Lilly Alarcon-Strong

The council conducted a work session and a regular meeting addressing various municipal matters. Key discussions included the regulation of unlicensed food vendors, exploring enforcement versus education strategies, and considering additional food vending licenses. During the regular session, the council addressed citizen input, approved consent agenda items, and adopted ordinances related to the Umatilla Electric Cooperative Franchise and illegal food vending. Resolutions were passed regarding the Evelyn Avenue Sewer Line replacement, a supplemental budget for FY2025-26, and an interfund loan. Additionally, the council discussed the potential renaming of E. Airport Road, accepted the monthly financial report, and received reports from various advisory committees and the City Manager.

This document presents the City of Hermiston's 2026 Council Goals and Action Plan, developed from a January 2026 retreat. Building upon the broader Hermiston 2040 Vision, it outlines fiscally grounded priorities and actions across four strategic areas: Growing + Prosperous Hermiston, Safe + Healthy Hermiston, Connected + Engaged Hermiston, and Sustainable Hermiston. The plan aims to provide clear policy direction, align resources, and guide the organization to meet community needs for the upcoming year.

The commission reviewed and approved a preliminary plat for a 45-lot residential subdivision, including detailed conditions regarding street infrastructure, utility easements, and lot design. The commission also approved final plats for the Diamond Run Phases 2 & 3 project and the Anderson subdivision. Additionally, staff provided updates on upcoming joint work sessions, local infrastructure projects including the SE 10th Street bridge, and recent urban growth boundary expansions.

The agenda for the combined Work Session and Regular Meeting includes discussions on the Hermiston Transportation System Plan Update and Recommendations. The Consent Agenda involves committee vacancy announcements and confirmation of appointments to the Budget Committee and Hispanic Advisory Committee. Key items for resolutions include establishing the Hermiston Enterprise Zone and approving contracts for backup power generators for the Regional Water System. Other business covers an Amended Harkenrider Center Facilities Agreement and the adoption of the 2026 Council Goal Setting Report. The accompanying minutes from a previous February 23, 2026 meeting detailed discussions regarding regulating unlicensed food vendors, which sparked significant public comment concerning licensing availability and enforcement, as well as the potential renaming of E. Airport Road.

The meeting commenced with citizen input concerning data center developments and concerns regarding junk yard code enforcement. The consent agenda included approval of committee vacancy announcements and the minutes from the January 12th meeting. A substantial portion of the meeting involved a Public Hearing regarding Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map Amendments and Annexation (Ordinance Nos. 2378 & 2379) related to the Farm City Pro Rodeo property, which proposed changing land use to Commercial to allow for an RV park; public testimony addressed potential impacts on local hotels. Following the adoption of Findings of Facts and approval conditions, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 2378 and Ordinance No. 2379 concerning the map amendments and annexation, respectively. Other actions included the adoption of Resolution No. 2401 regarding Master Fee Schedule & Utility Rate Adjustments (with a noted correction), adoption of Resolution No. 2402 authorizing the installation of stop signs (including one at SE Columbia Drive and SE 10th St), adoption of Resolution No. 2403 adopting revised Public Works Standards, and adoption of Resolution No. 2404 renewing the IGA for IT Services with the Oregon Trail Library District. Furthermore, the Council adopted Resolution No. 2405, awarding the contract for the North EOTEC RV Park event camping spaces. Discussions also covered potential Code Amendments Regulating Temporary Food Vendors, with staff tasked to develop outreach and education efforts before presenting enforcement language. Finally, the December 2025 Monthly Financial Report was accepted.