Jackie A. Mills

The meeting commenced with a presentation on the Mount Angel economic development plan, which is part of the North Marion County Regional Economic Development Strategy. Key discussion points included a SWOT analysis identifying strengths such as small-town atmosphere, cultural events like the October Fest, and natural resources, alongside weaknesses like limited lodging capacity and aging infrastructure. Opportunities discussed involved diversifying year-round activities, leveraging regional partnerships, encouraging residential development, and simplifying local regulations. Target industries presented for discussion included specialized retail (e.g., grocery stores like WinCo or Trader Joe's), restaurants, fitness facilities, and the development of year-round sports facilities. Implementation strategies focused on land supply readiness, encouraging economic development via comprehensive plan updates, expanding employment opportunities through collaboration with regional partners (Sedcore, Discover Mount Angel), and workforce development, including the potential for an incubator space. A specific concern was raised regarding the lack of cohesive messaging and low exposure for local businesses.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and an affirmation that no citizens signed up to speak. Key discussions involved the review of accounts payable for December 2024, which included questions regarding expenditures for 'bound to stay books' and a book repair binding machine, items determined to be library-related. The council then approved the minutes from the December 2nd, 2024 meeting as a consent agenda item. Under old business, the council held a discussion regarding the draft Water Master Plan, ultimately deciding to schedule a dedicated work session before the next regular meeting to thoroughly review and prioritize capital improvement projects, especially concerning water distribution sections. New business included the formal certification of the 2024 general election results via Resolution Number 1599. The session concluded with a reorganization, including the swearing-in of the newly elected Mayor and Councilors, followed by a presentation honoring the outgoing Mayor's service to the community, including recognition of his veteran status.

The meeting agenda for June 2, 2025, included a presentation on the Youth Advisory Council Scholarship. Key discussion items involved reviewing the May 2025 Accounts Payable report, unfinished business concerning Wastewater Sludge Removal and the adoption of the Water Master Plan (Resolution No. 1608). New business featured a public hearing on Electing State Shared Revenue (Resolution 1603), and action items for adopting the Budget for FY25-26 (Resolution 1604), adopting a Master Fee Schedule (Resolution 1605), adjusting wage scales (Resolution 1606), and a Parks Grant (Resolution No. 1607). The agenda also included three executive sessions scheduled to discuss labor negotiations regarding Police and Public Works, and to review the City Manager's performance.

The meeting addressed several operational and planning items. Discussions included review of accounts payable, specifically concerning purchases like laptops, wastewater treatment chemicals (chlorine and sulfur dioxide), and taser cartridge replacements due to training usage. Permitting fees paid to Maring County were clarified. A key agenda item involved the second reading and final adoption of Ordinance Number 776, which finalized the Housing Needs Analysis and amended the Mount Angel Comprehensive Plan. In the City Manager's report, updates were provided on the grind and overlay pavement project near the railroad crossing, the successful replacement of delineators with ceramic domes, and ongoing coordination with ODOT regarding a million-dollar allocation for an ADA ramp project and high visibility crossings, with efforts made to consolidate these projects. An issue with a storm line near North Main Street was reported, requiring engineering review for resolution via change order or new bid. Significant progress was noted in securing grant funding, including a potential $500,000 for the Railroad Avenue project. Council members discussed community investment programs, noting the expiration of a previous fund and discussing outreach for zoning code alignment. Water quality concerns regarding chlorination, iron, and residual testing were reviewed, detailing how chlorine interacts with existing pipe materials and the strategy for flushing the system. Finally, a successful joint fundraiser involving local restaurants benefited St. Mary's school.

The meeting commenced with roll call and acknowledgments. Key discussions included the proclamation of Police Week, Public Works Week, and Municipal Clerk Week, with the Mayor expressing thanks to these departments. Council members inquired about financial reports, specifically concerning attorney fees related to a volunteer waiver for police training, the cost of a full-page advertisement in the Travel Salem magazine funded by community prosperity funds, and clarification on the reimbursement structure for October Fest revenue and expenditures. Unfinished business involved approving the use of remaining ARPA funds for paving the intersection of South Main and West Church, which required Council authorization as the cost exceeded the City Manager's authority. Under the Contract Review Board agenda, an emergency declaration was issued and authority requested for a contract exceeding $50,000 (but not exceeding $200,000) to repair a severely damaged stormwater line under North Main Street that posed a risk of road collapse. The Council also addressed and corrected a clerical error in the action item description regarding emergency towing services.