City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Thank you for joining us this evening at Alb City Council meeting uh January 28th, 2026 at 6 p.m. I call the meeting to order. Would you please all join me in the pledge of allegiance? We have a packed house tonight. So, um when you get called up, let's get it moving and um let's make it happen. Um roll call, please.

Councelor Newton, what up? Councelor Thompson, here. Councelor Van Drimolin, hello. Councelor Mloud, present. Councelor Smith here. Councelor McGee present. Mayor Johnson here. So up next is adoption of the consent calendar. So what I've done as I was council's requested to move item three what is it? 3E E three echo to uh seven golf. So page item seven and action items. So council what do you want to do to the remainder of this consent agenda? I move to adopt the remainder of the consent agenda as presented. second.

We're doing a bulk of um appointments and I know um uh appointments are it's it's hard to get people to be volunteers, but I have a couple that just missed this deadline that are coming to fulfill my my requirements and I I wish you all the best in getting people to um fulfill these positions. Thank you. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Those opposed say no. Thank you. Passes. Um, next is presentations and ceremonies. State of municipal court presentation by Mayor. No, judge. Mayor Jessica Mayor.

There she is. Thank you, Jess, for being here.

Yeah, thank you. It's It's nice to be here. I every time I come and I sit down here, I feel like the roles have really reversed and it's it's good to sit down here once in a while. Um, so thank you for the opportunity to come and give the state of the courts. Um, I've got some updates, but first I feel like it's important to go through maybe some thank yous and to recognize some people because we have a lot of great partnerships within the city. Um, and things a lot of things happen within the municipal court. Um, a lot of people play a role in that. Um, First, I always like to um thank our city attorney, Sean Kidd, and his staff, Laura especially, who are so professional, do such a great job in everything that they do when they come before the court, and we appreciate his work. And and for Laura, they're efficient, they're extremely knowledgeable, they've been doing this a long time, and we appreciate um our partnership with them. We have a great courtappointed attorney, Eric Mohler. He's the individual who will represent criminal defendants who can't afford a to retain an attorney. Um, so Eric steps in and he is um who represents those individuals and he also does a great job. We appreciate his professionalism and and his knowledge and um his willingness to take on that case load and and his diligence in doing that. Um we love our relationship with the Albany Police Department. We're so proud to um be a part of the city of Albany because of their great reputation. um Chief Haren who's here and Captain Drum and Captain Pierce, Lieutenant Libra, everyone that um comes before the court, all of our patrol officers. Uh they come well prepared, they're well trained, um they're compassionate, uh they're they're professional, and I really they're a group that we can all I feel like be very proud of um within our city. We're we're we appreciate them a lot. Um, and I I always have to give a special shout out to our favorite Albany

Police Department employee. Her name is Tara Williams. And I don't know if any of you know Tara. She is so fantastic. She wears a lot of hats at the police department. One of which is she is um I call her our APD liaison, but she's so much more than that. She's our victim services advocate. She is out in the community tirelessly um figuring out things uh that need to be done. She works with connecting people with services um within the court. She reaches out to victims of crimes to make sure that they're being heard and that if there's restitution, knowing that um that is brought before the court. And it's so nice to have her. She's she's at most of our court proceedings, at least our criminal proceedings. And just having her in the courtroom is such a great um asset to us to have her knowledge base. She has some very specific um qualifications. She's been doing this a long time and we we just appreciate Tara so much for for what she brings um into the municipal court and we're grateful that she she chooses to work at the Albany Police Department and in the city of Albany and that we have her here. That's a it's a really great great thing. Um, we we work a lot with Lynn County mental health as well because we run our mental health court program and I'm going to talk about that in just a minute. But they've had some turnover in the last few years, but the people they've assigned to the our mental health court have really stepped up. And as as the as the months go by have continued to improve and really um connect with those individuals who are participating in mental health court and coordinate with us and with them to make sure that they can be successful. And uh we appreciate those people. Um well, it's Russ um who mainly comes over from mental health, but Not only does does Russ come over, but um within Lyn County Mental Health, there are treatment

program um or providers, there are case managers and they will come into our mental health court and be there for for those people who are participating. We're just grateful that they they spend that time and they they put that effort in for us. Um Gina, our finance director, we love her so much. We're so grateful she is o oversees the court. She we can tell she really cares about us. She visits us. She helps problem solve with us and we're grateful for her her knowledge base and her expertise and um just have to mention her willingness to participate with the court staff in the annual Halloween costume competition as you've seen. They they do a great job. Um and also for Peter and and Kayla and their um their great work and their support of the the court. We're so grateful for them. Um, and and for the municipal court staff, last but not least, who are just a fantastic group. September Ridgeway is our administrator. She's not here today, but I'm so grateful for all of them. For Jalisa, who is here, and maybe she'll introduce herself in a minute, but she's our um our deputy court administrator, for our full-time clerks. We have April, Jen, and um Abby, who's our newest court clerk, and then we have a part-time clerk, Cheryl. They do a difficult job. I I always like to think, you know, the people who come to the municipal court aren't always happy to be there. And so there's, you know, emotions can run high. Um sometimes we're seeing people on not their greatest day or because of not their greatest day. Um and I've watched our municipal court clerks over these years just um be so patient and loving and want to problem solve with these people. and just the the patience level is so astounding and you really have to have that to be a court clerk. And I'm I'm grateful for their their diligence. They're efficient. They're smart. They're just on top of it. The workload that we have is extreme. And

they get it done and they make my job so wonderful. Um and you know, we're grateful for the city council, too, for Mayor Johnson who walks by the court as it's in session, always waves. And I'm so grateful to see that happy smiling face in the hallway. and and just for your support and we we know you're out there and uh we appreciate you being there and I know each of you care so much about Albany and about our constituents and we're we're grateful for that. Um so I want to go over just a few things and then give you some time to ask me questions. I know we have a packed courtroom so we or not courtroom council room today. So I I know I I work in efficiency so I know you I don't have too much time but um I do want to talk briefly about mental health court because we have some new counselors who might not know about it. So just briefly on the fourth Wednesday of every month we have a special docket and we call it mental health court. And what that docket is um is a group of defendants who with the blessing of APD if there's a victim and of the city attorney and their attorney who's usually our courtapp appointed attorney Eric Mohler um enroll in this program um if we believe or that group believes that they could benefit from mental health services or maybe their crime is related to a mental health issue. Sometimes they're already receiving mental health services through Lin County Mental Health or Benton County or with the county where they live. Um they're not required to do this program, but we offer it to them, I should say. We don't make them do it, but if they would like to enroll in the program, then we um and everyone is on board, then they come to a special docket. So, they're not in a courtroom full of everybody else that's there for the criminal docket. They're there at a special time, which is 10 o'clock on the fourth Wednesday. It's a more intimate group. And um we can go over what they're um what they're facing. So, the great thing about mental health court is we set aside or we kind

of push to the side the pending criminal cases while they're in the program. And the whole goal of the program is to have them enroll in these mental health services, whether it's through Lin County or Benton County or wherever they live and um and comply and uh be successful in that program. And so what we do is we we set their case over sometimes a month at a time, sometimes two, and if they're doing really well, sometimes three, and we just check in with them at that docket 10 o'clock on the fourth Wednesday. And Lynn County Mental Health comes, their case providers come. Sometimes if they're living in um a special housing situation, their housing manager will come and we'll just chat about how they're doing and what um you know, what support they need. And um the the whole goal and we've been able to graduate 15 people this year is to be able to dismiss their underlying criminal charges if they can enroll in this program and and be successful. And I know I say this every time I talk to you, but it is the best part of my job to do mental health court because I see these people who come in at the beginning and who have made a mistake and who are in a bad place and as they enroll in their mental health program and the program's different for every person. They go to mental health and they're like, "Okay, this person might need medication management. This person might need, you know, a therapy session or group session." So, it's different for everyone. But I see them change and really start to love themselves and to be more independent, to have stable housing. And it's just such these graduations literally I get tearary and we clap and it's this the most fantastic thing. Um we feel just so um proud and we want we I'm sad. I don't know about Jalisa, but I'm sad when they graduate and I tell them this. I'm like we we're going to miss you. We're going to miss seeing you. And one of the greatest parts of these graduations is I I always ask them what was the secret like for

you? How did this like what did you do to make yourself successful? And hearing each of their stories and then they hear each other's stories is is so rewarding and I I love it. I love mental health work. Anyway, so I want to talk about that. Um, so, so I do need to talk about numbers because I feel like you probably won't hear about it even though I know that's not what our goal is in the municipal court revenues and things like that, but I'm but I am prepared to talk about that. So, I'm going to tell you um the difference between last year and this year. Um, not surprisingly because we have added some red light and speed camera um to our city. Uh there has there was an uptick in our uh number of violation filings and by uptick I mean they more than doubled um between 2024 and 2025 which we expected. I know um we did have and just as a as a history so in January we had we already had the Girian queen um set up but that uh was just red light for a long time and then in January we added a speed or the city not the city added speed detection to that intersection. So that became live in January. And then in April, the North Albany and Thor North Albany and Thorton Lake that went live um issuing citations in the beginning of September. We had the Giri and Santium and that's the one that's like behind Petco um went live and then Queen and Elm so down by the high school, West Alb High School um at the beginning of October. So, we haven't had a full year yet of of most of these um just the Girian Queen last January. Um so, our number of violation filings um in 2024 was 4,69. In 2025, it was 10,063.

