Baker City public meetings in 2023
43 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss and take action regarding the recruitment of a City Manager. All other agenda items are procedural.
- City Manager Recruitment
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will meet to review previous meeting minutes and consider a land use change. The primary action item involves a request from Atlas Land Use Consulting to rezone vacant land.
- RZ-23-121: Proposed rezone of +/-33 acres of vacant land from General Industrial (I) to Residential Low Density (RLD)
City Council
The City Council will discuss city revenue and the oversight of payroll and bank account signature authority. The body is deciding on a CIPP bid award and the hiring of Stacy Spriet. Presentations are scheduled regarding the Alpine Estates Subdivision and the Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey 6.
- CIPP Bid Award
- Alpine Estates Subdivision presentation
- Approval to hire Stacy Spriet
- Revenue discussion
- Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey 6 presentation
City Council
The City Council will meet to discuss the annual rent burden review and ambulance licensing. Other agenda items include introductions and comments from council members and commissioners.
- Annual Rent Burden Review
- Ambulance Licensing
City Council
The City Council will discuss city revenue and a proposal for the Elkhorn Industrial Park. The body will also consider ordinances and resolutions regarding fund appropriations and the vacation of an alley.
- Ordinance 3397 to vacate Wells St. Alley
- Resolution 3953 to move funds from Contingency to Insurance Deductible in the General Fund
- Resolution 3954 to move funds from Personnel to Materials and Services in the Fire Department
- Elkhorn Industrial Park Proposal
- Discussion on police staffing and fire engine status
City Council
The City Council will discuss revenue and the recruitment of a city manager. The body is also considering an ordinance to vacate the Wells St. alley and modifications to downtown ADA parking.
- Ordinance 3397 to vacate Wells St. alley
- Downtown ADA parking modification
- Fire engine budget item
- Quarterly Financial Report for Q1 FY 2023-2024
- City Councilor appointment
City Council
The Baker City Council will meet to swear in Councilor Loran Joseph. The council is also considering a request to hire all budgeted positions within the city.
- Swearing in of Loran Joseph
- Approval to hire all budgeted positions within the city
City Council
The City Council will discuss revenue options and the appointment process for council members. The body is scheduled to take action on a special meeting date and equipment purchases for Public Works and Fire.
- Equipment purchase for Public Works and Fire
- Discussion on revenue options
- City Council appointment process discussion
- Selection of a special meeting date
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will meet to discuss one action item regarding a public right-of-way. The body will also receive a Director's Report and set the next meeting date.
- VAC-23-078 Gassner: Vacation of Alley west of Well St, between Broadway and Church Streets
General
The Baker City Planning Commission will meet to discuss a request for a variance regarding residential setbacks. The body will also review minutes from the August 16, 2023 meeting.
- VAR-23-092 Miller: request for a variance from setbacks for a residential addition
General
The City Council is meeting to consider resolutions regarding a public safety fee and a housing production strategy. The body will also address the appointment of a City Manager Search Committee and the City Manager's salary.
- Resolution 3948 regarding a Public Safety Fee
- Resolution 3947 Housing Production Strategy
- City Manager Search Committee appointment
- City Manager salary and approval to hire employees
- Discussion on revenue options
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will meet to consider a variance request for a residential addition. The body will also review minutes from the July 19, 2023 meeting.
- VAR-23-092 Miller: request for a variance from setbacks for a residential addition
City Council
The City Council will meet to select a Mayor and discuss revenue options. The body will also consider the hiring of an on-call staff member for the Building Department and review a Fire Department 5-year plan.
- Mayor selection
- Approval to hire an on-call staff member in the Building Department
- Ordinance 3393- R3 Commitment (3rd reading)
- Big Deal Grant approval
- Fire Dept. 5 Year Plan and ambulance disposition discussion
Budget Board
The Budget Board will meet to conduct a budget update and review. The meeting includes procedural items such as the call to order and roll call.
- Budget update/review
City Council
The City Council will consider hiring two new firefighters and appointing members to the R3 board and various committees. The meeting includes a presentation on a safe syringe disposal program and discussions regarding revenue options and a golf course irrigation project.
