---
date: "2025-11-12"
title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2025-11-12"
source: "2025-11-12-minutes-council-monthly.pdf"
---

City of Prairie City
Council Meeting
November 12, 2025

Attendance:
Mayor Pro Tempore, Chase McClung
Councilor Clark
Councilor Coburn
Councilor Bradford
Councilor Davis
Councilor Bernard
Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder
Rob Gaslin, CPA
Mike Patterson, Public Works
Brian Hueckman, Public Works
Ben Richardson, Museum
Marvin Rynearson, Fire Chief
Visitors:
Colin Kolb
Ed Clark
Fran Bunch
Steve Patterson
Wanda Patterson
Blain Huffman
Ann Huffman
David Kebler
Jim Carpenter, District Attorney
Frances Preston
Ron Phillips
Cheryl Hoefler

Mayor Pro Tempore Chase McClung called the meeting to order at 6:01pm, the
pledge was recited and the roll was called.
Minutes: The council considered the minutes of October 22, 2025, city council
meeting. MSP: To approve the minutes of October 22, 2025, City Council
Meeting, Councilor Bradford/Clark. All present voted in favor.
Park Light & Network Technology Discussion:
Technology:
Mr.Kebler is a retired professional and would like to volunteer in helping
the City with updating its technology needs, including:

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Setting up its new smart meters (should it go that route).
Improving the marquee for easier updating.
General website assistance and technology support for city functions.
Utilize AI to analyze the utility data.

Consensus from Council to accept Mr.Kebler’s offer to volunteer his time and
services. MSP: To approve David Kebler in helping the City with its website
and technology. Councilor Coburn/Bradford.
Park Light Concerns:
Citizen raised concerns about the brightness of the new park light. Mr.Kebler
requested Public Works remove the padlock from the breaker so the light may
be turned off at night.
Suggestions included:

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Installing a shield or dark sky light to direct light downward and
reduce impact on neighboring homes.
Installing a switch or timer so the light can be used only during
events
Relocating the pole to better serve the park and community center.

Public Works are tasked to investigate different lighting options for
shielding or adjusting the light.
HECO: The town hall for the Parks and Recreation Planning grant is scheduled
for December 8, 2025. Council decided to hold the Town Hall at the Senior
Center to accommodate more people. Councilor Coburn offered to book the
facility.
Ordinance 2025-03: Curfew/Truancy Ordinance
Purpose: Address chronic truancy among school-age children, not occasional
absences.
Recent legislative chances allow citation of parents for chronic absenteeism.
Diversion programs available; fines increase for repeated offenses.
Proposed ordinance would allow law enforcement to detain children during
school hours, verify their status, and return them to school or parents.
Applies to all minors.
Modeled after Hermiston’s ordinance, adjusted for smaller communities.
Enforcement would be passive; officers would address truancy as encountered,
not actively seeking students out.
ESD to provide additional information and a packet for council review.
Council to revisit after further information is provided.
Water Compliance:

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Clarification provided that the city is in compliance with state water
regulations.
Only out of compliance in June due to a late water report; all
subsequent reports are current and compliant.
Assurance given that the city remains and plans to stay in compliance.

City Manager Position Discussion:

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Review of job description for City Manager position.
Concerns raised that the job description is too extensive for Prairie
City’s needs.
Preference for a part-time role (approx. 10 hours/week) with clear
division of duties between mayor and manager.
Proposal to hold a workshop
Workshop scheduled for November 21 at 7:00pm.

Carrie Young Memorial Donation:
The City received a letter requesting annual donation. Council reviewed the
past donations amounts.
MSP: To donate $1,000 to the Carrie Young Memorial, Councilor
Coburn/Bradford. All present in favor.
Reports:
Public Works Report:

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Wintering city facilities underway
Chlorine supplier inspection completed; cost savings after initial
setup.

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Christmas tree lights upgraded with durable, amusement park-grade
lights.
Recent repair at water plant (variable frequency drive); minimal cost.
Seeking quotes for water meters.
Research ongoing for meters:
Seeking reliable, manufactured models in the USA, and readily
available.
Installation to be phased.

Water Plant Upgrades

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Aging water plant equipment highlighted as a concern.
Difficulty sourcing obsolete parts(most recently a $3200 replacement
circuit breaker).
Recommendation to prioritize upgrading service entrance equipment and
electronics.

Fire Department Report (Marvin Rynearson, Fire Chief)

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Upcoming service to honor former fire chief Jim Sullins; Oregon Fire
Service Honor Guard to participate.
Rynearson reminded the public that burning leaves is prohibited.

Accounts Payable:
Rob Gaslin, CPA, provided the council with a financial overview, and read out
loud the appropriations review, and budget to actuals.
The council reviewed the check detail.
MSP: To pay the City’s bills. Councilor Coburn/Davis. All present voted yes.
Adjourn: MSP: To adjourn the meeting at 7:52pm. Councilor Bernard/Clark. All
in favor.

Approved by the City Council on this 10th day of December 2025 and signed by
the Mayor.

Chase McClung, Mayor Pro Tempore

Attested

Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder