Erica Diebel

The meeting involved the presentation of the independent auditor's report for the City of Gladstone and the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The auditor provided an unmodified opinion on the financial statements, noting changes due to the adoption of GASB Statement 101 regarding compensated absences (including sick time) and an error correction related to restating beginning net position for governmental activities due to an overlooked fixed asset. A material weakness was noted due to the size of the fixed asset error, leading to a recommendation for reviewing asset listings annually. The general fund balance was reported at 62% of expenditures, which is a positive position. The audit also noted minor non-compliance regarding expenditures exceeding appropriations in a few funds. For the URA report, the opinion was also unmodified, and the URA's net position was positive, which is considered favorable as URAs often carry debt without corresponding assets.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was adopted as a consent motion, excluding items requested for separate discussion. Key discussions centered on the monthly planning report, where staff noted an error in providing the September report instead of the October report. Staff reviewed updates from the October report, including the approval of sediment control fencing at Melbar Park and City Council's adoption of revised limited land use designer republic notice language. The main public hearing addressed three items: file DR-25-06/FP-25-01/HCA-2501 regarding the addition of a storage pole barn to the children's course site. This application required design review, a flood plane permit, and a habitat conservation area permit. Staff detailed compliance with the no net loss flood plane standard via a mitigation assessment and the requirement for a construction management plan for the HCA. The applicant confirmed the structure is for storage, accessible only by employees, and sized to accommodate future modest equipment additions. Commissioners discussed the complexity and cost associated with the new flood plane regulations, particularly concerning fish passage requirements.

The meeting included the swearing in of the newest councilor, Leaf Farley. Business included the selection and re-election of the Council President, where Councilor Huckabe was reelected despite an objection regarding pending litigation costs. The council heard a presentation from Clackamus Fire District 1 Chief Nick Brown and Assistant Chief Brian Stewart regarding the success of their permanent contract, noting the benefit of having paramedics on every apparatus and proactive wildfire mitigation efforts. During audience comments, a resident discussed upcoming bingo sessions to support the Closed Closet organization and highlighted past community service events, including feeding residents at Tequila and wildfire mitigation work. The council also approved the consent agenda, which covered previous minutes, bank balances, budget reports, and department head reports.

The meeting addressed general updates following recent heavy rains and high water, including trail closures at Cross Park and Doll Beach, and debris removal from the boat ramp area. Routine maintenance, including garbage pickup and bathroom servicing, continues. Staff also reported on clearing a large houseless camp at Melgar Park and removing debris from the Clackamus River. Discussions covered ongoing seasonal pruning and planting activities, including work planned with the Clackamus River Basin Council. Operational updates included addressing plumbing and locking mechanism issues on restrooms, winter equipment preparation, and planning for turf aeration and fertilization for spring soccer. The board also reviewed annual agreements with user groups (Gladstone Soccer, Baseball and Softball, and Pickleball), and discussed the reservation program at Max Patterson Park, planning to continue it without fees with improved signage and schedules for the upcoming season. Finally, the board reviewed preliminary 60% design plans for a new restroom facility and shelter at the nature park, which involves significant utility installation requiring geotechnical work.

The agenda for the Traffic Safety Advisory Board meeting included the introduction of a new member, the election of a Chair and Vice Chair, and board business. Key discussion points involved updates from the Police Department, including monthly reports and traffic statistics, and roundtable discussions among board members. The meeting also allocated time for Community Input from visitors. Separately, the document includes extensive reports from the Police Department regarding December 2025 activities, such as community engagement like "Shop with a Cop" and "Santa Squad," crime statistics, behavioral health unit contacts, and ongoing training. The Public Works report detailed activities in Parks (clearing debris from high water events, homeless camp cleanup), Streets (pothole repair, street sign post replacement), Facilities (fire department roof leak estimates), Water (routine testing, meter changes, hydrant replacement), Sewer (annual mainline inspections), Storm (street sweeping, leaf pick-up), and Utility Management Administration (MS4 permit requirements, regional risk assessments).