James N. Forrester

The council focused on various municipal matters, including a work study on homelessness and the formal adoption of the 2026-2028 City Council goals and action items. Council accepted a resignation from the Public Works Commission and discussed the recruitment process for a new City Manager. Legislative items included the first reading of ordinances related to fire code updates, a prohibition on fireworks in city parks, and a ban on fuel-powered generators on city real property. Additionally, the council addressed parking enforcement on SE Stephens Street and discussed potential impacts and responses regarding local involvement with federal immigration enforcement.

This document summarizes the City of Roseburg's 2026 City Council Retreat, which focused on strengthening alignment, clarifying roles, and establishing shared priorities for the community and organization. The key goal areas identified include Housing, Clean + Safe Roseburg, Sustainable Organization, Homelessness, and Economic Development. The plan aims to provide a clear, aligned framework to guide future work and advance these priorities to serve the community.

The City Council met to discuss the recruitment process for a new City Manager following the announcement of the current City Manager's retirement. The discussion focused on two primary methods for managing the recruitment: utilizing internal City staff or hiring an executive search firm. The Council reviewed proposals and services from several search firms to assist with the hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and facilitating final interviews.

The Council reviewed a draft recruitment profile for the City Manager position. Discussions and actions included authorizing a consultant for recruitment, approving a request for a Councilor's extended absence, accepting the resignation of a Homeless Commission member, and adopting resolutions for annual fee adjustments across various City departments, including water, business permits, and planning services. The Council also reviewed proposed ordinances concerning annexation and federal immigration enforcement, and discussed departmental items such as the library strategic plan.

The council addressed several administrative and operational items, including the approval of a reimbursement request for legal fees associated with an ethics commission investigation, and the endorsement of a new liquor license for a local business. Resolutions were adopted to authorize grant applications for park improvements at Fir Grove. Furthermore, the council decided to reject all bids for the Parrott Creek Culvert Replacement project due to procedural errors, and approved an engineering contract for the development of a new Water System Master Plan. The meeting also included reports from the Mayor, department heads, and discussions on future tentative council agendas.