Lebanon council approves appropriations transfer for sewer camera, two grant-funded transit buses, legislative platform and declares Ward 1 vacancy

The Lebanon City Council approved several routine and procurement measures during its Dec. 10 meeting, passing a transfer of appropriations to purchase sewer-inspection equipment, authorizing two grant-funded transit buses for LYNX, adopting the city’s 2026–27 legislative policy platform and declaring the Ward 1 council seat vacant.

Sanitary sewer camera: The Public Works Director described a lateral launch and camera system that “will allow us to locate them from the sanitary sewer main while we TV and inspect and clean the sanitary sewer mains.” The council approved Resolution Number 22For2025, authorizing the transfer of appropriations for the purchase. The council approved the resolution by voice vote; the meeting record shows an affirmative voice vote but individual roll-call tallies were not recorded on the public transcript.

Transit buses: City Manager Ron said two buses were secured through state and federal grants after procurement and three-quote compliance, with unit prices of $137,000 and $144,000 plus outfitting costs for cameras and graphics. The manager said the grant funding will reimburse the city and that a future budget amendment may be needed to reconcile appropriations. The council authorized the manager to sign purchase documents by motion and voice vote.

Legislative platform: Sean Tate of Tate Public Affairs presented the proposed 2026–27 legislative policy platform, calling it a “thorough” guiding document and urging it be treated as a living document to reflect shifting priorities. Councilors moved, seconded and adopted the platform by voice vote.

Ward 1 vacancy: City Recorder explained Councilor Carl Mann’s seat becomes vacant under the charter and outlined a timeline: advertise the vacancy, accept applications, interview at the January noon meeting and, if an applicant is selected, appoint and swear in at the February meeting. Resolution 2025-24 was read and approved to formalize the vacancy and begin the appointment process.

Consent items and other business: The council approved the consent calendar by motion early in the meeting, heard department reports including a communications survey (94 responses) and discussed homelessness response and a planned abatement at Champion Mill. The meeting adjourned the regular session and planned an executive session after a 10-minute break.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 22For2025 (transfer of appropriations for sewer camera): approved (voice vote; individual tallies not specified). - Authorization to purchase two LYNX Transit buses (grant-funded): authorized (voice vote; funding stated as state and federal grants). - Adoption of 2026–27 Legislative Policy Platform: adopted (voice vote). - Resolution 2025-24 (declare Ward 1 seat vacant): approved; council instructed staff to advertise and schedule interviews for appointment.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with procurement steps for equipment and buses under the terms described, pursue the Ward 1 appointment timeline, and report progress on the Champion Mill abatement and communications efforts at future council meetings.