Nehalem Council re-elects Hilary Howell as council president, approves planner contract authorization and routine business

The Nehalem City Council elected Councilor Hilary Howell as Council President for a two-year term, authorized City Manager Lori Longfellow to prepare a planning-services contract with planner John Morgan, approved financial reports and payment of bills, and took several routine staff updates at its Jan. 13 meeting.

Mayor Phil Chick nominated Howell. Councilor Dave Cram moved to elect Howell and Councilor Doug Larzelier seconded; the motion passed 4-0 (Yes: Howell, Cram, Larzelier, Quintana). The council also granted consensus for the city manager to prepare a contract for planning services with John Morgan following the retirement notice from contract planner Walt Wendolowski and the expressed interest of John Morgan.

City Manager Longfellow summarized staff reports, told the council Cascadia Partners will present the SB 406 Middle Housing implementation code update at a special outreach meeting on Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m., and recommended additional notice on water billing statements and usual public posting places. Public Works Director Brian Moore reported phase 2 work on the Anderson Creek Raw Water Line (vault and meter) and said phase 1 had used the $400,000 grant funds.

Council President Hilary Howell moved to approve the financial reports and pay the bills; Councilor Doug Larzelier seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Mayor Chick asked staff to schedule a February goal-setting work session and a March presentation on a Forest Management Plan by city forester Brent Keller and suggested inviting Oregon DEQ representatives for follow-up briefings.

The meeting was held in person and by Zoom; the council closed its regular business after routine motions and votes.