Luke Shepard

The council discussed the implementation of a pilot Summer Camp Program by the North County Recreation District and reviewed a proposal to increase the number of accessible short-term rentals in partnership with Becoming rentABLE. The meeting included a review of nominations for Grand Marshal and Volunteer of the Year, as well as a discussion on a resolution for an OWEB grant amendment regarding the acquisition of the Jetty Creek watershed. Additionally, the council reviewed ordinances related to a master fee schedule and considered a draft resolution concerning the city's wayside use policy.

The council meeting addressed several operational and legislative matters. Staff provided reports on fire department activities, including personnel recognition, sheriff office operations, public works projects like water mains and sewer maintenance, and ongoing grant applications for a transportation system plan. Public hearings were held regarding the use of state revenue sharing funds and the approval of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. The council passed multiple resolutions, including the continuation of reserve funds, declarations for receiving state revenues, formal adoption of the budget, selection of parade honorees, referral of charter amendments to voters, endorsement of a grant application, and authorization for an amendment to an OWEB grant agreement.

This Forest Resources Stewardship Plan outlines the City of Rockaway Beach's long-term strategy for managing the Jetty Creek Watershed. Its primary goals include providing reliable quantities of high-quality drinking water, building long-term forest resilience, fostering community engagement and stewardship through public access and education, enhancing native wildlife habitat, and ensuring financial sustainability by protecting water quality and minimizing treatment costs. The plan aims to transform the property into a resilient, ecologically complex forest that prioritizes water quality and quantity, habitat, and recreational opportunities.

The council reviewed and accepted several grant closeout reports, including those for the Neah-Kah-Nie Coast Arts Music & Cultural Foundation and the Rockaway Beach Business Association. Staff reports were provided regarding Fire Department operations, Sheriff's Office updates, Public Works projects, and city management items. New business included the approval of several grant completion determinations, the passage of a proclamation declaring the city a safe and welcoming community, the reappointment of Planning Commission members, and the authorization of a contract for the Nedonna Beach Water System Improvements Project.

The Planning Commission reviewed a staff report regarding updates to the Zoning Ordinance. The primary item of business was a discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan update, covering topics such as organizational structure, statewide planning goals, community engagement strategies, and the prioritization of plan sections. Additionally, the commissioners discussed various city infrastructure concerns, including private tree removal, parking limitations, housing density, road maintenance on port property, and improvements to the city website.