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Newport council approves ordinance restructuring boards, transfers Public Arts duties to OCCA and authorizes $15,000 administrative payment
Summary
The Newport City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2230 restructuring city boards and commissions, voted to transfer the Public Arts Committee’s responsibilities and fund balance to the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA), and authorized a $15,000 annual administrative payment to OCCA to cover staffing support.
The Newport City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2230 amending multiple sections of the Newport Municipal Code related to boards and commissions and approved a separate allocation to transfer the city’s Public Arts Committee responsibilities and funds to the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA).
Council members held a public hearing on proposed changes to the city’s advisory committee structure, which included eliminating several committees and moving responsibility for the Public Arts Committee to OCCA. Jason Holland, executive director of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, told the council OCCA had discussed the transfer and asked that the council consider how funds and an administrative fee would be handled as part of any decision. Chelsea Davidson, director of the Newport Visual Arts Center, also addressed the council in support of clarity on the financial terms.
City staff and community presenters told the council the committee-structure study, delivered in 2024, recommended elimination or consolidation of multiple advisory bodies and specific changes for the airport, parks and recreation, public arts and other committees. Council discussion focused on ensuring there was a clear funding and staffing plan for OCCA before shifting the operational responsibilities and ensuring that existing public arts fund balances and next-year budgeted amounts would transfer with oversight and periodic reporting back to council.
After discussion, the council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2230 by voice and roll-call vote. The council then authorized the transfer of the public arts fund balance and the budgeted public arts allocation to OCCA and approved an additional $15,000 per year to pay for part-time administrative support that OCCA will provide in managing the committee’s work and fund stewardship. The council also directed periodic reporting from OCCA on fund balances and activity.
The council separately adopted Resolution No. 4047 to sunset the Police Advisory Committee and repeal the earlier Resolution No. 3308. That resolution was moved and seconded on the record and approved by roll call.
Councilors expressed appreciation for years of volunteer service on the committees the ordinance affects and asked staff to prepare a proclamation recognizing volunteers’ contributions at a future meeting.
Votes at the meeting on these items were recorded by roll call and were unanimous in favor of the measures considered. The council indicated staff will finalize transfer details and any implementing motions (for example, the formal transfer of funds) in a follow-up action once remaining administrative details are confirmed.
