Weekly Report from Gladstone City Hall

City Council,

New GladstoneLibraryThe Clackamas County Board of Commissioners held a policy session to discuss the next steps in the construction of the Gladstone Library in light of significant cost increases (from $7 million in November 2021 to $9.4 million in April 2022.) The Commissioners unanimously agreed to the following actions regarding the library

·Construction will be paused for up to one year. (The County will work with the City of Gladstone to amend the intergovernmental agreement accordingly).

·The County will not use library district operating funds for construction of the library.

Gladstone Drug Take-Back, Shred-It, and E-Recycling Day -The Gladstone Police Department and the Kraxberger Gearheads Robotics Club are hosting the annual drug-take back, shred-it, and e-recycling day. It is May 14^th from 10:00 am -2:00 pm in the parking lot at the Gladstone Civic Center. This is an opportunity to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, and to provide on-site help with the secure destruction of personal information and electronics. For more information please access the city newsletter at newsletter.may_.2022.pdf (gladstone.or.us)

Gladstone Planning Commission- The Gladstone Planning Commission will meet on May 17^th at 6:30 pm. There are two action items on the agenda: a public hearing for the construction of 16 new parking garages, 26 parking spaces, and 4,000 sq. feet of landscaping with walking paths and a playground at the Webster Ridge Apartments (18181 Webster Road). The second item is a continuation of the public hearing regarding proposed amendments to housing in Chapter 17 of the Gladstone Municipal Code. These amendments are intended to bring the code into compliance with House Bill (HB 2001). A copy of the packet can be located at: https://www.ci.gladstone.or.us/bc-pc/page/planning-commission-meeting-virtually-and-person.

Gladstone Downtown Core Overlay Zone- In addition to working on the HB 2001 housing amendments for the City of Gladstone, MIG and John Southgate Consulting are drafting proposed amendments to the Gladstone Downtown Revitalization Plan; which includes the creation of a new zoning overlay district in Gladstone's downtown core to encourage development that is walkable, mixed-use, and higher density than the underlying C-2 zoning district. The overlay zone also provides design standards to ensure that new development complements the existing buildings downtown. These proposed changes will be discussed with the Planning Commission at the June 21^st meeting. Additionally, the staff plans an Open House at the Gladstone Senior Center on June 29^th at 5:30 pm to showcase the proposed changes. More information will be forthcoming.

Gladstone Senior Center Advisory Board Meeting: The Senior Center Advisory Board will meet at the Senior Center on Tuesday, May 17th at 3:30 pm. A copy of the packet can be accessed here Senior Center Advisory Board Meeting | Gladstone, Oregon

Gladstone Public Works University- Public Works is hosting a mini-university on May 19^th from 6:00-7:30 pm to educate the public about parks, streets, water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, city facility management, and capital improvements. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the various functions of the public works department. For more information, please visit www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EA8AD22A2FEC34-public.

Gladstone Nature Park's Butterfly Pollinator Hill Project- In 2019, the Friends of the Gladstone Nature Park (FOGNP) received a grant from Metro's Nature in Neighborhoods Restoration Grant Program for the butterfly pollinator hill project at the Gladstone Nature Park. The project restored the 25-foot hill with native plants, attracting pollinators, butterflies, and birds, resulting in a diverse natural habitat for all citizens to enjoy. The work was completed by local volunteers, middle and high school students, and city staff. The City of Gladstone supported this project and the work is complete. FOGNP will present a report to the Gladstone City Council on June 14^th.

Gladstone Businesses-American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds- Oregon City Chamber of Commerce is interested in administering the release of Gladstone ARPA funds for qualifying Gladstone businesses through their Business Recovery Center. The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is preparing a scope of work that will allow Gladstone and Oregon City to coordinate the release of funds. Oregon City Chamber is also developing a survey for businesses to understand the financial needs coming out of the pandemic. The surveys will be in English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, and Chinese. The County will launch its ARPA funds first, likely at the end of June, and City staff will make the Gladstone businesses receive information on how to apply for the funds. We will continue to provide information as this funding opportunity rolls out.

Gladstone Fire Department Remodel: The City received four bids to remodel the existing Fire Station located at 555 Portland Avenue. The City modified how this project was advertised in the Daily Journal of Commerce and was able to attract more interest for the individual pre-bid site walkthrough. The range of the bids are between $174,890- $471,777. Staff will ask the City Council to approve a contract at their June 14^th City Council meeting. We are eager to move this project forward.

Have a great weekend,

Jacque M. Betz, City Administrator ICMA-CM, MPPA

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