2025-415-Minutes for Meeting February 26,2025 Recorded 12/10/2025Recorded in Deschutes County CJ2025-415
Steve Dennison, County Clerk 12/ 10/2025 8:56:32 AM
commissioners' Journal
2025-415
Do not remove this page from original document.
Deschutes County Clerk
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CITY OF LA PINE, OREGON
JOINT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS/CITY COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM
La Pine City Hall: 16345 Sixth Street, La Pine, Oregon 97739
Available online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/i/81076218127
The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing
impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before
the meeting to City Hall at (541-536-1432). For deaf, hearing impaired, or speech disabled dial 541-536-1432
for TTY.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
COUNCIL & BOARD INTRODUCTIONS
ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Three (3) minutes per person; when asked to the podium, please state your name and whether you live
within La Pine city limits.
JOINT BoCC AND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Joint BoCC and City Council Meeting is held in a workshop format where the elected officials from
each body discuss subject areas of interest to both jurisdictions. This format is intended to facilitate
conversation but does not yield legislative or judicial action during the session. Public Comments are
permitted at the discretion of the presiding member of the City of La Pine City Council.
JOINT BODY DISCUSSION:
1. La Pine Comprehensive Plan Update — City Discussion
2. Water/Wastewater Expansion Project Update — City Discussion
3. Legislative Updates from the County — County Discussion
4. Newberry Regional Partnership — City/County Collaboration Discussion
5. Homelessness solutions post Darlene Fire — City/County Collaboration Discussion
6. 5 Acre Property in City Limits — County Discussion
7. Newberry Neighborhood Master Plan - City/County Collaboration Discussion
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING & REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 26, 2025
OTHER ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA
ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ESTABLISHMENT OF QUOROM
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Three (3) minutes per person; when asked to the podium, please state your name and address, and
whether you live within La Pine city limits.
ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
Any matters added to the Agenda at this time will be discussed during the "Other Matters" portion of
this Agenda or such time selected by the City Council
CONSENT AGENDA
Information concerning the matters listed within the Consent Agenda has been distributed to each
member of the City Council for reading and study, is considered to be routine, and will be enacted or
approved by one motion of the City Council without separate discussion. If separate discussion is desired
concerning a particular matter listed within the Consent Agenda, that matter may be removed from the
Consent Agenda and placed on the regular agenda by request of any member of the City Council.
1. 02.12.2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes...............................................................................3.
a. Public Comment Form R. Harp....................................................................................................7.
b. Public Comment Form A. Shirk...................................................................................................8.
c. Email Submitted from A. Shirk....................................................................................................9.
PRESENTATIONS:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
None
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Three (3) minutes per person; when asked to the podium, please state your name and whether you live
within La Pine city limits.
STAFF COMMENTS
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
IN
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL. MEETING & RFGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 26, 2025
MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMENTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Per ORS 192.660 if necessary
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The public will not be permitted to attend the executive session; provided, however, representatives of
the news media and designated staff will be allowed to attend the executive session. Representatives of
the news media are specifically directed not to report on any of the deliberations during the executive
session, except to state the general subject of the executive session as previously announced. No decision
will be made in the executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
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CITY OF LA PINE, OREGON
JOINT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS/CITY COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM
La Pine City Hall: 16345 Sixth Street, La Pine, Oregon 97739
Available online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/i/81076218127
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Earls called the joint workshop to order at 5:00 p.m.
ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM
City Council
Mayor Earls
Council President Ignazzitto
Councilor Shields
Councilor Morse
Councilor Curtis
Board of County Commissioners
Commissioner DeBone
Commissioner Chang
Commissioner Adair
County Administrator — Nick Lelack
Staff
Geoff Wullschlager —City Manager
Brent Bybee — Community Development Director
Amanda Metcalf — City Recorder
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Manager Wullschlager led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING & REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ron Rommel, a resident of Wagon Trail, introduced himself to the Council and shared his background
in fire safety. He expressed concerns regarding the Darlene Fires 1, 2, and 3, as well as the recent Jack
Pine Fire. His primary concern is that high -density development in the southern area of La Pine may
pose safety risks. Additionally, he emphasized the need for the City's water resources to be
sustainable, stating that fire safety must be properly mitigated.
JOINT BoCC AND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JOINT BODY DISCUSSION:
1. La Pine Comprehensive Plan Update —City Discussion
Community Development Director Bybee provided an update on La Pine 2045, stating that the City is
nearing the final stages of the update. He explained that the Planning Commission and City Council are
transitioning into joint work sessions to draft the goals and policies. During these workshops, both
boards will review feedback from the public and city staff to ensure alignment with state laws, Senate
bills, and relevant case law.
