Benjamin Burgener

The council discussed and acted on several ordinances and resolutions, including the adoption of an ordinance relating to solid waste management and franchise renewal with Waste Management of Oregon, Inc., and an ordinance amending the Scappoose Municipal Code regarding utility use of public rights-of-way and public utility taxes. The council authorized the City Manager to sign grant agreements for economic development programs and discussed support for a library tax levy. Additional topics included updates on police department radio equipment grants, liaison assignments, and reports from the City Manager, Police Chief, and student representative regarding various city projects and activities.

The meeting included the election of a Chair and Vice Chair. The primary discussion involved the review and approval of a grant application for building improvements, specifically focusing on storefront upgrades, exterior aesthetic enhancements, and ADA compliance measures for a local business property.

The agenda for the meeting includes the call to order, roll call, approval of the January 22, 2026 meeting minutes, and citizen input for items not on the agenda. New business focuses on Docket # CU 1-26 and PLA 1-26, which is a consolidated application by Scappoose Hospitality Group, LLC for Conditional Use approval to construct a hotel and site amenities, and a Property Line Adjustment. Communications include a calendar check, commissioner comments, and staff comments. The detailed staff report for the hotel project addresses compliance with municipal codes regarding visual clearance areas, zoning (PUA), height limitations due to airport overlay zones, vehicle access, off-street parking, traffic generation, utilities, landscaping requirements, and interagency referral comments, noting a detailed discussion regarding the interpretation of the transitional surface for the building footprint.

The meeting addressed several significant items including the approval of the amended agenda, which included a discussion on trees at the bottom of JP West Road. Public comment focused on concerns regarding the City's General Fund overspending, transparency in personnel costs (specifically police chief contracts), and the proposal for new bonding. Key legislative actions included the approval of Ordinance No. 924 concerning annexation, zoning map amendment, and minor partition, requiring applicant funding for sidewalk improvements. The Council granted support for creating a disc golf facility at Chapman Landing using Parks Fund money. Furthermore, Ordinance No. 925 and Resolution 26-01 were presented to amend municipal codes to implement a new licensing process for utility use of public rights-of-way, proposing an increase in the privilege tax from 5% to 7% upon franchise expiration, though opposition was noted from Verizon. Discussions also took place regarding the upcoming Waste Management franchise renewal and the City Council's support for the Library District Operating Levy. Finally, the Council approved the cancellation of the February 2, 2026 meeting, and the City Manager provided a correction regarding the General Fund balance, confirming a surplus rather than a deficit.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the current agenda and previous meeting minutes. Under new business, a presentation was given by Winston regarding the A+W Enterprises LLC Urban Renewal Grant Application. Discussions focused on discrepancies in construction quotes, material sourcing, exterior aesthetics including building colors and window replacements, and potential award amounts. The committee noted they were only hearing the presentation and not making a recommendation on the day. The meeting also included a service recognition for Committee Member Paul Fidrych for his three years of service to the committee and the City.