PRESENT:

Mayor Cheryl Young

Councilor Bob Schmor

Councilor Marian Calnon

Councilor Gary Hudson

Leahnette Rivers, City Administrator/Recorder

Jim Bundy, Public Works Superintendent

The Mayor and Council met to discuss establishing goals and objectives for fiscal year 2001-02 and to review progress on current year goals.

The Council reviewed a recommendation from the Planning Commission that the goal relating to exploring the possibility of rezoning the Port property be deleted because the Port has not shown an interest in this. It was the consensus of the Council that this goal be retained because the City is currently in the middle of a long-range planning project that may result in the rezoning of all or a portion of the Port property for redevelopment.

The Council reviewed a recommendation from the City Planner that a City identity be established. It was the consensus of the Council that this would be addressed in the upcoming Visioning Workshop scheduled for February 15, 2001.

The Council reviewed a recommendation from a Planning Commissioner that entrance signs be placed on Highway 30 depicting the City's ship building history. It was the consensus of the Council that this task would be completed as a part of the City's Enhancement Grant Project.

The Council identified the following goals for 2001-02:

1. Give priority to the completion of production and storage improvements to the City's water system

A. To acquire property for new reservoir and future well site.

Rationale: Ideally, the new reservoir would be located at the north end of the City and the property would provide a potential well site for future use.

B. To pursue completion of the construction of a 1.0 million gallon water storage reservoir.

Rationale: City engineers have indicated that the City's current water storage capacity is equal to only 40% of the recommended capacity for our current population. It is essential that every effort is made to increase storage capacity to meet average daily use and fire protection needs.

C. To pursue completion of the development of two groundwater wells.

Rationale: Our daily water demands sometimes meet or exceed the supply limits identified in the contract with the City of St. Helens. Engineering reports have indicated that the development of two groundwater wells is the preferred option for increased capacity.

D. To secure grant and/or loan funding for water storage and production improvements.

Rationale: Grants and/or loans must be obtained in order to complete necessary improvements.

E. To encourage conservation of our water resources and increase production capabilities to better serve our customers.

Rationale: We must make every effort to increase our water production capabilities and conserve our available water resources to avoid instituting mandatory conservation regulations on water system users.

F. To ensure that the minimum treatment requirements for drinking water as established by the United State Environmental Protection Agency are met.

Rationale: This summer the City will strive to meet all minimum treatment requirements for drinking water through an aggressive leak detection program, water conservation efforts, and production well improvements.

2. Place emphasis on street maintenance and improvements

A. To investigate and pursue alternative funding opportunities for street maintenance and improvements.

Rationale: Current resources available for street maintenance and improvements received from State gas tax and street system development charges fall short of meeting the City's basic street maintenance needs and providing for necessary street improvements. Additional grant funding must be pursued, and other alternatives, such as user fees, should be investigated.

B. To continue with street maintenance efforts to preserve the existing street improvements and to make needed improvements are resources allow.

Rationale: A prioritized maintenance, repair and improvement program will protect and prolong the life of the City's current and secure the future of needed street related investments.

A. Explore the possibility of rezoning the heavy industrial property east of Highway 30 at the north end of the City to commercial.

Rationale: The current heavy industrial use of this property has conflicted with the health and welfare of the residential area east of Highway 30. Consideration should be given to rezoning the property to improve the local economy and mitigate the detrimental impacts of the industrial uses on the neighboring residential area.

B. Consider expansion of the existing Urban Growth Boundary.

Rationale: Only a small portion of the existing Urban Growth Boundary remains outside of the City limits. Consideration should be given to expanding the Urban Growth Boundary to provide for future growth.

C. Seek grant funding for the development of a Parks Master Plan.

Rationale: A master plan is needed to guide future park development in order to insure a consistent, coordinated effort is made to reach agreed upon goals.

D. Seek grant funding to for the preparation of a Parks, Transportation and Storm Drainage System Development Charge (SDC) Update Study.

Rationale: SDC's must be updated to ensure that growth related capital needs are met.

E. Seek grant funding to assist with updating the zoning and subdivision ordinances through the adoption of a uniform development code.

Rationale: The proper tools must be in place to guide the review and implementation of development plans and to properly manage resources.

F. To encourage the development of the vacant commercial property at the corner of "I" and Second Streets for community use such as a post office, council meeting chambers, etc.

Rationale: This property is located in the heart of the City's civic center, and it would benefit the community to preserve it for community use.

Meeting adjourned 8:26 p.m.

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