Prineville council meeting roundup: consent agenda, academy support letter and officer swearing‑in

The Prineville City Council met for regular business and handled several routine items, including approving the consent agenda, endorsing a support letter for High Desert Christian Academy’s proposed educational hub, and conducting a ceremonial swearing‑in of a new police officer.

Consent agenda: A motion to approve the consent agenda passed after one council member said they needed to abstain because they were not present at last week’s meeting.

High Desert Christian Academy letter: City staff presented a prepared support letter intended to help the academy in grant and funding applications related to an educational‑hub expansion. Council members who had previously heard the organization’s presentation said they supported the proposal and the council approved the letter by motion.

Swearing‑in: Interim Police Chief Shane Wilson introduced and swore in Thomas Lance Woodward, who was welcomed with remarks summarizing his roughly 18 years in law enforcement and prior roles as a school resource officer; his wife assisted with pinning on his badge.

Staff reports: City Manager Forrester updated the council on public safety staffing, completed work on a South Main Street waterline, an upcoming bid for repair of a damaged railroad bridge (bid closing November 14, with council consideration expected December 10), planning approval for a proposed 20‑unit multifamily townhome project behind Ray’s grocery, and regional economic development interest in Prineville.

No members of the public spoke during the visitor appearance period and the council adjourned after a final motion.