So, it did more than double and um we expect that to um to continue to go up and um the hope is eventually plateau and maybe go back down as behaviors change. So, uh, stay tuned for that. It's very we're very new, so um to all of these, um, intersections. So, we're we're going to be watching that. As far as revenues, of course, revenues also increased. Um, uh, last year in 2024, the total court revenue was just over a million dollars, uh, 1,15,832. This year, it was 1,577,000. So about a $560,000 increase in in total revenue. And then as that relates to the net revenue to the city because there are some fines and fees that we have to split with that we have to send money to the state, money to the county. Um it was an increase in of $347,000 um over the year. Um on a silver lining, our criminal filings went down by 118. So that's that's something. So, um I don't know what that is in relation to, but I hope it's because we have less crime in the city, but who knows? Less misdemeanor, I should say. Um okay. And then the the last thing I want to talk about and then before and you can ask me questions. You probably have a lot. um is we you we had our new ordinance passed and um we we decided we knew that you uh that that was going to come and so we decided well let's let's start a new diversion program because why wait and so the beginning of October we began this new diversion program where we had we eliminated the age and I guess I should really thank the city of Salem because we contacted them and when I say we I mean September contacted their court administrator and they shared all their forms with us which is so fantastic and kind of gave some guidance

as to um how those forms are used and what their program looks like and so we we we adopted those forms and in a lot of ways adopted their program. Um so it was very very helpful to have them um assist with that at at least all the the forms. Um, we did that because when we expanded that program and we dropped that age requirement, it opened up like a lot of different people, you know, many many more people who would qualify for the program. And so we wanted to make sure there was something in place that was very um it was more organized and and less of um just because we were doing it more often. So we if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So we decided to contact the city of Salem and say what what's worked for you. So, we're grateful for them and for their help. Um, and so that that I think overall, and maybe you'll have you I'm sure you'll have some questions about it, has changed the dynamic um in the courtroom for our violations docket because that's one extra option that people have. And while it does take us as as a court and as a staff, you know, a significant amount of more time to process those violations, in general, the people that come before the court are very grateful for that opportunity. They're very grateful if they, you know, if they when they qualify and they, you know, never had a a traffic violation before, um, and this was, you know, kind of a blip in their usual practices to have the opportunity to, um, enter into that traffic safety diversion program. Um, we don't know quite yet about how many people are going to be successful in the program because we began October 1st and we we we mirrored the city of Salem's time frame. They they gave that 120day window for everyone to complete the um the requirements um like the the class that we have them do and u make sure they don't have any new convictions in

that time. And so now February 1st, right, is that that 120day kind ofish um point. And so we're going to be now looking back at those people who entered diversion and be like, did they do it? Like we hope they did. We hope they did because we don't want to have to revoke those. But um overall, I feel like people are very grateful and maybe they've expressed that to you too to have that that extra option. the prior diversion program, and I know you know this, was just something that something that the city had been doing for probably a decade. And um we just when I became the judge a couple years ago, we just continued doing it that way. So um so yeah, this has been it's been great. It's it was like an adjustment, you know, to get all these things in place, but we've done it and I feel like it's going really well at this point. So

um Okay. Was there anything Sarah Jalisa that you wanted to add? Okay. You could maybe answer some questions, but I just want to give um council an opportunity to ask me questions. I'm sorry I talk so long. I can't help it. Okay. Council, did we get Oh, did we get a chance to review the uh contract with is it Zero Ver Mobility? Ver Mobility. Yeah. And Red Flex for the paying out. So, my husband works for City of Salem. So, I know you guys talked to Deb. Um she's wonderful. She is. I'm I'm totally team Deb. She's amazing. She's fantastic. We call her Deborah, but if you not on the debt it's all good. Huge fan of her.

Um, so I was curious if we looked at our contract. I was under the impression that whenever someone did diversion, we weren't paying Red Flex. So then it would in effect make the tickets because they're still paying the full price of the ticket and then the presumptive. Yeah. The presumptive fine. And they're also paying additional $70 to take the the course, the class. Yeah. Yes. So I'm wondering if so it's still like quite a heavy burden. So I'm wondering if if there was and maybe I'm I just want to double check our our contract if we had to pay them for the

That's a really good question. What the contract says and I'm obviously not looking at it now, but that we pay we pay Redflex or Vera Mobility $20 for every paid citation. So really it's what's a paid citation? Um I would I would think and I I say this in court all the time. I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. We would probably defer to your lawyer, Mr. Kid. But um when I when I would say paid citation, I would say if we're collecting money from someone on a citation, I think they're I think they believe they're going to get $20 uh from us for each one of those. I I don't know if Mr. Kid has looked at it, but And so I guess the short answer is we've been giving them $20. That's that's what we've been doing. Um, if we're told to do otherwise, then yeah, we can remove that. Yeah.

So, I haven't I didn't know I I'm happy to look at it. I haven't looked at it for that particular thing, but your analysis of it would be probably what mine would be as well as if if it's a per paid citation and they are paying on they're getting a citation from from the officer and then they're coming in and they're paying on that citation the presumptive fine. It would seem that that Vieier Mobility would certainly look at it that way that we owe them the money and if we take the position that we don't then we might [clears throat] be in some uh in some litigation with them. I don't know, but I'll take a look at it. We'll I'll see if it says anything different. So, yeah.

Yeah, maybe we can double check what City of Salem does as well because I think that they if I if I recall. Yeah. Do they also use Vera up there? They use the same Yeah. They use the same company also. Yeah. The same same exact company and they don't pay the So since that they're doing traffic school, it brings it down from like 230 to 150 because it is they they don't pay the county or the state, they just pay like $50 to the city. Yeah. And then the cost of the um So, I'm just I'm just trying to make sure that this is like not right an overly large financial burden on someone like because

I'm just going to be honest. If I got like a $200 and something dollar ticket, like that's a quarter of my grocery budget and my my kids are currently in the growing phase. They're they're eating a ton. Yeah. Um so I I just want to make sure that we're being cognizant and I understand like yes, people have they're speeding this is like their first ticket. Like I remember what really triggered this for me several years ago bringing this up was when my neighbor who's on a fixed income and is retired like in his 80s was like, "Oh my gosh, I got my very first ticket." He's like, "What do I do?" Like of all time. Like of all ever of all time. Of all time. He's a phenomenal guy.

But that's what really triggered this. And I know that that can be a big financial burden for people that are on fixed incomes, um, people that are students. Yeah. You know, limited incomes. And so just I'd love for us to look into and see if that is something we could do like a just a process change. I know that just a question I had.

That's a good question. So and just briefly there are kind of two schools of thought as to the state and county fines too. So um the riskadverse school of thought which is what I follow usually in my life in general is when when you're collecting money [clears throat] from a traffic violation or a crime um the state of Oregon is required to pay the state the first $50 collected and we're required to pay the county the last 16 that's collected and those are 60 or 16 16. Okay.

Yeah. That would be that would be so much. Um, so that's in order by statutes chapter 153 if you wanted to look it up, but it goes over like the the criminal fine amounts.

