By James Tibbets, Pendletonian Times
PENDLETON, Ore. — Proposed changes to the City of Pendleton’s Sign Code passed despite a signature campaign in opposition to it, a Staff Report recommended changes to the way the City goes about contracting with entities and disposing of personal property, the Pendleton Planning Commission gave its annual report to the City Council regarding its activities for the previous year and an analysis of the McKay Creek Basin was presented.
13 people attended the meeting via Zoom, including City Attorney Nancy Kerns.
Public Hearing on Historical Sign Ordinance 4017, Staff Report, and Recommendation:
There were many signatures collected in opposition to the proposed changes to the ordinance. City Planner Julie Chase made the request for City Council Action. According to the Staff Report from Chase, the proposed sign code concerns 1% of Pendleton.
Mayor John Turner asked about currently existing signs being grandfathered in under the proposed ordinance and Chase confirmed that they would be allowed.
Three minutes were allowed per speaker during the public hearing portion:
In favor: 3
Joseph Hull, president of the Pendleton Planning Commission, said that many people put many hours into the proposed ordinance and he feels that “we’re in a safe spot.”
[Another speaker] said that he supports the proposed ordinance. He says that he doesn’t trust the validity of the signatures that are against the proposed ordinance.
Against: 3
Jordan McDonald, Councilor McKennon McDonald’s husband, owns the St. George Plaza with her. He is concerned about the ramifications of the proposed ordinance on his tenants and wanted to talk longer than allowed.
Turner closed the discussion. Councilor Addison Schulberg motioned to approve the ordinance after removing the language regarding murals and limits on the number of signs. Turner suggested the deletion of the firewall requirements and Schulberg accepted the suggestion.
The amendment to the ordinance was unanimously passed.
First Reading of Amending Ordinance 4018 to The Public Contracting Ordinance 3715, and the Disposition of Personal Property Ordinance, 3911:
According to the Staff Report by Kerns, the amendment will allow City staff to procure goods and services more efficiently while following state procurement policies.
Annual Planning Commission Report to the City Council:
Joseph Hull:
Gave a review of the Pendleton Planning Commission’s activities for the previous year. Stated that the Sign Ordinance took a lot of time and effort, as well as “killing a lot of brain cells.”
McKay Creek Basin Analysis presentation:
Luke Johnson and Kevin Coulton:
Analysis was funded by a FEMA grant. According to the analysis, Lower McKay is a critical habitat for steelhead salmon.
Final Notes
The City Administration will be required to undergo training about ethics and public meetings law at the Pendleton Convention Center. The details are currently being hashed out.