Steve Forrester

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and confirmation that there were no additions to the agenda. Key discussion points included the Mayor's State of the City address for 2025, highlighting economic growth fueled by data centers, advancements in water management (ASR project), infrastructure improvements like the Peters Road to Flat Road extension, and securing funding for housing projects. Challenges discussed involved the police chief's short tenure and a setback for the biomass renewable energy project due to rezoning opposition. Corrective actions focused on proactive public communication through town halls, especially regarding water security. A procedural discussion arose regarding the mandated meeting date on the first Monday of the year, with consensus to ask legal counsel to draft an ordinance to potentially move it to the first regular meeting, unless it coincides with a swearing-in year.

The City of Prineville Comprehensive Plan is a value-driven roadmap guiding growth and development, aiming to preserve the community's small-town character while addressing future needs. It outlines goals and policies across key areas including community characteristics, land uses and zoning, natural environment protection, parks, recreation and open spaces, economic development, and transportation. The plan emphasizes citizen involvement, fiscal responsibility, efficient land use, and the provision of adequate infrastructure to support a sustainable and livable community over a 20-year planning horizon.

The City Council meeting agenda included a consent agenda covering the approval of the previous Regular Meeting Brief and several liquor license applications. Key business items involved a presentation from the Chamber of Commerce regarding their new tagline and job titles, a staff report from the City Manager, and the first presentation of Ordinance No. 1305, which proposes amending the City's Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map from Industrial to Commercial for a specific property to allow for expansion. Other reports covered public safety updates, public works readiness, railroad inspections, planning updates regarding subdivision applications, and updates on grant funding for electric vehicles.

The meeting commenced with the re-election of officers for 2026, where the previous year's officers were maintained, with Marty Bailey continuing as Chair. The Public Hearing section had no scheduled items. Key discussions during Planning Commission Matters included an informational presentation by the Planning Director regarding the draft Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA) destined for City Council adoption. Commissioners raised specific inquiries concerning intersection design issues, proposed speed changes on Lamonta, and traffic count data for North Main Street following the opening of the Combs Flat extension. The Director also provided updates on various ongoing City projects and developments.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in remembrance of former Mayor Betty Roy. Following the flag salute, the council proceeded with the consent agenda, which was approved despite some questions regarding abstentions for previously missed meetings. Key discussions included a presentation from the Primeville Chamber of Commerce and Explore Primeville regarding their combined 2026 vision, staffing updates, recent events, membership benefits, and a review of tourism data. Business items involved initiating a public hearing for a zone change for Grocery Bandit to expand its retail operations by rezoning and combining properties, and discussing the intent to award the purchase of two Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Vehicles using ODOT grant funding for the IT and railroad departments.