- Approval to hire 2 firefighters in the Fire Department
- Ordinance 3393 - R3 Commitment
- R3 board appointment
- New Directions- Safe Syringe Disposal Program presentation
- EDC support for golf course irrigation project
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review the Housing Production Strategy (CPA-23-079) as an action item. The meeting also includes a report from the Director and standard procedural items.
- Action Item: CPA-23-079 Housing Production Strategy
City Council
The Baker City Council will hold a work session to discuss housing production strategies. The meeting consists of this single discussion item and standard procedural actions.
- Housing Production Strategies Discussion
General
The City Council will vote on a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy and two personnel hires for the Fire Chief and Finance Department. The meeting also includes a third reading of an amendment to the Baker City Development Code.
- Resolution 3946 regarding DEI Policy
- Approval to hire a Fire Chief
- Approval to hire a Utility Billing/Accounts Receivable Specialist
- Third reading of Ordinance 3391 amending the Baker City Development Code
- Discussion on revenue options and IT costs
The Council approved Ordinance 3391 to allow watchmen quarters on certain commercial properties. A motion to compel Mayor Diaz to resign failed, and the Council directed the City Manager to call an emergency budget board meeting to address a projected $903k shortfall.
- Adopted Ordinance 3391 allowing watchmen quarters on certain commercial properties (Unanimous)
- Denied motion to compel Mayor Diaz to resign
- Approved meeting minutes from June 15 and June 22, 2023 (Unanimous)
- Directed City Manager to inform budget board of an emergency meeting (4-1)
- Approved additions to agenda including DEI Policy and hiring of Fire Chief and Utility Biller (Unanimous)
City Council
The City Council will discuss the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget and review a housing production strategy. The meeting also includes discussions regarding labor negotiations, a noxious odor ordinance, and revenue options.
- Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget (Resolution #3942)
- Ordinance 3391 amending the Baker City Development Code
- Labor negotiations and potential collective bargaining agreement approval
- Resolution #3940 regarding 2023 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant
- Discussion of Barger - Noxious Odor Ordinance
The City Council approved the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy for the city website and appointed Anna Fornelli to the Tree Board. The council also adopted resolutions for a wildfire staffing grant and state revenue collection. A motion to compel Mayor Matthew Diaz to resign was denied.
- Approved creation of a DEI policy for the City website (Unanimous)
- Appointed Anna Fornelli to the Tree Board (3-0)
- Adopted Resolution 3940 for 2023 Wildfire Season Staffing Grant (Unanimous)
- Adopted Resolution 3941 to receive state alcohol and tobacco tax revenues (Unanimous)
- Denied motion to compel Mayor Matthew Diaz to resign (4-2)
- Denied motion to include inclusivity goals in meeting opening messages (3-3)
- Approved May 9 and May 23 meeting minutes with amendments (Unanimous)
- Directed staff to review April 11 recording to clarify council rules (Unanimous)
City Council
The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding the budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which was previously approved by the Budget Committee. The council will also engage in a discussion regarding the city budget.
- Public Hearing: 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget
The City Council approved the 2023-2024 budget with several amendments to prioritize public safety. The approved budget reduces funding for the golf course to increase personnel and materials for the fire department.
- Approved budget with amendments: reduced golf transfer by $120,000 (4-1)
- Approved budget with amendments: increased fire department personnel and materials and services by $308,000 (4-1)
- Approved budget with amendments: reduced UEFB by $188,000 (4-1)
- Approved budget with amendments: decreased county support in the golf reserve fund by $200,000 (4-1)
- Approved budget with amendments: reduced transfer from the general fund by $120,000 (4-1)
- Approved budget with amendments: reduced contracted services by $320,000 (4-1)
Planning Commission
The Baker City Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding two development applications. The commission will review a proposal to convert an existing building into 4-unit multi-family housing and a request for a new Taco Bell restaurant with a drive-thru.
- Public hearing for CUP-23-028 Schwartz to convert a ±5,050 square-foot building into 4-unit multi-family housing
- Public hearing for SDR-23-070 Pacific Bells, LLC to construct a new Taco Bell quick-serve restaurant with drive-thru
- Review of May 31, 2023, meeting minutes
City Council
The City Council will consider Resolution 3939 regarding Housing Production Strategies from the Planning Department. The council also intends to appoint a Pro Tem City Manager and establish a compensation package.
