OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Astoria City Council Regular Meeting – September 3, 2025

City Council & Commissions — Wednesday, September 3, 2025
BodyAstoria, Oregon
SessionCity Council & Commissions
DateWednesday, September 3, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:12:49

Transcript — Verbatim
3:45

Projects and a program like that is no small task to manage, and Wade is the coordinator for that program.

3:52

So we currently have thirteen hazmat uh technicians that make up the team.

3:57

Uh, we have monthly training, which Wade plays a big role in ensuring that that training is set up for us so we can keep our skills uh where they should be.

4:05

Um, there's a ton of equipment in our hazardous materials vehicles.

4:09

A lot of that uh needs to be calibrated.

4:12

Some things Wade has to work on, some things get sent off, but it all has to be checked to ensure that it's working, and he also attends some meetings that are around the state with other people that are in his position talking with the state and uh finding ways to improve the program.

4:26

So a big project uh and I thank Wade for all the work that he does with our Hazmat team, and I thank you uh for your continued service and hitting a big milestone of twenty-five years of service.

4:39

Thank you, and we're gonna be able to do that.

4:56

Um as well as the mayor's coin.

4:59

Oh, thank you.

5:01

Appreciate it.

5:01

Clearly, the council and the city appreciates it, appreciates a quarter of a century that you have given to the city of Astoria.

5:09

Thank you.

5:10

Would you like to speak?

5:11

Uh, yeah, I just has been one of the best jobs we've ever had.

5:15

You ask any firefighter, they love it.

5:17

I was lucky enough that I was born and raised in this community.

5:20

I raised my children in this area.

5:22

Um, my family all still live here, and to get a job that I love and can support my family on and still be in the same area, has just been probably one of the best things it's ever been for me.

5:34

So I absolutely thank the city of Astoria for that opportunity to do that and serve the citizens.

5:59

Next up, we have two proclamations, and the first of those is for Pier 39 Day.

6:05

And what I will ask is I will read the first whereas, and then if Councilor Lump has the proclamation in front of him, he can read the second whereas, then we would go to Councilor Adams and Councillor Davis and notice that we are going in reverse alphabetical order this evening.

6:24

So of first names.

6:26

So Councilor Lump, do you have the proclamation with you?

6:32

Great.

6:32

Okay, so whereas Pier 39, home to the historic Hampthorn Canery, was established in 1875 along Astoria's working waterfront and has stood for 150 years as a vital part of the city's maritime and economic history, and whereas the Hanthorn Cannery became a founding member of the Columbia River Packers Association, which helped to launch the iconic Bumblebee brand connecting Astoria's name to tables around the world and whereas generations of cannery workers, fishermen, families, and entrepreneurs gave their labor, heart, and heritage to this pier, making it not only a hub of industry, but also a symbol of resilience, community, innovation, and whereas Floyd and Cheryl Holcomb, the current stewards of Pier 39, along with the Hanthorn Cannery Foundation and the Astoria Upper Town Business Association continue to preserve and share its legacy through the Hanthorn Canary Museum and historic preservation efforts.

7:36

And whereas the people of Astoria will gather on September 6th, 2025 for a day of celebration, remembrance, storytelling, music, and community in honor of Pier 39's 150 150th birthday.

7:52

Now, therefore, the Australia City Council does hereby proclaim September 6th, 2025 as Pier 39 Day in the City of Astoria and encourage all residents and visitors to reflect on the rich maritime heritage of our waterfront and celebrate the people and stories that continue to define this remarkable place.

8:20

So I don't see Floyd and Cheryl here, but if Stacy Stahl could join me.

8:31

Thank you, Stacey.

8:32

Thank you.

8:33

Now you've been very involved in your nine for a while.

8:39

Would you like to address the council and the audience?

8:42

Sure.

8:42

Thanks for having us here.

8:44

It's exciting to celebrate such a large, momentous birthday.

8:48

It's not every every day that something celebrates 150 years.

8:52

It's pretty exciting.

8:53

So we'd love all of you to join us on Saturday from eight in the morning till eight at night events all day to celebrate spree.