To maintain compliance with the Technical Assistance (TA) grant, the goal is to finalize and adopt the
plan by the end of May.
Director Bybee expressed gratitude to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) for their letter of
recommendation, which supported the City's applications for both the TA grant and the Transportation
and Growth Management (TGM) grant. The TGM grant will allow the City to update the Transportation
System Plan (TSP).
Mayor Earls commended the staffs efforts in fostering community engagement, highlighting the
success of the recent Coffee and Comp Plan event.
City Manager Wullschlager provided background on the expansion project, which began in 2017. He
explained that with the addition of over 300 homes and the construction of redundancy within the
system, the City now has the ability to isolate issues while still maintaining water service to the rest of
the community.
He reported that while the sewer system expansion and residential connections have been completed,
the City still needs to rebuild two lift stations. The Industrial Lift Station will be funded through the
USDA bonds the City received. Currently, the City is waiting for parts, and construction is expected to
begin in the spring. The Newberry Lift Station is now operating at full capacity, requiring evening
pump -downs by the Public Works Department. However, its reconstruction is not included in the USDA
bond funding, and the City is exploring alternative funding sources from other agencies.
Lastly, City Manager Wullschlager made a comment regarding the recently installed fire hydrants along
Darlene Wy., explaining that their installation was a result of the expansion project.
2. Legislative Updates from the County— County Discussion
Commissioner Chang provided an update on transportation funding and the tracking efforts he has
been involved in. He noted that there are numerous critical projects needed across the state and
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING & REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2025
discussed potential solutions to increase funding. These include increasing vehicle registration fees,
raising the gas tax rate, and implementing tolling fees in the Willamette Valley. Additionally, there has
been a push for the metro area to contribute a cost share for larger projects in their region.
There was also a discussion about the north end of the city and the ODOT overpass project.
Commissioner Chang encouraged the community to reach out to their legislators, as they are the ones
who must advocate for the project's advancement.
Commissioner Adair provided an update on the ban on flavored vape cartridges, stating that she signed
a letter with Representative Werner Reschke regarding the issue.
The Wildfire Hazard Map released by the Department of Forestry was also discussed. City Manager
Wullschlager informed the Commission that the City Council had signed and submitted a letter to
Governor Kotek addressing concerns related to the map.
Community Development Director Bybee provided an update on CPAW and their audit of the City's
wildfire safety measures. CPAW will soon submit their recommendations that the City can choose to
implement.
Commissioner DeBone spoke about property assessment and a bill currently being compiled to help
fund the assessor's office. He noted that the bill proposes a 0.03% tax revenue allocation for property
assessment and taxation, which would help ensure accurate and optimized property assessments.
Administrator Lelack stated that if the Council has any priority topics for the Commissioners to address,
they should coordinate with county staff.
3. Newberry Regional Partnership —City/County Collaboration Discussion
City Manager Wullschlager informed the Commission about the City's contributions to the Newberry
Regional Partnership (NRP). He stated that the City provided $10,000 in funding to the organization
and also hosts the majority of their meetings at the La Pine City Council Chambers at no cost.
He provided an update on the partnership's 501(c)(3) status, noting that they have received $50,000 in
grants to support their operating costs. Additionally, he highlighted the organization's efforts in
coordinating cleanup projects on BLM land north of the city.
4. Homelessness solutions post Darlene Fire -- City/County Collaboration Discussion
Mayor Earls provided an update on the wildfire safety group, which includes various local and federal
agencies. She explained that during a recent meeting, the group discussed potential solutions,
emphasizing that this collaboration helps address jurisdictional gaps and improve wildfire
preparedness.
City Manager Wullschlager informed the Commission that the surrounding areas are scheduled for fire
fuel reduction efforts in 2026.
A discussion followed regarding the jurisdiction of the local police force on federal land.
Mayor Earls highlighted the importance of supporting the unhoused community, emphasizing that they
are just as important as the rest of the population. She noted that Deschutes County Mental Health has
been actively assisting individuals in need in La Pine.
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING & REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Commissioner Chang shared his experience working with surrounding cities on homelessness response
efforts. He commended their leadership and initiatives, listing various funding sources available to
assist cities. He also inquired about how the Commission could be a partner in developing solutions.
To conclude, Mayor Earls thanked the Commission and reiterated that La Pine may take a different
approach than other cities, and Council is eager to collaborate with the Commission on finding
effective solutions.
5. 5 Acre Property in City Limits— County Discussion
Commissioner DeBone informed the Council that the County -owned property north of St. Charles has
been subdivided, and five acres are currently for sale.
