Lieden Cook

The meeting included a community discussion regarding a proposed moratorium on new recreational cannabis facilities and opposition to the Baker Development Agreement. Fire Department officers, including a Captain and two Lieutenants, were sworn into office by the Mayor. The consent agenda actions, which were approved, included the minutes from the February 17, 2026, meeting and approvals for appointments to the Airport Commission and Housing Committee. A public hearing addressed Fee Resolution 2981, which updates service fees, typically involving a 3% increase. New business involved the first reading of Ordinance 4030, which concerns the new ten-year franchise agreement for Charter Communications.

The City Council meeting included community discussion on local issues such as stop signs and debris cleanup. Key agenda items included a Public Hearing on Ordinance 4026, which amends the Airport Commission Ordinance to address Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) regarding airport lease agreements, a topic that saw debate regarding accountability versus compliance needs. The Council awarded Task Order 2025-01 to Consor for the North Hill Water System Improvement Project. New business involved first readings of ordinances related to mailing requirements for the Vacant Property Ordinance, rezoning a parcel from Commercial to Residential, and the vacation of a portion of SW 9th Street. The Council also reviewed the PCC Commission Annual Report and considered the Local Option Levy for Fire and Ambulance, ultimately approving permission to send the operational levy request to voters in May. Finally, the Council voted to grant the Essential Air Service contract for the next biennium to SkyWest Charter.

Discussions included inquiries about the FAA EAS contract and airport landings. The consent agenda included approval of minutes from the previous meeting and an OLCC application. Public hearings addressed Ordinance 4044, vacating a portion of SW 9th Street to allow for planned development, which passed despite parking concerns. Ordinance 4043 amendments changed the notification method for the Vacant Property Ordinance from certified mail to regular first-class mail due to cost and non-receipt issues. Ordinance 4045 rezoned a small parcel from C-3 Service Commercial to R-2 Medium Density Residential to reflect existing use. Resolution 2982 approved referring a proposed operational levy for Fire and Ambulance Services to the voters for an increased tax to fund additional staff. New business included the approval of the Development Agreement for the Baker Project on SW 9th Street, moving forward with demolition and townhouse construction, and the approval of an MOU to explore combining fire entities in Umatilla County into a single Fire Authority. Reports were also presented on Facilities Capital Improvement Projects, Library Capital Improvement Projects, and the Library Commission Annual Report.

Discussions during the meeting included a proposal to establish a committee to oversee surveillance and camera technology, and an update on the Strategic Plan, including a save the date for a flood mitigation project meeting. The consent agenda covered routine actions, including approval of minutes from January 6, 2026, and approval of a full on-premise OLCC permit for Skyview Bistro and Lounge. A bid for $86,291.93 was approved to purchase a Phoenix G2 alerting system equipment for Pendleton Fire & Ambulance. New business featured a first reading of Ordinance 4026, which amends the Airport Commission Ordinance to ensure compliance with Non-Disclosure Agreements related to the UAS Test Range. The Council tabled the decision regarding the Essential Air Service contract recommendation, tabling the recommendation for SkyWest Charter after public comment favoring Boutique Air. Other new business included establishing a sewer hook-on fee for a recent line installation and approving a 3-year water meter replacement program not to exceed $300,000, funded by the Water Fund.

Discussions during the meeting included a community member's request to add shields to new security lights at the Pendleton Motel to mitigate light pollution. Another resident addressed previous technology failures that prevented their testimony from being shared publicly during a prior meeting, with the City Manager confirming the full statement was included in the approved minutes of the December 16 meeting. Under New Business, the Council unanimously elected Carole Innes as the council president for 2026 and addressed the Parks and Recreation Department Capital Improvement Program.