So, um, we I am of the opinion and we are warned about this at every judges conference I go to is if you have a a large diversion or deferral program and you're collecting, you know, money from this program, um, you are still required to pay the $50 to the state and to the county. Not court does that. What is worrying like our neighbors do le city of Lebanon they do that they on their traffic deferrals they're giving 50 to the state 16 to the county city of Kaiser does too. I'm not going to call out the courts that don't because it's probably not a good thing. Um but um it's been a while but maybe 10 or more years ago the secretary of state audited a city who was doing that and they were required to pay back to the state that $50 per ticket. What state? What state? What city was this and when was it? Was the secretary of state that audited them?

It was the secretary of state audit and this is this is what we're told at our judges conferences. Okay. Which city was from our lobbyist? It's my understanding that it was the city of Bend. Okay. Yeah, I'll look into that. So, yes. Um, but it would it so maybe Yeah, I started going to these conferences maybe 12 15 years ago and that's when So, we're continuously warned about it. Um, Has it happened recently? No. But so if the council decides this isn't something we want to do anymore is to pay the $50 to the state and 16 to the county for the deferrals. Um certainly we can we can do that. It's just um

let's make sure it's legal. Yeah. Yeah. It's just I I'm risk adverse and I don't want to put the city in a position where that might happen. So I think it's worth looking into. Yeah. Let's absolutely look into that.

Um, but I would say, you know, there's two schools of thought and the the conservative riskadverse school of thought is let's go ahead and pay the the county or the city and the county. Just so you know, too, what those fines go to, the $50 and the 16. Um, for the state, it goes into the criminal fine account. So, that pays for things like victim services and compensating victims who um aren't otherwise compensated for crimes. It goes to um department, you know, safety training. It goes to juvenile programs, drug and alcohol. So those fine I mean it's, you know, it's hard to part with money to the state. I realize that, but it fortunately those fines or the this it's the criminal fine account is used for like a valiant purpose in my opinion. Um and then for the county that $16 goes to um also drug and alcohol treatment, juvenile programs, um 60% of it does and then the other 40% goes to um county facility uh security so security fund.

Council Cloud, you had something. Yes. Thank you. um last year when you came to give this um this presentation, similar presentation, you also mentioned the mental health court and uh not too long after that, I was able to um sit in on your um mental health court and I got there a little bit early and I was able to watch the end of your docket before mental health court. And when it switched over to mental health court, I could physically see the change on your face. so [laughter] obvious.

It was so obvious, but I loved it. It was wonderful to see um how much you u enjoy working um with mental health court. And so I just wanted to thank you for offering that to the residents um of Albany. And I I I really appreciated being able to sit in and um and see that and to see that change on your face. It was it was wonderful. Thank you. And thank you for coming. Yeah, you're welcome. And then not too long after that, I got a red light ticket and I and I was in your court as a as a defendant. [laughter] Thank you for coming to that as well.

But yeah, so so I attended that as well um because I wanted to be part of part of that process to see what our residents go through um when they receive a red light ticket. I, you know, I could have I could have just paid it in the mail and sent it, but I wanted to be part of that process to see what what the options are and to go to a court and um and just go through the whole process and so that I could I could I want to say witness that, but actually be a part of that um and and be able to speak to that with our residents. So, so thank you for for what you do um for our city.

I appreciate that. I'm glad I'm glad you come to court in all different ways. [laughter] Thank you. Any other councils have anything judge? Thank you so much for presentation and I love the work that you do. Your staff is fantastic and keep smiling and welcome by and saying hi. Thank you for doing it. All of you should come. If you walk by, smile and we'll wave back. All right. Have a nice evening. You have a nice evening. Thank you. Next on tonight's agenda is a public hearing consideration for reestablishment of the hospital facility authority of the city of Albony, Oregon. I declare the public hearing open at 6:28 p.m. Uh, does the staff have a report?

Good evening. Um, so the city has had a long-standing relationship with local healthc care facilities and in providing these conduit bonds for for them to do infrastructure in their areas. Um, you know, let me introduce this is Rig Blonde from Oric. Uh, he was here in December, I believe. Oric.

Yeah. As a representative of Menanite Village. So, we have done this uh many times in the past. In 20 2021, uh council voted to disband the board just because the uh bonds were all paid off and there was an administrative burden to having to meet all the time. So, so we went ahead and said, you know what, we can always reestablish this at a later time. It had been long enough that we decided that we wanted to go through the full process. So that's why we're having the public hearings um just to give people an opportunity to you know come and and ask questions or to speak out about this. Uh but we are hoping that we'll be able to reestablish reestablish this relationship and and move forward um in establishing this hospital facility authority. Okay.

Um written materials were um submitted by the deadline. So should council have a chance to take a look at those? Okay. Uh for those who will you have any questions for them before I move on? There's there's not not a natural space for that, but I can go ahead and give you guys question time. The only question I have is is what is the two questions. What are the financial uh responsibilities of the city and any administrative time that might be involved?

Oh, actually the city doesn't have any financial responsibility at all. Um any of the costs that we incur we can pass on to we can pass on uh for example we are currently working with our bond council uh Hawkins Delfield excuse me and uh any of the costs that we have to pay them we we are not responsible for we can pass those on administrative time it's it's basically me um for the city and then council will be the board council mloud Uh, Mr. Mayor, did you say that we received uh written testimony for this hearing? Wasn't there? I I did not receive written testimony for this hearing. Oh, there wasn't. I'm sorry. Okay. Thank you.

Different topic then.

Um, for those who wish to testify, there are three options available which were described in the agenda, those who are registered to speak during the meeting will be called upon first. Uh, any names on the list? Nobody. Okay, there's no names. We will now take comments from those who did not register. Does anyone any member of the audience wish to speak about this item? If so, please state your name and make comments you may have to for the city council to provide information for the signup sheet. Anybody? If you're attending virtually, turn on your camera and raise your hand to be called upon. If you attending by phone, please unmute yourself and state your name so you can be you can speak. I will now call on those registered to speak. There's none. Does any staff wish to respond to the comments received? No comments. I declare the public hearing closed at 6:32 p.m. Does the council wish to discuss the plan and ask additional questions of the staff? Okay. The res there is a resolution on considering on page 30 of your packet.

Oh, you had something. I was going to move to adopt the resolution as written. I I have to read this though. Okay. There's a there's a resolution in for conser on page 30 of the agenda agenda packet. What's this 30 here? Would the counselor like to make a motion? Yes. I move to adopt the resolution as written. Thank you. I have a motion and a second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. Thank you. Thank you.

Motion passes. Next item six, public comment. Public comment is a time for Albony residents to speak and for counselors to listen. The council will discuss topics or make decisions during public comment, but will take the comments and requests under advisement. Speakers are limited to three minutes and must follow this court's council's rules and observe the same standards of the quorum. If unable to do so, they will be asked to step down and take a seat in the audience on the audience when the meeting. When you get to the microphone, please give your name and state whether or not you you live in the city of Albany. The city council has written public comment submitted on human relations commission for their June 27th January 27th meeting. Additionally, written public comment was received from Jesse Doyle and Eric Larson for tonight's council meeting.

[clears throat]

Is anybody online? So during public comments, three minutes and I'm going to call up Katie. Please pas please. Please rhymes with police.

