Committee discusses RV parking, homeless presence and public restroom access in Estacada

Committee members and staff discussed recent RV parking and transient encampments in and near Estacada during the Sept. 16 meeting, noting several short‑term RVs around downtown and at gas stations and a fifth‑wheel parked for nearly two months near Eagle Creek.

The committee noted deputies had been moving RVs that parked in town; staff reported some units arrived from a local property and have since dispersed to other parts of the county. A committee member raised a specific concern about “the fifth wheeler that's on Eagle Creek” (just past Eagle Creek Saloon on the Old Highway) and asked staff to pursue removal; staff agreed to ask an East County deputy to address it because it is outside city limits.

Members also discussed restroom access at a public building near the Saturday market. Melanie said staff attempt to leave the restroom open 24 hours in the summer but will lock it when vandalism or misuse makes it unusable. She told the committee that the market organizers pay a cleaner Saturday mornings so the restroom may be available for market use and that staff will lock or unlock based on observed conditions.

Committee members also raised homelessness concerns and said the number of people camping or staying in town has increased this year; staff and deputies said people generally move along but that the city will respond to specific complaints. No new ordinance or funding decision was adopted; staff said they would follow up with county deputies for locations outside city limits and continue current restroom management practices.