Astoria public meetings in 2023

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks Advisory Board will discuss the McClure Park slide removal, which faces a $15,000 annual insurance premium as the city's insurer no longer covers it. The board will also hear updates on awarded state grants for parks and paths, and receive staff reports. Public comment is allowed at the start of the meeting.

• McClure Park slide removal alternatives due to loss of insurance coverage; quoted annual premium of $15,000
• Updates on OPRD Local Government Grant and ODOT Oregon Community Paths Grants
• President Hernandez's 'What Do You Hear' community input segment
• Employee and volunteer recognition
• APRCF (Astoria Parks and Recreation Community Foundation) updates

The board unanimously approved the September 27, 2023 minutes and agreed to cancel the December meeting due to a slow month. No other formal votes were taken. Staff reported on grants, the McClure slide, and upcoming events.

• Approved September 27, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled December 2023 board meeting (consensus)

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks Advisory Board meeting on September 27, 2023, includes discussions on removing playground equipment due to safety deficiencies, updates on aquatic center expansion design, staffing changes, and community interest in disc golf. The board will also hear public comment and consider approval of previous meeting minutes.

• McClure Park slide removal alternatives and liability insurance issues with Propel
• Removal of merry-go-round at 14th & Grand Park due to safety deficiencies
• Astoria Aquatic Center preliminary expansion design update from Scott Edwards Architects
• Staff inquiry about community interest in disc golf within city limits
• Department staffing updates and role changes

The Board unanimously approved the August 2023 meeting minutes. Members discussed the possibility of a disc golf course, including potential locations and maintenance, but no formal action was taken. The Board also received updates on the Astoria Aquatic Center expansion design and staffing changes.

• Approved August 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Set November meeting date for November 29, 2023 (consensus)

Library Board

The Library Board will receive an update on the library renovation project and review the public engagement process for that project. The board will also consider draft minutes from June 6, 2023, and hear a staff report. No formal votes on the renovation are scheduled at this meeting.

• Library renovation update and review of public engagement process

The Library Board discussed the renovation progress and agreed to advise staff on finalizing the timeline and public communication. Staff reported that a contract was signed for a project management RFQ and that a contract with Hennebery Eddy for architectural services would be presented to the City Council.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved June 6, 2023 minutes
• Advised staff on finalizing renovation timeline
• Advised staff on communicating timeline to public
• Signed contract with Ann Gydé for project management RFQ
• Staff to present Hennebery Eddy contract to City Council

Library Board

The Astoria Library Board will meet to discuss and brainstorm essential services needed at a temporary library location. The board will also receive a staff update on library operations from July to September 2023 and consider approval of minutes from the August 1, 2023 meeting.

• Approve minutes of August 1, 2023 Library Advisory Board Meeting
• Receive Library Status Update for July-September 2023 (informational)
• Discuss and brainstorm essential services for temporary library location

The Astoria Library Board met to discuss the status of the library renovation and to identify essential services for a temporary location. No formal decisions were made regarding the temporary site or specific services.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved minutes from August 1, 2023
• Discussed essential services for temporary library location
• Discussed potential temporary facility locations

Parks Board

The Parks Board will approve the draft minutes from the June 28 meeting. It will discuss a proposal to bring Restore Oregon's historic Jantzen Beach Carousel to Astoria. An update on the Heritage Square open house for public input will be provided. Staff will report that City/County Insurance can no longer cover the McClure Park slide, and the city is planning to remove the slide if new coverage is not found.

• Approval of draft minutes from the June 28 Parks Board meeting
• Discussion of the Astoria Carousel Proposal from Restore Oregon
• Heritage Square open house and public forum information for August 31
• McClure Park slide insurance loss and potential slide removal
• July‑August staff report and upcoming events

The board unanimously approved the June 2023 minutes. Members discussed potential carousel locations, the Heritage Square development plan, and insurance issues regarding the McClure Park slide, but no formal actions were taken on these items.

• Approved June 2023 minutes (unanimous)

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks Board is discussing proposed updates to fee schedules including an approximately 10% increase for Aquatic Center daily and monthly use, a raise in Maritime Memorial engraving fees from $150 to $250, and a 5% increase for Ocean View Cemetery fees to align with the 2019 Cemetery Master Plan. Other agenda items include approval of April minutes, employee and volunteer recognition, APRCF updates, and staff reports.

• Proposed ~10% increase to Aquatic Center fee schedule F1 for monthly and daily use
• Proposed increase to Maritime Memorial engraving fee from $150 to $250
• Proposed 5% increase to Ocean View Cemetery fee schedule F3
• APRCF updates
• Employee and volunteer recognition

The Parks Board unanimously voted to support proposed fee increases for the Aquatic Center, Maritime Memorial, and Ocean View Cemetery. The Board also discussed the Run on the River event and the retirement of Facilities Coordinator Mark Montgomery.