Thank you. Uh is there a clock that I'm watching or is someone just going to There we go. Thank you. Uh I'll go ahead and start. My name is Katie Police. I'm an Army combat veteran and a resident of Albany. I currently serve on the city's human relations commission and I'm here today because I believe our city has an opportunity to rise to the occasion for safety for all of our residents. 18 days ago, an Albany resident with no criminal record was profiled and abducted by federal agents while shopping at a local business. She was violently detained, leaving only broken glass and an empty vehicle for her family to recover. This abduction has forced a local family to make complex decisions that no family should have to make. Spend thousands of dollars to release someone who has committed no crime back to their own home, which is akin to kidnapping for ransom, or to follow through with deportation. The latter decision creates a separated family of US citizen children who are active participants in this city. These children either have to live without their parent in the US or leave their native country to live as a united family. All of these options are unnecessarily cruel. When events like this happen, silence from city hall creates a vacuum. We don't have to look far to see what leadership could like in this could look like in this moment. The mayor of Fomoth has publicly condemned violent and unlawful federal actions. Just yesterday, the mayor of Corvalis hosted a state of the city town hall to engage directly with residents. We see cities like Minneapolis under the pressure of federal occupation choose transparency. They have provided their residents with clear information and resources on city federal interactions through their website. They have chosen to lead so their residents don't have to wonder what is happening in their city or where their leaders stand. In contrast, Albany has remained silent. I know through conversations with the police chief that APD and the city don't receive advanced notice of federal immigration enforcement activity. Often they only learn of these incidents from the impacted residents themselves. While I don't expect the city to share information that it doesn't have beforehand, I am deeply concerned by the lack of communication after the fact. At least one city councelor learned of the most recent abduction through new through the newspaper, not from the city manager or APD. I understand that that

counselor has requested a formal notification process for future federal activity and has yet to receive a response. When our leaders are kept in the dark, they cannot adequately lead or inform the public. This lack of communication and support extends to the citizen advisory groups. After the HRC spent months planning a topic tee to facilitate community conversation, the city failed to provide promised marketing resources. This forced city staff into the unfair position of cancelling the event for a lack of traction. Traction that was impossible to gain because the city provided no timely notice to the public. It is troubling that while our neighbors in Corvalis host town halls to ensure public voices are heard, Albany cannot provide basic resources for a residentled conversation. Based on the response to last night's HRC meeting, our residents are clamoring for a safe space to share their experiences. I'm calling on the city to take two immediate steps. Protect our residents. Identify a clear plan to inform city leadership in the public when when federal immigration activity has occurred and provide residents access to the resources they need and uphold your commitment to volunteers. Provide the resources necessary for advisory groups to meet their missions or provide honest information about what the city can actually support. Thank you.

Thank you and thank you for the written comment. [applause]

Christopher Arnold. Hello, I'm Christopher Arnold, a resident of Albany. Um, I wanted to make a comment about the resolution responding to current federal immigration actions. Uh, I want to express my support for the resolution and for its core values. Albany is a diverse city. It is a safe city. Those two things are not in tension with each other. Uh in fact, they depend on each other. The reason Albany remains safe is because people feel able to live, work, seek medical care, send our kids to school, and interact with local institutions without fear. This resolution focuses on prevention rather than reaction. And I believe that is exactly the right approach. Providing clear information about rights, offering access to resources, and working proactively with community organizations help prevent situations from escalating into crisises that put residents and families and even public safety officers at risk. When people understand their rights, they know where to seek help, and they're less likely to panic, withdraw, or avoid essential services. That matters not just for those who may be undocumented, but for the entire community. Fear and confusion creates instability. Information and trust creates safety. I also appreciate that this resolution recognizes immigration status issues as civil matters that can be addressed through proper legal channels when people are given access to accurate guidance and support. Helping residents connect with legitimate pathways, legal resources, and rights. Education is not about defying federal law. It's about ensuring that people are treated humanely and that outcomes are lawful, orderly, and nonviolent. Importantly, this resolution gives the city the city the ability to evaluate opportunities, act proact uh proactively rather than only responding after harm has already occurred as we heard right before. Um we should not wait until

conditions here resemble what we've seen in other parts of the country. Um we should be taking reasonable steps before to protect our community. That way we have plans in place if and when that does happen. Uh, if Albany has resources, partnerships, and clear pipelines in place ahead of time, we greatly reduce the risk of escalation and unnecessary harm. The emphasis on collaboration with community- based organizations is especially important to me. These organizations have trust, cultural knowledge, and capacity. Partnering with them will allow the city to extend its reach without overburdening its staff or budgets. In my experience, collaboration almost always leads to better, more affordable, and more effective outcomes than trying to centralize everything or get nothing done at all. Opening up access to information, evaluation, and partnerships doesn't weaken Albany. It strengthens it. There's very little to lose here and a great deal to gain in terms of safety, trust, and long-term uh community stability. I urge the council to support the resolution and to continue choosing preventive, humane, and collaborative approaches to keep Albany safe for everyone who lives here. Thank you. Christine Ferguson. [applause]

My name's Christine Ferguson and I'm a resident of Albany and I'm in charge of the Veterans Day parade here in Albany. And I want to thank Peter and Carolyn and Alex and Marilyn for coming to the veteran of the year banquet. So you guys can put it on your calendar. It's November 10th, which is a Tuesday evening at 6 o'clock. But I'm not in charge of that. So I can't tell you where it's going to be. [clears throat] This year's parade, even without the military, was 169 units. We are thinking about restricting the parade to somewhere between 185 and 200 units because this year's parade was 2 hours and 47 minutes long which is a long time for families. We had 68 sponsors and um we are very happy and grateful for all of them. Um, if you have any questions, y'all have my number. My number is all over everything. You can call me and ask the question. Um, this year is the 75th anniversary of the parade and the 250th birthday of the country. We would like to do something super special, but we have no idea what that could be. It's a little hard to do fireworks in the rain. So, if you have any ideas to how we could make this year a super special year, please get in touch with me. And that's all I have to say. Thank you.

Thank you, Christine. Welcome back,

Mark Stewarts. Uh, good evening. My name is Mark Stewart. uh I was here last Monday and I wanted to make a uh couple of observations about that meeting. Uh and I apologize this might be a little bit uncomfortable for members of council and and the gallery. Um I'm both thankful and a bit dismayed. Uh I'm thankful that uh Councilwoman from Second Ward, Mr. Mloud, uh albeit at the 11th hour, um did make mention of the outright murder of Alex Prey in Minnesota by the federal government in broad daylight on video. I am dismayed that it came after everything else, including cupcakes. And I wonder if it is possibly the case that perhaps members of the council and possibly even the public are not entirely aware of precisely where they stand as Americans in the eyes of the federal government right now. And if there's any wonder about it, all you got to do is open up your ears and listen to the thunderous applause. And what I mean by that specifically, and it goes against my humanity to recommend this because it's tantamount to recommending that you watch a snuff film, but for your sake and for the sake of us all, watch the videos of Alex Prey. And in particular, I want you to pay attention to one very, very important

thing. And that is the seconds in the aftermath where one of the agents runs up afterwards and yeah, like they like like his football team just scored a touchdown celebrating. He celebrated the death of that man on camera. And then they turned around afterwards and were telling protesters that showed up, "Boohoo! Everyone in here, we all come from different races, different backgrounds, different ethnicities, creeds, religion, all of it. But at the end, we're all Americans." Alex Prey was an American, and he was one of the best among us. And not only did they celebrate in his killing, they lied about it afterwards. Christy Gnome, uh, Ste the Miller.

Steve Miller, thank you. And like from the president on down, they lied within hours trying to label him as a terrorist. None of which was true. They lied to our face and they celebrated it. If you don't know where you stand in the in the eyes of the federal government right now, open your ears. Thank you. Thank you, [applause]

Nick Price. Is that right? Yes, Nick Price.

Um, I am happy to know that I am the severalistst person to talk about this issue. Um, I think it's as much as, you know, talking about fines and everything else is great, I think it's honestly the only thing we should be talking about right now. Um, I want to start by stressing the importance of local government, not only having a plan for a federal invasion, but being ready to rise to the moment we are currently in. Um, while you were working on this plan, I think there is a glaring issue that you need to keep in the top of your mind. We need to take a moral inventory of our police force. It is clear ICE and DHS have become a rogue agency that ignores the rule of law and our police uh and we need to know that our police are going to protect protesters from being shot. Are they going to stand idly by as warrantless raids happen to the citizens of Albany? I know from a a Tik Tok that APD has um that they have a thin blue line flaging in their station. uh this is a pivotal moment for them to decide where that line is going to be drawn. Are they going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with ICE and DHS or are you going to stand with the citiz citizens of Albany? I was also at the recent town hall um with our state elected officials and there was plenty of people over the age of 50 going where's the youth? Where are the youth? Well, guess what? They were there in 2020, 2021 telling you that police brutality is absolutely a problem in our country. Police brutality has gotten worse. We watched two people get shot in cold blood in Minneapolis. There's two more in Portland that we don't even know anything about. And then there's another in Arizona. And that's not even to mention the protesters who are losing

fingers along with their off I mean, I can't even call them officers losing fingers. I think that right now as our elected officials, you need to decide what you're going to do while your citizenry is still peaceful. Thank you, [applause]

