigure window patterns
- New construction (NC21-01) by Portway Station LLC at 432 West Marine Drive and 65 Portway, adjacent to Uniontown-Alameda National Register Historic District
- Accepting Dr. Harvey Award nominations until March 31, 2021
- Status update on permit NC20-08 for Bethany Lutheran Church
The Historic Landmarks Commission denied an exterior alteration request to replace historic windows at 1229 Franklin Avenue with composite material. The motion passed unanimously with a condition requiring that any removed windows be replaced with matching originals by August 1, 2021.
- Approved minutes of February 9, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
- Denied exterior alteration request EX21-02 for 1229 Franklin Ave (unanimous)
- Set condition to replace removed windows with matching originals by August 1, 2021
- Continued exterior alteration request EX20-07 to May 18, 2021 meeting
Historic Landmarks Commission
The Historic Landmarks Commission will hold two public hearings: a continued exterior alteration request at 1312-1316 Kensington Avenue to replace decks and stairways, and a new construction request by Buoy Beer Brewing to install equipment and build two utility bridges across the River Trail and 8th Street rights-of-way. They will also review draft minutes from April 20 and receive staff updates on a prior permit and National Historic Preservation Month activities.
- Exterior Alteration Request (EX20-07) by Terri Delafiganiere to replace 2 decks and 2 stairways with 1 deck and 1 stairway at 1312-1316 Kensington Avenue (Shively-McClure Historic District)
- New Construction Request (NC21-02) by Buoy Beer Brewing to install brewery equipment and construct two utility bridges across River Trail and 8th Street rights-of-way, connecting buildings at 57 8th Street, 740 Astor, and 1 8th Street
- Review of April 20, 2021 draft minutes
- Status update on permit NC20-08 (Bethany Lutheran Church)
- Update on May 2021 National Historic Preservation Month and Dr. Harvey Awards presentation
The Historic Landmarks Commission voted unanimously to approve the corrected minutes from April 20, 2021. A public hearing was held on a proposal to replace decks and stairways at 1312-1316 Kensington Avenue, but no vote or final action was taken during the provided portion of the meeting. The discussion covered design details, materials, lot coverage, and a required variance; the hearing appeared to continue without a resolution.
- Approved minutes of April 20, 2021 as corrected (unanimous)
Historic Landmarks Commission
The Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission held a public hearing to consider three pending applications. A continuance was requested for an exterior alteration at 1312 and 1316 Kensington Avenue. The commission also reviewed a new 5,030‑square‑foot accessory building proposal for Bethany Lutheran Church at 420 34th Street, located in the historic Adair‑Uppertown area. Additionally, an exterior window replacement request for 1610 Jerome Avenue was presented.
- Continuance request for Exterior Alteration EX20-07 at 1312 & 1316 Kensington Avenue
- New Construction Request NC20-08 for a 5,030‑sq‑ft accessory building at 420 34th Street (adjacent to historic district)
- Exterior Alteration Request EX21-01 to replace six vinyl windows at 1610 Jerome Avenue
- Public hearing conducted with limited seating, mask requirement, and remote participation options
- Save the date: next Historic Landmarks Commission meeting scheduled for March 16, 2021
The Historic Landmarks Commission extended the hearing for an exterior alteration request to March 16, 2021. The commission also heard public testimony on a new construction request for a multi-use building at 420 34th Street.
- Extended hearing for EX20-07 (Alexander Pappas) to March 16, 2021
- Heard public testimony on NC20-08 (Bethany Lutheran Church)
- No minutes were reviewed for approval
Parks Board
The Astoria Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will discuss and provide input on adding accessible playground equipment at Violet LaPlante Park. The board will also receive an update on childcare operations and recent city council worksessions. Other agenda items include approval of June 23 meeting minutes, employee and volunteer recognition, and staff reports.
- Input on accessible playground equipment for Violet LaPlante Park
- Childcare operations update and discussion
- Approval of June 23, 2021 meeting minutes
- Employee and volunteer recognition
- APRCF (Astoria Parks and Recreation Foundation) update
The Parks Advisory Board unanimously recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of accessible playground equipment for Violet LaPlante Park. The board also discussed childcare program issues and potential public/private partnerships.
