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← Recent meetings · September 2026

The record · Transcript

Council Session — 2026-09-23

Transcript from the session's official auto-captions (13,620 words), shown in readable case and split into speaker turns. Speakers are not yet identified (colors just separate consecutive turns). Auto-captions can contain errors — check the recording for anything that matters.

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Wed, Sep 23, 2026 · meeting length 58 min · council salary-time ≈ $739

Council salary-time = 12 councilors × ($133,207/yr ÷ 2,080 hr) × meeting length. Attendance varies and salaries are fixed regardless of meeting count — this contextualizes the council time a session takes; it is not money the meeting "spent."

Session TL;DRAI draft · not editor-reviewed

Key points

Where the council disagreed

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Roll-call votes from this session date

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Procedural markers in this session

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0 I will keep clear. Thank you. And then I'll probably enter.
1 I just want to point out that it's 925 on
2 I just want to point out that it's 925 on nine 2020. In 48 hours, we will be officially that it's 925 on nine 2020. In 48 hours, we will be officially at 925 on 925. But we're gonna wait a second to get s at 925 on 925. But we're gonna wait a second to get started before everybody else starts us.
3 I ran over here. No one else is even here.
4 Nope. You're the only one who cares.
5 Nope. You're the only one who cares.
6 I'm the best. Morning. I took my les
7 I'm the best. Morning. I took my lesson today.
8 I'm the best. Morning. I took my lesson today.
9 Yes.
10 So good. Thank you. I'm
11 Yes.
12 So good. Thank you. I'm representing. Oh, I love it.
13 So good. Thank you. I'm representing. Oh, I love it.
14 That's not so. Representing. Oh, I love it.
15 That's not so.
16 I hate your brother today.
17 Oh, great.
18 I hate your brother today.
19 Oh, great.
20 Good morning. Friends. Before we begin our official meeting before we begin our official meeting of the Portland city council, we have a pre gavel ceremony. I don't know where the rest of the councilors are, but I don't care. I'm getting started without them. We are here to remember the late, great dolly parton. We're going here to remember the late, great dolly parton. We're going to start this morning with a amazing set from local drag performer nicole anoscopy. And from there we're going to performer nicole anoscopy. And from there we're going to hear from lori mcnichols from the imagination library, followed by a reading of the dolly day proclamation by a reading of the dolly day proclamation by yours truly. Happy dolly day, everyone. It is my pleasure to introduce happy dolly day, everyone. It is my pleasure to introduce nicole anoscopy. Come on in. Is my pleasure to introduce nicole anoscopy. Come on in.
21 Jolene. Jolene. J nicole anoscopy. Come on in.
22 Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene, I'm begging of you. Please don't t jolene, I'm begging of you. Please don't take my man. Jolene. Please don't take my man. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene, please don't take my man. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene, please don't take him just because you can. Please don't take him just because you can. Your beauty is beyond compare with flaming locks of auburn beyond compare with flaming locks of auburn hair, ivory skin, and eyes of emerald Green. Locks of auburn hair, ivory skin, and eyes of emerald Green. Your smile is like a breath of spring. Your voice is your smile is like a breath of spring. Your voice is soft like summer rain. And I cannot compete with you, jolene. Summer rain. And I cannot compete with you, jolene. He talks about you in his sleep. Compete with you, jolene. He talks about you in his sleep. There's nothing I can do to keep from crying. When he calls. Your keep from crying. When he calls. Your name jolene. And I could easily understand how you could easily take my man. But you don't know what it means to easily take my man. But you don't know what it means to me, jolene. Don't know what it means to me, jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene, jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene, I'm begging of you. Please don't take my man. Jolene, I'm begging of you. Please don't take my man. Jolene, jolene. Jolene. Please don't take my man. Jolene, jolene. Jolene. Jolene, please don't take him just because please don't take him just because you can. Please don't take him just because you can. Feel free to sing along to any of these if you know him. Sing along to any of these if you know him. Here you c sing along to any of these if you know him. Here you come again. Just when I've begun you know him. Here