Astoria City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2026

Note: The agenda and meeting materials list the date as July 20, 2026, but per instruction this summary uses the provided date of July 21, 2026.

The Astoria City Council held a regular meeting with presentations, unanimous approval of the consent calendar, and adoption of several key items including a Transportation Network Company (TNC) ordinance, multiple construction contracts, an Emergency Operations Plan, and asset management software. New business included an update on the Shelter First initiative and a discussion on suspending short-term rental Ordinance 25-07. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the following items by a 5–0 vote (Councilors Fitzpatrick, Adams, Conklin, Davis, Mazzarella):
  • Draft meeting minutes for April 20, April 27, May 4, May 18, and May 18 work session, and Library Advisory Board minutes for June 2.
  • Lease agreement with Columbia Memorial Hospital for use of Heritage Square and closure of 12th Street on August 8, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for Astoria Regatta events, leased for $1.00.
  • Approval of a $25,000 Oregon Department of Emergency Management Homeland Security Grant for security camera upgrades at the public safety building and Fire Station 2.
  • Department status updates.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Diana Kirk (283 West Marine Drive) described challenges applying short-term rental regulations to her property (Workers Tavern). She noted conflicting direction from past city planners regarding parking requirements and requested the City address circumstances affecting established businesses and mixed-use properties. She expressed support for reasonable regulations.
• Teresa Barnes (875 Franklin Avenue) expressed concern that the Shelter First Policy and amended Camping Code took effect before a Homeless Liaison was hired. She argued the enforcement approach is inconsistent with Oregon law and urged the City to protect the rights and dignity of unhoused residents.

Discussion Items

• Transportation Network Company (TNC) Ordinance (8.a): City Manager Spence reviewed the amended ordinance allowing Uber/Lyft to operate. The Council amended the ordinance during its first reading to require onboard human control. Staff removed an unintended $1,000 annual license fee; company and driver licensing fees will be established by Council resolution. No public comment. The ordinance passed second reading and was adopted unanimously (3–0, with Councilors Adams, Conklin, Fitzpatrick voting; Councilors Davis and Mazzarella absent).
• 2026 Paving Project Construction Contract (8.b): Project Engineer John Edwards presented the project, which includes Irving Avenue, Halsey Road, Florence Avenue, West Bond Street, and South Denver Street, plus 15 ADA curb ramps. Big River Construction submitted the lowest responsible bid at $689,317. A 15% ($103,397.55) construction contingency was also authorized. Councilor Adams confirmed no duplication with the 2023 project. Approved unanimously (3–0).
• 2026 Emergency Operations Plan (8.c): Fire Chief Dan Crutchfield presented the updated plan, developed with Deputy Chief Brian McCarthy. Clatsop County grant funding covered about two-thirds of the $25,000 cost, leaving the City responsible for $8,000. The base plan is public; confidential hazard- and mission-specific annexes will be completed by end of 2026 with training in early 2027. Councilor Conklin inquired about public outreach; Chief Crutchfield noted the plan is internal but can be posted online. Approved unanimously (3–0).
• Work Order and Asset Management Software (8.d): City Manager Spence recommended purchasing the ELEMENTS XS system from NOVOTX for $78,500 first year (included in FY 2026–2027 Public Works Improvement Fund Budget), with an annual subscription of approximately $22,000 thereafter. No council questions or public comment. Approved unanimously (3–0).
• 6th Street & Marine Drive Emergency Sanitary Sewer Repair (8.e): Staff identified a partially collapsed 8-inch clay pipe requiring repair before ODOT’s ADA ramp project. Big River Construction submitted the only quote at $62,910; a 15% ($9,436.50) contingency was authorized. Councilor Adams asked about the contingency level; City Manager Spence explained it covers unknown conditions. Approved unanimously (3–0).
• 30th Street & Marine Drive Emergency Waterline Repair (8.f): An emergency waterline break occurred in February. The project replaces 36 linear feet of cast-iron pipe with ductile-iron pipe. Big River Construction quoted $134,880 (only quote received). Staff is coordinating with ODOT on roadway restoration and nighttime work requirements to potentially reduce costs. A 10% ($13,488) contingency was authorized. Councilor Conklin asked about timeline; Public Works Director Jeff Harrington stated exact schedule pending ODOT coordination, with nighttime work likely starting around 9:00–10:00 PM. Approved unanimously (3–0).
• New Business – Shelter First Initiative Update: At Councilor Adams’s request, City Manager Spence reported four components: Camping Code amendments, Homeless Coordinator hiring (contract anticipated in August), dry storage lockers (three purchased), and community-based shelter outreach. Stats: 14 individuals accepted shelter during 30-day pre-enforcement outreach; 5 more in the first five days of enforcement; on the previous evening, 6 contacts were made (3 accepted shelter, 3 complied with camping code); 9 shelter beds available; no arrests made.
• New Business – Suspension of Ordinance 25-07 (Short-Term Rental Licensing): Mayor Fitzpatrick proposed suspending the short-term rental ordinance to address business owner concerns about licensing costs, inspections, penalties, and overlapping regulations. Councilor Adams stated she would not support suspension without a planned work session and additional staff information. Councilor Conklin noted that Councilor Mazzarella had previously requested a broader discussion and supported addressing it at the upcoming July 27 work session.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved 5–0.
• TNC ordinance (second reading and adoption) approved 3–0 (with two councilors absent).
• Construction contract and contingency for 2026 Paving Project awarded to Big River Construction ($689,317 + $103,397.55) – approved 3–0.
• 2026 Emergency Operations Plan adopted 3–0.
• Purchase of ELEMENTS XS asset management software authorized ($78,500) – approved 3–0.
• Construction contract and contingency for 6th & Marine sanitary sewer repair awarded to Big River Construction ($62,910 + $9,436.50) – approved 3–0.
• Construction contract and contingency for 30th & Marine waterline repair awarded to Big River Construction ($134,880 + $13,488) – approved 3–0.
• No action taken on suspension of Ordinance 25-07; the matter is scheduled for the July 27 work session.