Paul Olheiser

The meeting agenda included the election of officers for 2026, replacing the 2025 officers. A review of the draft minutes from the December 23, 2025 meeting was scheduled. The primary work session focused on discussing a draft amendment for signage regulations within the HC Zone related to Columbia Memorial Hospital, which will be presented conceptually to allow for Commission feedback before a formal public hearing scheduled for February 24, 2026. The agenda also featured a presentation on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update. Officer reports and staff reports included a Year in Review from the Community Development Department and a save the date for the next meeting.

The meeting included the review of engraved submissions for the Maritime Memorial, with all but one item (Englund Marine's large panel) approved. Key old business involved discussion regarding estimates from Guinett Masonry for re-securing panels and staff following up with the City's insurer about filing a claim. Members also discussed wayfinding improvements, agreeing to pursue cost-effective 3D printed signs funded by the existing budget. New business addressed overnight camping/parking issues at the Memorial, with direction provided to report violations to Livability@astoria.gov and staff attempting to post parking limitation signs.

The meeting agenda primarily concerns two requests from the Columbia River Maritime Museum (CRMM) regarding the placement of the 1927 fire boat "David Campbell" as an outdoor exhibit next to the Warnock Pond. These requests include a New Construction Request (NC25-03) and a Design Review Request (DR25-04). The discussion involves detailed findings of fact related to compliance with the Gateway Overlay Zone and Civic Greenway Overlay Zone design guidelines, particularly concerning the boat's form, windows, exterior treatments, lighting, and signage. Additionally, the agenda includes the review of draft minutes from the July 15, 2025, and August 19, 2025 meetings. A separate New Construction Request (NC25-04) for a wood and steel canopy for Big Beams LLC/Cervesia Gratis is also listed for a public hearing.

The meeting addressed community engagement regarding the library's upcoming reopening, which is proceeding on schedule and within budget following the renovation. Updates included paving the parking lot and planning for the reopening event. The Astor Library Friends Association (ALFA) reported on its participation in the reopening, construction of its bookshop, and bylaw updates. The staff report detailed material movement back into the building and reopening event promotions. The primary old business discussion focused on the Fee Schedule for Rental of Veterans Memorial Flag Room. The Board discussed defining terms like 'non-profit' and 'local' and ultimately recommended a fee structure to the City Council, which included exempting local non-profits, community-based organizations, and government organizations from hourly fees, while charging commercial entities and non-local groups $50 per hour. This recommendation was passed by a 4-0 vote.

The agenda for the meeting covered the approval of draft minutes from the January 5th meeting and a review of engraving applications received to date. Old business included discussions regarding securing panels on the memorial, potentially resetting them instead of using brackets, wayfinding/orientation solutions using 3D printed elements, and a proposal from Englund Marine to purchase an entire panel to honor former employees.