you come again. Just when I've begun to get myself together, you'll waltz right through that door. Get myself together, you'll waltz right through that door. Just like you did before. And wrap my heart round just like you did before. And wrap my heart round your little finger. He come again. Wrap my heart round your little finger. He come again. Just when I'm about to make it work finger. He come again. Just when I'm about to make it work without you. You look into my eyes and lie those without you. You look into my eyes and lie those pretty lies. And pretty soon I'm wondering how I came to and pretty soon I'm wondering how I came to doubt you. All you gotta do is smile that smile. You gotta do is smile that smile. And I lose all my defenses. Smile. And I lose all my defenses. Just leave it up to you. And in a little while you're you. And in a little while you're messing up my mind. And filling up my senses. You're messing up my mind. And filling up my senses. You come again. Looking bout as filling up my senses. You come again. Looking bout as good as a body has the right to. And shaking me up so a body has the right to. And shaking me up so that all I really know is here you come again. Really know is here you come again. And here I go. All right. I know you again. And here I go. All right. I know you know this one. I want to hear all of you. I know you know this one. I want to hear all of you. Tumble out of bed and I stumble to the kitchen, pour out of bed and I stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition and yawn and stretch and try to come to life. Ambition and yawn and stretch and try to come to life. Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumping out in the shower and the blood starts pumping out on the street. Traffic starts jumping with folks like me on the job from with folks like me on the job from 9 to 5, working 9 to 5. What a way to make from 9 to 5, working 9 to 5. What a way to make a living barely getting by. It's all taking and no barely getting by. It's all taking and no giving. They just use your mind and they never give you credit. Use your mind and they never give you credit. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it give you credit. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it. 9 to 5 for service and devotion. You would 9 to 5 for service and devotion. You would think that I would deserve a fat promotion. One, two. M deserve a fat promotion. One, two. Move ahead. But the boss won't seem to let me. I swear two. Move ahead. But the boss won't seem to let me. I swear sometimes that man is out to get me. Ooh ooh. Sometimes that man is out to get me. Ooh ooh. You build your dreams to watch em get me. Ooh ooh. You build your dreams to watch em shatter. Just to step on the boss man's ladder. But you got dreams he'll never take away. Ladder. But you got dreams he'll never take away. In the same boat. With a lot of your friends. Waiting for same boat. With a lot of your friends. Waiting for the day your ship will come in. And the tide's gonna turn. And it's all gonna roll your way. Tide's gonna turn. And it's all gonna roll your way. Working 9 to 5. What a way to make a gonna roll your way. Working 9 to 5. What a way to make a living. Barely getting by. It's all taking and no givin living. Barely getting by. It's all taking and no giving. They just use your mind and they never give you credit. It's just use your mind and they never give you credit. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it. Enough to drive you crazy if you let it. 9 to 5, they got you where they want you. There's a better you where they want you. There's a better life. And you think about it, don't you? Rich man's game. Think about it, don't you? Rich man's game. No matter what they call it. And you spend your life putting call it. And you spend your life putting money in his wallet. 9 to 5. What a way to life putting money in his wallet. 9 to 5. What a way to make a living barely getting by. It's all taking and no make a living barely getting by. It's all taking and no giving. They just use your mind and they never give you credit. They just use your mind and they never give you credit. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it. 9 to 5. Yeah. They got you where they want you. There's a they got you where they want you. There's a better life. And you dream about it, don't you? Rich m you dream about it, don't you? Rich man's game. No matter what they call it. And you spend your they call it. And you spend your life putting money in his wallet. 9 to 5. Your life putting money in his wallet. 9 to 5. September 25th. Your life putting money in his wallet. 9 to 5. September 25th. 9 to 5. Wallet. 9 to 5. September 25th. 9 to 5. It's enough to drive you crazy if you 9 to 5. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it. 9 to 5. 9 to 5. It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it. 9 to 5.