• Approved April 2023 minutes as corrected
• Unanimously supported proposed fee increases for Schedules F1, F2, and F3
• Agreed to meet only if pressing items arise in June

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting on June 28, 2023. The agenda includes approval of draft minutes from May 24, a staff report for May-June, volunteer recognition, and a discussion led by President Hernandez. No major decisions or financial items are on the agenda.

• Approval of Parks Advisory Board draft minutes from May 24
• Staff report covering May and June activities
• Volunteer recognition item
• "What Do You Hear" discussion led by President Hernandez
• Future meetings scheduled: July 26 and August 23

The Parks Advisory Board unanimously approved the May 2023 meeting minutes. Director Dart-McLean recognized two volunteers of the month and provided updates on pickleball court improvements at Lindstrom Park and staffing changes. No public comments were received, and no substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved May 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recognized Dale Hirahara and Evandro Filho as June volunteers of the month

Library Board

The Library Board will consider approval of draft minutes from April 4, 2023, and review the Strategic Plan as its main agenda item. No other substantive decisions are listed; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Review of the Strategic Plan under old business

The Astoria Library Board decided to renew the current strategic plan for one year instead of allowing it to expire. The board discussed aligning the library's vision with the City of Astoria's vision and agreed to ask the City Council to approve the renewal.

• Approved Strategic Plan renewal for one year
• Discussed aligning library vision with City of Astoria vision
• Agreed to ask City Council to renew Strategic Plan
• Discussed hiring a consultant for future Strategic Plan update

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks Advisory Board will discuss a grant application for improvements at Fred Lindstrom Park. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Local Government Grant program would provide ~$65,000, with a city match of ~$44,000 and over $50,000 in donated funds from a local pickleball group. The board will also receive an update on the Mill Pond Pergola, which the homeowners association plans to remove due to poor condition.

• Discussion of $65,000 grant application for Fred Lindstrom Park improvements
• City match of $44,000 and $50,000 in donated pickleball funds
• Mill Pond Pergola removal and replacement discussion (HOA responsible)
• Approval of March 22, 2023 meeting minutes
• Employee recognition and APRCF updates

The Parks Advisory Board reviewed a status update from the Parks & Recreation Director. The document details ongoing facility improvements, youth program enrollment, and maintenance activities. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

Library Board

The Astoria Library Board will consider a proposed policy for deaccessioning archives materials, which would be referred to the City Council for adoption. The board will also receive a director's report, approve prior meeting minutes, and discuss updates to the 2019-2023 strategic plan.

• Review proposed policy language for deaccessioning archives materials, with referral to City Council
• Update on the 2019-2023 strategic plan
• Approve draft minutes from December 6, 2022, and February 7, 2023
• Director's report on library operations
• Community engagement discussion

The meeting was largely procedural, with approval of December 2022 and February 2023 minutes and the agenda. The board discussed a deaccessioning policy for archives and a strategic plan update but took no formal votes on those items.

• Approved December 6, 2022 minutes
• Approved February 7, 2023 minutes
• Approved agenda as presented

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks Board will discuss the removal of the pergola at Mill Pond Park, which is the responsibility of the Mill Pond Home Owner's Association. The board will provide feedback on the HOA's plans for removal and potential future use of the site. Other agenda items include approval of February minutes, staff reports, and routine business.

• Discussion of Mill Pond Pergola removal and site reuse, with HOA seeking Parks Board feedback
• Approval of draft minutes from February 22, 2023 meeting
• Staff report on department activities from February to March
• Recognition of an employee (no details provided)
• Update from Astoria Parks and Recreation Community Foundation (APRCF)

The Astoria Parks Board met March 22 and took no substantive votes. The only formal action was unanimous approval of February meeting minutes. Members discussed the removal of the Mill Pond pergola (beyond repair), reviewed a Parks Department overview, and noted $30,000 in pledges for pickleball courts. No decisions were made on the pergola or restroom hours.

• Approved February 2023 meeting minutes unanimously (Hernandez abstained as absent)

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks Advisory Board will hold a regular meeting with public comment, approval of minutes, and staff reports. The main item is an update from pickleball enthusiasts on potential improvements at Lindstrom Park. Other items include employee recognition and committee updates.

• Update on pickleball proposal for improvements at Lindstrom Park (Old Business)
• Approval of draft minutes from January 25, 2023 meeting
• Staff report covering January–February 2023

The board approved the January 2023 minutes with corrections. Members discussed Aquatic Center equipment policies and received updates on a proposal to improve pickleball courts at Lindstrom Park.

• Approved January 2023 minutes as corrected (Nathan Pinkstaff abstained)

Library Board

The Astoria Public Library Board will meet on February 1, 2022, to discuss a library renovation update and plans for the Public Library Association March 2022 event. The board will also consider approval of minutes from October 2021 and hear a staff report and community engagement update.