- Approved June 2021 minutes as submitted
- Unanimously recommended City Council approve purchase of accessible playground equipment for Violet LaPlante Park
Library Board
The agenda includes only procedural items: approval of previous minutes, a staff report, and discussion of two new business items (United for Libraries and Public Library Association attendance). No specific actions, ordinances, or fiscal decisions are listed.
- Approval of minutes from June 1, 2021
- Staff report
- Discussion of United for Libraries
- Discussion of PLA March 2021 attendance
- Public comments
The meeting was largely procedural: the board approved the agenda and the June minutes, and received staff reports on new hours, branding, and upcoming events. No substantive decisions, votes, or policy changes were made.
- Approved agenda as presented
- Approved minutes of June 1, 2021 meeting
Parks Board
The Astoria Parks Board will hear a presentation on a 'Walk Your Bike' campaign to create a pedestrian-only section of the Riverwalk from 6th to 11th Street, asking bicyclists to walk their bikes. The board will also receive research on clarifying the official name of the Hillside/Hilltop (Pioneer) Cemetery. Other agenda items include approval of January minutes, committee updates, and staff activity reports.
- Riverwalk 'Walk Your Bike' Campaign: presentation on creating pedestrian-only area between 6th St and 11th St with signs requiring bicyclists to walk
- Hillside/Hilltop (Pioneer) Cemetery name clarification: historical research presentation by Lucien Swerdloff and John Goodenberger
- Approval of draft minutes from January 27, 2021 Parks Advisory Board meeting
- APRCF Update (Astoria Parks and Recreation Community Foundation) – no details provided
- Employee and Volunteer Recognition
The Parks Advisory Board unanimously approved the Walk Your Bike campaign aimed at reducing accidents on the Riverwalk between 6th and 11th Streets. The board also approved the January 27 meeting minutes and recognized February employees of the month. A discussion on naming the Hillside/Hilltop Cemetery sign deferred to a public process with no decision made.
- Approved Walk Your Bike campaign unanimously
- Approved January 27, 2021 meeting minutes as presented
- Recognized Susan Principe, Ethan McCarley, and Peter von Payens as February employees of the month
- Deferred cemetery sign naming to a public process (consensus, no vote)
Parks Board
The board will consider a limited reopening of the Aquatic Center following City Council direction, and proposed changes to the Community Garden including cost increases and a new bed-assignment process. Staff reports and updates on parks activities are also on the agenda.
- Aquatic Center reopening with limited schedule after City Council work session on 1/20
- Proposed updates and changes to Community Garden with increased costs and new waitlist/sign-up process
- APRCF (Astoria Parks and Recreation Community Foundation) update
- Employee and volunteer recognition
- Approval of November 2020 Parks Board minutes
The board approved the November 2020 meeting minutes and received staff updates on the Aquatic Center reopening and Community Garden operations. These updates cover facility access, park safety, and garden fees that affect local residents. No substantive policy or budget decisions were recorded.
- Approved November 2020 meeting minutes
- Received staff update on Aquatic Center reopening plans
- Received staff report on Community Garden operational changes
- Noted quarterly report submission to City Council
Parks Board
The Astoria Parks Board will review a contract to hire Greenworks as project manager for Riverwalk improvements, using $90,000 from a $717,428 state grant. The board will also discuss staff reports, volunteer recognition, and APRCF updates. The meeting includes public comment and approval of May minutes.
- Recommendation to award project management contract to Greenworks for Riverwalk Improvements funded by a $717,428 OPRD grant
- $90,000 of grant funds allocated for project management contractor
- Two RFQ responses received: Klosh Group and Greenworks; Greenworks identified as preferred
- Draft Parks Advisory Board Minutes from May 26, 2021 for approval
- Employee and volunteer recognition, APRCF updates
The Board unanimously recommended that City Council approve a project management contract with Greenworks for Riverwalk improvements. The project has a total amount of $700,000, supported by a $428,000 OPRD grant.
- Approved May 2021 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
- Recommended City Council approve Project Management Contract with Greenworks (unanimous)
Library Board
The Astoria Public Library Board is meeting on June 1, 2021, to approve minutes from April, hear a staff report, and discuss meeting room usage. The agenda is largely procedural with no detailed proposals or dollar amounts provided.