23 Happy you crazy if you let it. 9 to 5.
24 Happy dolly day. You crazy if you let it. 9 to 5.
25 Happy dolly day.
26 Thank you. So thank you.
27 So much, nicole. And
28 Thank you. So thank you.
29 So much, nicole. And I'd like next to welcome up lori mcnichols from the imagination library. As our team mcnichols from the imagination library. As our team puts the dais back together. Library. As our team puts the dais back together. Welcome. Library. As our team puts the dais back together. Welcome.
30 Alrighty. So that's a dais back together. Welcome.
31 Alrighty. So that's a tough act to follow, but I'm so glad to be here representing act to follow, but I'm so glad to be here representing the imagination library of Oregon. My name is laurie mcnichols and good morning my name is laurie mcnichols and good morning Portland. Thank you, mayor wilson, good morning Portland. Thank you, mayor wilson, council president Dunphy, and members of the Portland city council for inviting the imagination of the Portland city council for inviting the imagination library to be part of this ceremony. And nicole anoscopy, thank you so much ceremony. And nicole anoscopy, thank you so much for channeling the dolly magic. Thank you so much for channeling the dolly magic. Dolly parton often said that her father was the smartest man she ever her father was the smartest man she ever knew, but his inability to read and write kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams. Kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams. Seeing how this struggle impacted him and wanting to make a difference for the children. Wanting to make a difference for the children. In her home county in east tennessee, dolly founded the imagination library in his founded the imagination library in his honor. Dolly's vision was simple yet revolutionary. Ev was simple yet revolutionary. Every child, no matter their family circumstances, should have a home library. Family circumstances, should have a home library. She often referred to the imagination library as her little program. Referred to the imagination library as her little program. We know nothing dolly ever did was small we know nothing dolly ever did was small. Across Oregon, the imagination library reaches every corner of our state. Imagination library reaches every corner of our state. It empowers parents and caregivers to be their child's first teachers, to be their child's first teachers, fosters precious moments for families to treasure, and gives young learners the tools to develop vital learners the tools to develop vital early literacy skills to help them thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Help them thrive in kindergarten and beyond. We cannot talk about the imagination library without talking about the heartbe imagination library without talking about the heartbeat behind it. There's a myth that dolly funded the whole thing herself, dolly funded the whole thing herself, but that's a misconception that I'd like everyone in this room to help dispel. The everyone in this room to help dispel. The truth is, dolly understood the mission was too big for any one person. She knew. She couldn't do this work all on her own. In every community all on her own. In every community where the imagination library is available, there's an organizational partner that library is available, there's an organizational partner that promotes the program. They enroll children and fundraise to cover the enroll children and fundraise to cover the cost, the wholesale cost of books and mailing. Dolly called these partners her true mailing. Dolly called these partners her true heroes. In Oregon. There are 48 partner organi Oregon. There are 48 partner organizations that make the imagination library a reality in their communities. Imagination library a reality in their communities. In Portland. That organization is the united way of the columbia Portland. That organization is the united way of the columbia Willamette, covering regions of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Across these three counties, they mail books to over 18,000 these three counties, they mail books to over 18,000 enrolled children, 18,000 every single books to over 18,000 enrolled children, 18,000 every single month. In total, they've sent more than 130,000 books in less than more than 130,000 books in less than two years. We're honored to have representatives from the united way of to have representatives from the united way of the columbia Willamette here with us today. Some states also Willamette here with us today. Some states also have a state funding match in Oregon. The state of Oregon pays for 50% of th state of Oregon pays for 50% of the cost of books and mailing for every enrolled child through the department of early learning and care. Through the department of early learning and care. Without this vital support, many of our partners would be unable to sustain their partners would be unable to sustain their programs, let alone enroll new children. Right now, over alone enroll new children. Right now, over 80,000 children in Oregon are enrolled. That's about 30% of all k in Oregon are enrolled. That's about 30% of all kids under the age of five in our state. And while that's great, it also age of five in our state. And while that's great, it also means that there are thousands more that we could reach as we get ready to celebrate more that we could reach as we get ready to celebrate dolly day, the dollywood foundation has launched the give like dolly day has launched the give like dolly day initiative, also set for September 25th. To shine a light, a spotlight for September 25th. To shine a light, a spotlight on our imagination library partners and encourage communities to rally around and encourage communities to rally around them. In honor of dolly day, we encourage everyone to visit the im everyone to visit the imagination library's website to learn more about dolly's little program and to learn more about dolly's little program and your own local partner. And if you're able, consider making a gift to support that partner so they can continue this vital work. Before I pass along the can continue this vital work. Before I pass along the mic, I want to let everyone. I want everyone in this room to take a moment t everyone in this room to take a moment to think of the first book that ever made you feel something. That click of book that ever made you feel something. That click of magic or discovery. That's exactly what the imagination library or discovery. That's exactly what the imagination library is delivering to the children of Portland and across Oregon each month. Portland and across Oregon each month. Today, as we prepare to honor dolly parton, month. Today, as we prepare to honor dolly parton, we're not just recognizing a celebrity. We are celebrating a just recognizing a celebrity. We are celebrating a champion for every child. The imagination library of Oregon applauds the cit imagination library of Oregon applauds the city of Portland for choosing to recognize dolly parton with her own special d for choosing to recognize dolly parton with her own special day, 9 to 5 day.
