Astoria City Council Meeting Summary - July 6, 2026

The Astoria City Council met on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including transportation network companies, parks master plan adoption, a capital improvement plan, charter amendments, and transportation system development charges. The Council approved the consent calendar, salary resolution, TNC ordinance (first reading), parks master plan, and CIP. It also voted to place three charter amendments on the November 2026 ballot and to suspend the transportation SDC program. Public comment was heard on multiple items.

Consent Calendar

• 8.a – Utility Easement at 420 34th St.: Accepted the utility easement from Bethany Lutheran Church for a relocated sanitary sewer line.
• 8.b – License to Occupy 11th Street Right-of-Way: Approved a license for a retaining wall replacement at 1122 Lexington Avenue, with the property owner responsible for construction, maintenance, and future removal.
• 8.c – Parks Advisory Board Minutes: Draft minutes from June 24, 2026, were approved.
• Vote: Approved 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Transportation Network Companies (9.a): Seven speakers supported allowing Uber and Lyft, citing public safety, downtown business support, medical transportation, and flexible employment. One taxi driver (Shane Cherry) supported additional options but expressed concern about year-round sustainability for rideshare companies in Astoria.
• Parks Master Plan (9.b): No public comment.
• Public Works CIP (9.c): Larry Benzel asked whether the plan would lead to new taxes or fees; City Manager Spence clarified it identifies needs and positions the city for grants, not a tax.
• Charter Amendments (9.d): Three opposed all amendments (David Reid, Lisa Morley, John Dulcich), citing lack of clear problem definition, cost concerns, and potential for longer meetings. One supported all three (Andy Kipp), arguing they improve accountability and effectiveness.
• Transportation SDCs (9.e): Eight speakers supported suspension or reduction, including business owners, developers, and the Chamber of Commerce. Testimony highlighted that high fees (e.g., $32,500 for a food cart, $161,000 for a convenience store) stifle small business and redevelopment.
• New Business / Non-Agenda Public Comments: Mary Eng raised concerns about trash removal near homeless camps and the need for support services. Rick Culver opposed developing the Customs House property in a landslide-risk area and suggested rehabilitating vacant buildings.

Discussion Items

• 9.f – Salary Resolution: City Manager Spence presented the annual salary resolution with 4% increases for fire, police management, and non-represented employees, and an Oregon minimum wage adjustment from $15.50 to $15.55 per hour. The resolution also added a Community Development Technician position. No council or public comment. Adopted 5-0.
• 9.a – Transportation Network Companies: Council discussed the ordinance allowing TNCs. Councilor Davis proposed an amendment to change "active human control" to "onboard human control" to ensure a human driver is in the vehicle. Councilor Mazzarella asked about designated pickup/drop-off areas; City Manager Spence said riders select locations via app. First reading approved 5-0, with the amendment adopted 5-0.
• 9.b – Parks Master Plan Update: Parks Director Jonah Dart-McLean presented the 2026 update, which included over 2,300 participants and 3,100 written comments. Key recommendations include expanding the Aquatic Center, a dog park at Tapiola Park, Heritage Square redevelopment (projected for 2036, pending funding), and updated trail and wayfinding plans. The plan does not commit funding. Adopted 5-0.
• 9.c – Public Works Capital Improvement Plan: The first comprehensive CIP identified approximately $246 million in water, wastewater, stormwater, and transportation needs over 5-10 years. Public Works Director Jeff Harrington noted the city’s infrastructure is valued at $1.1 billion and that the CIP strengthens grant applications. Council discussion focused on the need for outside funding; adoption does not create new fees. Adopted 5-0.
• 9.d – Charter Amendments: Three resolutions were considered for the November 3, 2026 ballot: (1) expand council from five to seven members with two at-large seats; (2) require council consent for board and commission appointments; (3) update vacancy and appointed official language based on League of Oregon Cities model. Mayor Fitzpatrick opposed expansion and consent requirements, favoring only the third. Votes: Motion 1 passed 4-1 (Mayor opposed), Motion 2 passed 4-1 (Mayor opposed), Motion 3 passed 5-0.
• 9.e – Transportation System Development Charges: Council reviewed options to maintain the current $3,116 rate, reduce to ~$1,000 (average of coastal communities), or suspend the program. Staff cautioned that suspension shifts growth-related costs to existing residents. Council discussion highlighted disproportionate impacts on small businesses. After public testimony, Council voted to suspend the program by resolution, 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 5-0.
• Salary Resolution: Adopted 5-0.
• TNC Ordinance (First Reading): Approved 5-0 with amendment to driver control language.
• Parks Master Plan: Adopted 5-0 as a guiding document.
• Public Works CIP: Adopted 5-0 as a supporting document to the Comprehensive Plan.
• Charter Amendments (Ballot Referral):
  • Expanding council to seven: Passed 4-1 (Fitzpatrick opposed).
  • Council consent for appointments: Passed 4-1 (Fitzpatrick opposed).
  • Vacancy and appointed official language: Passed 5-0.
• Transportation SDC Suspension: Passed 5-0 to suspend the program by resolution.
• Future Items: The Council discussed scheduling a work session to review short-term rental regulations and an update on the Homeless Liaison contract, paving project, and legislative priorities.