**City of Prairie City**

**Council Meeting**

**April 8, 2026**

**Attendance:**

Mayor Bradford

Councilor Coburn

Councilor McClung

Councilor Davis

Councilor Bernard (via phone)

Mike Patterson, Public Works

Shonalie Oakes, City Recorder

Rob Gaslin, CPA

Ben Richardson, Museum

**Visitors:**

Dennis Lynch, Parks & Rec Committee

Ed Clark

Frances Preston

Steve Patterson

Wanda Patterson

Fran Bunch

Mary Brown

Colin Kolb

Sue Malaney

The meeting was called to order at 6:04 pm, the pledge of allegiance recited, and roll call taken. Councilor Clark was not present with an excused absence. Councilor Bernard present via phone.

**Minutes:** March 11, 2026, council meeting minutes were considered**. MSP: To approve March 11, 2026, council meeting minutes. Councilor McClung/Davis. All present voted unanimously.**

**OPRD Parks Plan Discussion:**

* **Context:**
* Parks Committee provided a list of potential improvements coordinated with photos
* Dennis Lynch (Parks Committee Chair) present for Q&A
* Target: Finalize priorities; engineers to draft plan; funding application prep begins ~1 month prior to June deadline
* **Existing Assets/Notes:**
* Drinking fountain exists; removed for winter; mounts to bathroom; functional
* Water lines run just inside current east fence; relocation is needed if sidewalk installed inside fence
* **Committee/Member Priorities Discussed:**
* High priority: Perimeter fencing (safety concern due to children darting into street)
* Playground equipment upgrades; ADA improvements for bathrooms
* Lighting and security cameras (paired to deter vandalism and improve safety)
* Court markings to support pickleball/badminton in addition to basketball
* Volleyball net capability (net already donated; need removable, flush-mount posts)
* Sidewalk/paver path along east side (coordinate with utilities and grant work)
* Parking organization/striping considerations
* **Fencing Discussion:**
* Strong support for fencing entire park with access gates for vendors/maintenance (prefer south-end vehicle access)
* Consider internal parallel fence to separate play area and grass (not decided)
* Ensure gate solutions that are functional but unobtrusive
* **Path/Sidewalk:**
* Preference for paver walking path vs. formal sidewalk to avoid water line relocation
* If future sidewalk is chosen, coordinate with small cities allotment project; city would fund if added to that scope now
* Plan to set fence back to allow car doors to open against curb; trim playground matting as needed
* Cameras and Lighting:
* Support for citywide camera upgrade starting at park
* Lighting to complement cameras; also consider building frontage lighting (city hall area is dark)
* Court Lines and Volleyball:
* Add pickleball/badminton lines to basketball court (minimal cost)
* Install removable volleyball net system; research outdoor recessed sleeves/caps
* **Additional Items:**
* Cement table tennis table (low priority; idea inspired by Baker City park)
* Second drinking fountain (not supported; existing fountain adequate)
* Splash pad remains in master plan but not suitable for this park due to open space needs
* **Parking:**
* Explore parallel striping along east side; verify minimum roadway width compliance
* Angle parking on south end discussed; would require encroaching into park, moving irrigation, possibly relocating power pole
* Concern: Maintain grass area for events
* **Costs/Grant Match:**
* Anticipated grant match believed 20%; in-kind allowed
* Example costs mentioned: fencing ~$15k; playground equipment expensive (replacement slide ~$12k); lighting/cameras rough placeholders
* **Next Steps**:
* Prioritize list for pricing: full-park fencing; security cameras; lighting; pickleball/badminton lines; volleyball net posts/mounts
* Coordinator to ask engineer (HECO) for pricing approach and whether initial assistance is covered; clarify costs to prepare estimates
* If estimate development cost is high, narrow to top priorities; otherwise, get full pricing and reconvene to select within budget/match
* Coordinate east-side fence set-back with forthcoming curb work (small cities grant)
* Consider ADA and future broader equipment upgrades in future phases

**Public Works Equipment Purchase**

* Previous discussion tabled for evaluation
* Public Works preference: Equipment trailer (bumper-pull tilt deck) to move equipment (reduce dump trailer wear); estimated $12-$16k
* Boom lift: Mill has its own; potential to purchase if local mill abandons current unit
* Next Step: Staff to compile trailer options/prices; discussion at next meeting

**City Plants/Trees Maintenance**

* Need seasonal contractor (1099) to water/maintain city plantings, including expanded areas (e.g., near motel, additional trees/shrubs)
* One individual informally inquired; contact to be made; confirm scope and compensation; draft contract; ensure city provides water
* Note: Prior contract did not include certain areas; expand map/scope this year
* Action: Coordinate with Beautification Committee to define areas/species

**Fourth of July Planning**

* **Goal: County-wide participation; form a volunteer committee**
* **Flyers prepared to recruit committee; outreach to Chamber for promotion**
* **Volunteers:**
* Potential: Wanda Patterson (conditional), one additional potential volunteer to be contacted
* Council and staff will support; aim for committee to lead program content
* **Parade Theme and Prizes:**
* Theme approved: Cheers to 250 Years