32 Thank you very much, lori. Thank you nicole. T
33 Thank you very much, lori. Thank you nicole. Thank you. Lori. Thank you for being here with your dedication to our community, your brilliance, your community, your brilliance, your warmth, all of your commitment to our community and good humor. I'm now going to read the proclamation, good humor. I'm now going to read the proclamation, whereas dolly, rebecca parton was born January 19th, dolly, rebecca parton was born January 19th, 1945 in a one room cabin in the great smoky mountains in pittman center, tennessee, mountains in pittman center, tennessee, as the fourth of 12 children. And whereas, throughout her extraordinary six decade throughout her extraordinary six decade career, dolly parton wrote an estimated 3000 songs both for herself and for other wrote an estimated 3000 songs both for herself and for other musicians and sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including legendary hits such as including legendary hits such as jolene, I will always love you and 9 to 5, and winning 11 grammy awards you and 9 to 5, and winning 11 grammy awards and being inducted into both the country music and rock and roll hall of fame. And music and rock and roll hall of fame. And whereas, dolly parton was both a talented musician and a talented business leader, retaining and a talented business leader, retaining ownership of her music publishing rights at a time in the music industry where that was rarely done, this allowed where that was rarely done, this allowed her a degree of financial independence and empowered her to build a legacy of giving and community focus. Empowered her to build a legacy of giving and community focus. Her success in business allowed her not to amass vast personal wealth, but to her not to amass vast personal wealth, but to fuel a lifelong mission of giving back to those in need. And whereas mission of giving back to those in need. And whereas dolly parton established dolly parton's imagination library in 1995 to foster parton's imagination library in 1995 to foster a love of reading among children, donating more than 300 million free books to children wo free books to children worldwide, including thousands of young readers here in Multnomah county. And whereas dolly parton's Multnomah county. And whereas dolly parton's philanthropic philanthropy extended to disaster relief, wildlife preservation and critical funding preservation and critical funding for medical research, dolly's $1 million donation to the vanderbilt university in April the vanderbilt university in April of 2020 is credited with supercharging the early research that developed moderna's research that developed moderna's COVID 19 vaccine and the beginning of the end of the COVID 19 pandemic. And whereas the beginning of the end of the COVID 19 pandemic. And whereas, dolly parton's belief in decency encouraged her to her defense of the decency encouraged her to her defense of the LGBTQ I, a two plus two plus community and other marginalized communities at a other marginalized communities at a time where this was practically unheard of in the country music industry. And whereas dol country music industry. And whereas dolly parton has been credited as one of the last cultural icons that unite Americans from all sides urban cultural icons that unite Americans from all sides urban and rural, conservative and progressive, rich and poor. And whereas dolly parton's progressive, rich and poor. And whereas dolly parton's contributions to culture, philanthropy and education led her to receiving three honorary do her to receiving three honorary doctorates from carson-newman university in jefferson city, tennessee, the university of tennessee in tennessee, the university of tennessee in knoxville, and the university of saint andrews in scotland, earning her the nickname doctor dolly. Scotland, earning her the nickname doctor dolly. And whereas dolly parton passed away peacefully at the age of 80 away peacefully at the age of 80 on August 25th, 2026 following a private battle with cancer. Now following a private battle with cancer. Now therefore, I. Keith wilson, mayor of the city of Portland, the city of roses do hereby proclaim Portland, the city of roses do hereby proclaim September 25th, 925 to be dolly parton day and hereby 925 to be dolly parton day and hereby encourage all residents to celebrate the legacy of this unique American icon. Thank you. To celebrate the legacy of this unique American icon. Thank you.
