Laura Reyes

The City Council meeting included a discussion on marijuana-related updates and local ordinances. The Council approved a hangar lease transfer at the municipal airport and appointed an interim City Councilor to fill an upcoming vacancy. Furthermore, a business loan application for a fitness center was approved with modified stipulations regarding collateral and guarantees. The Council also passed a resolution to adopt a new five-year compensation schedule for paid on-call firefighters and reviewed departmental annual reports. An executive session was held to discuss potential litigation.

The council meeting addressed several operational and developmental items. Key discussion topics included the introduction of the new Economic Development Coordinator, a presentation on a Community 101 philanthropic grant by Four Rivers Charter School students, and the second and final reading of an ordinance to establish a civil penalty process. The council held a discussion on sales tax community feedback and potential future budget cuts, reviewed lease agreements at the Ontario Municipal Airport, and authorized a transfer of grant funds for a sidewalk project on North Park Boulevard. Additionally, the council discussed a proposed building incentive program to stimulate new housing construction and received notification regarding an emergency purchase for the SCADA system replacement.

The Council meeting involved discussions and actions on several key matters. The Council authorized the establishment of a Lieutenant position within the Police Department and approved a Shop with a Cop grant. Discussions were held regarding a beekeeping ordinance and the renewal of commercial and park land leases, including Bain Aviation and Moore Park. The Council also issued a letter of support for the Malheur County transload facility and approved changes to the municipal airport operations manual and a fence construction project. Additionally, the Council authorized the write-off of certain delinquent accounts and approved a procedural resolution for handling marijuana retail conditional use permit applications.

The council discussed various items including an electronic lien filing system, a resolution calling for an election on a sales tax cap for the May 2018 ballot, and homeless services funding which was directed to the budget committee. They approved a housing incentive program, an ordinance amending municipal code concerning public nuisances and derelict buildings, the adoption of a municipal airport standard manual, and the transfer of hangar leases. Additionally, the council approved funding for the completion of the water treatment plant chemical feed project, tabled action on a temporary land lease for Frazier Aviation, and referred a proposal for OpenGov software to the budget committee. The council also received quarterly reports from the fire and recreation departments and held an executive session.

The council meeting addressed several business matters, including the transfer of a hangar lease at the airport and the renewal of a mutual aid agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation. The council approved an intergovernmental agreement for the SE 5th Avenue street project, which involves constructing a multi-use path and intersection improvements. Additionally, the council approved a collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Firefighters and authorized a salary adjustment for the City Manager following an executive session. Outgoing council members and the Mayor were recognized for their service.