Johnathan Balkema

This ordinance formally approves the Oak Creek Urban Renewal Plan for the City of Albany. The plan aims to address blighted conditions within the Oak Creek Urban Renewal Area by undertaking rehabilitation and redevelopment activities. Key focus areas include improving inadequate streets, rights-of-way, and utilities, such as sewer, water, and storm drainage. The plan's objectives are to protect public health, safety, and welfare, ensure the area contributes property tax revenues, and align with the City's Comprehensive Plan, with funding primarily from urban renewal tax increment revenues.

The City of Albany's 2020 Action Plan details the annual use of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to address community development needs. The plan prioritizes preserving and improving existing affordable housing, reducing and preventing homelessness, providing public services to low-income and special needs residents, and increasing economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals through microenterprise support and job creation. It aims to develop viable urban communities by ensuring decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate-income populations.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call, followed by the adoption of the consent agenda. The consent agenda included appointments to Citizen Advisory Groups and the approval of liquor license requests for Sybaris Inc., DBA Sybaris Bistro. Several resolutions certifying annual tax-exempt properties were also adopted. Public hearings were held regarding a Zoning Map Amendment for properties on Columbus Street SE and 5th Avenue SE, and for the East Albany Town Center Annexations with concurrent Map Amendments, though the latter ordinance was set for a future meeting. Action items involved adopting an ordinance and resolution amending the Economic Improvement District Assessment Duration and adopting an ordinance regarding amendments to the Community Development Commission code. A resolution was adopted to award the contract for the WWTP-26-02, AM-WRF Disinfection Study. The Council passed a motion to immediately suspend the operation of all Flock safety automated license plate reader cameras, halt further installations, and conduct a public review of data access and sharing protocols. A motion was also passed for the Oregon Law Center to present data access details to the Council.

The meeting agenda included the adoption of the consent agenda, which covered appointments to citizen advisory groups and the approval of minutes from January 26 and January 28, 2026 meetings. A public hearing was held regarding a Resolution Approving Issuance of Senior Living Revenue Bonds for Mennonite Home of Albany (TEFRA Approval). The council also conducted a discussion on State Legislative Priorities and the Transient Lodging Tax (TLT). Informational briefings included Department Strategy Discussions led by the Executive Leadership Team.

The meeting commenced with department strategy discussions, featuring presentations from Community Development, Public Works (Operations and Engineering), Finance, Library, Parks & Recreation, and Information Technology departments, providing overviews of their primary functions and recent accomplishments. Council provided feedback and questions were noted for follow-up. During the Business from the Council segment, concerns were raised regarding a letter signed by the Mayor in support of HB4148, which deals with transient lodging tax dollars. The City Manager reported that Albany Revitalization Agency (ARA) related business would be discussed in a separate advertised ARA meeting. An update on the legislative session, including the rationale for supporting HB4148, was provided.