Merrill council adopts two ordinances, approves towing policy and fund transfer; several administrative items cleared

MERRILL, Ore. — The Merrill City Council on Nov. 12 adopted two city-code amendments and approved two administrative resolutions, moving multiple items from the consent and regular agendas into effect.

Ordinance 2068, amending Chapter 10 (General Provisions), was read by title at second reading and adopted on a 4-0 vote after Councilor Baley moved for approval and Councilor Johnson seconded. Ordinance 2070, amending Chapter 50 (Water), also passed 4-0 after Councilor Johnson moved for adoption and Councilor Gatliff seconded; the council noted that a notice was mailed to residents and no comments were received.

The council adopted Resolution 2025-983 to amend the Merrill Police Department’s vehicle towing policy (Policy 502) and approved Resolution 2025-986 to transfer funds to comply with budget law requirements; both motions passed 4-0.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2068 (Chapter 10 amendments): passed 4-0 (mover: Councilor Baley; second: Councilor Johnson). - Ordinance 2070 (Chapter 50—Water amendments): passed 4-0 (mover: Councilor Johnson; second: Councilor Gatliff). - Resolution 2025-983 (towing policy): passed 4-0 (mover: Councilor McCollam; second: Councilor Gatliff). - Resolution 2025-986 (budget transfer): passed 4-0 (mover: Councilor Gatliff; second: Councilor Baley).

The council also handled routine business under the consent agenda. Meeting minutes from Oct. 8, 2025 were approved (motion by Councilor Johnson; second by Councilor McCollam) and multiple phone-poll items were ratified, including a Land Use Compatibility Statement (File #22-2025) and a motor replacement for Lincoln Street at a cost of $2,100 plus freight. A business license for Martin's Food Center was approved with a recorded abstention by Councilor Johnson, who stated a conflict of interest as an employee; Krakatoa, Inc.’s application was tabled pending National Food Safety and Environmental Safety compliance.

Planning items adopted included the reappointment of Planning Commissioner Fairfield for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and approval of File 24-2025 Land Use Compatibility Statement (Tax Lot 4110-001CC-02900) with the specific condition that an 8-by-10 shed be anchored to the property’s concrete slab. The planning motions passed 4-0.

The council closed the meeting after a final public-comment period that produced no speakers and a unanimous vote to adjourn at 7:14 p.m.

What’s next: Most adopted ordinances and resolutions take effect according to the city’s code and any timelines contained within each ordinance or resolution; the council did not specify a separate effective date in the meeting record. The council listed an item about a potentially illegal flag at the U.S. Postal Service building for a future agenda.