Council expands Parks & Recreation Board responsibilities to include pool

The Stayton City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-003 on Monday to amend municipal code chapter 2.28 and explicitly place the family memorial pool under the Parks and Recreation Board's responsibilities.

A staff member identified in the meeting as Julia explained the change was intended to update outdated language and "make it clear that the pool is under their purview for discussion purposes and give them a voice," and said the parks board had discussed and supported the proposal.

During public comment, Leonard Ayes asked whether placing the pool under the parks board would combine the pool and parks levies and affect ballot measures. Julia responded that the change does not automatically combine levies. "It doesn't necessarily mean that they're automatically together...it just means that the parks board has a voice and a recommendation on what happens at parks as well as what happens at the pool," she said, and noted a recreation levy already exists but the pool and parks finance could be separated in the future.

Council members expressed broad support for the code update, noting removal of obsolete duties such as a required secretary and outdated budget wording. Councilor Sims said the change "would be really good for the pool, especially with the lehi coming up that they have a voice with the boards." Councilor O'Rourke said the amendment will give patrons and community members "an opportunity to come towards the council in the form of this board."

Councilor O'Rourke moved to approve Ordinance 25-003; Councilor Patty seconded. Roll call votes recorded Councilor Ort, Councilor Patty, Councilor Carey and Councilor Sims as voting yes. The motion passed 4-0.

The ordinance updates the parks board's responsibilities and clarifies that the family memorial pool falls under its advisory purview; the change was supported by the parks board and does not, on its face, change levy status or funding mechanisms.