Raquel Moore. Did I say it right? Did I say your name correctly? My name is Raquel Moore. I am a resident of the city of Albany and I am an an adult child of immigrants. And I was told that to be an effective speaker at a council meeting, I should have a clear ask. The truth is that if I had any ask that I could potentially wish for as if this was some sort of magic genie situation, I would ask for the federal government to stop killing us and our allies. Stop hunting us, stop dehumanizing us just because we or our parents were born on a different side of an arbitrary line that was drawn in the dirt. However, I am aware that this ask is too large for this room. So, I will not ask for that now. Instead, I will share with you that I am proud to be an American. I am honored to reside in this country. I'm grateful to live in a land where I was taught that we stand for liberty and justice for all. A land where we use language to include one another and build community together. And this starts with the language we use dayto-day. My ask is for the city and for those around us to not engage in using dehumanizing language when it comes to people who were born in a different country. An undocumented im immigrant is no more a criminal illegal alien than a jaywalker is a criminal illegal street walker. Sure, both of these break the civil law of our countries of our country, but neither warrant a public shaming or perceived moral of perceived moral failing. These are examples of people completing tasks that meet their daily needs. And one it is a case of somebody simply crossing the street. And another is migration to ensure that your family has its needs met. Migration is something that has occurred so long as humans have existed. Making this illegal is an intentionally man-made crisis. And I would remind you that legality does not equal morality. Using morally appropriate language and accurately describe to that accurately

describes a migrant person's lived experience helps us see the humanity in our fellow man helps us live in harmony with one another and leads to fewer conflicts and deaths. I provide you with these recommendations when choosing language to speak about immigrants. I encourage you to use first person language a person who is an immigrant. Use active verbs people who are crossing a border. avoid militarized language like invasion. Why don't you describe instead what you're seeing? Are you seeing a caravan of 20 who is attempt who is desiring to cross a border? I will also add that there are many ways to have been born in another country and hold legal status in this country. There are student visas, work visas, asylum seekers, refugee status people, legal US residents, and naturalized citizens. My parting thoughts are that we have already lost too many lives this year alone to a topic that does not have to be this inflammatory. Using language that reminds us of one another's humanity will help deescalate the feeling of conflict and lead to a more peaceful discussion that can hopefully preserve human lives. Thank you.

Thank you, [applause]

Christian Herrera. I'm sorry. I am so sorry. Thor chickic. I I'm so sorry.

Hi, my name is Thor Halesk. I'm a resident of Albany. Uh a while ago, I spoke to you guys about starting my Eagle project of installing three bike stations in local Albany parks. Uh, since then I have installed all three of those. I've fundraised and installed all three stations in I believe Henderson, Doug Kllin, and Grand Prairie Parks there in I figured I'd just stop by and fill you guys back in that this has all been installed now. Thank you. Thank you, [applause]

Christian Herrera. Now, thank you for understanding. Good afternoon. My name is Christian Nera and I'm currently I currently in Albany and I'm a junior at South Alb High School. My goal tonight is to share my perspective and advocate for the Hispanic community in Albany that has recently been affected by the prominent presence of ICE groups. Two weeks ago, my family was negatively impacted after my mother was detained by multiple ICE agents while out briefly shopping. They had surrounded her vehicle in a parking lot and then proceeded to ruthlessly break into her window. And as a student, I understand the fear that comes with the oppressive actions of ICE. Having trouble to concentrate in school is a common occurrence. Worries that come with the thought of seeing parents attain impedes academic performance among many Hispanic students like myself. My proposition for the city council of Albany is to strive towards solutions that protect the innocent, hardworking immigrant families that reside in Albany. Doing so will Doing so will foster the an environment in where determined students can flourish both academically and socially. Because at the end of the day, the objective of undocumented families is to provide for their children and give them the opportunities that they did not have grown up, even if that means making big sacrifices like leaving behind their own goals and aspirations to raise their family in the land of opportunity. And as an older brother, I want to be the strong example for my little sister of what hardworking people like us can achieve in a country that views as if prejudice and persecutes us. And you know what? Ice won't stop me from doing that. And I have faith in the Albany Council that you guys can support minorities in this action. Thank you.

Thank you, [applause] [applause] [cheering]

Ray Hills. Ray Hill still here? I'm Ray Hilts. I live in Albany and I'm going to change the subject even though maybe I shouldn't because I am concerned as to what is happening in our country and anyway change the subject is I interviewed 20 people and a quarter of them were women and the rest were men. Anyway, oh, several years ago, and Mayor Alex can remember and probably Marilyn Smith can remember, but some of you don't remember, but I pushed the gr the gas tax. Anyway, our state is in turmoil. They don't know what they're going to do because there was an initiative or a referendum of over 200,000 voters that said no gas tax. In my survey, I found that two of the people did not drive.

Three did not know anything about the gas tax. Two were undecided. Three said yes. Nine said no. We have crumbling streets and I'm sure you've been driving over some of them. I have. And so anyway, I encourage you to look at you at a utility fee. I know that's been in discussion before, but I encourage it. Uh, I drive a Prius, so the gas tax wouldn't have really much effect on me, but it did would on others. And so with my survey of 20 people, uh, nine of them said no. And it looks like that's similar to what the, uh, 200,000 people said. So, I think you need to look seriously at a utility fee because our streets need to be repaired.

Thank you, Ray. Thank you for your time,

Rich Carter. Follow the score. Good evening. My name is Rich Carter. I'm a resident of Albany, but I have a business that's based in in resident Business based in Albany. Um I'm here to um speak about my own company's request for extension of the enterprise zone benefit that is under discussion later in the um the docket here. For those of you who don't know, I'm um one of the two owners of a business called Valiscore. This is a small business. We're not a big corporation. Just to give you some idea, my wife just finished payroll today. That's who does my payroll. It's about 20 people that work for us. So I think there's been some misperceptions as to what my business is. This is a small business that's trying to build a manufacturing site in our great city to really help benefit our citizens here. And so we're an innovative manufacturing company that builds products for healthcare applications and advanced semiconductors. The spec specific factory going up in Albany is going to be the only company in the world making an etchants. It's critical for making memory chips. We're the only ones outside Asia that do that and we're really proud of that and it's something that I think will really help secure our supply chain for these sorts of important things. We anticipate spending over $20 million in investment at this additional phase of development. This will employ about 50 people in addition to the about 20 people that work for us already. The reason we chose Albany is because Albany gets how to do manufacturing. There's a long history of doing this. Whether you look at Oregon Freeze dry what used to be synthetus labs. You look at all the amazing um titanium based work that's being done here. There's a lot of great manufacturing down here. The reason we picked to locate in Albany is because this state gets or this city gets how to do manufacturing. It's an honor to be a

part of the city. And we really do think that the jobs we'll create from this will help benefit the state, excuse me, benefit the city and help benefit the region. Thank you very much. Thank you. Okay. Next on tonight's agenda, I've did some moving around. Um, next up on the item is 7A, consideration resolution responding to the current federal im immigration. There copy the resolution somewhere.

I read it earlier. Yeah, I read it earlier. So any any discussion council? Yeah. F I moved it up to A. Agenda.

So I I would like to start if that's all right, sir. Discussion. Sure.

Okay. So this resolution I I proposed this resolution. Um, this was written by a local community leader by the name of Nancy Greenman. Um, I know probably everyone on the dis knows Nancy and I'm sure a lot of people in the audience here know Nancy. And if you know Nancy, you know that Nancy is all about collaboration, working with the community, working with people, about being informed, being educated, and knowing what your rights are. She's an attorney. So this resolution is about having a resource for people in our community to know what their rights are. That's all. This is not about anything anything else you may have read online. There are people in this community that uh like to tell halftruths and stir the pot and uh get people angry about things that are not what's going on. So, I just wanted to uh to mention that about this resolution and I do hope that my fellow counselors have read the resolution uh understand the facts of the resolution and um I hope you will join me in approving this.

Yeah. Yeah. I read it and it seems really straightforward and common sense and I will join you in supporting it. Thank you. Well, the only concern I had is the number. It's not bad. It's just the number at the top. It's like for me it be Somebody would read that and send that into ICE. I'm sorry reading the first first paragraph, the first sentence, the number of people that are here, the 8,000 people. And I'm I'm I'm going to support this suggest that having that number there, someone say, you know, look look what they have 8,000. It says there's 8,000 Hispanic people here. What What's the problem? I'm concerned about is it going to bring unintended consequences? That's all.

