Patrick McLeod

The council discussed the Oregon Moderate Income Revolving Loan Program. Key points of discussion included staff responses to council questions, the status of the program in other jurisdictions, and concerns regarding liability, compliance, and the impact of potential project defaults on the city. The participants also explored the Hood River model as a potential strategy for program implementation, specifically emphasizing limiting participation to nonprofit developers to manage risk and compliance effectively.

The commission discussed information items, including the status of the local farmers market. A Type 3 application for a K-12 public charter school was continued to a future hearing date. The meeting included a work session regarding proposed code updates to manufacturing and business industrial zoning districts, focusing on modernization, increased flexibility, consistency in formatting, and the balancing of industrial land protection with the need for employee-serving amenities.

This Council Goal Action Plan for the City of Milwaukie focuses on economic development, aiming to support Milwaukie's business districts and invest in neighborhood hubs. The plan outlines strategic goals for 2025-2027, including revitalizing Main Street and Downtown, attracting new investments in industrial areas, enhancing neighborhood hubs, strengthening city-business partnerships, and implementing capital improvements. It details an action roadmap with staff and council activities and defines metrics to measure success in areas such as direct business support, project advancement, business engagement, and overall business friendliness, with the ultimate goal of institutionalizing business support as a core city function.

This Council Goal Action Plan for Milwaukie focuses on parks and greenspace, aiming to deliver Milwaukie Bay Park and expand equitable access to greenspace, including the future restored Kellogg Creek Natural Area. The plan seeks to enhance environmental and recreational amenities that promote health, community connection, and environmental stewardship. Key objectives for the 2025-2027 timeframe include the substantial completion of Milwaukie Bay Park, progress on Kellogg Dam removal and natural area restoration, increased public satisfaction with park quality and access, expanded accessibility to greenspace within a short walking distance, increased parkland and accessible greenspace, and growth in the city's tree canopy.

The council held a work session to review solid waste rates and recycling fee schedules. The discussion included an analysis of franchise agreements and collection rates provided by external consultants, specifically addressing increases in disposal fees, labor costs, and truck maintenance expenses. Council members questioned the rate structure for various container sizes, particularly regarding the differential between 35-gallon and 96-gallon bins. Additionally, the council reviewed proposed adjustments to dropbox service fees, including delivery charges and mileage calculations.