Nehalem council approves code amendment and updated water rates; minutes approved

The Nehalem City Council took several formal actions at its Aug. 11 regular meeting.

Minutes: Council President Hilary Howell moved to approve the July 14, 2025 regular meeting minutes; Councilor Doug Larzelier seconded and the motion passed 4-0 (Howell, Cram, Larzelier, Quintana).

Ordinance 2025-05: During a public hearing on an amendment to the city development code (Chapter 157, Section 405), City Planner John Morgan reviewed the staff report; there were no public comments. The council performed first and second readings by title only and then voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-05. The motion passed 4-0 (Howell, Cram, Larzelier, Quintana).

Resolution 2025-11 (water rates and fees): City Manager Lori Longfellow summarized prior council consensus toward an 8% increase and explained that rates should be increased on average 4% per year and the city missed raising rates in 2023. After brief public clarification requests about base usage (Mayor Chick confirmed the base is 3,500 gallons), the council adopted Resolution 2025-11 to set updated water rates and fees; motion passed 4-0 (Howell, Cram, Larzelier, Quintana).

Votes at a glance (recorded tallies): - Approve minutes (July 14, 2025): Yes 4, No 0 (Howell, Cram, Larzelier, Quintana) - Adopt Ordinance 2025-05: Yes 4, No 0 (Howell, Cram, Larzelier, Quintana) - Adopt Resolution 2025-11 (water rates and fees): Yes 4, No 0 (Howell, Cram, Larzelier, Quintana)

Next steps: Staff will implement the adopted rate schedule and update records; Planning staff noted some applicants (e.g., the daycare applicant) may return with revised plans if they choose to pursue modifications.