It's it's literally just a statistic. just like how there's like 90 some odd percentage of like white people are like 0.5% Jewish people. I'm just making a statement that I'm concerned that maybe undue consequences.

I have a comment. I'm I have a question about um item number three on the second page of the re resolution about to explore and where appropriate partner with community- based organizations to pursue grant funding opportunities that may support individuals and families impacted by federal immigration enforcement actions. Does that indicate that the city would be a party to those grants or um simply provide some type of help in um finding them? We don't have a that's not something that we have done for uh outside agencies. We we could certainly voice support for a grant application.

That's primarily what it that's what it mean. Okay. And mayor, just to maybe alleviate some of your concerns on that on that first uh issue, the original form of this actually had different numbers broke out of how many uh Hispanic members were in our community and how many were unet or yet to be documented. We did remove that for the the very reason that you're you're concerned about. I think um as to not draw attention to the city for for that or or those people.

I was hoping we wouldn't have to draw attention to the fact that was in an earlier uh draft this resolution.

We were debating all of their So so we're so just a minute just so we're clear. I am married to a family of immigrants. My father and mother-in-law immigrated here from Mexico and Italy. So, don't think I don't care about my Hispanic brothers and sisters. I have nephews and nieces that are Hispanic or Latino. So, I Let's clear that up right now. This this means a lot to me. I cried when they killed Mr. Freddy because I'm a veteran as well and I serve people like he does. And for to see that happen, I I was up to one o'clock in the morning. Mad as hell. So, please don't think the city council doesn't care. Council

just wanted to point out that the American Community Survey is a program run by the United States Census. So, if we're concerned about the federal government knowing that statistic, I can assure you they already know. Newton

what I wanted to mention uh and I don't like mentioning what I my work but one thing that I know that we've done so work at the state we do have something called the BIPO caucus and we don't like whereas like we're not posting like we're not hosting the like to get to councelor Smith's question we aren't like a partner with them with the like grants or funding programs but we'll display them on that page for the legislature for that caucus and so then folks will be able to know have one place to know where to get that information that's how I'm visioning visualizing this when I read it and I believe that might be the intent.

I mentioned at a council meeting last month um the information that is on the city of Hillsboro's website. They have done a very comprehensive job of putting together um lists of community resources, what people can and can't do legally, where they can find help. That was their way of addressing um some um considerable unrest in Hillsboro about a month ago. and they've made it very clear that local government has very little authority to do anything but offer help and direction. And I think that's that should be the intent of this resolution. I think it's as simple as that. We all want to help. We all want to maintain peace. We want to make sure that people aren't taken away unfairly. We can't really prevent that, but we can certainly provide help to their family members and their friends and their employers by giving them the information about where to who to talk to, what to do, the steps to take um to to maintain peace and re keep people together as much as possible.

Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Um there we we saw it tonight. There is great concern in this community that is sometimes not reflective of um other outlets. And I'm glad you all came today. Um there a couple weeks ago there were 70 folks who came to a meeting at St. marries to uh learn about ways they can uh help resources um if a family member is taken and I kind of have a sense of what it takes to get 70 people out to a public meeting. And so I think that that just reinforces the concern that is out there. And to recap what councelor Smith said, um unfortunately we are so limited to what we can do uh fully um the guard rails I think we're all looking for or a bunch of us on this this das are looking for are going to come from the state legislature. Um but also I have learned that there are informal unofficial networks uh kind of school-based school building based to watch out working with parents in the neighborhood to kind of be the eyes and ears in that that lookout for ICE frankly. So um without saying too much detail there are ways to help. Um, and I think I think we see across the country it's it's it's not so much organ it is organized but not official governmental groups that make a difference. It's people um getting out helping your neighbors um that'll make a difference. But yeah, having said all that with this totally in favor of what this resolution says.

Okay.

Yeah, just lastly um I concur [clears throat] with all of my fellow counselors up here. I just wanted to make a statement because I think we received a lot of emails regarding um just people having misinformation about pretty much that we're impeding on federal whatever. And I just want to say whenever you're attempting to help or help or how you're doing that, whatever that looks and feels like to you, just, you know, exercise wisdom undergarded by integrity and just be safe. And I think that's what this um resolution intent is. And um as someone who is a person of color, as a black woman in this country and in this incend on this das and having had threats of being hung in this community, I think that um us making a statement now it's very important because nothing was said when that came out and the reason why it wasn't said is because we don't want to give things legs and light all the time because it puts folks in very vulnerable positions. Um, and so we don't want to put people in harm's way, but then definitely or and definitely exercise wisdom and integrity while being safe and also and and I think there's things we all can do um with family and friends. One of the things that I do for myself because I've been attacked before, I've been threatened before on the road in my job, um, I share my calendar with everybody I know that are close friends of mine. So if I disappear, they can start calling folks. Did he come to your home? Yes, he did. Called the next person. Did he move to your home? No. But they have a starting point to find to look for me. So, just work together, talk with each other. Let's figure out how we can protect each other.

Do I have a motion? Oh, I It looks like councelor Vanderoman has something else to say. Yeah. So, I uh we'll get there, but uh I I see this resolution as nothing more or less than standing with the rule of law and affirming what the city has already articulated our values are. Uh and therefore, I move that we adopt this resolution as written. Second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Can roll call vote, please. Councelor Newton, yep. Councelor Thompson, yes. Councelor Van Drimlan, I. Councelor McCloud,

abso freakingutely. Councelor Smith, yes. Councelor McGee, I. Motion passes. Thank you. [applause] Next on the resolution uh action items is contract reward award to purchase auto extric extric extrication u equipment Chris fire chief label pages 32 and 35 on your packet.

All right, good evening. I actually have the next two agenda items, so I'll keep it brief. Uh so we're are seeking approval this evening to purchase new auto extrication equipment from C Western through a cooperative purchasing agreement. Uh the fire department's current extrication tools are outdated. Some of the tools are 25 years old. Uh they no longer meet the demands of modern vehicle construction impacting efficiency and firefighter safety. Uh we're transitioning to battery powered tools which provides greater performance, faster deployment, reduced maintenance, quieter operation, and improved safety and communications while we operate on scene. Uh currently we have the money in equipment replacement and a grant fund to replace all the tools in our fleet. If approved, we are ready to make the purchase and would have the new tools in service in the next few months and happy to answer any questions. So what are you going to do with the ones you're getting? You're getting rid of them. Are you going to sell them?

We are. And we're actually getting um a little bit of money about $22,000 from C Western for the little bit of value that's in those. Obviously, Yep. But since they are so old, it's kind of limited on the replacement value. So, I'm sure there's a small fire department somewhere. Exactly. Yeah. We're going to get $22,000 from that. That should go back into like the fire department's budget. Yeah. It's part of the purchase, so they're kicking it off the total price. Are those new glasses, too? They are. What do you think? And a new mustache. Yeah. All right. New look for the chief. All right. You're a whole new man. Yeah. [laughter] I remember when the Jaws of Life was a new thing and it was a news story at the time. Big big deal. So, this is exciting. Battery packs are so much more convenient and Yes.

I can just imagine what a difference this will make. Yep. Good. And probably cheaper to replace than the whole engine. Oh, absolutely. Yes. So, council, I'll move to approve the resolution on page 34 and 35 of the packet. Second. All those by motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Post say no. Thank you. Motion passes. Chief. Next one. Special procurement of ESO solutions um inc for electronic fire and EMS reporting inventory of iOS. Is that iOS? Yeah. Software. Fire team.

Okay. So, requesting approval for special procurement to update our current contract with ESO solutions. Uh ESO is our software provider uh that we've had since 2012 and we use it for medical charting and fire reports as well as our records management. Uh we're also adding a new module for better tracking of our controlled medications and an update um to iOS that would allow us to uh be able to purchase iPads and save money on the expensive charting tablets that we use now. Um basically the contract we currently have is just outdated. So alls we're looking to do is update that to basically all the current services that they provide for us. And I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Any questions? Council. I have a motion. Move to approve. Second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Those opposed say no. Thank you, Chief. Thank you. Um, next resolution accept the and appropriate the fiscal year 20 2025 2026 state hazardous materials emergency for preparedness grant on behalf of the mid valley local fire emergency planning committee chuck parino page 40 to 41 your packet

hi thank you um again we're looking to we're asking for the city to accept and authorize the uh state hazmat grant that comes through uh we've been applying for this grant for about 10 years now it's used for a number of activities for trainings for uh exercises which are are very important for everybody. The local emergency planning committee uh we're a member of that group uh along with city of Corvalis uh both counties uh private industry and we get together we work on response plans for hazardous materials and that is what this grant is uh used for. Uh it's a pass through grant from the state um and uh coming from the federal department of transportation to the Oregon uh state fire marshall's office and uh we're applying through through that. So and we have been rewarded awarded that grant already and we're just asking to accept and appropriate that.

