City of Umatilla

The meeting agenda included the City Manager's report, public comments, and a consent agenda. No public hearings, new business, or formal discussion items were brought forward during the session. The meeting concluded with remarks from the Mayor before adjournment.

The committee reviewed the library's semi-annual report, which covered program attendance, foot traffic, circulation data, and summer reading program outcomes, including the successful Dino Day collaboration. Updates on library programs and services were provided, such as book clubs on the Fable app, a DIY STEM program, and new services like educational launch pads and bike locks. Additionally, the committee discussed the bilingual StoryWalk program and the One Book, One Coast initiative, which culminates in a live author talk with George Takei, for which a watch party will be hosted at the library.

The committee held an executive session to evaluate the performance of a public officer and to consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints against, a staff member. Following the executive session, the committee determined that the complaints presented did not constitute personnel complaints and directed that they be forwarded to the City Manager for further investigation regarding their impact on the city's communication plan, bond measure issues, and various public and complaint procedures.

The meeting included discussions on several library-related initiatives. The Library Director shared information regarding upcoming events, including device advice sessions and a STEAM Break program. New initiatives introduced include the creation of new book clubs on the Fable app, a subscription to the Comics Plus platform for digital access to comics and graphic novels, and additions to the Discover and Go Cultural Pass program, which offers free museum passes to library cardholders.

The City Council meeting included discussions on community recognition, including Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year awards, and the release of the Umatilla visitor and business guide. Key agenda items involved public commentary on several city matters: concerns regarding the mayor suing the city, a request for sidewalk continuation on Power Line Road for pedestrian safety, inquiries about mandatory park space allocation (20% of gross land area) for new developments on South Hill, and opposition to a proposal to convert tennis courts at McNary Park into pickleball courts while removing the playground. Staff provided updates on extensive construction projects, including roadwork on Power Line and Madison Streets, and street closures for the Business Center project. The council also began the first reading for Ordinance 876, which seeks to amend the public parks code to update regulations regarding alcohol sales/consumption at Umatilla Marina Park and Big River Golf Course, and to address golf cart and tobacco use exceptions at those locations. This ordinance follows a previous failed attempt (Ordinance 875) to pass similar updates using an emergency clause, which raised procedural concerns.