9:00

Lots of things happening.

9:02

But I want to um, on behalf of Cheryl and Floyd Holcomb, who are owners of the pier to accept this proclamation.

9:09

And thank you very much.

9:10

Thank you for joining us.

9:19

Okay, okay.

9:19

Thank you.

9:20

Thank you, Stacey.

9:29

All right, next up, we have a member of our community who's going to be celebrating a milestone birthday here at the end of the month.

9:38

And he has been very active in our community.

9:42

He's a native son and has given his entire life to building community in Astoria.

9:49

So we have a proclamation for him today, which I am going to read.

9:53

And I'm going to read it from the uh from the lectern over here.

10:07

And whereas community members continue to contribute to the success and growth of the city of Astoria.

10:15

And whereas Pete Gimri, a resident of our city, is a local community member who has spent decades contributing to Astoria in many ways.

10:25

And whereas Pete Gimri has dedicated thousands of hours volunteering across various local organizations, including the Australia Historic or Astoria Downtown Historic District Association, the Scandinavian Festival, the John Jacob Astor Elementary School Lunch Buddy Program, Sons of Norway Lodge, Tongue Point Job Course Center, Christmas Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and many others.

10:51

And whereas Pete Gimri's contribution to the community expands into notable leadership roles, as well as running a local and historical business for over 35 years that attracted customers worldwide due to his quality service.

11:07

And whereas Pete Gimri's contribution to our city was recognized in previous years when awarded the 2013 George Award, a prestigious honor for someone who has consistently stepped forward to meet the community needs instead of letting George do it.

11:23

And whereas Pete Gimri's decades of giving back have left a lasting mark on our city.

11:29

And whereas Pete Gimri represents community dedication and leadership, key values that define the city of Astoria.

11:38

Now, therefore, I, Sean Fitzpatrick, mayor of Astoria, do hereby proclaim September 19th, 2025 to be Pete Gimry Day in the City.

11:58

So it'll be Pete Gimmery Day in the City of Astoria, and I encourage everyone to join in this observation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Library██████████████████████████████30%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Historic Preservation██████████10%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%
Fire Department Operations█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Transportation Safety███3%
Public Safety███3%
Homelessness██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Astoria City Council Regular Meeting – September 3, 2025

The Astoria City Council met on September 3, 2025 (the agenda and minutes list the meeting date as September 2, 2025; this summary follows the provided meeting date of September 3, 2025). The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 8:17 PM. Council approved the consent calendar, several budget amendments, equipment purchases, and a collective bargaining agreement. A proposed update to library fees was suspended for further review. Public comments addressed library meeting room fees and enforcement of short-term rental regulations.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (4‑0) the consent calendar, which included:
    • Approval of draft City Council meeting minutes from May 19, 2025.
    • Approval of draft minutes from the Maritime Memorial Committee meeting of August 18, 2025.
    • Authorization to opt in to opioid settlements with Purdue Pharma L.P. and secondary manufacturers, with funds transferable to Clatsop County.
    • Authorization to sign an amended Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA) loan agreement to correct an interest miscalculation.
    • Approval of a professional services agreement with DOWL for the 2025 Trolley Trestle Repair Project.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Library Fee Schedule (Item 9d):
    • Lisa Morley (Alderbrook neighborhood) expressed surprise at proposed $50/hour fee for nonprofit meeting room use, noting that other libraries in Multnomah County and Seaside provide rooms at no cost. She also expressed disappointment that room naming may not have addressed Indigenous tribal concerns.
    • Andy Kipp (461 Exchange Street) emphasized Astoria’s lack of accessible “third spaces” and argued that charging substantial fees for a facility funded by approximately $10 million in public bond financing conflicts with the public purpose. He encouraged eliminating or significantly reducing fees.
  • Non‑Agenda Public Comment:
    • Andy Kipp also spoke regarding short-term rentals at 1555–1561 Exchange Street, stating they have operated illegally for nearly four years. He referenced a 2024 Land Use Board of Appeals decision that remanded the case to the City and urged the council to place the remand on a future agenda.

