Danielle Emmert

The board received updates on various library initiatives, including the successful Viking Fest, the launch of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services, and new additions to the children's area. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the logistical preparations for the upcoming Inked! Foundation fundraiser. The board also reviewed the status of the Parks and Pool Levy, noting that it had been approved by the City Council to proceed to the May ballot. Furthermore, the meeting addressed personnel changes within the Friends of the Library organization regarding the treasurer position.

The Commission addressed the selection of a new chair and organized preparations for an upcoming presentation to the City Council. Discussions also covered potential initiatives, including the development of an Art Walk and the transfer of the Art Show from the library. Public comments were received regarding concerns about the Art Contest timeline, the necessity of building relationships with the Kalapuya Tribe, and a request to extend the grant deadline. Additionally, the Commission recommended transitioning the mural project from a contest format to a call for artists.

The Stayton Planning Commission meeting addressed three primary land use files. The first involved the Site Plan Review for the development of a tri-plex on Ida Street for Kardboard Box, LLC, which was approved subject to staff-recommended conditions covering design details, landscaping, and parking. The second item concerned Site Plan Review for two duplexes on E Santiam Street, requiring the removal of existing structures; this application was also approved contingent upon satisfying several municipal code non-compliance issues, including stormwater documentation and frontage improvements. The third and final agenda item was an application for Annexation of three parcels along Golf Club Road SE, with the subdivision portion withdrawn. Public testimony focused heavily on the annexation, particularly concerning the right-of-way width, potential stormwater runoff/flooding impacts, and traffic concerns near existing agriculture. Due to outstanding legal review concerns regarding contiguity and right-of-way considerations, the Commission voted to continue the hearing to the next scheduled meeting.

The Planning Commission meeting on January 26, 2026, involved multiple public hearings concerning land use applications. Key items included a Site Plan Review for a triplex development on Ida Street (Land Use File #7-08/25), which was approved with staff-recommended conditions, and a Site Plan Review for two duplexes on E Santiam Street (Land Use File #11-09/25), which was also approved with conditions. A third public hearing addressed the Annexation and Subdivision application for three parcels on Golf Club Rd (Land Use File #16-12/24) into the Medium Density (MD) Residential zone. Due to concerns regarding public notice receipt and potential impacts of the proposed annexation, the hearing for Land Use File #16-12/24 was continued to the next meeting on February 23, 2026. The document also details a memorandum regarding a reheard annexation application (Land Use File #5-02/24) for KSD Properties, LLC on Golf Lane, where staff recommended approval with Low Density (LD) zoning instead of the requested MD zoning, and a separate memorandum concerning the Butler Annexation application (Land Use File #10-08/25) on Shaff Rd, where staff also recommended LD zoning over the requested High Density (HD) zoning.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the previous month's minutes. The primary agenda consisted of three hearings related to annexations of properties within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) into city limits, requiring a zoning recommendation. The Chair clarified that these hearings were administrative, focusing only on whether the annexation met land use code requirements, not future development details like site plans or traffic impact analysis. The commission continued the hearing for case 16-12-24, involving the annexation of approximately 59.63 acres at three Golf Club Road parcels for medium density residential zoning. Staff addressed a continuance from January, noting that the city attorney confirmed that the current right-of-way configuration is sufficient for annexation continuity, although future development might require wider dedication. Staff also reported receiving comments from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) concerning the Buildable Lands Analysis, which they plan to address. The applicant explained their preference for medium density over low density to provide single-family detached housing within the city's minimum lot size requirement. A member of the public, speaking for a coalition, strongly argued against the proposed annexation due to concerns about 'cherry stem' or 'strip' annexation creating legal vulnerability, violating continuity requirements, and leading to inefficient service delivery. Following public input, staff proposed minor modifications to the recommendation findings, including noting the second hearing and potentially recommending extending the annexation area along Golf Club Road to align with Marion County's request, although this was subject to further clarification with the applicant regarding boundary definitions.