City of La Grande

The key discussion topics for this session included the approval of consent agenda items, such as the OLCC Liquor License Application for Puff N Stuff. A public hearing was opened regarding the first reading of an Ordinance to amend the Land Development Code to maintain conformance with Oregon State land use laws, involving changes to definitions, variance processes, and site plan submission requirements. New business addressed accepting the final plat for True Addition, adopting a Tiered Allocation Framework for City's Opioid Settlement Funds, and planning for a Gas Tax Ballot Referral for the 2026 General Election. The City Manager's six-month employment evaluation was also considered and successfully completed. Discussions with Union County representatives covered opioid settlement fund usage and updates on local programs like Friends of the Children and fairgrounds construction. Staff comments included updates on the splash pad design selection and repair status of ball fields. The meeting concluded with the Council adjourning to Executive Session to conduct labor negotiations.

The work session served as a discussion forum focused on substance abuse and homelessness, noting these societal issues are interconnected with the mental health crisis, placing pressure on law enforcement, dispatch services, hospitals, and behavioral health providers. Key statistics for the city of Lrand in 2025 included 462 mental health related calls (a 12% decrease from 2024, though January 2026 showed 69 calls) and 149 suicide related calls. There were 41 overdose calls reported in 2025, with methamphetamine being the prevalent drug. Discussions highlighted state-level barriers, such as treatment being largely voluntary, high criteria for involuntary commitment, and limited mental health bed space statewide. Operational impacts on the police department included significant time spent on crisis mitigation and resource strain limiting proactive policing. Alternative enforcement approaches and barriers to drug investigations, such as limited staffing and funding, were addressed. Attendees from various agencies stressed the lack of local resources for stabilization, medical detox (closest being 45 minutes away), and sober living homes, resulting in individuals frequently ending up in the hospital or jail, which is not equipped for treatment.

The session was designated as a work session for budget science and strategic plan discussions, explicitly stating that no decisions would be made and no public comments would be taken. Key discussions involved presenting the problem statement regarding expenses outpacing revenue and the desired end state of fiscal stability, which includes the ability to balance budgets and improve service levels over a five to ten-year horizon. Participants discussed the challenge of long-standing unfilled positions contributing to surplus funds, the legal requirement for annual revenue/expense forecasting under Oregon law, and the difficulty in recruiting for positions such as police officers, noting that the department has been attempting to achieve full staffing since 2016. Potential solutions for staffing and fiscal sustainability, though not yet fully vetted for public announcement, were mentioned as part of the strategic plan development.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting one member was absent. Key agenda items included approval of the agenda with no additions, and approval of the consent agenda, specifically the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting, which included an amendment request regarding repeated text. The public comments section noted that two submitted letters regarding the public hearing would be tabled for the February meeting. Discussion then shifted to the election of a new chair and vice chair, with Dave being elected chair and Roxy elected vice chair. The public hearing concerning three minor partitions was opened, and a motion was passed to table the item to February 10th due to the applicant's request for a postponement. City planner comments detailed upcoming agenda items for the February 10th meeting, including housing code amendments that address state law compliance, such as processing subdivisions administratively and clarifying subjective standards like 'compatible with.' There was also mention of terminology changes, such as replacing 'single family' with 'single house.' Commission members discussed the importance of reviewing related materials and physically visiting the project site.

The Planning Commission meeting began with a roll call, noting the absence of two members. An agenda item involving a public hearing for a petition was withdrawn by the applicant and removed from consideration. The commission approved the consent agenda, including the minutes from the January 13th meeting. Discussions during the public hearing focused on proposed amendments to the land development code, particularly state requirements regarding terminology changes (replacing "family" with "household") and the elimination of the "medical hardship residence" provision due to low usage and changes in state law that broaden eligibility beyond family members. A significant discussion involved proposing a change from administrative variances to "adjustments," which would streamline the process by making minor setback deviations an over-the-counter approval without prior public notice, although concerns were raised by members regarding neighbor notification for setback changes affecting adjoining properties.