Discussion Items

  • Library Special Projects Fund (9a): The Library Foundation is dissolving and transferring approximately $80,000 to the City for library capital projects and programs. Staff recommended establishing a separate special projects fund (Fund #134) and adopting a supplemental budget of $82,000. No questions or public comment. Approved 4‑0.
  • Library Bond Construction Fund Amendment (9b): Approximately $1.7 million in project expenditures from the prior fiscal year needed to be carried forward due to timing; the amendment does not increase total project cost or change the completion schedule. Council also approved closing the Logan Memorial Trust Fund (Fund #412) and transferring its remaining balance of $10,900 to Fund #191. Library Director Suzanne Harold confirmed the project remains on time and on budget. Approved 4‑0.
  • Library Fee Schedule Update (9d): Staff presented updates recommended by the Library Board, including eliminating late fees, adjusting non-resident fees, reducing replacement card fees from $6 to $3, charging actual replacement costs for damaged materials, and establishing room rental fees of $50/hour for nonprofits and $100/hour for private entities for the Flag Room (capacity 76). Public comments and council discussion focused on the meeting room fees. Councilors expressed concern about barriers to access and the lack of a sliding scale or fee waiver language. Councilor Adams questioned the doubling of nonprofit fees from $20 to $50 per hour. Councilor Lump noted that a $50/hour fee could force nonprofits to meet in less inclusive venues like bars. After discussion, council voted unanimously (4‑0) to suspend the entire fee resolution and send it back to staff and the Library Board for further review.
  • 8th Street Debt Service Fund (9c): Staff explained the fund relates to an Eighth Street water line upsizing project (total cost ~$490,000) funded through a Business Oregon grant, fully repaid by a private entity. The council previously established the fund but needed a public hearing to budget funds. Council approved budgeting $51,700 to receive revenue and make debt service payments. Approved 4‑0.
  • Sewer Camera Upgrade (9e): Public Works requested approval to purchase a new sewer CCTV camera for $50,062.20. The existing camera, purchased in 2006, costs about $5,000 annually in repairs and causes downtime. The transport mechanism will be reused. The new camera offers high-definition imaging and LED lighting. Councilors asked about useful life (expected ~20 years) and maintenance (routine in-house, specialized repairs sent out). Approved 4‑0.
  • Police Vehicle Purchase (9f): Staff recommended purchasing one Dodge Durango patrol vehicle to replace a 2018 Ford Explorer with over 108,000 miles. Base cost $44,627.70 plus $24,899.45 for emergency equipment, total $69,527.15. Included in FY 2025‑2026 budget. No questions or public comment. Approved 4‑0.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (11a): The City and the Astoria Public Safety Association reached a tentative agreement for a contract renewal covering 24 employees (primarily police officers) for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028. Key provisions: City assumes payment of the employee PERS pickup, and stability pay aligned with other city union contracts. Council adopted the agreement and the associated salary resolution 4‑0.
  • New Business – Work Session Scheduling: Staff proposed moving the September 22 work session to September 29 to avoid conflict with the regional Housing Summit. Council consensus supported the change.
  • New Business – Camping Ordinance Enforcement Update: Councilor Davis requested an update on administrative enforcement changes. City Manager Spence explained that due to increased noncompliance (personal items blocking sidewalks), the Livability Response Team is removing items that render sidewalks impassable. Trash is disposed; personal property inventoried and stored for 30 days; camping-related items may remain with individuals. This was entered into the public record.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar approved 4‑0.
  • Library Special Projects Fund established and supplemental budget adopted (both 4‑0).
  • Library Bond Construction Fund budget amendment approved, including closing Logan Memorial Trust Fund (both 4‑0).
  • Library Fee Schedule (Schedule E) suspended and returned to staff/Library Board for further review (4‑0).
  • 8th Street Debt Service Fund budget amendment approved (4‑0).
  • Sewer Camera Purchase approved for $50,062.20 (4‑0).
  • Police Vehicle Purchase approved for $69,527.15 (4‑0).
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement adopted (4‑0) along with salary resolution.
  • Executive Session held under ORS 192.660(2)(d) for labor negotiations; no decisions made in session.
  • Council will hold a work session on September 29, 2025.

