Columbia City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2025

The Columbia City Council met on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting lasted until 9:20 PM. Council Members Carroll, Sample, Foster, Waterman, and Mayor Buffaloe were present; Council Member Peters was absent. The agenda included appointments, public comments, public hearings on a sidewalk project and the FY 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, annexation of a mobile home park, a short-term rental conditional use permit, a consent agenda with numerous items, and reports.

Appointments to Boards and Commissions

• The Council appointed members to the Bicycle/Pedestrian Commission, Board of Health, Building Construction Codes Commission, Housing and Community Development Commission, Marijuana Facility License Review Board, Railroad Advisory Board, and Youth Advisory Council. Vacancies on the Citizens Police Review Board were re-advertised for joint interviews.

Scheduled Public Comment

• Laura Mitchell (representing West Ash Neighborhood Association) expressed concern about proposed changes to the short-term rental (STR) policy, noting that 40% of STRs are in the First Ward. She argued the changes would collapse Tier 1 and Tier 2, eliminate the mandatory conditional use permit for non-principal residents, and that the modifications were proposed late at a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting after midnight. She urged enforcement of the 2024 STR regulations.
• Cynthia Commager criticized the clearing of woods for development, citing deforestation, soil erosion, loss of animal habitats, and a decline in butterflies. She questioned who decides it is acceptable to cut down forests and called for greater respect for nature.

Public Hearings

• Columbia Gorge Parkway Sidewalk Improvement Project (B160-25): Public Works Director Shane Creech presented the project to construct a 5-foot concrete sidewalk along the south side of Columbia Gorge Parkway and west side of Pride Mountain Drive, including a pedestrian crosswalk. The total cost is estimated at just over $90,000, with construction anticipated in fall 2025. The project fills a gap in a subdivision platted in 2007. Council Member Carroll discussed the need for a more transparent process for sidewalk project prioritization. Public commenter McKenzie Ortiz supported the project and suggested a formalized process like the traffic calming flow chart. The public hearing was closed, and the bill was passed unanimously (5-0).
• FY 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) (PH22-25): Finance Director Matthew Lue and Budget Officer Andrea Greer presented the CIP, a multi-year plan for projects over $10,000. The CIP is funded by various sources including sales taxes, bonds, and grants. Completed FY 2025 projects and planned FY 2026 projects were highlighted. Public commenter Eugene Elkin suggested separating parks and city projects, questioned if too many projects were underway given declining revenues, and recommended cutting projects before asking the public for more funding. Council members discussed the need for citizen review (historically done by Planning and Zoning Commission) and better communication of project selection. No action was taken; the hearing was informational.

Old Business

• Voluntary Annexation of Woodstock Mobile Home Park (B150-25): The property at 3501 New Haven Road (36.7 acres) was annexed into the city with permanent R-MH (Residential Mobile Home) zoning. The development plan includes design exceptions for perimeter buffer, parking, and lot dimensions to retain all 208 existing mobile home sites. The annexation is needed to connect the park to city sewer, replacing two non-compliant septic systems. Staff reported that tree removal and pothole repairs have begun. The applicant's engineer, Christina Luebbert, stated they are committed to the park and do not intend to displace current tenants. Council Member Sample raised concerns about owner-tenant communication and non-English speaking residents. The bill passed unanimously (5-0).
• Short-Term Rental Conditional Use Permit at 3407 Goldenwood Drive (B153-25): The applicant sought a conditional use permit for a non-principal residence STR with 210 nights per year and up to six guests. The property is within 300 feet of another licensed STR (at 3411 Goldenwood). Staff recommended approval based on technical criteria, but the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial (3-6) due to overconcentration and lack of neighborhood support. No public spoke at the hearing. Council Member Carroll expressed concern about overconcentration and depletion of long-term housing. The bill was defeated (4-1; only Waterman voted yes).

