[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6126823,"mediaKeyId","2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26","parentId",2665621,"title","Lebanon Strawberry Festival organizers present attendance, finances and safety planning to council","audioSeconds",1838,"startMs",2263000,"endMs",4101000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26&start=2263&end=4101","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26/thumbnail_2263000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6126823/Lebanon/Linn-County/Oregon/Lebanon-Strawberry-Festival-organizers-present-attendance-finances-and-safety-planning-to-council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126823-73c17d4b437bf6241aeeefa18f4a2761/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941248&Signature=HRHscyrdToTB6FySPsk~rYn2HWd9JFZuWq7moZiFztgZcWR7EHPDa~07rrJKTEn5GsW07sOMnjplbhdjh8mkvKQZexarcN1AiszoM5J9AojMC2jtRMXBIrDOsExus~H6O~699rGQnm3Q0sHDQvg6d4TeTIVeWiJTHODicVVA61x2N648yXYF7uyjGKL5Sk8O7MC0BA4TaP0tBy-mFoF02gByXDhNQtDXnpau9RLchHTW0PUlbFH3y1eXzGqTUBLBbhE~IrbEGnzGTXWyt4yldPSbB5~0aUYXZlUHKcKOOpuSDcwk7Xw0xFtt1xVh-HbR8USXD9dlbvjE9YMTV05XYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Lebanon, OR","date","2025-03-12T00:00:00Z","article","Leaders of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Association gave an informational presentation at the March 12 City Council meeting outlining attendance, finances, volunteer organization and safety planning for the annual festival.

Presentation highlights: Association leaders said the 2024 festival served about 27,000 attendees and generated roughly $519,000 in revenue against $472,000 in operating costs; sponsorships were a mix of local and some national partners. The association said 53% of attendees in 2024 came from outside Lebanon, bringing an estimated 14,000 visitors to town during the festival weekend.

Safety and operations: Organizers described a multi-year effort to improve event security and safety planning. They reported working with Lebanon Police, the fire department and Department of Homeland Security for event security assessments; the festival runs a DPSST‑certified security team and has instituted pre‑event planning meetings with emergency responders. Organizers said the event is designated a Tier‑3 (SEER‑3) event for planning purposes and that they continue to refine crowd and vendor operations.

Community benefits: The festival organizes scholarships for senior and junior courts and provides recurring donations to local nonprofits and park projects; in 2019 the association donated $100,000 toward park development. Organizers described multiple volunteer committees (about 23 committees and 200 volunteers) and a multi‑day schedule that includes two parades, a carnival, run/walk and fireworks.

Ending: Council thanked organizers for the presentation and for the volunteer hours and local economic activity the festival brings to Lebanon.

Note: The presentation was informational; no council action was required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lebanon Oregon City Council Meeting 03-12-2025 - Work Session and Regular Session","oneSentenceSummary","Festival leaders told council the four‑day event draws roughly 27,000 attendees (14,000 visitors from outside the city in 2024), generates roughly $519,000 in revenue and invests in safety planning with local emergency services and DHS assessments.","taxTitle","Lebanon, Linn County, Oregon","taxId",56921,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126828,"Council removes parking on portion of C Street to improve Republic Services turnaround",131,8851000,8982000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26&start=8851&end=8982","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26/thumbnail_8851000.jpg","/articles/6126828/Lebanon/Linn-County/Oregon/Council-removes-parking-on-portion-of-C-Street-to-improve-Republic-Services-turnaround","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126828-db4b8df04fc5e0b16139a1ae59e720e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941248&Signature=E8AukuQ6H4R5IHxN6oIKImFEnbOw2M0LvpeTiBvEQL~1U9wZyyZhRuQ5qysijmGGymhzVaI5iW~wnaDFb5d3BL1k8A-BHBtJEdrakMzZM-2wQ3vZM3KzB06kptqZEK4hJyMuq6gACX49B2OTuhVvLCr8VNeD~tBCNr8wOWbSTsNvjyhAbS8jRTJMVsRpyTUYPZz4vxzfz7gc4Ufg7Ey3VQjeDMja30a23D6CAzW6qK-HCy05GRqdkAE1qVRomT1SwibioqFGwaga7eizbtPvskET2ncGU-O1wJJP9w2p6Zp~od3~rTJ99sV-aayeq1Zo-XriUfmY376rSlEIEDsrMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lebanon City Council on March 12 approved Resolution 2025‑01 eliminating parking on a portion of C Street to provide a safer turnaround for Republic Services vehicles. Staff said the dead‑end street has seen new duplex construction and vehicles parked near the turnaround have forced refuse trucks to back into Second Street, creating a traffic hazard.

Staff notification and outreach: Public works staff told council they had notified the adjacent neighborhood and did not receive comments opposing the change. The measure affects a single parking spot; staff said the change is a minor operational adjustment to reduce safety risk and to avoid potential collision responses involving police and public works.

Council action: The council voted to approve Resolution 2025‑01 by voice vote; the resolution passed without amendment.

Next steps: Public works staff will place signage and update parking enforcement maps to reflect the eliminated space.

Ending: Councilors said the change was a targeted, low‑impact adjustment to improve safety for service vehicles and residents.","Resolution 2025-01 to eliminate a parking space on C Street passed on March 12; staff said the change will allow refuse trucks to safely turn around near newly added duplexes without reversing into Second Street.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126833,"Council directs staff to draft ordinance easing backyard‑chicken limits to 1 per 1,000 sq. ft., max 12",4261,6259000,10520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26&start=6259&end=10520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26/thumbnail_6259000.jpg","/articles/6126833/Lebanon/Linn-County/Oregon/Council-directs-staff-to-draft-ordinance-easing-backyardchicken-limits-to-1-per-1000-sq-ft-max-12","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126833-e6a0e88b6c794c77e62a198d54ec0d0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941248&Signature=JJjknKcGys27QQpnrIJcDO04ri2~Fzj3DH~YiHrMgQhGHn06MJRoSzbPsHT18Jg1H1sGZqv6OXwU9jTh26tz~5ERejlIEdMxq-mthtVAmBKef3iKQiLaohMJ-5v~rVENGIY2m4qKR8eURD8ITWBOmg4uY4PPXDo~PGHKtX5fMg2-tRLEi1CW5tfywsUzumh1iWob05ShhE7QFzUnMxr2ozCb0BxX5U~ZfVz0zgJK9v5VsuFoQfjfAgEiMem2tj9Gd4oBdrD0nSYAvTWG1WvCylDz0BzAP0NtEtrm2SvvjNOU~bnY8VgzSYY2-094oamxgVvq1aoJnLJPS48jBi-zfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lebanon City Council on March 12 directed staff to prepare an ordinance to change the municipal code on fowl: councilors favored revising the current one‑chicken‑per‑2,000‑square‑foot rule and the six‑chicken default limit. Under the direction, the draft ordinance will increase permissive backyard chickens to one per 1,000 square feet of lot area with a maximum of 12 chickens allowed without a special permit; owners who wish to exceed that threshold would need to seek city approval under an existing permit pathway.

Why it matters: Several residents addressed the council in favor of more permissive backyard‑chicken rules. Speakers said modestly higher bird counts help household food resiliency and are unlikely to materially increase enforcement burdens. Staff and councilors noted that the city has had few chicken complaints in recent years and asked staff to include complaint and enforcement metrics in future annual reports.

What the council asked staff to do: Draft an ordinance changing the code as described (1 per 1,000 sq. ft., maximum 12), keep a complaint-driven enforcement approach (no permitting for allowable numbers), and return with the ordinance language at the next meeting cycle. Council asked staff to include an annual tally of animal complaints in regular reporting.

Public comment: Proponents argued the proposed increase is small, would not create widespread nuisance, and would help households producing eggs. Staff and the police said existing complaints have been rare and generally related to maintenance problems or odors; code enforcement will respond if standards are violated.

Next steps: Staff to return with proposed amendment to Lebanon Municipal Code Section 6.16.001 in April for formal consideration and adoption procedures.

Ending: Council framed the action as a measured local adjustment to existing rules, balancing neighbor concerns and household-level food production.","After public comment and council discussion, staff were asked to return with an ordinance that changes Lebanon’s code to allow one chicken per 1,000 square feet up to a 12‑chicken maximum without a permit; higher counts would require an approval process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126837,"Lebanon council endorses policy that park rental fees not be waived; refers applicants to Chamber grants",2610,2832000,5442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26&start=2832&end=5442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26/thumbnail_2832000.jpg","/articles/6126837/Lebanon/Linn-County/Oregon/Lebanon-council-endorses-policy-that-park-rental-fees-not-be-waived-refers-applicants-to-Chamber-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126837-0eec5273e9b0259b036c1e419f3d602f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941248&Signature=Kzd25ktGC6OiJ0kZIS2h5lXYa~NwWPpkGEm44m14oXTW~uMpqUZNQSErEz3J7EiI0s2JQJOaaBkRjD5Sahv2v6qtrXzy711IYotvBqMXSRHqWrXZVumU9AZq1KTr74~lPBlYQ8LWsiGRTOe1mHcksbgz-NYWdsvAv7-EAp8Z-P23GRB9lKOMtvQDdaVlggzefRd41tBPCR~PkWV9VHF6XpuaqfKKhIOYE2wDsbawN5V5pF9-xJCEmJEDB91oEELQUWGm4~9TMPoA~EcTnni2weUGHjnT6Iu3Rn3GqWFJe~rlcE17b2KOZNmUbfgr343SnIp8b4t70wBzGQ4CCfukiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lebanon City Council members on March 12 agreed with staff recommendation not to routinely waive park reservation fees and directed staff to adopt an administrative policy to that effect. Instead, staff will help eligible groups apply to the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce’s grant program for fee support.

Why it matters: City staff told council that park operations and capital are funded through tight budgets; parks maintenance has limited staff and no dedicated capital fund to replace shelters, restrooms or irrigation. Staff said a full‑day rental of Cheadle Lake Park has been priced at $600 to reflect expected impacts when large festivals or heavily attended events use that property; the city cited a winter event that cost about $8,500 to repair turf damage after a muddy event.

What council decided: Council endorsed an administrative policy (staff to finalize language) that does not allow routine fee waivers. The policy directs staff to refer fee‑assistance requests to the Chamber’s grant program (budgeted at about $43,000 annually) and to continue outreach so applicants understand options. Councilors asked staff to make rental prices and booking options transparent on the city website and to consider discounted pricing for smaller groups at locations such as River Park.

Details from staff: Public works staff said the city maintains more than 300 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland (Cheadle Lake Park acreage noted at about 32–33.5 acres including recently purchased land) with roughly two full‑time parks employees; that staffing level makes heavy repairs costly. Staff recommended keeping rental fees to recoup maintenance and avoid shifting costs onto the general fund.

Next steps: Staff will publish the administrative policy, add rental pricing and booking guidance to the website, and continue coordinating with the Chamber on grant availability.

Ending: Councilors said they favored preserving park infrastructure and supporting community events, while ensuring the city recovers costs from large rentals rather than using limited general‑fund resources.","Council instructed staff to adopt an administrative policy not to waive park reservation fees and to help applicants pursue Chamber of Commerce grant funding; staff noted large events produce significant wear at Cheadle Lake Park.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126842,"Lebanon council declines proposed utility rate increase after multi-hour utilities briefing",657,1481000,2138000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26&start=1481&end=2138","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665621-5072c9be272b44167b4119d99958be26/thumbnail_1481000.jpg","/articles/6126842/Lebanon/Linn-County/Oregon/Lebanon-council-declines-proposed-utility-rate-increase-after-multi-hour-utilities-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126842-3b662b29e27a9c6a1c85a7bd5e12c786/orig.mp4?Expires=1770941249&Signature=Pb6S7SgSbzhp8J2gwRSE33PduVrcT1oyj7RiSNjxtaOq~l-BUJFw50y2FpOeue6wkx4NQle83BtMIkXSXdBTQ6jYt85VOWG7AkcotfbVmBjIE8pDmFqqI6diyL-R623TRjzFu4Lc9i0KzT2Sh0dDaT4pasye88aQZsny6hUSzFOCZ0Q1Y9iStTQryd4pwT7pO28YJDRk83NoLCubYrIZTgg5QesX365ck-J5JmoYfg13f4eQGEb9FhN9qwHTlk581a~nvXrcfgYwMxV9tkF0x6joVX8hC9EnmAWSj-bLGq1Cue2yaTS8C1M3o7Xuw8GK1N~DBT-xT~dRKrlSP9u9jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Lebanon officials presented an extended review of the municipal water, wastewater and stormwater systems at the March 12 City Council meeting and then voted to disapprove a staff-drafted rate resolution for utilities. City staff warned that substantial capital work is coming — including a large wastewater-treatment-plant upgrade that staff estimate will require roughly $30–35 million of work, with the city’s share modeled at about $15.7 million in borrowing — but council members said they did not want to raise rates now while the city pursues state and federal funding.

