Gresham council directs tougher massage license rules; annexation and equipment purchases on hold for vote
The Gresham City Council used its July 7 work session to direct staff toward stricter enforcement of the city's Massage Business License Code, including a three-year restriction on future licenses for confirmed illicit locations. The direction came as staff reported 31 licenses issued and six illicit operations closed in the code's first year.
Massage Business License Code
The council's work session produced policy direction but no formal votes, as is standard for that meeting type. Staff presented the first-year update on the Massage Business License Code, reporting 31 licenses issued and six illicit businesses closed.
Council directed staff to proceed with proposed code amendments to strengthen enforcement. Specifically, council gave direction for a three-year restriction on future licenses for confirmed illicit massage locations. Members also discussed whether enforcement restrictions should be location-based or owner-based, though no final determination on that question is recorded in the available minutes.
The policy adjustments affect property owners and legitimate massage businesses operating in Gresham.
Business Meeting Items Await Formal Vote
The City Council Business Meeting held the same day had an agenda listing several consequential items, but minutes have not yet been published. The following items were scheduled for consideration on the consent agenda:
- **Annexation:** Expedited annexation (AX-26-00053) of 4.962 acres at 17231 SE McKinley Road via Resolution No. 3719.
- **Appointment:** Appointment of Uriah Edmunds to the Home Forward Board of Commissioners.
- **Code Amendments:** Amendment of Gresham Revised Code Chapters 3 (Stormwater), 4 (Wastewater), and 6 (Parks and Streets) via Council Bill No. 09-26.
- **Equipment Purchase:** Purchase of a vactor truck from Owen Equipment, not to exceed $690,846.
A 30-minute staff report on micromobility devices — covering safety concerns and regulatory options — was also scheduled, with no action expected.
Because minutes are not yet available, it is not confirmed whether these items were approved, modified, or continued. Readers should check the official city record for outcomes.
Closed Session on Pending Lawsuit
The council was scheduled to convene an executive session closed to the public under ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel on pending litigation: *Parise v. City of Gresham*, U.S. District Court for Oregon, Case No. 24-cv-01620. No other business was scheduled. News media may attend such sessions but may not disclose the discussion.
Redevelopment Commission Meeting Cancelled
The Gresham Redevelopment Commission business meeting scheduled for July 7, 2026, was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.
Coming Up
No public meetings are listed on the city's calendar for the next 14 days. Residents who want to track outcomes from the July 7 business meeting — including the annexation, code amendments, and the $690,846 vactor truck purchase — should watch the city's official agenda and minutes portal for published records.