Mosier council hears ODOT bridge plan, approves parks SDC change and routine business

Mosier City Council met April 20, 2016, at the Mosier Senior Center and received a presentation from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on preservation work planned for the Mosier Creek Bridge, approved a resolution changing how parks System Development Charges are calculated and completed routine actions including approval of minutes, the March financial packet and a temporary OLCC license for a Mosier Place event.

ODOT District 9 Engineer Brad DeHart told the council the Mosier Creek Bridge preservation project is scheduled for 2017. He said one traffic lane will remain open during most work, although crews will need to close lanes for a few hours on one day to strip asphalt. DeHart said ODOT will hold a public meeting at the Discovery Center before construction and will run a maximum-load study that could allow a reconfiguration such as reducing vehicular lanes to create a pedestrian lane. He also described utility work: city-owned utilities will need to be detached and reattached during the work, and while utility owners typically bear relocation costs, DeHart said the contractor might be able to work around the pipes or ODOT could construct new pipe access under the bridge to facilitate future city pipe relocation. City Manager Kathy Fitzpatrick's staff report noted the pipes are about 42 years old.

Councilor Derek Hiser raised pedestrian-safety concerns, saying the bridge currently restricts safe walking and bicycle access for children traveling to school and other parts of town. DeHart and councilors discussed potential measures to preserve travel lanes while improving pedestrian access; ODOT committed to ongoing communication with the city and residents as plans develop.

Council President Emily Reed opened a public hearing on Resolution #2016-02, an amendment to the City's parks System Development Charge (SDC) methodology. There was no public testimony. Councilor Hiser moved to approve Resolution #2016-02; Councilor Bill Akin seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The resolution was adopted following the hearing; the minutes do not record additional changes to the methodology beyond what was in the staff report.

On routine business, Councilor Bill Akin moved and Councilor Derek Hiser seconded approval of the April 6, 2016 minutes; the motion passed unanimously. Councilor Hiser then moved and Councilor Akin seconded approval of the March financial packet; that motion also passed unanimously.

Rhonda Starling, president of Main Street Mosier, presented plans for a community parade on July 23 at 3 p.m. to coincide with an Antique Car Parade along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Starling asked for council assistance with logistics, music and a celebration of active-transportation modes; council members suggested planning for heat and wind and recommended a single food cart at Totem Plaza. Flyers for the event will be distributed to Mosier students when completed.

Council President Reed said artists are interested in forming a Mosier Art Committee and that leftover funds from the city's centennial could be used for downtown art installations this fiscal year. Reed said the proposed committee could issue a request for proposals for art funded first from remaining centennial funds; if those funds are exhausted, installations could be offered for community purchase.

Councilor Akin moved to approve a temporary OLCC liquor license for an event at Mosier Place on April 29'/30; Councilor Hiser seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

There were no staff or council reports or correspondence. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.