Clackamas County

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Citizens Communication agenda item. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a resident's concerns regarding enforcement actions from Code Enforcement related to owning roosters and operating a commercial farm within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The resident detailed a prolonged effort to obtain a variance and mentioned receiving administrative citations. Several Commissioners expressed that the situation appeared absurd, referencing the Oregon Right to Farm statute and questioning the strict application of UGB rules to a 50-year-old farm. Legal staff committed to investigating the policy regarding farming activity inside the UGB and the sequence of events concerning the resident's application for verification of non-conforming use. Another presenter thanked the Chair and Commissioners for their participation in a prior international reception.

The meeting began with a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chair provided recognition for adhering to a St. Patrick's Day dress code initiated by the County Clerk. Commissioners who attended recent lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. at the JPAC and NACo conferences reported on their activities, noting the significant impact of the snow shutdown on attendance. Citizens provided communication, including discussions regarding the recent loss of the trolley bridge, with appeals to Metro to preserve the grant funding for diversion to a similar project in Gladstone. Further public comment addressed the ongoing process for developing a new county library plan, site selection challenges, and the status of the old election building. There was also discussion opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana based on concerns over public safety, impact on CDL holders, and conflict with federal controlled substance laws. The overall context of regional transportation and land use planning, including the failure of the CRC project and calls for reform of Metro and TriMet, was also noted.

This document presents the Housing Authority of Clackamas County's 2026-27 Annual PHA Plan and Moving to Work Supplement, outlining its progress towards its 5-Year Plan goals and anticipated activities. The plan focuses on strategic initiatives including the modernization and redevelopment of public housing units, the demolition and disposition of aging properties, and the conversion to tenant-based assistance. It also leverages Moving to Work (MTW) flexibility to optimize funding, enhance self-sufficiency among families, and expand housing choice and opportunities within the community.

The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation of the 2014 Clackamas County Small Grant Program recipients, which involved showcasing a video presentation highlighting three organizations: Angels in the Outfield, Refit, and Phyllis Stocking PhilAHeart. Following the video, representatives from 37 recipient organizations spoke, detailing how the grant funds—ranging from $600 to $15,000—would be utilized. Specific uses mentioned included providing transitional housing assistance for victims of abuse (Angels in the Outfield), funding materials for essential home modifications for homebound individuals (Refit), supplying Christmas stockings for the homeless and low-income families (Phyllis Stocking PhilAHeart), repairing the roof of the VFW memorial building, purchasing food pantry freezers and safety improvements (Beaver Creek United Church of Christ), funding a positive parenting discipline program (Oxford House Inc.), installing a Hoyer lift for increased independence and staff safety (Albertina Kerr Centers), purchasing a commercial refrigerator for a school garden program (Malala High School Culture Club), and assisting rural food pantries (Colton Helping Hands). Commissioner Bernard also commented on the history and success of the small grants program.

The meeting covered several legislative and administrative actions. Discussions included the awarding of a $250,000 Community Planning and Development grant for the Milwaukee North Milwaukee Industrial Area Investment Plan, with emphasis on job creation and utilizing construction excise taxes. The Board considered multiple ordinance readings, including an amendment to the county code to expand the authority and responsibilities of the County Administrator regarding contract signing, operational policies, and facility control. Another ordinance amendment updated emergency management regulations, clarifying the delegation of board authority during emergencies. Furthermore, the Board conducted a first reading on an ordinance to repeal the moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and related facility regulations, aligning with previous day's approvals on comprehensive marijuana land use amendments. The Board also initiated consideration for the acceptance of an offer to sell the former Gladstone election building.