34 Now.
35 Obviously, today is 923. The real day is Friday.
36 Obviously, today is 923. The real day is Friday. There are a lot of local restaurants, bars and music venues who are offering drink and music venues who are offering drink specials, offering discounts and also making contributions to the imagination library. Look it up online. We imagination library. Look it up online. We have available on my website, and we'll make sure to get it out to the press so that everyb get it out to the press so that everybody can go and support some of these businesses on Friday. But on Friday, I really encourage everybody to try and take encourage everybody to try and take a moment, read to a kid, do something kind, remember why you're part o do something kind, remember why you're part of this community. It's good. It's a good moment for us to just enjoy some it's good. It's a good moment for us to just enjoy some of the good things about this place. So thank you all very much. Keelan can we please call the ro much. Keelan can we please call the roll?
37 Good morning. Koyama Lane here. Morillo. Here. Novick.
38 Good morning. Koyama Lane here. Morillo. Here. Novick.
39 Here.
40 Clerk. Here. Green here.
41 Here.
42 Clerk. Here. Green here. Zimmerman here. Avalos.
43 Present. Smith Zimmerman here. Avalos.
44 Present. Smith here.
45 Kanal here. Pirtle-guiney. Here. Ryan.
46 I'm here. And here. Ryan.

Procedural episode · turns 47–57

Parliamentary activity detected in this stretch (see the markers above). An editor-reviewed analysis has not been published for this episode yet.

47 I'm here. And I just want to say that I'm really sad. I missed the tribute. Say that I'm really sad. I missed the tribute. The the shutdown of I-5 really materialized today right. Councilor Kanal. Materialized today right. Councilor Kanal. And so but I, I missed a drag show. I councilor Kanal. And so but I, I missed a drag show. I missed like, I can't believe this gay elder missed this. So I'm just kind of bumming elder missed this. So I'm just kind of bumming out and I can't wait because no, I know I've been loving her longer than most of been loving her longer than most of you, so I just need to own this. Like she's been my person. She was own this. Like she's been my person. She was that light that allowed young gay people in your 20s and 30s whe allowed young gay people in your 20s and 30s when we were treated so poorly, she was there loving us all. When I struggled with my faith there loving us all. When I struggled with my faith, I knew there was dolly parton that had a deep, deep system of faith, there was dolly parton that had a deep, deep system of faith, and she was a capitalist who did a lot of good. Let me just say that like, I can't wait to have a second honeymoon of dolly at dollywood. My spouse have a second honeymoon of dolly at dollywood. My spouse and I talk about it all the time, so I just hope everyone can continue to keep the joy and the can continue to keep the joy and the love and the acceptance that dolly gave to one another, and that we can show that more up here and and that we can show that more up here and throughout the city.
48 Thanks for.
49 And I am
50 Thanks for.
51 And I am here. Thank you. Thank you. Councilor Ryan, can we please read the rules of decorum we please read the rules of decorum for the chamber? We please read the rules of decorum for the chamber?
