---
date: "2024-03-13"
title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2024-03-13"
source: "2024-03-13-minutes-council-monthly.pdf"
---

City of Prairie City
Council Meeting
March 13, 2024

Attendance:
Mayor Ed Clark
Councilor Chase McClung
Councilor Candy Reagan
Councilor Pam Gangler
Councilor Brook Williams
Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder
Rob Gaslin, CPA
Chris Camarena, Public Works Director
Jennifer Kingsford, City Clerk
Visitors:
Sue Malaney
Steve Patterson
Colin Kolb
Joe Flynn
Sherrie Flynn
Ginger Shive
Nancy Harris
Karen Jacobs

Mayor Clark Called the City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 pm, the Pledge of Allegiance
recited, and roll call taken. Councilor Jenny Shaw was not present.

Public Hearing:
Mayor Clark opened the 2nd Public Hearing regarding the 2021 Water Hauling and asked
Shonalie Oakes the City Recorder to read aloud the Public Hearing Notice as required by
Business Oregon for the CDBG grant. Mayor Clark stated that the City had not received
any previous written comment and then asked if anyone present would like to make
public comment, and if so, please state your name and mailing address for public record.
There was no public comment made. Mayor Clark than closed the Public Hearing at 6:03
pm and the regular council meeting resumed.

Minutes:
The minutes of the February 15, 2024 meeting were considered. MSP: To approve the
meeting minutes of February 15, 2024, as written. Councilor Brook Williams/Pam
Gangler. All present in favor, none opposed.

Mayor Clark welcomed all of the Visitors and thanked them for being involved and
attending the monthly city council meeting.

Fiber Fest:
Fiber Fest requested the City to make special accommodations to allow people attending
the Fiber Festival Event to make reservations at the Depot RV Park just for the weekend
of Fiber Fest, also asking the City to go to the next County Court Meeting and ask the
county permission to do so.
Mayor Clark asked the Council to consider the letter of request from Fiber Fest. The letter
included to the Council provided details as to why they need the ability to do so. Mayor
Clark stated that he has concerns about taking reservations, but would like to hear input
from the Council until he voices his.
The Council worried that if the City were to take reservations for the park that there
wouldn’t be availability for first responders. The Council read the letter that was
presented to them from Fiber Fest. The Council attempted to discuss the contents of the
letter, but had difficulty doing so, because of the continuous interruptions from Ginger
Shive. Mrs. Shive was there to represent Fiber Fest. Mrs. Shive was very aggressive in
communicating her demands, was disrespectful to the Council, and went on to verbally
abuse a City Employee. Councilor Reagan then addressed Ginger, stating that she doesn’t
understand her anger, that we have to do what’s best for Prairie City and the people that
live here. We don’t work and cater to one establishment but are here for the betterment
of the City. You can’t expect us to cave to every whim or request made to us, of course
Council needs to talk about it first and to make sure that the decision made will benefit
the City, we can’t just say yes without discussing potential outcomes. You can’t come at us
with anger, because that is not the way to present yourself when you want something.
Mrs. Shive then said she didn’t mean to come across angry. Mayor Clark then stopped the
discussions and said the Council has some things to consider before making a decision.
Mrs. Shive asked the Council to expedite their decision. Mayor Clark said they don’t want
to be pushed into making a decision right now. The Council agreed that in order to be fair
to everyone, if they choose to start taking reservations that they would need to take
reservations from everyone. If the Council goes that route reservations software would
be a must.
Mayor Clark said at this point the City will not be taking reservations, and won’t be until
the Council decides otherwise.

 Blue Mountain Care Center Community Easter Egg Hunt:
The City received a letter from the Blue Mountain Care Center requesting donations for
the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at the nursing home. The Council all agreed
unanimously that the egg hunt brings a lot of joy to our local seniors that live in the
nursing home. The Council decided to make a City Donation of $250. MSP: To approve a
$250.00 donation to the Blue Mountain Care Center for the Annual Community
Easter Egg Hunt. Williams/Gangler All present voted unanimously.

Executive Session:
Mayor Clark announced the time, 06:50 p.m. and that the Council would now move into
Executive Session and read aloud ORS 221.120 (4) The council shall fill by appointment
vacancies in its membership ORS 221.120 (5) The term of office shall be the remainder of
the term of office of the immediate predecessor of the appointee in the office. NOTICE-
ORS 221.120 (4)(5) WILL BE HELD IN CLOSED SESSION. Pursuant to ORS 192.640 (1)
this includes a list of the principal subjects anticipated to be considered or discussed at
the above referenced meeting. This notice does not limit the ability of the council to
consider or discuss additional subjects. This meeting is subject to cancellation without
notice. 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 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 are previously announced.
No decision was made in executive session.
Executive Session closed at 07:07 p.m.

The public was invited back into the room and the regular City Council meeting resumed.

City Council Vacancy:
Pursuant to Chapter VII, Section 32, of the 2013 City of Prairie City Amended Charter, a
mayor or councilor vacancy will be filled by the appointment of a majority of the
remaining council members.
Councilor Gangler moved to appoint Candidate #2 to the vacant city councilor position,
and the motion died. Councilor Reagan moved to appoint Candidate # 3 for the Vacant
City Counciler position, Councilor Williams seconded the motion, all were in favor. MSP:
To appoint Candidate #3 to the vacant City Council Position. Councilor McClung made
a motion to appoint candidate #2 as back up if candidate #3 decided not to accept.
Councilor Williams seconded the motion.  MSP: To appoint candidate # 2 as back up
for the Vacant City Councilor Position. Councilor McClung/Williams

Surplus City Property:
The City’s red utility work truck has been continuously breaking down and costing the
City an average of about $1500.00 per month in repairs. Public Works Director, Chris
Camarena, requested approval from the Council to dispose of the surplus property, the
Red Utility Truck and the Durango and replace them with two vehicles from the Forest
Service at a great price. The vehicles are valued at twice the amount of the purchase
price. The funds would come from the City’s capitol improvements budget line. MSP: To
approve the purchase of the two vehicles from the Forest Service. Councilor
Williams/Reagan

Mayor Clark reminded the City Councilors to file their SEI.

Mayor Clark also shared that the City’s Cost Share Waiver with the EPA Grant was
approved.

Museum:
The City has moved forward advertising the Museum Curator/Director position, it is
posted in the Blue Mountain Eagle Newspaper, the City’s website, and listed with Work
source Oregon. The application deadline is April 30th.

Fire Report:
Assistant Fire Chief, Chris Camarena, reported that the department responded to an
incident involving a car, pick-up and cow. The cow was killed, and he was unsure of the
driver’s injuries.

Public Works:
Public Works Director Chris Camarena recently attended the County Emergency
Management Meeting. There are some amazing grant opportunities coming up that
would provide switch high powered radios, and a Connex full of supplies, each one
would provide enough supplies for 250 people. The Connexs would include a generator,
food, first aid supplies etc. 100% Grant funded.

Payables:
Rob Gaslin, CPA, provided a financial overview to the City Council, also reading aloud the
appropriations review. The City Council reviewed the check detail. MSP: To ratify the
payment of the bills. Councilor Williams/Gangler

Councilor McClung moved to adjourn the regular city council meeting and Councilor
Williams seconded the motion. MSP: To adjourn the City Council Meeting at 7:47 p.m.
Councilor McClung/Williams

Approved by the City Council this 10th day of April, 2024, and signed by the mayor.

Ed Clark, Mayor

Attested:

Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder