Council discusses ODOT Park & Ride closure; considers drafting letter of support

City councilors discussed a county-led town hall and ODOT consideration to close a Park & Ride facility near Stayton. Councilors reported low transit ridership at the site since January, anecdotal counts of vehicles in the lot, reports of illegal camping and trash, and limited ODOT resources for ongoing maintenance.

Councilor Hank Sims said ODOT reported about 100 riders at the site since January 1, an indication of low bus use. Several councilors said they had observed few vehicles on most days and noted the site had become a locus for illegal camping and litter. The council discussed that state or county law enforcement has limited options for trespass removal and that the city occasionally receives related service calls.

Councilors split between wanting more detailed survey information about who uses the lot and supporting closure because of safety, cleanliness and limited ODOT staffing; one councilor suggested a short survey (QR code at the site) to gather user data before making a formal recommendation. Councilor O'Rourke and others noted the property is ODOT-owned and that any final decision rests with ODOT.

At least one councilor offered to draft a brief letter stating the city had no opposition to closure; another councilor volunteered to sign. Staff said the county had sought jurisdictional feedback informally at the previous town hall and that the county did not want to advocate for closure contrary to local positions.

Ending: The council did not take a formal vote but directed staff to draft a letter indicating city support if there is a majority that wants to sign; staff recommended gathering more usage data (for example, a QR-code survey at the site) before finalizing a city position.