Clatskanie City Council Jan. 7 meeting recap

The Clatskanie City Council met and was opened by Mayor Bob Brajcich for its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The first agenda item was presented by Karen Marx in support of a pickle ball court in the city park. To continue her effort seeking a grant from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation department, Marx was in need of a letter of support from the city. The Council voted in favor of supporting her effort. This proposal was brought before the council in 2024, but was put on hold due to the projected change in FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) PICM (Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures) regulations.

An annual public hearing was opened to receive comments from the community concerning establishments that currently have an Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) license. The only change from the previous year was that the Conestoga Restaurant and Bar closed its doors.

A public hearing was held on Resolution 2026-01, an authorization for the reallocation of appropriations within the general fund. The original budget resolution for the previous year had inadvertently grouped all materials and services appropriations for the general fund together. To align the city’s expenditure tracking, it is necessary to separate those items by moving $181,025 from the Materials and Services line-item to the Administrative line-item. There would be no financial impact on the city; it simply moves that amount between the departments. The resolution was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously in favor.

On Monday, Jan. 5, a letter was mailed to all city constituents connected to the city water and sewer. The letter explained and outlined the increase in utility rates due to the cost of the new water treatment plant. It explained the necessity of building a new plant and how the cost would have to be shared.

Regular reports from the city were given, along with reports from the public works director, the parks and recreation director, and the Sheriff and code compliance officers. Councilman Robert Emminger provided an update on the search for a new city manager. Clatskanie’s present manager is retiring later this year, and Emminger heads up the search for a new person. Following the individual reports, the Mayor adjourned the meeting.