52 Welcome to the Portland city council. To testify before council in person or virtually. You must sign up in council in person or virtually. You must sign up in advance on the council agenda at www.Portland.gov/council. The council agenda at www.Portland.gov/council. Agenda information on engaging with council can be found on the council clerk's web page. With council can be found on the council clerk's web page. Individuals may testify for three minutes unless a presiding officer states. Otherwise, presiding officer states. Otherwise, your microphone will be muted. When your time is over, the presiding officer preserves order disruptive over, the presiding officer preserves order disruptive conduct such as shouting, refusing to conclude your testimony when your time is up, or interrupting o testimony when your time is up, or interrupting others. Testimony on council deliberations will not be allowed. If you cause a disrupti allowed. If you cause a disruption, a warning will be given. Further disruption will result in ejection from the meeting. Anyone result in ejection from the meeting. Anyone who fails to leave once ejected is subject to arrest for trespass. Additionally, council may t to arrest for trespass. Additionally, council may take a short recess and reconvene virtually. Your testimony should address the matter being virtually. Your testimony should address the matter being considered when testifying. State your name for the record. Your address is not state your name for the record. Your address is not necessary. If you are a lobbyist, identify the organization you represent. Virtual the organization you represent. Virtual testifiers should unmute themselves when the council clerk calls your name. Thank you. Council clerk calls your name. Thank you.
53 Thank you very much, colleagues. Our first item on every agenda is colleagues. Our first item on every agenda is approval of the agenda. Are there any objections or do agenda. Are there any objections or do I have. Wow. Reading it poorly. Sorry. Good morning. Reading it poorly. Sorry. Good morning. Do I have unanimous consent to approve the agenda?
54 Yes. Consent to approve the agenda?
55 Yes.
56 Okay. Thank you. The agenda is approved. Can we please call public is approved. Can we please call public communications?
57 First up this morning, we have natalia mcdonough.
58 First up this morning, we have natalia mcdonough.
59 Good morning. Welcome. Please state your name
60 Good morning. Welcome. Please state your name for the record. You're welcome to share your pronouns. And you have three minutes. Your pronouns. And you have three minutes.
61 For the record, I'm natalie mcdonough. She her, and I'm production manager mcdonough. She her, and I'm production manager at the Portland five centers for the performing arts. Hello, council. This is what dolly performing arts. Hello, council. This is what dolly was singing about. I'm speaking to you on behalf of the non-represented p5 staff. As you behalf of the non-represented p5 staff. As you know, metro terminated the contract with the city. December terminated the contract with the city. December 31st, 2025. The termination clause in the iga states that in the case of the termination clause in the iga states that in the case of termination of the contract, all personnel whose positions are included in the budgets for all personnel whose positions are included in the budgets for the city facilities shall become employees of the city, and all become employees of the city, and all personnel holding central management staff positions shall become employees of t positions shall become employees of the city. In addition, state law ors 236 states addition, state law ors 236 states that employees transferring between governmental agencies keep comparable positions governmental agencies keep comparable positions at the same pay rate and benefits for at least one year. We were shocked when at least one year. We were shocked when donnie oliveira announced on July 31st that no employees were transferring to the employees were transferring to the city. No jobs, no benefits, no pers. We will have to reappl no pers. We will have to reapply for our jobs with an unknown third party, the labor unions had to file an unknown third party, the labor unions had to file an unfair labor practice complaint to force the city to the table and guarantee jobs and benefits for their members. The management RFP includes nothing regarding non rep staff. The city is acting in bad faith in violation of the law. It acting in bad faith in violation of the law. It appears the city believes that a third party management company is some sort of panacea for the problems company is some sort of panacea for the problems facing p5, and intended to use this as an opportunity to clean house of intended to use this as an opportunity to clean house of staff and the unions. If you could get away with it. We are not the problem. We are could get away with it. We are not the problem. We are public employees who work hard every day to support our nonprofits and provide excellent day to support our nonprofits and provide excellent service for all our clients. We have deep institutional knowledge and personal deep institutional knowledge and personal investment in our staff, clients, the arts community, and your buildings. Staff, clients, the arts community, and your buildings. Our government jobs gave us a way to serve and provide a stable future for ourselves and our stable future for ourselves and our families. To give you an idea of who we are, a single mother who is a idea of who we are, a single mother who is a sole provider for her family. A person who took their current position because it was s took their current position because it was supposed to continue through the transfer to the city. One of us will be seven months shy o to the city. One of us will be seven months shy of 30 years at p5 and full retirement on July 1st p5 and full retirement on July 1st 27. I have 20 years with metro and in perth. 1st 27. I have 20 years with metro and in perth. This is a second government job to be outsourced. My job second government job to be outsourced. My job outsourced in four years. Is this a new normal for local government? In four years. Is this a new normal for local government? Outsourcing the dirty work while paying lip service to values and labor? We while paying lip service to values and labor? We expect you to honor your legal legal obligations. We have filed a letter of compl obligations. We have filed a letter of complaint with the city stating that the city is in violation of the iga and or s in violation of the iga and or s 236 and we will take legal action to remedy this. Thank you.