• Library Renovation Update
• Public Library Association March 2022 conference
• Approval of October 5, 2021 minutes
• Staff report
• Community engagement update

The Library Board approved the agenda and minutes. Staff reported on new library software, digital magazines, and upcoming programming. The board discussed a potential bond measure for a $7 million renovation, noting $2.1 million has been raised.

• Approved agenda and minutes as presented
• Discussed potential bond measure for renovation
• Noted $2.1 million raised for renovation project
• Discussed library software implementation for June 1

Library Board

The Astoria Library Board is holding a regular meeting with routine items including call to order, approval of minutes, community engagement, staff report, new business, and public comments. No specific decisions or discussions are listed on the agenda.

• No specific items of substance are listed; the agenda is procedural.

The Astoria Library Board meeting on August 2, 2022, was largely informational. Board members reported on community feedback regarding the library bond measure, and the interim director updated the board on the City Council's adoption of the ballot title. No votes or formal decisions were taken on the bond or any other substantive item; the board only approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes.

• Approved agenda as presented
• Approved minutes of February 1, 2022, as presented

Library Board

The Astoria Library Board is meeting for a routine session with only procedural items listed: call to order, agenda changes, minutes approval, community engagement, staff report, new business, public comments, and adjournment. No specific decisions, discussions, or financial items are mentioned in the agenda.

The Library Board unanimously approved a joint statement to be included in the voter's pamphlet regarding the bond measure. The board also decided to continue discussing bylaw changes that would remove term limits at a future meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved joint statement for voter pamphlet (unanimous)
• Tabled bylaw changes regarding term limits (unanimous)
• Approved August 2, 2022 meeting minutes as presented
• Approved agenda as presented

Library Board

The Library Board will discuss and potentially recommend that the City Council amend the Library Advisory Board Bylaws to allow members to serve more than two consecutive terms. The agenda also includes approval of previous minutes, a staff report, and public comments. No other substantive new business is listed.

• Old Business: Recommendation to City Council on amending bylaws to allow more than two consecutive terms
• Approval of minutes from September 6, 2022
• Community engagement and staff report (no details provided)
• Public comments section

The Board unanimously approved a resolution recommending that City Council amend the Library Advisory Board Bylaws to allow members to serve more than two consecutive terms. The Board also agreed to discuss the Collection Development Policy at the December meeting.

• Approved resolution recommending City Council allow more than two consecutive terms for board members (Unanimous)
• Agreed to discuss the Collection Development Policy at the December meeting

Library Board

The Astoria Library Board is holding a regular meeting on December 6, 2022. The agenda covers standard procedural items including call to order, minutes approval, staff reports, and public comments. No specific decisions or discussions are listed in the agenda.

• No specific action items or public hearings listed
• Agenda includes community engagement and staff report segments

The Astoria Library Board elected officers for 2023, with Laura Parker unanimously chosen as chair and Dan McClure appointed as vice chair. The board also approved the minutes from October and discussed the collection development policy and library renovation relocation plans. The bond measure had passed with strong community support.

• Approved minutes from October 4, 2022 as presented
• Elected Laura Parker as Library Board Chair for 2023 (unanimous)
• Appointed Dan McClure as Vice Chair for 2023 (by chair appointment)

Library Board

The Astoria Library Board is holding a regular meeting with a standard agenda that includes call to order, changes to the agenda, approval of minutes, community engagement, a staff report, new business, public comments, and adjournment. No specific decisions, proposals, or action items are listed on the agenda. The meeting is open to the public and accessible to the disabled.

• Agenda includes only routine items: minutes, staff report, public comments

The board approved the meeting agenda and received a status update from the Interim Library Director. Discussions focused on the library bond, renovation planning, and community outreach. No new business or official votes on policy were recorded.

• Approved the agenda as presented

Parks Board

The Astoria Parks Board will hear a presentation from local pickleball enthusiasts proposing improvements at Lindstrom Park. The meeting also includes employee recognition, updates from the Astoria Parks and Recreation Community Foundation, and approval of previous minutes. No votes or concrete decisions are scheduled.

• Presentation and proposal for pickleball improvements at Lindstrom Park
• Employee recognition
• APRCF (Astoria Parks and Recreation Community Foundation) updates
• Staff report covering December 22 to January 23

The Parks Board approved the December 2022 meeting minutes and expressed consensus to support Sports Serve Astoria's efforts to convert tennis courts to pickleball courts at Fred Lindstrom Park. Discussion raised concerns about private profit from public facilities and potential noise complaints. No formal vote was taken on the pickleball proposal.

• Approved December 2022 meeting minutes (two abstentions)
• Expressed consensus to support Sports Serve Astoria's efforts to convert tennis courts to pickleball courts at Fred Lindstrom Park (no formal vote)