Amanda Christensen

The city council work session focused on several complex topics. Discussions included an update on the city's new infield development planning process aimed at encouraging thoughtful growth. The community services and park sustainability committee presented a recommendation for a fee to address short-term financial challenges while the city considers long-term economic development and debt reduction strategies. Council also reviewed proposed updates to cost of service fees, including notary and planning-related fees. Finally, an overview of Oregon's MIRL Merurl program was provided as a potential tool for future housing development supporting families earning up to 120% of the area median income.

The meeting initiated with a roll call, noting one excused commissioner. The primary focus was a public hearing concerning legislative amendment LA 2026-02 to update the park system master plan, which will result in a recommendation to the city council. Discussion covered the update process, which involved public outreach through open houses and surveys. Key topics included inventory of existing parks, establishing project values (safety, wellness, equity, resilience), and detailing proposed improvements. Recommendations included revising land dedication code language using a tiered approach based on development size, allowing homeowners associations to maintain smaller facilities, and ensuring dedicated land is usable. Furthermore, amendments to the Comprehensive Plan's Parks and Recreation element were proposed, such as adopting the updated plan, refining goals and policies, coordinating with transportation planning, addressing climate resiliency, and reducing emphasis on sports field prioritization. The level of service analysis indicated current acreage is sufficient citywide, but future growth will require increased park supply, particularly in developing areas.

The city council meeting began with a presentation regarding expansion plans. Unfinished business included an ordinance concerning food carts in downtown Independence, which was amended to remove the cap while retaining health and safety requirements. New business involved approving the annual renewal of several business liquor licenses and a change of ownership for another business. Council also adopted a resolution updating the city's fee schedule for various items like copies, notary fees, and planning fees, with a formal ordinance to follow. Additionally, the Corvalis Waterline project was awarded to Wickwire Contracting LLC, and jurisdiction was accepted for portions of Hoffman Road. Two public hearings were held: one concerning the annexation and rezoning of 46.7 acres east of 13th Street, and another regarding proposed changes to defense requirements for governmental use. Council voted to move both the annexation/rezoning and the new defense requirements forward for a first reading at a future meeting.

The primary focus of the meeting was a public hearing and subsequent discussion regarding legislative amendment LA2026-01, which proposes changes to fence requirements for governmental uses. Staff highlighted the current lack of meaningful standards for fences around public service uses, such as water wells, wastewater treatment plants, and the airport. The discussion involved analyzing existing fence heights and materials, specifically focusing on the use of six-foot chain link fences with barb wire on top, which is common for public infrastructure protection. Alternatives considered included doing nothing, grandfathering existing fences, or setting new standards for barb wire height and location. Concerns were raised regarding visual impact and safety, particularly where public facilities abut residential areas, prompting a discussion on whether accommodations should be made for residential boundaries.

The City Council meeting called to order included the approval of minutes from a special meeting, a regular meeting (dated February 10, 2026), and a work session (dated January 27, 2026). Public comments included a presentation from the Gate Youth Association regarding their services for middle and high school students, including workforce development, academic support, and mentorship, along with an update on their expansion project. A statement from 'the two grandmothers' concerning due process, the 'welcome community' designation, and the fair treatment of residents was also presented. Another business owner discussed concerns about a proposed city ordinance that might limit certain businesses (like food trucks) to benefit others, emphasizing the need for choice and variety downtown, and questioning how property investments related to mobile vending would be protected under new limitations. Discussions continued regarding the proposed mobile vending code (Council Bill 2025), focusing on whether to limit spots based on physical real estate capacity versus limiting the absolute number of trucks, particularly concerning existing permitted spots and future lot usage. Council members expressed reservations about establishing an arbitrary number and favored allowing the market to dictate the outcome based on safety and environmental issues.