62 Thank you very you.
63 Thank you very much.
64 Next up, we have skylar cruz joining u
65 Next up, we have skylar cruz joining us online.
66 Welcome, skylar. Joining us online.
67 Welcome, skylar.
68 Oh, skylar, we can't hear you.
69 Is that better? There we go. That's better.
70 Is that better? There we go. That's better. Okay, cool. Hello city council, my name is skylar cruz. I'm a resident of district four. Last skylar cruz. I'm a resident of district four. Last week, I watched the meeting where the zenith transfer agreement failed and discussion of the reconsideration occurred. Failed and discussion of the reconsideration occurred. During that conversation, Angelita Morillo emotionally pleaded to the half of council, which pleaded to the half of council, which voted yes on the transfer agreement to reconsider amendments to the underlying. Steve Novick amendments to the underlying. Steve Novick then replied, I find councilor Murillo's assertion that anyone who disagrees with her on an issue assertion that anyone who disagrees with her on an issue relating to which company has a franchise agreement means they don't care about climate change. Franchise agreement means they don't care about climate change. This is a gross mischaracterization of what council, Morillo said. I think it's pretty obvious that everyone on it's pretty obvious that everyone on this council cares about climate change, the degree to which each person cares and the method they degree to which each person cares and the method they determine best to fight climate change differs from councilor to councilor, and I think we can and to councilor, and I think we can and should acknowledge that this issue was also not specifically climate change, but more specifically climate change, but more disaster recovery, disaster care, the the the hub but more disaster recovery, disaster care, the the the hub is really dangerous for us. So I really want to see those protections in place. I really want to see those protections in place. Also, Novick made a joke earlier in that meeting about being too old to experience the worst effects of old to experience the worst effects of climate change. I don't believe this to be any indicator that Novick is dismissive of climate indicator that Novick is dismissive of climate change, or that he doesn't care. If anything, I think it's a coping mechanism for dealing with the anything, I think it's a coping mechanism for dealing with the absolutely
71 A terrifying future we may endure, and understanding that younger people are going to endure younger people are going to endure it even worse. I think that comes from a real feeling when we make those jokes. It's it's a when we make those jokes. It's it's a way to alleviate ourselves of the fear and guilt that comes with that. Ourselves of the fear and guilt that comes with that. Young people are really urging those in power right now to make the changes necessary to improve in power right now to make the changes necessary to improve our lives. Sometimes we're harsh. And while I understand that maybe how that may feel, it d that maybe how that may feel, it doesn't change the underlying concern. In my lifetime, I have seen and been involved in countless lifetime, I have seen and been involved in countless protests around climate change, wealth inequality, the sovereignty of the people of standing rock, police brutality against black and brown people, and the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. Ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. While some of these concerns are beyond the scope of this council, others are very much within scope. When young others are very much within scope. When young people are pleading for change, we might be harsh and perhaps annoying about it, but it comes from an earnest about it, but it comes from an earnest place. I just hope you remember that, and I am hopeful for more productive conversations on for more productive conversations on zenith and cei hub actions moving forward. I yield my time. Thank you. Hub actions moving forward. I yield my time. Thank you.
72 Thank you very much.
73 Nex
74 Thank you very much.
75 Next up we have grant massey.
76 Thank you very much.
77 Next up we have grant massey.
78 Good morning. Welcome. For the record, you're welcome to share your the record, you're welcome to share your pronouns. Any of three minutes.
