Votes at a glance: Oregon City Commission approves grant agreement, amends parks SDCs and advances ordinances

The Oregon City Commission took a series of formal actions Aug. 20, approving a state grant agreement for Willamette Falls improvements, adopting a contract for city software services, amending park system development charge (SDC) assumptions for an aquatic and recreation center and advancing an ordinance expanding eligibility for the Youth Advisory Commission.

Commissioners unanimously approved a State of Oregon lottery revenue bond grant agreement to provide $12,500,000 to the city for “Willamette Falls Improvements,” a project description included in the meeting packet. Mayor Denise McGriff said the agreement “puts us in the driver’s seat” for previously paused river access work. The motion to approve passed on a roll-call vote (see tally below).

The commission also voted to approve a contract for Tyler Technologies’ software-as-a-service offering. IT Director Mike Tobay told commissioners the vendor’s larger security and backup resources will improve the city’s information security posture; the motion passed unanimously.

On park system financing, the commission voted to adopt Resolution 25-19 with an amendment reducing the methodology assumption for the Recreation and Aquatic Center from $9,100,000 to $5,000,000. Commissioner Adam Morrow said he remained uncomfortable with the larger assumption but supported a tiered multifamily SDC approach; the amended motion passed.

An ordinance (25-1011) to expand eligibility for the Youth Advisory Commission to allow more members who attend city high schools but live outside city limits passed on its first reading. Communications Manager Jared Lyman said the change responds to a record 16 applicants for the commission’s youth seats.

Separately, in an informational public hearing the commission acknowledged the Oregon City Microenterprise Grant program funded by a Business Oregon CDBG award; staff reported that nine local small businesses received direct financial support under the program.

Votes at a glance (motions and outcomes) - Motion to approve remainder of the agenda: Passed (Ayes: Mitchell, Wilson, Smith, Morrow, McGriff). - Motion to acknowledge support of the Oregon City Microenterprise Grant Program: Passed (Ayes: Mitchell, Wilson, Smith, Morrow, McGriff). - Motion to approve Tyler Technologies SaaS contract: Passed (Ayes: Mitchell, Wilson, Smith, Morrow, McGriff). - Motion to identify the adaptive reuse/rehab application for 703 Main St. as a project of interest (express commission interest and direct staff to continue conversations): Passed (Ayes: Mitchell, Wilson, Smith, Morrow, McGriff). - Motion to approve Resolution 25-19 modifying park SDCs and amending the aquatic center assumption from $9,100,000 to $5,000,000: Passed (Ayes: Mitchell, Wilson, Smith, Morrow, McGriff). - Motion (first reading) to approve Ordinance 25-1011 expanding eligibility for Youth Advisory Commission members who attend high school within city limits but reside outside city limits: Passed on first reading (Ayes: Mitchell, Wilson, Smith, Morrow, McGriff). - Motion to approve the State of Oregon lottery revenue bond grant agreement for Willamette Falls improvements ($12,500,000): Passed (unanimous roll call).

The commission recorded these actions as its primary formal business for the evening. Several agenda items with substantial public discussion were continued for code changes or staff follow-up (see companion articles for detailed coverage of sidewalk reimbursement discussion and adaptive reuse presentation).