- Resolution 3939 - Housing Production Strategies
- Appointment of Pro Tem City Manager and compensation package
The City Council appointed Jon France as Pro Tem City Manager for a period not to exceed six months. The council also adopted a resolution regarding housing production strategies.
- Adopted Resolution 3939, Housing Productions Strategies (Unanimous)
- Appointed Jon France as Pro Tem City Manager at a monthly rate of $6,000 (3-2)
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget. The meeting also includes discussions regarding revenue options, council rules, and a noxious odor ordinance.
- Public Hearing: 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget
- Resolution 3939: Housing Production Strategies
- Ordinance 3391: Amending the Baker City Development Code
- Discussion on Noxious Odor Ordinance
- Discussion on Revenue Options
City Council
The City Council will discuss potential revenue options and updates to council rules. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding homeless encampments and a presentation on the 2025 OMA Conference.
- Ordinance 3392 regarding leak adjustments
- Resolution #3938 to move funds from contingency to Building Inspections Fund accounts
- Discussion of revenue options
- Discussion of council rules
- Presentation on the 2025 OMA Conference
The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 3392 regarding water conservation leak adjustments. Council members also discussed seven revenue options and agreed to pursue a fuel tax for the November ballot.
- Adopted Ordinance 3392 amending water conservation leak adjustment (Unanimous)
- Approved adding homeless encampments discussion to the agenda (Unanimous)
- Decided to pursue a fuel tax for the November ballot
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review several land use applications including a residential caretaker unit amendment, sign variances, and a sports facility permit. The meeting also includes a review of the April 19, 2023, minutes.
- ZT-23-045: Amendment to allow a residential caretaker's unit with self-service storage in the General Commercial Zone
- VAR-23-052: Variance for a free-standing sign size exceeding requirements for Love's
- CUP-23-050 & VAR-23-057: Conditional Use Permit and Variance for a Baker School District sports facility, parking area, and wall signs
City Council
The City Council will discuss various revenue options and a new ordinance regarding leak adjustments. The meeting also includes a presentation on the General Fund Quarterly Financial Report.
- Ordinance 3392 - Leak Adjustment Ordinance
- Discussion of revenue options
- General Fund Quarterly Financial Report presentation
- Baker City Downtown request for exclusive use of Room 203
- Resolution regarding Public Works Standards and Specifications (moved to June 13th)
The Council approved a $1 annual lease for Baker City Downtown to use Room 203 in City Hall. The city also voted to join the regional rural revitalization consortium (R3). Additionally, the Council prioritized a list of revenue and cost-cutting options for staff analysis.
- Approved $1/fiscal year lease of City Hall Room 203 to Baker City Downtown (Unanimous)
- Approved request to join the regional rural revitalization consortium (R3) (Unanimous)
- Approved priority list for revenue/cost analysis including fuel tax, green fees, and code enforcement (Unanimous)
- Approved April 11 and April 25 meeting minutes with corrections (Unanimous)
- Denied hosting the 2025 Oregon Mayors Association Conference (4-0)
Budget Board
The Budget Board will review the current budget and vote on the 2023-2024 City budget. The board will also consider a vote to approve the city's ad valorem property tax rate.
- Vote to approve the 2023-2024 Budget
- Vote to approve the property tax rate of $6.3314 per $1,000 assessed value
Budget Board
The Budget Board will review the city budget and vote on the 2023-2024 annual budget. The board will also vote to approve the ad valorem property tax rate of $6.3314 per $1,000 of assessed value for city operations.
- Vote to approve the 2023-2024 Budget
- Vote to approve the City's Ad Valorem Property Tax Rate of $6.3314 per $1,000 Assessed Value
Budget Board
The Budget Board will conduct public hearings regarding the proposed 2023-2024 budget and possible uses of State Revenue Sharing Dollars. The board will also review the budget and hold a vote to approve the 2023-2024 Budget.
- Public hearing for testimony regarding the Proposed 2023-2024 Budget
- Public hearing regarding possible uses of State Revenue Sharing Dollars
- Vote to approve the 2023-2024 Budget
General
The City Council will hold a work session featuring presentations from BCD and R3. The council is scheduled to take action on Budget Board/Public Arts Commission applications and the third reading of Ordinance 3391 regarding the Oregon Fire Code.
