Paul Bertagna

The City Council annually establishes goals for the upcoming fiscal year, each supported by specific objectives to ensure measurable progress. The current overarching goals encompass Housing, Livability and Growth, Wildfire Mitigation and Resiliency, Economic Development, Essential Infrastructure, Good Governance, Environmental Sustainability, and Urban Renewal Agency Goals.

The City Council meeting included a workshop presentation from the Civic Leadership Academy regarding compensation for local elected officials. The agenda covered the consideration of various ordinances and resolutions, including amendments to the development code, updates to transportation system development charges, the election to receive state revenues, the adoption of the fiscal year 2026/27 budget, and amendments to the master fee schedule. Additionally, the council discussed awarding a public improvement contract for the Elm Street Multi-use Path project.

The board discussed a road safety audit for the downtown Cascade Avenue corridor, which involved analyzing crash data, field observations, and potential safety improvements such as lighting and traffic calming measures. Additionally, staff provided updates on various infrastructure projects including pump station improvements and path construction. The board also reviewed and recommended the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Pavement Maintenance Plan, which details various road treatment strategies including overlay, slurry seal, chip seal, and crack seal to maintain roadway conditions.

The Agency conducted a public hearing and adopted a resolution to finalize the fiscal year 2026/27 budget, including the establishment of tax increment authority and appropriations. Additionally, the Agency considered a resolution to repeal and replace the workforce housing program definitions and approved a $400,000 workforce housing grant agreement with Sisters Habitat for Humanity for the Larch Commons development project.

The meeting addressed the decline of Swedish Aspen trees along Cascade Avenue due to pest infestation and poor root structure, with recommendations for replacement species. Discussions also focused on the removal of declining ponderosa pines at N. Pine and Barclay due to beetle infestation and the need for future replanting. Additional topics included updates on the City Forester's work, Arbor Day events, management of tree irrigation, street tree replacements, the Heritage Grove application, and potential expansion of tree safety inspections to other public parks.