Gearhart, OR

Gearhart, OR

Budget Meeting Highlights: State Revenue Sharing, Local Organization Grants, and 2025-2026 Budget Approval

Budget Amendments and Adjustments The City of Gearhart Budget Committee meeting began with Sue Lorain, the Budget Committee Chair, requesting consensus to accept an amended agenda. Small changes were made, including the addition of a budget committee discussion section and minor adjustments to the draft received at the previous meeting.

Gearhart, OR

Budget Meeting Highlights: General Fund Challenges, Property Tax Refunds, and Police Department Staffing Initiatives

Election of Chairperson The meeting commenced with the nomination of a chairperson. Initially, Robert Lee was nominated but declined the position, citing a preference for new members to take on the role. Subsequently, Jennifer Craig was nominated and accepted the position without any opposition.

Gearhart, OR

City Council Excludes Park for Safety Building, Approves Property Acquisition, Discusses Water Rights

Public Safety Building Location The Gearhart City Council convened to discuss the location for a new public safety building. Councilor Carol Johnson initiated the discussion by proposing to remove Leslie Miller Park from consideration as a potential site. She argued that the park is an open space and should remain

Gearhart, OR

City Council Bids Farewell to Commissioner, Approves Road Naming Procedure, Discusses Water Rights

Farewell to Commissioner Judy The City Council meeting began with Mayor Kerry Smith acknowledging the absence of Commissioner Don Frank, who had requested an excuse due to technical difficulties. The Council unanimously approved his excuse. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to bidding farewell to Commissioner Judy, who

Gearhart, OR

Town Hall Highlights Community Engagement, Architectural Selection, and Building Location Debate

Introduction of the Clash Group and Project Scope The meeting commenced with a detailed introduction by the Clash Group, a project management company specializing in construction projects across the Pacific Northwest. The representatives outlined their extensive experience, highlighting past projects like the Manzanita City Hall and work with the Napa

Gearhart, OR

City Council Debates Tree Ordinance, Fireworks Ban, and Public Safety Building Site

Tree Ordinance Amendment Discussion The Gearhart City Council held a public hearing to discuss Ordinance 942, which proposes amendments to the city's zoning ordinance regarding the preservation and removal of trees. Garrett Phillips, an assistant involved in the process, presented the staff report. He explained that the Planning

Gearhart, OR

City Council Discusses Public Safety Building, Addresses Community Concerns, Plans Municipal Grounds Tour

Public Safety Building Project Overview The Gearhart City Council convened to discuss the ongoing project for a new public safety building, which will house both the Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD) and the Gearhart Police Department (GPD). Jesse Stagger, a manager with the Cost Group, presented a detailed update on

Gearhart, OR

Planning Commission Discusses Tree Management, Public Safety Building, and Flood Hazard Amendments

Introduction of New Planning Commissioner Jennifer Grey The meeting commenced with the introduction of Jennifer Grey, the new Planning Commissioner. Jennifer shared her background, stating that she was born in Portland and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in chemical engineering. She initially worked as a process engineer

Gearhart, OR

City Council Approves Ordinance, Discusses Public Safety Building, Clarifies Short-Term Rental Rules

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes The meeting began with a review and approval of previous meeting minutes. Councilor Dana Gould made a motion to approve the minutes from the executive session on June 5th, 2024. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. There was a brief discussion about the wording

Gearhart, OR

Budget Meeting Addresses Food Security, Addiction Recovery, and Habitat Rehabilitation

Public Hearing on State Revenue Sharing The City of Gearhart Budget Committee convened to discuss the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. Chairperson Paulina K. initiated the meeting by confirming there were no conflicts of interest among committee members. The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and tabled until the June

Gearhart, OR

Planning Commission Bids Farewell to Volunteer, Updates Road Naming Procedure, Discusses Water Rights and Conservation

Farewell to Judy The meeting began with a heartfelt farewell to Judy, a long-time volunteer on the Planning Commission. Judy shared her gratitude for the experience, mentioning that she has learned a lot during her tenure and has cherished the friendships she formed. She announced her move to Wisconsin to

Gearhart, OR

Town Hall: Postal Service Transition, Fire Department Consolidation, Emergency Preparedness Highlighted

Postal Service Transition The meeting began with an update from Mayor Kerry Smith regarding the upcoming transition at the Seaside post office. He communicated that Janelle Higgins, the supervisor at the Seaside post office, assured him that the transition would be seamless, and there would be no interruption in services.

Gearhart, OR

Planning Commission Approves Tree Removal, Adopts Road Naming Procedure, and Names Private Road

Approval of Absence Request The Planning Commission meeting began with a roll call, confirming that all members were present except for John Mesberg, who had requested an excused absence. Virginia Dideum moved to excuse John, and Paulina Cockrum seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda The consent agenda

Gearhart, OR

City Council to Trial Pre-Meeting Work Sessions, Revamp Town Hall Structure, Explore Fire Service Collaboration with Seaside

Proposal for Pre-Council Work Sessions The Gearhart City Council discussed the possibility of implementing work sessions before official city council meetings. Mayor Kerry Smith introduced the idea, noting that it could streamline council meetings by addressing complex issues beforehand. Councilor Dana Gould supported the proposal, highlighting that other cities have

Gearhart, OR

City Council Discusses New Public Safety Building, Introduces Voting System, Considers Owner's Representative

Public Safety Building Discussion The meeting began with a detailed discussion led by Preston Devereaux regarding the potential construction of a new public safety building. Preston emphasized the need for a modern facility, comparing the current situation to other regions that have successfully upgraded their public safety infrastructure. He mentioned