Consent Agenda

• The following items were approved unanimously (5-0) on a single vote: B151-25 (rezoning 2620 Starke Avenue), B152-25 (rezoning Grindstone Parkway), B154-25 (STR at 212 Park De Ville), B155-25 (STR at 411 N. Brookline), B156-25 (STR at 1516 Wilson), B157-25 (STR at 105 Pinewood), B158-25 (accessory dwelling unit at 1120 Westwinds), B159-25 (final plat of The Cottages at Bristol Lake), B161-25 (sidewalk on Oakland Gravel Road), B162-25 (easements for that sidewalk), B163-25 (easements for Rice Road sewer), B164-25 (budget amendment for Safe Streets for All grant), B165-25 (budget amendment for property management), B166-25 (water line differential payment agreement), B167-25 (conveyances for sewer and electric), B168-25 (FTE and classification amendments), R98-25 (public hearing on renewable energy plan), R99-25 (public hearing on tennis court resurfacing), R100-25 (engineering agreement for North Village Park), R101-25 (engineering agreement for arc flash evaluation), R102-25 (right of use license with Love Columbia), R103-25 (fuel card contract with MFA Petroleum), R104-25 (preliminary plat of Wyatt Acres).

Introduction and First Reading (No Action)

• The following bills and policy resolution were introduced and given first reading: PR105-25 (Police & Fire Pension investment policy), B169-25 (parks and recreation fees), B170-25 (water services and rates), B171-25 (final replat Vanderveen Village), B172-25 (final plat Alive in Christ Subdivision), B173-25 (vacating utility easement), B174-25 (budget amendment for Spring Brook roundabout), B175-25 (financial assistance for mini-rolloff truck), B176-25 (conveyances for electric utility), B177-25 (Cosmo-Bethel Park tennis court resurfacing), B178-25 (Food Council membership requirements), B179-25 (contract for fetal/infant mortality review), B180-25 (airport manager agreements).

Reports

• Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) FY 2026 Budget: Informational, received.
• RubinBrown Capital Project Administration and Project Management Internal Audit: Finance Director Lue presented the audit, which recommended improvements such as monthly reporting and a consolidated CIP dashboard. Council Member Waterman noted that this is a first-time audit and that the recommendations are expected to be implemented.
• Utility Customer Service Survey: Utilities Director Keys reported on the survey conducted between February and April 2025, with 804 responses (95% confidence, 3.4% precision). Key findings: customers prefer reliability and affordability, want improved communication, and support weekly recycling. The survey will be repeated every 18-24 months.
• Strategic Plan Quarterly Report – Quarters 1 & 2: Assistant City Manager Rhodes presented updates on the five strategic priority areas. Some items are on hold due to an executive order. The next strategic plan development will be discussed in November.
• Community Summit Report: The March 15, 2025 summit attracted over 300 residents. The top two spending categories from the Como Bucks exercise were “Reliable and Sustainable Infrastructure” ($5,360) and “Inclusive and Equitable Community” ($4,600). The summit will become an annual event.
• Monthly Finance Report: Informational, covering quarterly cash balance updates.

General Comments by Public, Council, and Staff

• Public commenter Eugene Elkin suggested including recycling rotation information in the city newsletter and proposed a slanted roof shelter on the east side of the Room at the Inn building for unsheltered individuals with pets.
• Council members expressed appreciation for the CIP audit, the upcoming project dashboard, strategic plan updates, budget work sessions, and advocacy for CDBG funding. Council Member Sample requested that council memos include the ward number and a larger location map. Council Member Foster highlighted the success of the e-cycle event and the Solarize Columbia program. Staff thanked the Council for recognizing process improvements.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of July 7, 2025; agenda as posted; all appointments; B160-25 (Columbia Gorge Parkway sidewalk) – 5-0; B150-25 (Woodstock Mobile Home Park annexation) – 5-0; entire consent agenda – 5-0.
• Defeated: B153-25 (short-term rental at 3407 Goldenwood) – 1-4 (Waterman yes, others no).
• No Action: Public hearings on FY 2026 CIP (informational); introduction and first reading of 12 bills and 1 policy resolution; all reports.
• Next Steps: The FY 2026 budget will be considered in August; the strategic plan update will be presented in November; discussions on broadcasting work sessions and virtual council participation are tentatively set for October 20, 2025; staff will work on improving council memo templates and location maps.