**Parade prizes approved (City-funded):**

* + - **1st: $250**
    - **2nd: $100**
    - **3rd: $50**

**MSP: Councilor Coburn/McClung. Vote: Unanimous**

* **Entertainment and Vendors:**
* Bands to contact: Traveling Jones (Hereford), Redheaded Stepchild, Katie Dunn, Lucas Trepto; check availability and book
* Coordinate with 1188 for beer trailer; improve site layout/coordination vs. prior year
* Porta potties: Contact Irons (prior donor) promptly
* Slides: Confirm scheduling/payment status
* Engage local food vendors; coordinate with school groups (FFA, cheer, etc.) for concessions, snow cones, cotton candy; avoid duplication; ensure power availability
* **Activities/Attractions** (ideas to be refined by committee or Council if no committee):
* Marble hunt (source from known makers; receipts for reimbursement)
* Bingo
* Cornhole, horseshoes
* Dunk tank (check availability; contact football program)
* Car show (contact Les Woodworth; coordinate with local car clubs)
* Community Center involvement (church building across park) for possible memorabilia/merch; explore local printers (Graphics)
* Power/Logistics:
  + New power on south pole (multiple 30A + 50A), power near sign and on building available
  + Layout planning needed to avoid congestion and ensure access
* Communications/Deadlines:
  + If no committee by next meeting, Council to begin making final event decisions and publish schedule
  + Advertising via radio (Elkhorn Media) and flyers to continue
  + School outreach for fundraising participation

**Budget Meeting scheduled for April 29:**

* + Appointment of Budget Committee members (if any new volunteers)

**Council Vacancy**

* Applications received: Steve Patterson; Ed Clark
* Decision: Defer selection to next regular meeting so all councilors (including Scott Clark) can review and participate
* Process:
  + Keep application period closed (no extension)
  + Invite both candidates to attend next meeting for open-session Q&A
  + Each councilor may ask one question; same question posed to both candidates (order alternates to ensure fairness)
  + Council to submit questions in advance for coordination
  + Public may attend; selection remains a Council decision

**Public Works Report**

* Water Alley: New water line installation nearly complete (resolves long-standing service issue)
* Facilities: Lighting upgrades completed at water and sewer plants
* Parks/Equipment: Seasonal prep ongoing
* Depot Railcar: Roof replacement planned (materials on hand; labor scheduling pending)
* Depot Park Bathrooms:
  + Significant issues (floors, coin mechanisms); only one stall per bathroom functional
  + Frequent vehicle strikes on building; consider relocation/setback if replaced
  + Action: Mayor to contact county to explore replacement project and funding roles
* Traffic Incident:
  + March 31: Semi-truck knocked over a city flower planter; also damaged a stop sign
  + Insurance info obtained; new planter ordered; solar light salvaged; stop sign to be properly repaired (sleeve damage)
  + Photos documented for claim

**Fire Department Report**

* Outlook: Low snowpack; forecast suggests spring rain may mitigate severity; human-caused fires remain primary concern
* Maintenance: Engine wiper assembly repaired (approx. $200+ parts/freight)
* Regional Work:
  + Forest land reclassification committee work underway (countywide impact)
  + Fire Defense Board meeting in Salem on April 21
* New ODF App: (People will be able to fill out burn permits online)
  + Provides statewide burn status and info; supports backyard debris and burn barrel permits (city may align rules)
  + Proposal: Install answering machine at station line to handle app-directed inquiries and reduce city hall call load
  + Council consensus: Proceed with purchasing/using answering machine; Fire to configure messaging and manage callbacks
  + Burn Guidance: Backyard burns under 6x6 allowed in open season; larger/ag/industrial burns require inspection/permit; burn barrels require permit and compliance (no garbage burning)
* Rural District Funding Concern:
  + Reclassification from grazing to timber (juniper encroachment) could shift ODF assessments and reduce rural district tax base (~$27k current revenue)
  + Potential impacts to city/rural fire capabilities if funding declines
  + Chief advocating for outcomes that avoid negative revenue impacts to local districts

**Accounts Payable & Financial Report**

Gaslin read out loud the financial overview and went over the appropriations review.

* Cash Position: Just under $2M; interest earnings at ~4%; $55k interest YTD
* Water Fund:
  + Rate structure changes producing approx. $47k increase in annual revenue vs. prior year
  + Operating income currently near break-even after a low prior month
* Budget Status:
  + Overages: Materials & Services for landfill and long-term (to be addressed via year-end budget resolution)
  + Admin personnel services tight but expected okay through year-end
  + Other categories trending within budget
* Payables Highlights: Consolidated Supply, OTEC, Zwygert (audit), Fields Tree Service (stump grinding), routine expenses

Council reviewed the check detail.

**Ratify payment of the City’s bills. MSP: To pay the City’s bills. Councilor Davis/McClung. All present in favor.**

**Adjourn**: **MSP: To adjourn the meeting. Councilor Coburn/Davis Vote: Passed unanimously**

Approved by the City Council on this 8th day of April 2026 and signed by the Mayor.

Colby Bradford, Mayor

Attested:

Shonalie Oakes