Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the State Legislation Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews state bills, transportation package and a request to join North Clackamas bond advisory committee
Summary
Councilors reviewed several state bills and discussed both a local request to serve on North Clackamas School District’s bond advisory committee and recent ODOT Rail conversations about high-priority rail intersections in Milwaukie.
Councilors used their reports period to review several state-level items and to respond to a district request for a city representative on a school bond advisory committee.
During the legislative update, councilors named bills they are tracking: SB 916, described in the discussion as a bill that would provide unemployment benefits to striking employees with limits (members noted caps and waiting periods were still being amended); senate bill 238, described as a controversial bill expanding drone use and raising concerns about law-enforcement usage; and a larger transportation funding package that councilors said remains fluid but could provide funds for local projects. Several councilors noted a letter regarding the transportation package had been sent in the names of four council members and asked staff to circulate the final letter text to the full council.
The city manager said the North Clackamas School District asked the city to nominate a representative to serve on the superintendent’s bond advisory committee. The district expected roughly eight evening meetings from mid-September through December to review facility needs and develop a bond proposal. The city manager said staff could serve but that there was interest among elected officials. Councilor Stavenjord said she was willing to serve; the city manager said she would notify the district contact (Cindy) and share Stavenjord’s name.
Council members also reported a recent call with ODOT Rail and its consultants, David Evans and Associates, which included discussion of local rail priorities. ODOT Rail’s ranking identified the Harmony Road intersection among the highest-priority intersections needing attention; councilors said the agency’s state rail plan includes grade separation at both Harmony Road and Harrison Street in long-range planning and that passenger-rail expansion and double-tracking through Milwaukie are part of the agency’s goals but not imminent.
Council discussion included repeated cautions that several bills remain in flux, that staff had submitted a letter in support of some legislation, and that if any of the bills of interest reached a final vote the council could provide follow-up communications to legislators. No formal council votes were taken on state bills during the meeting. The city manager will inform the district of the city’s nominee to the bond advisory committee.
