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Astoria approves Riverfront trolley agreements; council adopts first reading to ban feeding of waterfowl after debate over enforcement
Summary
Council updated the Riverfront Trolley operating agreement and extended the barn lease, and held a contentious discussion about a Riverwalk lighting grant that failed to fully restore the originally promised stretch; the council also approved first reading of an ordinance adding waterfowl to the list of prohibited wildlife-feeding and amended enforcement language.
The Astoria City Council voted to renew and revise its agreements with the Riverfront Trolley Association and approved a first reading of an ordinance to extend feeding prohibitions to waterfowl and seabirds.
City Manager Spence described two parts of the trolley item: the operational agreement, which sets responsibilities for volunteers and the city (including inspection and trestle support), and the barn lease for storage and parking. Staff removed an 11th Street stop from the agreement, made the operating agreement open-ended (it continues until terminated), and extended the barn lease from five to 10 years while increasing insurance minimums. Councilor Brownson moved approval of the operational agreement and councilor Hilton seconded; councilors approved both the operational agreement and the barn lease by voice vote.
On the Riverwalk lighting project, staff and Parks Director Dona Dart said that inflation and ODOT—s delivery process required reducing the original scope (originally Mill Pond to 39th) to a shorter section (Mill Pond to 35th) and the city must provide a local match of just under $63,550. Councilor Hill strongly criticized the state for what she called a "broken promise" to light the darker sections of the Riverwalk and urged the city to pursue alternatives or local funds; Dart and staff said ODOT delivery methods and higher costs drove the change.
Council then considered an ordinance amendment to the city code that would explicitly include seabirds/waterfowl (geese) among animals prohibited from being fed. City Manager Spence explained staff recommendations and Chief Stacy Kelly of Astoria Police said enforcement will remain complaint-driven and officers typically issue verbal warnings before citations. Chief Kelly said written warnings have been rare historically. Councilor Adams moved to hold the first reading of the ordinance; the motion passed by roll call vote (all ayes).
What changed and next steps: the trolley agreements are in effect as approved; the barn lease now runs 10 years with higher insurance requirements; the Riverwalk lighting grant will proceed in reduced scope with a local match commitment; the feeding ordinance has passed its first reading and will return for subsequent readings as required by code.
