Astoria City Council Regular Meeting - June 3, 2026

The Astoria City Council held a regular meeting on June 3, 2026 (per the assigned date; the agenda and minutes indicate June 2, 2026). The meeting included a Pride Month proclamation, consent calendar approval, a public hearing on camping code amendments, a homeless liaison scope discussion, fee updates for Ocean View Cemetery, a grant application for Evergreen Fields improvements, and a lengthy discussion on potential charter amendments. All votes were unanimous except the charter motion, which passed 4-1.

Consent Calendar

• Consideration to Award Promote Astoria Properties Landscaping Contract: Approved unanimously (5-0). The contract was awarded to Greensmith Landscapes for $64,790.10 for Fiscal Year 2026-27.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Hayes (13th Street): Asked what circumstances would qualify a person for an exception from camping code enforcement.
• Lisa Morley (Alderbrook neighborhood): Opposed exceptions to the camping code and objected to allowing a person subject to a 72-hour trespass to relocate to another block. Later, during charter discussion, she criticized the council for not following its work plan process for an ad hoc citizen committee and urged the council to vote no on advancing charter amendments without broader public engagement.
• Sandy Houston (13th Street): Questioned why the council was proceeding without the ad hoc committee previously contemplated in its work plan.
• Kim Lamont (no address provided): Supported delaying the charter amendments for more citizen involvement and argued the proposals were being advanced too quickly. During non-agenda public comment, she criticized the homeless-response policy as too lenient and expressed concerns about safety and impacts on residents and businesses.
• Nicholas Bowling (Seventh Street, Astoria): Supported moving the charter proposals to a citywide vote, stating that all voters should decide rather than an ad hoc committee or a small number of commenters.
• Randy Harris (4908 Cedar Street): Described an encounter where a person near a group of tents chased him with a stick and reported seeing people using drugs in a parking area. He questioned whether the city’s policy adequately protected residents and addressed individuals who would not accept shelter or services.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Astoria Camping Code: City Manager Spence explained the ordinance added a shelter-first purpose, restricted camping when appropriate shelter was available, allowed case-by-case exemptions, and authorized a 72-hour trespass. Councilors discussed and supported amendments from the Oregon Law Center: establishing a maximum $35 penalty without requiring proof of homelessness, and clarifying that a 72-hour trespass would not restrict access to services, employment, public meetings, court proceedings, attorneys, religious services, or constitutional activities. Councilor Davis cautioned that exemptions could complicate enforcement and recommended future homeless-liaison reports track exemptions. The motion to amend and the first reading both passed 5-0.
• Homeless Liaison Scope of Work—Follow-Up Discussion: City Manager Spence presented a revised scope that more clearly identified navigation to shelter, housing, and supportive services as the position’s purpose; stated the liaison would assist with compliance but not enforce the camping code; designated the City Manager’s Office as the primary point of contact; and required coordination with the Police Department. The revised scope also required monthly reporting on successful shelter placements, barriers to entry, shelter exits, and a monthly point-in-time count. Councilor Adams confirmed the liaison would report through the City Manager’s Office. The motion to direct staff to publish a request for qualifications based on the amended scope passed 5-0.
• Consideration of Resolution to Update Fees for Ocean View Cemetery: Staff recommended a 3% general increase (down from the customary 5%) due to strengthened irreducible fund, and a 38% reduction in the casket-liner fee to remain competitive. No council discussion or public comment. Motion approved 5-0 effective July 1, 2026.
• Consideration of Resolution to Apply for Local Government Grant from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for Improvements at Evergreen Fields: Parks and Recreation Director Jonah Dart-McLean presented a proposed $84,000 improvement project supported by a $50,000 state grant and a $34,000 city match. Improvements include a second playable infield, restored turf, restroom rehabilitation, a play structure, a picnic shelter, and resurfaced accessible paths. Councilor Davis asked about safety conflicts between fields and drainage issues; the director addressed both. Councilor Adams praised the alignment with the Parks Master Plan. Motion to authorize the grant application passed 5-0.
• Discussion on Potential Amendments to the Astoria City Charter: City Manager Spence and City Attorney Blair Henningsgaard reviewed proposed changes including expanding the Council, revising board and committee appointments, updating quorum and vacancy provisions, and clarifying roles of Council-appointed officers. Councilors discussed removal of a Council member (by court vs. Council vote), filling vacancies (whether to retain the option of a special election), residency requirements for board members, and the timeline for placing amendments on the November ballot. Councilor Davis generally supported the amendments but favored retaining the special election option. Councilor Adams emphasized maintaining a resident majority on boards. Mayor Fitzpatrick favored convening an ad hoc citizen committee before advancing the amendments, citing the council’s work plan. Councilor Davis noted the council had later revised its intended process during an open retreat. Public comment included opposition from Lisa Morley, Sandy Houston, and Kim Lamont, and support from Nicholas Bowling. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to direct staff to prepare ballot language for three separate ballot measures (size of council, appointment process of boards and committees, and all other language cleanup) for consideration at the July 6, 2026 meeting. The motion passed 4-1, with Mayor Fitzpatrick voting against.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0.
• Camping Code Amendment (first reading): Amended and approved 5-0.
• Homeless Liaison RFQ: Directed staff to publish RFQ based on amended scope, approved 5-0.
• Ocean View Cemetery Fee Schedule: Approved 5-0 effective July 1, 2026.
• Evergreen Fields Grant Application: Authorized staff to submit application, approved 5-0.
• Charter Amendments: Directed staff to prepare ballot language for three separate measures for the July 6, 2026 meeting; motion passed 4-1.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.