---
date: "2026-01-14"
title: "Council Meeting Minutes 2026-01-14"
source: "2026-01-14-minutes-council-monthly.pdf"
---

City of Prairie City
Council Meeting
January 14, 2025

Attendance:
Chase McClung, Mayor Pro-tempore
Councilor Bradford
Councilor Scott Clark
Councilor Danner Davis
Councilor Emily Bernard
Mike Patterson, Public Works
Brian Heuckman, Public Works
Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder
Marvin Rynearson, Fire Chief
Rob Gaslin, CPA
David Kebler, City Technology Volunteer
Visitors:
Wanda Patterson
Steve Patterson
Dennis Lynch, Park’s Committee Chair
Sue Malaney
Chris, Library
Anna Bass
Murray Alexander
Ember Conner
Larry Johnson
Mike Rose
Paul Petroski
Ed Clark
Juan Rubio
Dustin Phipps
Loreli Clapp
Fran Bunch
Carlos Bortel
Colin Kolb
Mary Brown

The meeting was called to order at 6pm, roll call taken, and the pledge of
allegiance recited. Councilor Coburn was not present with an excused absence.
Agenda Amendments:
Establishment of a Park Committee and discussion of a digital timecard
system. MSP: To approve the agenda amendments. Councilor Bradford/Clark. All
in favor.
Minutes: The meeting minutes of December 10, 2025, were considered. MSP: To
approve the meeting minutes of December 10, 2025, Councilor Davis/Bradford.
All in favor.
Public Comment: Mary Brown: Expressed concern about 2025 community divisions,
water/sewer rate increases, and impact on fixed-income residents and
businesses.

Raised questions about cell tower revenue history ($20,000/year previously
earmarked for water, later moved; asked if council voted on transfer; asked
if increases replaced funds; potential city manager funding)
Opposed hiring a city manager; suggested town hall before decisions;
referenced John Day as cautionary example.
Council/Staff Response:
Cell tower revenue: Council decided to sell cell tower lease; proceeds
(~$600,000) fully funded the water fund deficit; water/sewer funds should be
self-sustaining, and are not to be supplemented.
Steve Patterson:
Questioned need, scope, and hiring process for a city manager
Council: No decision to create position; a draft job description exists; if
pursued, position would be advertised with an open application process with a
fair hiring committee; not currently an agenda item.
Resolution No. 2025-10: Countywide Library District. Presenter: Chris,
Library Director
Background: County budget ends library funding after June 2026
Feasibility study favored forming a special library district over a 5-year
levy
Resolution Purpose: Allow Prairie City residents to vote on forming a special
library district
Key Points: Tax rate not finalized; aim for minimal sustainable rate
District tax would be a permanent property tax line (similar scale to
cemetery district); does not automatically increase. Library
building/foundation funds (501c3) are separate and restricted; district funds
would sustain current operations (not new building)
Motion to adopt Resolution 2025-10: MSP: To approve Resolution 2025-10,
Councilor Davis/Bradford. Approved unanimously.
Technology and Infrastructure Updates
Website, Email, and IT Security
Domain: Approved prairiecityor.gov (federal approval required “or” in domain)
City controls prairiecityoregon.com
Next Steps (authorized): Proceed with website creation and email migration
Set up DNS hosting (estimated $2–$4/month) and manage .com domain (~$15/year;
transfer may incur one year charge)
Develop City Hall network plan (wiring, secure server cabinet)
IT Findings and Actions:
Water billing database had no offsite backups; triage implemented with hourly
backups and offsite protection.
Data collection underway to support wireless network planning; potential
collaboration with county for tower placement/use
Water Meter Project
Approach: Working group to research technology options (drive-by vs cellular,
system integration) and procurement steps; present recommendation to council
Ensure full compliance with EPA grant requirements and procurement rules (Buy
America, etc.)
Early Bird (grant administrator, Tricia) reviewing RFP; existing vendor
quotes deemed not compliant/valid and will be reissued
Working Group Membership (approved)

Public Works needs a plan to integrate technology plan for the water system,
and getting institutional knowledge of the City’s Water System recorded.
Public Works- Mike & Brian, volunteers- David Kebler and local plumber Gary
Teal, City Recorder- Shonalie, Councilor Colby Bradford. MSP: To approve
water meter committee Councilor Davis/Bernard, all in favor.
Notes: Do not use prior quotes; await compliant RFP and bids
Coordinate closely with Early Bird (Grant Administrator; consider extension
if timeline requires.
MSP: To approve tech plan, Councilor Bradford/Davis, all in favor.
Parks Committee Formed and Members Appointed:
Chantel Desjardin, Chase McClung, Dennis Lynch, Ed Clark, Kevin Kimberling,
Kacee Bloom, Ember Connor, Emily Bernard. MSP: To form parks and rec
committee, Councilor Davis/Bradford, all in favor.
Digital Timecard System:
Proposal: Add digital time clocks to existing payroll provider, cost $150
(mobile punch-in with GPS); cancellable/down gradable.
Purpose: Streamline timekeeping for Gaslin Accounting entering payroll.
Accountability
MSP: To adopt digital time clock system Councilor Davis/Clark All in favor
Beautification Committee Request (Informational): Needs:
Approximately 5 additional trees (prior cost ~<$200 each)
Remove/grind stumps in planters to ground level
Mulch/soil amendments
Target: By spring (e.g., March)
No action taken; for consideration at next meeting.
Reports
Public Works (Mike)
Water meter bids: Prior four bids invalid due to RFP issues (will reissue)
Annual reports in progress; wastewater report more complex; will contact DEQ
Projects:
Slide project starting
Small City Allotments project pending kickoff; awaiting contractor response
Coordination with Kebler on water meter and system integration.
Fire Department (Fire Chief-Marvin Rynearson)
Grant-Harney Training Association Basic Firefighter course:
Dustin Phipps enrolled; will make up missed Sundays in-house
Using city car for travel to Long Creek
Fuel reduction:
Final part completed; potential additional funding for other sites
Monitoring snowpack and fire season readiness
Parks (Dennis Lynch)
First meeting held with ~6 participants; reviewed 7–9 projects; plan to be
iterative.
Next meeting planned to prioritize 2–3 projects for council consideration
Emphasis on: Multipurpose amenities (e.g., courts adaptable to multiple
sports)
Grant-funded projects (80/20 with in-kind city match for labor/equipment)
Aim for no additional city cash outlay.

Accounts Payable:
The council reviewed the financial overview, appropriations review, budget to
actuals, and the check detail.
The council reviewed the check detail.
MSP: To pay the City’s bills. Councilor Davis/Clark. All present in favor.
Old Business: City needs City a boss/manager for day to day. McClung wants to
appoint a mayor, council tabled until next meeting to ensure it is on the
agenda.
Adjourn: MSP: To adjourn the meeting Councilor Bradford/Bernard. All present
in favor.

Approved by the City Council on this 11th day of February 2026 and signed by
the Mayor.

Mayor

Attested

Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder