Dwayne Ratzell

The Commission discussed the allocation of Program Year 2026 federal funds, reaching a consensus on tiered ranking for Public Service applications and approving funding for various local organizations. They also addressed Non-Public Service award distributions, specifically for housing rehabilitation and small business development centers, and approved a contingency plan for funding if certain entities are unable to accept awards. Furthermore, staff provided updates on upcoming housing training, community needs assessments, and processes for Council appointments to the Commission.

The council addressed several items, including the adoption of resolutions regarding right-of-way dedications for the Knox Butte Self Storage project and the approval of an agreement for the 3rd Ave Calapooia River Bridge preliminary engineering. A public hearing was held concerning amendments to the Albany Development Code to align with new state laws, which was subsequently continued to a future meeting. The council also conducted the first reading of an ordinance related to the private construction of public improvements. Additionally, there was a briefing on automated license plate reader technology, resulting in a consensus to further explore signage requirements for such devices used on private property.

The council convened an executive session to review and evaluate the performance of the chief executive officer. Following this session, the council discussed and acted upon compensation, including salary ranges, step placement for the City Manager, and the integration of future cost-of-living adjustments. Additionally, the council approved changes to the severance provision, established an annual evaluation frequency for the City Manager's contract, and authorized the preparation of a revised agreement.

The council received presentations regarding an airport study and a draft strategic plan, discussing future airport operations and the alignment of the budget process with the strategic plan. Public comments addressed concerns about railroad crossing repairs, the economic importance of the airport, and the removal of homeless camps. A local fuel tax and transportation utility fee were discussed during an informational briefing. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to debating a new City Manager evaluation process, resulting in a motion to adopt the new procedure and a subsequent requirement that any future substantive changes be brought before the council in an open meeting for prior review. Additional updates were provided on school speed zones, pedestrian safety, sharps disposal, and the conservation easement status of Simpson Park.

The council addressed several agenda items, including the approval of ambulance service fee adjustments and a water line contract award. Presentations were made regarding a summer schedule adjustment for Republic Services and the annual awards of the police department. The council adopted the 2026-2030 City of Albany Strategic Plan. A public hearing was held regarding the Downtown Economic Improvement District, resulting in the adoption of an ordinance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a discussion on the use of Automated License Plate Reader technology, which concluded with a motion to cancel the city's contract with Flock Safety. Furthermore, the council discussed a proposed housing development for seniors and received updates on the Transportation System Plan.