Kristy Bollinger, the County Property Manager, provided an overview of past concepts proposed for the
development of the property.
A collaborative discussion followed regarding potential uses for the mixed -use zoned property.
However, Administrator Lelak clarified that the County is not a developer but rather a property owner
and sells land to prospective developers.
6. Newberry Neighborhood Master Plan - City/County Collaboration Discussion
Commissioner DeBone explained that there are two quadrants of the Newberry neighborhood that
have been plated and are ready for sale.
Property Manager Bollinger provided an overview of how other sections of the neighborhood have
been developed and highlighted the County's past land donations for various projects, including
Rosland Elementary and the sewer lift station.
County Community Development Director Peter Gutowsky discussed the importance of community
engagement and timing in relation to the sale of this property.
La Pine Community Development Director Bybee noted that city staff has been in discussions with the
County regarding the neighborhood's master plan and how it will facilitate connections between the
north and south sides of town. He emphasized that this presents an opportunity for community input
and suggested that spring would be an ideal time to initiate those conversations.
OTHER ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA
There were no other items to discuss.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Earls adjourned the workshop at 6:55 p.m.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Earls called the regular City Council meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
ESTABLISHMENT OF QUOROM
City Council
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING & REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Mayor Earls
Council President Ignazzitto
Councilor Shields
Councilor Morse
Councilor Curtis
Staff
Geoff Wullschlager—City Manager
Brent Bybee — Community Development Director
Amanda Metcalf — City Recorder
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public Comments.
ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
There were no other added agenda items.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. 02.12.2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
a. Public Comment Form R. Harp
b. Public Comment Form A. Shirk
c. Email Submitted from A. Shirk
Councilor Ignazzitto made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Councilor Morse seconded the
motion. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
None
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There are not any public comments.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Recorder Metcalf did not have any comments.
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING & REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Community Development Director Bybee provided an update on the Newberry, Neighborhood
discussions, noting that the joint BoCC and City Council workshop included valuable conversations and
strong community engagement.
He updated the Council on long-range planning, outlining upcoming joint meeting schedules between
the La Pine City Council and Planning Commission, and key focus areas for the workshops. He
emphasized that this is an important time for the City Council and Planning Commission to collaborate
on drafting goals and policies. The final adoption hearings will take place with both the Planning
Commission and City Council, during which the community will have the opportunity to provide public
testimony.
Director Bybee invited the Council to attend the upcoming community land use training scheduled for
March 20th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, noting that a mailer will be included with utility billing to inform
residents.
Regarding current planning, he reported a significant increase in applications. He noted that three site
plan reviews are still in the completeness process, while two zoning permits and three sign permits are
under review having been deemed complete.
Finally, he provided an update on an open position in the planning department. After conducting
interviews, the city plans to extend an offer to a selected candidate.
City Manager Wullschlager provided an update on the recent halt in federal funding and its impact on
the City.
He informed the Council that both Mayor Earls and he are part of a safety group comprising federal
and local agencies focused on wildfire prevention. This group is advocating for a campfire ban within a
one -mile radius starting in May.
He also updated the Council on the Urban Renewal Agency's Archway Project, stating that the Request
for Proposals (RFP) for the construction phase has been issued. He provided details on the agency's
funds, emphasizing that their use is subject to strict statutory guidelines for community beautification
and enhancement within the Urban Renewal District.
Lastly, he noted that two members' terms on the Urban Renewal Agency have ended. The agency will
begin soliciting applications for these positions, with the final selection process to be presented to the
Council at the end of March.
MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMENTS
Student Councilor Marston provided an update on high school spring sports. He also inquired on behalf
of faculty member Mr. Olszewski about Huntington road and whether safety measures such as a
roundabout or crosswalks will be implemented.
Councilor Morse had no comments.
Council President Ignazzitto commended Mayor Earls for her leadership and praised the interactive
nature of the workshop. She also complimented City Manager Wullschlager for his strong
representation of the city at the recent Chamber of Commerce breakfast.
Councilor Shields had no comments.
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider
JOINT BOCC/CITY COUNCIL MEETING & REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Councilor Curtis stated that this was her first joint meeting and that she learned a lot. She thanked
Mayor Earls for effectively presiding over the meeting.
Mayor Earls reflected on her experience working with the Council and staff, noting that it has
significantly increased her confidence as mayor. She expressed her gratitude to everyone.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Per ORS 192.660 if necessary
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Earls adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Date: d S
Jeannine ar s, Mayor
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Amanda Metcalf, City Recorder
The City of La Pine is an Equal Opportunity Provider