Thank you council. Any questions? You can't I can't say no to somebody who's giving us money. So I'm with her. I'm going to make a motion to accept the grants. Second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. Thank you. Thank you. Adopt by motion. Municipal judge employment contract. Gina Joerger. September Ridgeway. Is she here? Nope. And 42 to 46 in your packet.

Good evening again. Uh, I have the judge's contract. Normally, we bring it forward once a year for approval. What we did differently this time is we put an auto renewal clause in there for one-year periods. I do want to note though that both council and judge me uh can terminate this contract at any time with 30 days notice. So, this isn't something that's just going to lock in this contract forever. It's really for administrative purposes. Really, there are no changes. uh any colas that the judge receives is the same as what non-bargainers at the city receive. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Really, there's nothing substantively different in it other than the uh the auto renewal.

Council,

I am extremely impressed with Judge Meyer. I heard that was the best judges report I've heard in a long time. And I it's interesting to me how municipal court procedures and personalities have changed over time, even in the time that we've been in this building. Um, the laws have changed, the any it's just it's it's an evolutionary thing. So, I'm glad that she's our judge. I was her report was uplifting and encouraging and I think people who end up in that courtroom um stand a very good chance of um coming out better people. Um, so I would move to um adopt the extension of the contract as presented. Second.

Second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Those opposed say no. Thank you. Thank you. Um, adopt by motion. Deerfield park reconstruction change order ADA compliance requirement. Rick Barnett. Pages 47 to 48 in your packet. Hello. Good evening. Uh, mayor and council. I am not Rick Barnett. Your hair.

I know. Uh, I originally thought I was gonna have to be in an aquatics program, but Rick is two days away from retirement, so I said, "You know what? I'll you don't have to do this." So, um, he's enjoying his evening with his family before he's with them even more. So, um, and we're very lucky for all of his years of service. So, um, also before I mention once again, thank you very much to Thor for, um, being dedicated to our community and our parks and, um, three of them are better because of his efforts. So, I will actually get on to business now. So, I am back to talk about Deerfield Park, our our project that will be done soon. Um, as with any construction project, you hit some snags and you find some things. Um, and when we came, we awarded to um, Durban Construction. We've had a couple change orders come through over the process of construction. Um, and a little bit more ADA work was needed to be done. Um, as a result, it's taking us over our 10% threshold. That would mean that we could do it without coming back to council. So, I'm just here as a formality to to request that you approve that we're able to continue on with this work and have you all out there at the park in the spring celebrating and having a good time with us.

Thank you. Um, quick question uh sort of related um sort of not. Can we get a bike repair station at Deerfield Park? It is something that we are chatting about. Um, we want to make sure that there uh we know there's a lot of traffic calming efforts going on right now on Waverly. Um, it is a speedy place. We want to make sure that if we're putting resources out there, it's feeding into a system that is not uh that maybe has a little bit more support. I don't know. I'm just looking for a blinky light out there, but we know the transportation commission's on that. So, yes, long story, yes, we will work on that. Nice. Thank you. So, I have a favor. Yes, if it were merit contest winner last year,

she didn't get a chance to do anything for the city and so every year kids have done that. I was wondering if she can come out and be a part of the celebration. We would love to have her out there. Thank you. No problem. And it looks great, by the way. I drive by there all the time. It's going to be It's We're seeing a lot of people use the um soft surface trail. Uh the disc golf course is getting a lot of good use. I know my family will be out there on the playground as soon as it's done. Als I move to adopt the change order or approve the change order as written. Second. Wow. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. Thank you.

Thank you all very much. Enjoy. Enjoy and let's get it done. So, what's your timeline though? March, April. I've been told that I need to be um uh we're going to say spring is what I've been told from staff. Okay. As I'm still uh too optimistic with construction, I see a date and I report it and that's uh goes up. Yeah. Yeah. So, um spring as soon as it's ready, do not worry. We'll be shouting it from the rooftop. So, okay. Thank you. So, um at the beginning of the meeting, I had a request from councelor uh to move item Um where's the val word thing at? 3E

3E down to this to the action items and um let's have that discussion. Uh staff staff here. So item 7G in your patent will end my mod modifications.

Yes, staff is here. Um Sophie Adams. I manage economic development. I was really thankful that um Rich was able to come here and talk a little bit about their story and who they are as a as a company. I thought since we've already talked about that, I might just provide a little bit more context about this enterprise zone program as well, especially because um we had a couple counselors that weren't here on Monday. [snorts] Um in 2022, there was an impact study done um at the state level over the incentive tools in Oregon, enterprise zone being the primary one that they looked at. Um the economic impact, this is a a couple things that that study found. The economic impact of job and payroll growth created by the Oregon companies receiving these property tax incentives far exceeded the amount of the property taxes that were far um foregone. Not a surprise. Um and there's of course many other positive economic effects. Um the companies in the data set produced a net employment change of about 30,000 jobs. The economic impact of that is huge. Employment and payroll growth generated 17.4 billion dollar in total economic output and five billion in total labor income in relation to more than 71,000 direct indirect and induced jobs in Oregon's economy. Don't worry, I can send you this report if you're interested. Um, on top of that, for $1 million of output from participating companies, so for every 1 million estimated 770,000 of increased output at other companies within the state that participate in some way with this company or in this economy. So there's a catalytic effect of you're not just incentivizing the production at one company, but there's that effect that that spreads from that incentive. From an ROI standpoint, every $1 of

property tax abated, enterprise owned companies generated $29.16 in increased economic input. So that doesn't even take into account the huge increase in property taxes once those properties go back on the rolls after the three to five years. In Albany specifically, the enterprise zone projects represent over $90 million in investment, hundreds of new living wage jobs and over 55 times direct return on investment on just the property taxes alone. One last point beyond the numbers and the jobs, these companies also typically become really invested in the Albany community um beyond just doing business. So for example, Selmet donated 18 new welding machines to LBCC for their welding program. Um another company um has made two donations to our adoptive park program and they're so great they want to remain anonymous. Um, businesses, small and large, they're the foundation that that supports the community and all of the other wonderful things that we're able to do. And Oregon can be a tough place to do business. Um, the governor's new prosperity roadmap outlines three strategic goals. Grow GDP, create more living wage jobs, and retain and grow Oregon's businesses. So, helping to keep an Oregon grown business here um through the use of a tool like Enterprise Zone accomplishes all three. Thanks.

Council, um I really like to see that the wage for this was 125%. Yeah, 150%. So, um I'm not sure if it's in my memo or not, but that equates to around uh over I think it's over 82,000. Yeah, I was doing the math. So, question though, it said that an average of like the 40 positions added would be at that wage. Correct. Is there going to be an outlier? Is there be like one person making $250,000 and the rest people making $30,000? Like what is I want to I want some assurances here be real family wage jobs for our community.

They there are strict reporting standards and those are all tracked. And so if they're not meeting that requirement um then they lose the benefit. Um I'd have to double check on exactly how that how that factors. It doesn't apply to their previous employment, you know, the the current jobs that they have. I believe it does apply to all of the the new jobs. Um, but I could just double check exactly how that's tracked for you. So, it's not current employees. Wouldn't they leave then the company if they aren't able if they aren't making the same as the new jobs?

Well, they could be doing different jobs. So, the new employees, for example, might be would probably be attributed to the new type of business that they're able to do by creating their their factory here. Yeah. But the each so I was reading this so you can confirm this or or not each of those jobs does not have to be at 150%. It would just be collectively the 40 jobs would have to meet the new jobs have to meet that correct. So there might be some people that are much more paid much more people be paid much less. Is that correct? How much less are they allowed to be paid under the 150%. Like are that's not a stipulation of the of this program. What do you like? What do you mean?

