Albany City Council adopts election‑deadline changes, CDBG plan and several infrastructure contracts

Albany City Council on June 10 adopted several measures affecting elections, federal community development funding and local infrastructure spending.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance amending Chapter 2.08 of the Albany Municipal Code to align candidate filing deadlines and public‑notice practices with recent state changes (House Bill 4024). Eric Glover, the city recorder, told council staff proposes using the Oregon Secretary of State calendar for candidate filing deadlines and modernizing the notice requirement to allow posting in city display cases and municipal social platforms. Councilors asked clarifying questions about filing windows for incumbents and new candidates before the ordinance passed after a roll call vote.

Council also opened and closed the required public hearing on the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan. Development programs analyst Caitlyn Martin said the city must hold two hearings and described the competitive public‑service portion of the allocation (capped at 15% of total award). Council adopted the action plan by voice vote; staff noted funds freed by the dissolution of a prior housing‑rehab program will be redirected to a Habitat for Humanity rehab program that will add supportive housing units, and Young Roots was listed as a first‑time CDBG recipient in the packet.

On infrastructure, the council approved a professional services agreement with RH2 Engineering to provide pre‑design work for the North Albany Water Pump Station (pre‑design amount listed in the packet). Staff said the 2024 water master plan identified replacement of the pump station as a high priority for capacity, seismic and condition reasons; councilors asked about Systems Development Charge (SDC) funding and were informed available SDC revenues are committed to debt service.

The council also awarded a $1,413,897.50 construction contract to Roy Hul Construction LLC for the Hill Street overlay (Pacific Boulevard to Queen Avenue) and associated storm‑drain work on 12th Avenue. Staff said the storm‑drain portion caused a projected budget overage, but available stormwater reserves and savings from a recent storm‑drain project will cover the difference.

Other formal action included adoption of a resolution approving water service outside the urban growth boundary for a property at 4714 Spring Hill Drive under specified owner‑paid conditions.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance amending AMC ch.2.08 (candidate filing deadlines): Motion passed (roll call recorded six yes votes). Provenance: staff report and discussion (SEG 1567–SEG 1768); readings and vote (SEG 1771–SEG 1820).

- Resolution adopting the 2026 CDBG Annual Action Plan: Adopted by voice vote. Provenance: hearing opened and staff report (SEG 1178–SEG 1260); adoption (SEG 1387–SEG 1400).

- Contract award — RH2 Engineering, North Albany pump station pre‑design: Approved by voice vote; packet shows pre‑design amount for initial work. Provenance: staff presentation and vote (SEG 1850–SEG 1944).

- Resolution approving water service outside UGB (4714 Spring Hill Drive): Adopted by voice vote; owners to pay all installation costs and a 10% surcharge for properties outside the UGB. Provenance: staff memo and adoption (SEG 1946–SEG 2124).

- Contract award — Hill Street overlay to Roy Hul Construction LLC ($1,413,897.50): Approved by voice vote; stormwater reserves to cover budget overage. Provenance: staff presentation and vote (SEG 2128–SEG 2236).

Why it matters

The election‑code change is intended to prevent compressed filing windows for incumbents and ensure consistency with state law, affecting the timeline for local candidates. The CDBG action plan sets federal funding priorities for homelessness prevention and supportive services. The infrastructure awards fund projects that staff say are high‑priority for public safety and long‑term maintenance of city utilities and streets.

Provenance: staff presentations, motions and votes recorded in the council meeting transcript (see segment ranges above).