- Approval of minutes from April 6, 2021 (no details given)
- Discussion of meeting room usage (no specifics provided)
- Community engagement and public comments (no details)
The Library Board approved the agenda and the minutes from the April 6 meeting. Community suggestions were reported regarding correcting book drop hours and updating library emails. The board discussed a proposal to allow non-profits free use of meeting rooms after renovations, but no action was taken; a full policy will be presented at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned with no public comments.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved April 6, 2021 minutes as presented (unanimous)
- Discussed meeting room usage policy; no decision, policy to be presented at next meeting
Parks Board
The Astoria Parks Board will consider a resolution to update fee schedules for the Aquatic Center, Maritime Memorial, and Ocean View Cemetery. The board will also vote on a landscaping contract with Greensmith Landscapes for $59,936.23 and a janitorial contract with Associated Cleaning Services for $83,136. Other items include approval of April minutes and staff reports.
- Landscaping contract with Greensmith Landscapes for $59,936.23 to maintain tourist-related properties
- Janitorial contract with Associated Cleaning Services for $83,136 for Doughboy and Downtown Restroom Facilities
- Resolution to update fee schedules F1 (Aquatic Center), F2 (Maritime Memorial and Garden of Surging Waves), F3 (Ocean View Cemetery with 5% increase)
- Ocean View Cemetery fee increase aligns with Master Plan recommendation of 5% annually through 2029
- Garden of Surging Waves engraving fees added to Schedule F2 to support Parks Project fund
The Parks Board unanimously recommended adoption of the Promote Astoria Properties Landscaping Contract, the Promote Astoria Restroom Janitorial Contract, and a resolution updating Parks Fee Schedules F1, Maritime Memorial F2, and Ocean View Cemetery F3. The board also approved the April 2021 minutes with corrections. No public comments were received.
- Approved April 2021 minutes as corrected (unanimous)
- Recommended adoption of landscaping contract (unanimous)
- Recommended adoption of restroom janitorial contract (unanimous)
- Recommended adoption of fee schedule updates (unanimous)
Library Board
The agenda is largely procedural, covering approval of February minutes and staff reports. The only substantive item is an update on the Council Library Work session. No public hearings or financial decisions are listed.
- Update on Council Library Work session
The Library Board was informed that a work session with the City Council is scheduled for April 7 to discuss a two-year renovation plan. The session will cover ADA upgrades, natural lighting, and a renovated children and teen space.
- Approved agenda as presented
- Accepted February 2021 minutes as presented
- Invited to attend April 7 work session on library renovation
- Discussed potential ADA accessibility upgrades
Parks Board
The Astoria Parks Board will discuss a proposed 10-year lease agreement with Sea Crab House to use the 12th St. Viewing Dock for outdoor seating in exchange for maintenance and continued public access. Other items include a Memorandum of Agreement for Pig n' Pancake landscaping on park-adjacent property and an update on renaming Hillside Cemetery in the city code.
- Lease agreement with Sea Crab House for use of 12th St. Viewing Dock for 10 years, with public access maintained
- Memorandum of Agreement with Pig n' Pancake for landscaping revitalization on property adjacent to Bond St. Triangle park site
- City Council directed renaming 'Pioneer Cemetery' to 'Hillside Cemetery' in Section 5 of City Code; staff to implement
The Parks Advisory Board approved the February 2021 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. The board received updates on the Aquatic Center, cemetery name change, landscaping MOA, lease for the 12th Street viewing platform, and summer youth camp funding, but no further actions were voted on. No other formal decisions were recorded at this meeting.
- Approved February 2021 minutes (unanimous)
Library Board
This meeting is mostly procedural, including approval of previous minutes and a staff report. The main discussion item is library operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approval of minutes from October 6, 2020
- Discussion of library operations during COVID-19
The Astoria Library Board met on February 2, 2021, and took procedural actions only: approving the agenda and the minutes from October 6, 2020. No substantive decisions were made. The board received a staff report on updated library hours and COVID-19 operations.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of October 6, 2020 as presented (unanimous)
Library Board
The Astoria Public Library Board will meet to discuss community engagement and staff reports. The board is scheduled to review and consider endorsements for the circulation policy and the patron privacy policy.
- Circulation Policy Review/Endorsement
- Patron Privacy Policy Review/Endorsement
The Astoria Library Board approved two policies required by state law and recommended they be adopted by the City Council. The board also discussed resignations from the Library Foundation and heard a report on library operations during the pandemic.
- Approved Circulation Policy (unanimous)
- Approved Patron Privacy Policy (3-1)
- Discussed resignations from Library Foundation
- Reported on library operations and Covid-19 guidance