In Brief: The Dalles City Council Discusses Zoom Security and Housing
The Dalles, Ore., December 14, 2023– In a significant move towards addressing local housing needs and community concerns, The Dalles City Council approved General Ordinance 23-1404 during their December 11, 2023, meeting. The ordinance amends the city’s comprehensive plan related to housing and adopts a housing and residential lands need assessment along with a buildable lands inventory update.
During the public comment period, local resident Michael J. Wilson requested addressing the lack of public bathrooms for the homeless and the installation of deer crossing signs along West 10th Street due to frequent accidents involving deer.
The City Manager reported on several issues, including measures taken in response to a recent "Zoom bombing" incident at a council meeting. The city is working closely with the Oregon Department of Justice and considering changes to public participation policies for better security. The manager also discussed plans for refurbishing holiday decorations and updates on the QLife fiber company's strategic planning.
Council members shared updates on their activities, ranging from meetings with city officials and community stakeholders to discussions on city and county-wide issues like athletic fields and housing development.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing for General Ordinance 23-1404. After a comprehensive presentation by the staff and consultants, the council members engaged in a deliberative process, culminating in the adoption of the ordinance aimed at addressing the city's housing needs.
The presentation delved into demographic trends, current housing conditions, and projections up to 2043. Emphasizing data sources like the U.S. Census, Portland State University Population Research Center, and other market data, Hasty painted a detailed picture of the city's housing landscape. The analysis suggested a modest population growth rate of about 0.3% per year over the next two decades, a projection met with skepticism by some, including Wasco County Commissioner Scott Hege.
Commissioner Hagee expressed concerns over the PSU's population forecast and its implications for urban growth boundary expansion. He argued that the low projected growth rate undermines the justification for expanding the city's urban growth boundary, which he deemed essential.
For an in depth look at the Housing Analysis read our article: Population Growth is Slowing in The Dalles, But Housing is Still Needed.
Additionally, the council passed an ordinance to amend the municipal code for the creation of a new chapter on small wireless facilities. This move comes in response to FCC regulations and aims to streamline the deployment of small-cell facilities.
The meeting concluded with the council moving into an executive session to discuss legal matters related to potential litigation. No action was taken when they returned.
The meeting's decisions reflect the council's ongoing commitment to addressing key issues in The Dalles, from public amenities and safety to housing and technological infrastructure.