The program doesn't stipulate any other wages except that that the company can pay for any of their different jobs. The 150% applies to the new jobs that they're committing to create by in exchange for qualifying for this incentive. But could 10 of those jobs make $40,000 and the other one and 30 make much more or vice versa? That's I I believe that it applies to each job, but that's something that I'll have to clarify for you. Yes, I'd love to have that clarified. I can do that. Thank you. Any other discussion, council? Yes. Can Can we have Mr. Carter speak to to that question? I I'm not sure if he knows the answer. Is that Are can we do that? Yes, please.

Is that Yeah, I we're talking about you. Yeah, since you're here, I would love to hear from you again. Thank you.

Um I can't comment because I don't know the numbers off the top of my head. Um I'll best answer this. Um, I've been doing this for 13 years. I do it because I care about my employees. You're welcome to bring every one of them up here and ask them that same question. Um, my intent is to give every single person a living wage job. It is not intend to pay three people a million dollars and the rest nothing. That's not it. I don't remember the exact numbers because I'm being put on the spot and I'm a little nervous to be really honest. But um I I take care of my employees and have since just to give you an illustration, we started offering health care as soon as we brought on our first employee in 2015. Since the day we started, I've paid 100% of the health care premium for every employee that's ever worked for us more than halfime. I've matched into their 401k dollar for dollar up to 6% since we started doing that in 2015. We have never laid a single person off in 13 years. And so I I I don't know the numbers, so I don't want to lie to you, um, Councilman Newton, but um, I'm deeply committed to the community and to the people that work with me.

Awesome. Thank you. Because, yeah, I do want to attract businesses to Albany, but I want them to be businesses that will pay our citizens well and take care of them and contribute, and that's just I want our I want our citizens to be able to afford a home and, you know, buy groceries and have a good life and enjoy everything that Alb has to offer. So, I'm happy to hear that that is something that is a priority for you and seems like it's part of your company's culture. Thank you for your clarification. I share your passion there. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. I'll step back unless anybody else wants to ask. Thank you. Also, do a motion. I move to adopt the resolution for the enterprise zone as written. Second. Second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I.

Those opposed say no. Thank you. Thank you. Next business from the council. Yesterday on Monday, I started with W three. I'll start with W two today. Council van Gland. It has been a week. I do not have any business for the council tonight. Council Mloud.

Thank you. Um, recently I had the um responsibility of serving on jury duty for a violent criminal trial and I wanted to just speak to that for a couple minutes. Um, that experience underscored for me the emotional and psychological toll that those proceedings can have on jurors. And uh while I understand that jury service is a cornerstone of our justice system, we also must recognize and address the challenges that can come with it. Um it was really tough. I was there for four days. The first two days we were given um compensation of $10 a day for the first two days and then $25 a day after. And I will tell you that $10 a day does not even cover the lunch that I bought on those days. And I was not in the emotional state to be able to go home and uh make my own lunch after hearing the testimony that I heard on that first day. Um so I just wanted to indicate that I intend to work with our state legislature to advocate for improved compensation and expanded support services for jurors, including access to mental health resources for those who experience trauma. as a result of their jury service. These measures are essential to ensure that civic duty does not come at the expense of personal well-being. And while I am um happy to have uh done my civic duty, I will never be the same. Uh and for those who have not served on jury duty before, it's it's tough. So that's that's all I have. Thank you.

Thank you. We're going to go with Councelor Thompson. No, I don't have anything tonight. Thank you, Councelor Newton.

It's also been a week. We've also been home with a sick kid all week while trying to get a whole bunch of work done. Um, hand, foot, and mouth disease. Second time in the last like four months. Great. Um, but so yeah, I've I'm really grateful to see that people came today and spoke out about keeping our community safe. Um just really really great to be be here right now and I'm privileged that we were able to um get that resolution passed. Uh thank you council ML for bringing that forward and thank you to everyone. I think know I know that it's meaningful in the work that we're doing here. We're fortunate to be sitting up here behind this dis and to be able to have a positive impact and um thank you also mayor for sharing your own story. So, councelor Smith,

um I was dreading this meeting this evening because I recognize how painful the last few weeks have been. Um nationally, uh it reminds me of my own family. I have an uncle who is Japanese. I have cousins who are Korean. I have a very dear friend in Vancouver, British Columbia, who was born in an internment camp. I didn't know there were internment camps during World War II in British Columbia, but she was born there. Um, it's disheartening to me that human beings can treat each other like others, like they're not fellow human beings. There's there's nothing wrong with immigration. There are legal processes to follow. And I hope that people can do that without being pulled out of a line that they've been waiting in for a long time in order to be a legal resident here. Um I am pleased with the resolution. I think it will be relatively easy to um make good on that by putting information on the website and improving any in uh communication that we may have with people who need it and encouraging like like councelor Thompson said neighbors and friends and churches and schools to help protect people. One of the going back to the Hillsboro discussion earlier, one of the things that they

have done there is to organize neighbors, parents um in a way sort of like school crossing guards only lining sidewalks to make sure that children can walk to their schools safely without any ugly surprises. Um that's it. It takes it's it's more than the city council. We support the neighbor the efforts of our residents and our neighbors and our friends and encourage them to act on that um in Albany because Albany is a good place and we want it to stay that way.

Thank you councelor. Um two things. one a resident um sent an email and maybe this is for Kim. I'm just going to read it. They said they own a home in here uh farms. They are singing duo and would like to sign up to perform or if there's a way to perform around the city and they play instruments too. Um and they said to let them know ASAP and I said I'll look into that. tell them to email me and I'll pass them along to our program staff as we're looking for some res uh local groups to perform at our our concerts that we're going to take on the move this summer. So, okay, good.

I thought that was it, but I wanted to double check. Oh, I appreciate it. Uh spread the word hopefully. Well, we know we got a lot of talented people, so thank you.

Um second thing is happy belated birthday to my fellow counselor, Councelor N. Um we we share a birthday which was Monday. Um, I was absent because I needed some time to reset. Um, I was in a car accident on Wednesday of last week. I was in a pile up on I5 and um it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life because someone was sitting idle in the merge lane um just not moving and they had their blinker as if they were going to move and I slowed down because I was paying attention but the person behind me maybe was not and they hit me then somebody hit them and then if another car hit me I would have spun into ongoing traffic so it was really really scary. Um, but with all that being said, I'm grateful to be alive and grateful to have celebrated another birthday. And, um, I'm going to keep the celebration going this weekend because I need it. Might as well. [laughter]

That's all I have.

So, um, the young man's left already. Thor, I was with him when he installed the one at Grand Perry Park. They had a group of kids and each of the children, young people got a chance to participate in installation of the bike tools. So, I was really happy to see that. Uh, they were laughing. The dads were helping and he was so he looks so good leading that group of kids putting those things together. So, if you haven't seen it, go to Grand Prairie Park or one of the parks he mentioned. He did a great job. And I came from it was a Saturday or something. I came from work from came from home and they were just ready to go. It was like it was pretty awesome to see them. Um, the if I were merit contest is going on right now. teachers, if you want me to come talk to the kids about the merits contest, I already got four people have asked me to come. I put them on the schedule because our kids excel in that program. Our children won first place four years in a row at state level at different levels and also additional second or third place all four years. So, let's make it happen again this year and um get these young folks involved. And also um last Friday um my hero Michael Calvin passed away from leukemia. Marcore veteran football coach track coach 40 years at Klexico High School. Um and eight months before that my aunt Georgin passed away his wife. So it's been a rough week like I said it's been a week and um but I'll be I'll be leaving here going to his services collect high schools having funeral at his at the high school. Over a thousand people said they were coming. Mr. Armstrong was Calvin Armstrong was my hero. I love him very much. With that, city man report, please.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just have two things. Just a reminder that the uh ARRA meeting will convene after you adjourn, given a a few minutes of a break. And then also to let you know that I will be out of town tomorrow and Friday. and uh Caleb Barber will be acting city manager. Okay. Thank you. I'll be visiting my daughter and her husband in Denver.

Nice. Well, safe travels. U next item 10. Next meeting dates is Monday, February 9th, 2026 and 4 at 4 p.m. at the work session. Wednesday, February 11th, uh 2026, 6 p.m. for we're meeting, city council meeting. But February 8th is football fan Super Bowl. It's our church. So enjoy your game. Have a good time. The Seahawks Seahawks are ended. So support the Hawks. With that all journal meeting.