- Third reading of Ordinance 3391 to repeal Ordinance 3374 (Oregon Fire Code)
- Action item for Budget Board/Public Arts Commission Applications
- Poppy Day Proclamation action item
- Scheduling an Executive Session on Labor Negotiations
- LID Instruction presentation
The City Council approved the third reading of Ordinance 3390 regarding the Oregon Fire Code and appointed two individuals to city boards. The council also scheduled an executive session for police labor negotiations and received presentations on housing and street improvements.
- Appointed Michael Russell to the Budget Board (unanimous)
- Appointed Ian Crawford to the Public Arts Commission (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 3390 repealing Ordinance 3374 Oregon Fire Code (unanimous)
- Scheduled executive session for Police Department labor negotiations for May 9 (unanimous)
- Moved leak adjustment ordinance and quarterly financials to May 9 meeting (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review minutes from previous meetings and conduct a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit. The hearing involves a request by Klement, A to allow an accessory structure taller than 20 feet.
- Public Hearing: CUP-23-024 Klement, A (accessory structure taller than 20 feet)
City Council
The City Council will review the 2023-2024 fee schedule via Resolution 3935 and discuss city council goals. The meeting also includes a discussion on the City Council Rules Subcommittee and Ordinance 3390 regarding a Plan of Cooperation with the Oregon State Fire Marshall Office.
- Resolution 3935: 2023-2024 Fee Schedule
- Ordinance 3390: Plan of Cooperation - Oregon State Fire Marshall Office
- Arbor Day Proclamation
- Discussion on City Council Goals
- Presentation by Sheriff Travis Ash regarding 911 Dispatch Center
The City Council removed Mayor Beverly Calder from her position and appointed Councilor Matthew Diaz as Mayor. The council also approved a $10 public safety fee to address a projected budget shortfall and adopted the 2023-2024 fee schedule.
- Removed Beverly Calder as Mayor
- Appointed Councilor Matthew Diaz as Mayor
- Approved $10 public safety fee with ARPA cushion and poverty-level exemption
- Adopted Resolution 3935 2023-2024 Fee Schedule
- Approved rules allowing any councilor to put items on the agenda
- Adopted Proclamation for Baker High School State Champions
- Adopted Proclamation for The Brig and Eagle Award to Justin Scott
- Adopted Arbor Day Proclamation
City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to discuss subcommittee appointments for the Elkhorn Industrial Park and review city council goals. The agenda also includes an action item regarding a Plan of Cooperation with the Oregon State Fire Marshal Office.
- Elkhorn Industrial Park Subcommittee Council Appointment
- Plan of Cooperation - Oregon State Fire Marshall Office
- DEQ Reclaimed Water Use Plan Application Presentation
- 10th & H Street discussion
The City Council held a work session to discuss budgetary schedule issues and a projected $1 million shortfall for the next budget year. No formal votes were taken on the items discussed.
- Instructed staff to contact Shane Alderson and Kenyon Damschen for Elkhorn Industrial Park Subcommittee
- Tabled City Council goals to the next meeting
- Tabled City Council Rules Subcommittee discussion to April work session
- Scheduled Brig and Eagle Award presentation for April 11, 2023
Budget Board
The Baker City Budget Board is meeting to receive budget training, appoint a board chairman and vice chairman, and discuss the city's fee schedule. Public comment will be taken. The meeting is largely procedural, with the fee schedule discussion being the main substantive item.
- Budget training presentation by Kent Bailey
- Appointment of Board Chairman and Vice Chairman
- Fee schedule overview and discussion led by City Manager Jonathan Cannon
- Public comment period
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will discuss a potential amendment regarding residential use on the first floor of General Commercial zones. The meeting also includes public hearings for several sign-related variances and conditional use permits.
- Development Code text amendment for residence on the first floor in C-G Zone
- CUP & VAR for electronic reader board sign at D&B Supply
- CUP & VAR for electronic reader board on Speedco Tire Care Facility
- VAR to exceed BCDC size standards for a freestanding street sign
- VARs to exceed BCDC height, size, and wall sign standards
City Council
The City Council will review the 2023 Pavement Plan and 2023 Capital Plan for approval. Discussion items include a new fee schedule, non-represented salaries, and an extension of a professional services agreement for a housing production strategy.