Note on date discrepancy: The agenda and minutes both list the meeting date as Tuesday, September 2, 2025, but the provided meeting timestamp is 2025-09-03 14:00:00+00:00. This summary follows the given timestamp.

Meeting Transcript

Projects and a program like that is no small task to manage, and Wade is the coordinator for that program. So we currently have thirteen hazmat uh technicians that make up the team. Uh, we have monthly training, which Wade plays a big role in ensuring that that training is set up for us so we can keep our skills uh where they should be. Um, there's a ton of equipment in our hazardous materials vehicles. A lot of that uh needs to be calibrated. Some things Wade has to work on, some things get sent off, but it all has to be checked to ensure that it's working, and he also attends some meetings that are around the state with other people that are in his position talking with the state and uh finding ways to improve the program. So a big project uh and I thank Wade for all the work that he does with our Hazmat team, and I thank you uh for your continued service and hitting a big milestone of twenty-five years of service. Thank you, and we're gonna be able to do that. Um as well as the mayor's coin. Oh, thank you. Appreciate it. Clearly, the council and the city appreciates it, appreciates a quarter of a century that you have given to the city of Astoria. Thank you. Would you like to speak? Uh, yeah, I just has been one of the best jobs we've ever had. You ask any firefighter, they love it. I was lucky enough that I was born and raised in this community. I raised my children in this area. Um, my family all still live here, and to get a job that I love and can support my family on and still be in the same area, has just been probably one of the best things it's ever been for me. So I absolutely thank the city of Astoria for that opportunity to do that and serve the citizens. Next up, we have two proclamations, and the first of those is for Pier 39 Day. And what I will ask is I will read the first whereas, and then if Councilor Lump has the proclamation in front of him, he can read the second whereas, then we would go to Councilor Adams and Councillor Davis and notice that we are going in reverse alphabetical order this evening. So of first names. So Councilor Lump, do you have the proclamation with you? Great. Okay, so whereas Pier 39, home to the historic Hampthorn Canery, was established in 1875 along Astoria's working waterfront and has stood for 150 years as a vital part of the city's maritime and economic history, and whereas the Hanthorn Cannery became a founding member of the Columbia River Packers Association, which helped to launch the iconic Bumblebee brand connecting Astoria's name to tables around the world and whereas generations of cannery workers, fishermen, families, and entrepreneurs gave their labor, heart, and heritage to this pier, making it not only a hub of industry, but also a symbol of resilience, community, innovation, and whereas Floyd and Cheryl Holcomb, the current stewards of Pier 39, along with the Hanthorn Cannery Foundation and the Astoria Upper Town Business Association continue to preserve and share its legacy through the Hanthorn Canary Museum and historic preservation efforts. And whereas the people of Astoria will gather on September 6th, 2025 for a day of celebration, remembrance, storytelling, music, and community in honor of Pier 39's 150 150th birthday. Now, therefore, the Australia City Council does hereby proclaim September 6th, 2025 as Pier 39 Day in the City of Astoria and encourage all residents and visitors to reflect on the rich maritime heritage of our waterfront and celebrate the people and stories that continue to define this remarkable place. So I don't see Floyd and Cheryl here, but if Stacy Stahl could join me. Thank you, Stacey. Thank you. Now you've been very involved in your nine for a while. Would you like to address the council and the audience? Sure. Thanks for having us here. It's exciting to celebrate such a large, momentous birthday. It's not every every day that something celebrates 150 years. It's pretty exciting. So we'd love all of you to join us on Saturday from eight in the morning till eight at night events all day to celebrate spree. Lots of things happening. But I want to um, on behalf of Cheryl and Floyd Holcomb, who are owners of the pier to accept this proclamation. And thank you very much. Thank you for joining us. Okay, okay. Thank you. Thank you, Stacey. All right, next up, we have a member of our community who's going to be celebrating a milestone birthday here at the end of the month. And he has been very active in our community. He's a native son and has given his entire life to building community in Astoria. So we have a proclamation for him today, which I am going to read.

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