Cindy Sarti

The City Council meeting included a public hearing regarding the Winston Urban Renewal Agency budget and the City of Winston budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Key agenda items included the approval of a memorial bench at Riverbend Park, updates on department reports from police and public works, and the discussion of new business licenses. The council also conducted a first reading for an ordinance placing a moratorium on new marijuana business licenses and an ordinance amending the Park Board structure and establishing a Park Volunteer Program. Furthermore, a resolution was approved to enter into an agreement with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team.

The City Council meeting included reports on the Looking Glass Creek pump station power issues and FEMA recovery funding. The Council approved the purchase of a new 2025 Kubota tractor, a fee waiver for a park rental for a memorial event, and a new business license for Feral Gas. Additionally, the Council scheduled a workshop for October to educate the community on property taxes and coordinated with the local school for wood shop projects to support the city.

The board meeting addressed a facade grant agreement for the Redbarn Dispensary, involving project requirements, matching funds, and retainage terms. Additionally, the board conducted a detailed discussion regarding the city newsletter, focusing on funding requirements, mailing routes, and distribution formats to increase coverage within the city limits and urban growth boundary.

The council discussed various business items, including the review and approval of several new business licenses. A workshop was scheduled to address the restructuring of the Park Board. The council reviewed requests for committee appointments, authorized the purchase of flags, and addressed the appointment of a Budget Officer and the approval of a budget calendar. A resolution was adopted regarding the Winston Area Community Partnership Teen Center lease agreement. Furthermore, the council held a first reading of an ordinance concerning a franchise agreement with PacifiCorp and discussed upcoming agenda items related to water district agreements.

The council discussed various community matters, including concerns regarding a marijuana dispensary and an improperly parked truck. The session included reports from Douglas High School representatives and departmental updates from the police and public works departments regarding facility security, accreditation, and water quality testing. The council approved several new business licenses, scheduled a workshop to discuss the park board restructure, and appointed a new member to the economic development committee. Additionally, the council authorized the purchase of all-weather flags, appointed a budget officer, adopted a budget calendar, and moved to a second reading for a franchise agreement ordinance with PacifiCorp, while choosing to table a decision on the WACP Teen Center Agreement pending further information.