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Staff reports: audit timeline, storm damage and police activity including limited ICE interactions
Summary
Staff briefed the council on the imminent release of the 2023–24 audit, a windstorm that caused a fallen tree and localized flooding, and police activity including two incidents involving ICE that generated calls to the department.
City manager (speaker 4) told the council the 2023–24 audit report will be available tomorrow and that the council will meet the auditor at an upcoming budget committee meeting; staff requested authorization for the city manager to sign an engagement letter for the 2024–25 audit, which the council authorized.
Staff described storm impacts: multiple back-to-back weather systems produced heavy rains (staff reported instances of more than 4 inches in 24 hours and a roughly 26-hour span with about 6 inches in locations), school flooding from combined county road runoff and clogged drainage, and a fallen tree on 4th Street. Public works has been clearing blockages and coordinating with Marion County to address drainage ditches.
Public works staff also reported two generator issues that are being diagnosed and said the Oregon Health Authority conducted a system survey that gave high marks while noting room for improvement. The city is recruiting planning commissioners to assist with implementing elements of the strategic plan.
On public safety, a police representative (speaker 9) said the department recorded 52 calls for service in the reporting period, renewed traffic enforcement efforts, and described the police chief hiring process: a candidate completed a background check but remains subject to certification steps. Regarding federal activity, the police representative said ICE has been operating in town and that the department had two incidents that generated calls involving ICE; staff said they receive limited advance notice of federal operations and urged residents to avoid intervening.
Staff said they will follow up with the council on audit distribution, the permitting questions raised about the school project and the franchise ordinance follow-up.
