Clatskanie City Council March 4 meeting recap

The following writeup of the Wednesday, March 4 session of Clatskanie City Council was prepared by Council President Bob Emminger

On Wednesday, March 5, the Clatskanie City Council met for their regular monthly meeting. Mayor Bob Brajcich opened the meeting with public comment. The only comment was an update on the City park pickleball court.

The first agenda item was a presentation by Kathy Wilson from SingerLewak CPAs. She was there to present the findings of the 2025 financial audit. SingerLewak CPAs audited the financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City. The overall findings of the audit were generally positive. Ms. Wilson mentioned the $20 million loan the city has had to obtain in order to build a new water treatment plant. She noted that the City has not tapped into that loan yet. In order to service the loan, $5 will be added to the monthly utility bill. This will increase each month until it reaches $120 in two years. That is the worst-case scenario, with hope that additional funding could come from the state, which would reduce the charge to residents.

Sally Jones, the retired director of Columbia 911, was at the meeting to request the support of the City Council for the upcoming Operations Levy. She gave a history of 911 in Columbia County and the important role it has in the safety of county residents. Jones introduced new Director of 911 Operations Jeremy Hipes, who reiterated the necessity of passing this levy, which keeps the same tax base at 29 cents per thousand dollars of property value. Hipes explained this levy has remained the same for a number of years, and covers approximately half of the 911 operating revenue each year. At the conclusion of the presentation, a motion was made and the Council voted unanimously to support the levy.

City Manager Greg Hinkleman thanked Councilors Russell Legrone and Jeff Horness for traveling to Salem to testify at the short session of the State legislature. They testified to the need for money to help pay for the waste treatment construction project.

Cyndi Warren from the City Park & Recreation District gave an update on the new covered picnic area in the Kiwanis Kiddie Park. Mothers who bring their young children to play have longed for a place to sit, especially in the summer. Warren reported that she has received nothing but positive reactions. For now, the ground under the canopy is covered with playground wood chips. Two or three picnic tables will soon be placed there.

An update on the search for the new City Manager was provided by Council President Bob Emminger. The search is being conducted by Prothman, Inc, used by the City in past searches for a finance manager and also a public works director. At present, they have received applications and are in the process of screening and interviewing those applicants. Following their screening process, Prothman will submit their recommendations for consideration. The Council planned a public work session on Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. in the Council chambers where they would “decide on the process for selecting the finalists to interview.”