Carol Cohen

The agenda for this meeting included roll call, public comment, new business items such as Board Member Introductions, a review of the 2025 Library Year in Review, and discussion on draft survey questions for Strategic Planning. Old business involved the Library Board Chair election and a review of recommendations from the Library District Task Force submitted to County Commissioners. Staff updates covered fundraising progress and general staffing information.

Key discussions included the election of a new Chair, which was delayed due to a lack of quorum. The board also discussed the new Board Member selection process, noting that the City Council would appoint applicants, including Arehn McCarty, on December 15th. Old business focused on Library District Task Force Recommendations, specifically concerning amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement for capital expenses and the creation of a strategic framework for the district. A Mobile Library Funding Update indicated fundraising and grant totals reached approximately $62,142 as of November 20th, with future fundraising efforts planned.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items discussed included a request from festival organizers for continuing support and expansion plans involving restoration work on Tickle Creek. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the appointment of a new Municipal Judge, Miss Lungquist, following the retirement of the previous judge. Discussions detailed the proposed two-year agreement at a monthly fee of $700, highlighting the candidate's extensive experience as a city prosecutor and her commitment to collaborative work with city departments. The council ultimately approved the agreement for the municipal judge position. Other topics involved preliminary discussion regarding purchase authorization for mining park pavilions and a resolution related to an audit corrective action plan, with specific items deferred for focused discussion.

The meeting commenced with a roll call following the announcement that the Chair's term was extended and another commissioner resigned, leaving a temporary six-member commission. The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Key discussions in the Director's Report included updates on development activity, noting fewer large-scale land use applications but continued small project processing, and addressing inquiries about the development moratorium. The commission also reviewed the status of the Bournest Views and Sandy Woods developments concerning pending public improvements. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussing alternative sewer options and the recommendation to keep the alternative process in the code permanently due to council oversight. New business focused on the commission chair appointments for 2026, resulting in the selection of Commissioner Malone as Chair and Commissioner Crosby as Vice Chair. A public hearing was opened for a major modification request (File 250051) regarding Dear Point Park, specifically addressing requests to remove the condition for painting shelter gable ends with a false wood pattern and to omit the requirement for installing secondary roof features, which necessitates a variance review.

The meeting began with technical checks and introductions of board members and new personnel, including Zach, a new member, and Joseph Low, the Vice Chair. A significant portion of the discussion focused on presenting a detailed breakdown of financial information for Quarter 1 of the services year, clarifying how costs are distributed across different routes like Mount Hood Express, Villages Shuttle, Estacada service, and SAM rides. The presentation aimed to improve transparency regarding funding sources, distinguishing between City of Sandy payroll tax contributions and external reimbursements, in response to recent requests. Discussions also covered service operations, including the interlining of routes to serve Vista Loop, the operational details of the Mount Hood Express, and the reliance on dial-a-ride services for residents. Updates were provided on recent service enhancements implemented on December 1st, such as increased Sunday service hours, in an effort to build ridership back up after the impact of 2020. Additionally, attendees shared updates on community events, noting strong attendance at the tree lighting and the first week of Winterfest, with transit usage being a factor in the high visitor numbers.