- 2023 Pavement Plan Approval
- 2023 Capital Plan Approval
- Resolution 3935: Fee Schedule
- Extension of Professional Services Agreement with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. for Housing Production Strategy
- Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Audit Presentation and Resolution #3936
The City Council denied a request for a Comprehensive Plan Map and Zoning Map Amendment (Ordinance 3389) following a recommendation from the Planning Commission. The council also approved the 2023 Capital Plan and the pavement management plan (Option A). Several administrative appointments and fiscal resolutions were passed.
- Denied application for re-zoning and did not adopt Ordinance 3389 (Unanimous)
- Approved 2023 Capital Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved pavement management plan, option A (6-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved Resolutions 3936 and 3937 regarding FY 2021-2022 Audit (Unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 3933 regarding Non-Represented Salary (Unanimous)
- Appointed Andrew Gettle to Public Arts Commission (Unanimous)
- Appointed Mayor Calder to Public Works Advisory Committee (Unanimous)
- Approved extension of Professional Services Agreement for Housing Production Strategy (Unanimous)
City Council
The Baker City Council will hold a work session covering old business like city council goals and DEQ recycling requirements, and new business including a fee schedule overview, non-represented salary resolution, and a housing production strategy update. Several items are proposed for deletion or moved to a future agenda.
- Discussion of City Council Goals
- DEQ Recycling Requirements discussion
- Fee Schedule Overview and Discussion - proposed for deletion
- Non-Represented Salary Resolution discussion
- Housing Production Strategy Update
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a site design review for a Love's Travel Stop & Tire Care Facility and consider rezoning 560 Elm Street from General Industrial to General Commercial. The meeting also includes officer elections and approval of previous minutes.
- Public hearing on SDR-22-113: Site Design Review for Love's Travel Stop & Tire Care Facility
- RZ-22-089: Rezone 560 Elm Street from General Industrial to General Commercial
- Officer elections for the commission
- Review of minutes from December 21, 2022
City Council
The Baker City Council will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including a resolution for a budget transfer in the Equipment Fund, a resolution allocating HRSA Tranche 4 funds, and the appointment of the City Manager as Budget Officer. The council will also receive an audit presentation and six-month financials for the 2022-2023 budget. A request to move the Veteran's Department update to March 14th is on the agenda.
- Resolution #3931: Budget transfer in Equipment Fund 108
- Resolution 3928: HRSA Tranche 4 allocation
- Appoint City Manager as Budget Officer
- Audit presentation by City Manager Jonathan Cannon
- Six-month financials for fiscal year 2022-2023
Planning Commission
The commission will consider a potential text amendment to allow residences on the first floor in the General Commercial (C-G) Zone, and review formal and informal procedures for public involvement in the Comprehensive Plan. An update on the Housing Production Strategy, including a housing survey, will also be discussed.
- Potential Development Code Text Amendment for residence on the first floor in the General Commercial (C-G) Zone
- Review of formal and informal procedures for public involvement in the Comprehensive Plan
- Housing Production Strategy update- housing survey
City Council
The Baker City Council will hold a work session covering several administrative and policy items. They will discuss council rules and procedures, set city goals, and consider Resolution #3928 for allocating HRSA Tranche 4 funds. Other items include a budget transfer for the equipment fund and a bid for public works parts.
- Resolution #3928 - HRSA Tranche 4 Allocation
- Resolution #3931 - Budget Transfer in Equipment Fund 108
- Public Works Parts Bid
- City Council Goals discussion
- Council Rules & Procedure discussion
City Council
The council will consider appointing a new councilor to fill a vacant seat and make appointments to boards and commissions. They will also discuss scheduling a budget board work session and a council onboarding and facility tour.
- Council seat appointment to fill a vacancy
- Boards and commissions appointments including city councilor representation
- Addition to schedule a budget board work session
- Eagles gaming license renewal (consent agenda)
- City council onboarding and facility tour day(s)
City Council
This is a procedural meeting focused on swearing in new council members, appointing a mayor and acting mayor, and then immediately moving into an executive session. No substantive public decisions or discussions are scheduled.