The presentation from staff — led by Public Works Director Jason (last name not specified), Finance Director Brandon (last name not specified) and City Manager Ron (last name not specified) — walked the council through operational conditions, near-term projects and five-year financial forecasts for each utility fund. Jason said the water treatment plant “has produced 528,220,000 gallons of water” through February and described system-wide needs including 88.7 miles of distribution mains; Brandon presented multi‑year fund balance projections and a wastewater forecast that showed a growing capital shortfall without new revenue or outside funding.

Why it matters: Lebanon’s sewer and water systems are aging and regulated; staff said regulators will require upgrades to meet permit limits and to replace old equipment. Staff modeled scenarios showing modest, staged rate increases would push a fund-balance problem further into the future, while no increase could create pressure when construction and debt service begin.

Most important details
- Water: Staff reported roughly 88.7 miles of distribution mains, median pipe replacement funding currently replaces only about 2,500–3,000 feet per year (a roughly 160‑year replacement cycle). Typical ductile‑iron pipe life is ~75 years, staff said.
- Wastewater: Staff said the city treats roughly 835,000,000 gallons of sewage through February and that infiltration/inflow during rain events can more than double plant flows. The draft wastewater facility plan in progress produced a preliminary capital estimate that would leave the city responsible for roughly $30 million; staff modeled a $15.7 million loan as part of that project assumption.
- Stormwater: The city maintains ~63 miles of storm mains and 52 miles of open-ditch channels; the storm fund generates about $200,000 a year for capital work.
- Finance: Brandon displayed five-year projections for the water and wastewater funds. He said the wastewater fund currently holds approximately $14.4 million in reserves (city phrasing) while modeling that, without rate changes, debt service and capital could produce a shortfall toward 2030. He described a staff-recommended modest 2% wastewater rate increase this year, followed by 3% escalators in out years in one model.

Council action and reasoning: After public comment and staff discussion, a motion to disapprove the utility-rate resolution (Resolution 2025-02) passed. Several councilors said they preferred to continue pursuing intergovernmental grant and loan options — including active lobbying in Salem and Washington, D.C. — before asking ratepayers for further increases. Council members repeatedly framed the vote as a timing decision, not a rejection of the underlying infrastructure needs.

Public comments: Residents at the meeting raised the affordability impacts of new fees and rate increases. Resident Steve Smith said the new “city services fee” plus other recent increases felt like “death by a thousand cuts” for households on fixed incomes. Other speakers urged vaccination of public outreach and explained how lack of notice had contributed to confusion about rate proposals.

What happens next: Staff will continue finalizing the wastewater facility plan, pursue state and federal funding, and return to council with updated cost estimates and financing scenarios. The council directed staff to prioritize pursuing external funding and to return with more data rather than adopt the proposed rates at this meeting.

Ending: Council members and staff emphasized both the seriousness of the infrastructure needs and the council’s preference to avoid immediate additional rate burdens while external funding is sought. City staff encouraged residents to tour the water and wastewater facilities and to follow further meetings for updated proposals.","City staff outlined water, wastewater and stormwater needs and multi-year financial forecasts; council voted to reject the draft utility-rate resolution, directing staff to pursue grants and return with details before raising rates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lebanon Strawberry Festival organizers present attendance, finances and safety planning to council

Council removes parking on portion of C Street to improve Republic Services turnaround

Council directs staff to draft ordinance easing backyard‑chicken limits to 1 per 1,000 sq. ft., max 12

Lebanon council endorses policy that park rental fees not be waived; refers applicants to Chamber grants

Lebanon council declines proposed utility rate increase after multi-hour utilities briefing