Council rejects motion to place North Plains Food Bank loading zone on 314th; staff will use Commercial Street

The North Plains City Council voted 4-3 on April 6 to reject a council motion to establish a public loading zone for the North Plains Food Bank on NW 314th Avenue, and with the failed motion directed staff to implement the previously proposed Commercial Street location.

The debate followed a dozen public commenters who urged the council to prioritize safety for volunteers and clients. Councilor Anna Warrington moved “to establish the loading zone for the North Plains Food Bank on NW 314th Ave,” a motion seconded by Councilor Mark De Forge; the motion failed with Warrington, De Forge and Councilor Don Weber voting aye and Councilor Ugarte, Councilor Katie Reding, Councilor Mandy Hagedorn and Mayor Aaron Dumbrow voting nay.

Speakers representing the food bank argued that side-street unloading would be safer. Mark Newman, a North Plains resident and NPFB volunteer, said moving loading operations to Commercial Street would increase risk for volunteers and clients. Henx Ploem, a Banks resident who drives the food bank’s delivery truck, told council he prefers unloading on NW 314th Avenue “for safety reasons.” Lora Dexheimer, identified as head of the North Plains Food Bank, provided council a handout she said referenced three city traffic studies that deem Commercial Street unsafe for pedestrian loading activities.

Legal and procedural arguments featured in the comments. Linda Galas-Merten of Strong Towns North Plains cited a city charter provision she described as granting the council sole authority over loading zones (she referenced chapter 7, subsection 70.04.b.12.d). Jennifer Breger, attorney for the North Plains Food Bank, said a council resolution could establish a public loading zone on NW 314th Avenue under municipal code NPMC 70.04.a and b.12 and noted the staff report showed the land use process concluded on Nov. 13, 2025 with no appeals.

Other residents raised practical concerns: Richard Frick, a long-time resident and food bank client, urged support for the food bank’s preferred location; Emily Waldron expressed worry about managing children while crossing Commercial Street; and Jennifer Rue recounted delivering six bags of food to a homebound resident with only $6 left for April to illustrate community needs.

Council discussion following public comment focused on liability, ADA improvements and traffic-calming measures cited by staff in their recommendation for Commercial Street. With the motion’s failure, the staff direction stands: city staff will proceed with placing the North Plains Food Bank loading zone on Commercial Street as planned. The council did not adopt a resolution establishing an alternate public loading zone at this meeting.