79 Thank you. Three minutes.
80 Thank you. Don't be.
81 Hello. My name
82 Thank you. Don't be.
83 Hello. My name is grant massey. I live in the overlook neighborhood in north Portland. I'm here today neighborhood in north Portland. I'm here today to talk about the north. Going street footbridge and pedestrian bridge. The south side of footbridge and pedestrian bridge. The south side of the bridge. Also known as simon standage overpass. Mini park. Bit of a tongue twister. Standage overpass. Mini park. Bit of a tongue twister. Our bridge connects our overlook community to beach elementary, Green middle community to beach elementary, Green middle school and other local businesses. The bridge sees anywhere from 100 to 10 local businesses. The bridge sees anywhere from 100 to 1000 children, pedestrians and bikers daily. Why am I here? I'm here bikers daily. Why am I here? I'm here to make three requests. We would like permanent, regular security checks for the we would like permanent, regular security checks for the elementary and middle school kids hours daily. They just started that this week and I kids hours daily. They just started that this week and it's the first time, probably in 3 to 4 years. I've actually felt our kids can walk safely to school. Our kids can walk safely to school. They're just temporary right now. So we are asking that those be permanent through th that those be permanent through the school year until PBOT can help us with the permanent solution to make the bridge safe. Solution to make the bridge safe. We're asking for funding and approval for permanent solution and not a band-aid. As a solution and not a band-aid. As a community, we have raised almost $2,000, but we likely need approximately 10 to $30,000 for permanent solution. And we need your help to access these funds. We currently have a these funds. We currently have a draft mural project and a draft layout for the space underneath the bridge. We draft layout for the space underneath the bridge. We need your help to streamline PBOT approval so we can start work on this bridge in the spring. Approval so we can start work on this bridge in the spring. We'd like you to help connect us with the available money through g us with the available money through grants that are out there before they become available. Hopefully, number three, we're asking for available. Hopefully, number three, we're asking for your assistance in shutting down the bottle drop at the at the platte pantry on interstate bottle drop at the at the platte pantry on interstate and going. The bridge is about a two minute walk from the pantry and two minute walk from the pantry and after the bottle drop, just shut down at delta park. We've seen a lot more traffic from loiter seen a lot more traffic from loiterers. I have kids that play out at soccer at delta park weekly, and this area has been dramatica park weekly, and this area has been dramatically cleaned up because of the bottle shutdown up there, so we know this works. Because of the bottle shutdown up there, so we know this works. What's the problem? Well, people unlawfully use the space under the bridge and people unlawfully use the space under the bridge and around the bridge to use drugs camp and make fires, among other illegal activities. A person make fires, among other illegal activities. A person recently exposed their genitals and actually a man that exposed his penis to a ten yea actually a man that exposed his penis to a ten year old girl. This is actually a couple of weeks ago. My friend is friends with this weeks ago. My friend is friends with this girl, and there's a dead body found under the bridge a few years ago, and my kids personally have been bridge a few years ago, and my kids personally have been yelled at, chased with knives over the bridge, and we step over people that have over the bridge, and we step over people that have needles in their arms. This is a weekly occurrence, and this shouldn't be normal for our kids to occurrence, and this shouldn't be normal for our kids to see their children as young as nine years old, that walk their children as young as nine years old, that walk unsupervised over the bridge daily. Despite this being a safe route to school. I've daily. Despite this being a safe route to school. I've worked with PBOT for over two years now, and they haven't been able to create a permanent solution to make been able to create a permanent solution to make this a safe space. We're asking for you to help us streamline our request with PBOT. There help us streamline our request with PBOT. There's boulders that they put down. There's fences that they put up, but the fences have been cut four fences that they put up, but the fences have been cut four times and currently the fence has been cut through right now. We need your help to restore the space under we need your help to restore the space under and around the south side of the going foot bridge. So we as a community feel safe going to and bridge. So we as a community feel safe going to and from school and businesses. Thank you for listening and we're hoping you can help us make some change.
84 Thank you very much. Councilor Ryan.
85 Thank you, council president jason. Jason, thank you
86 Thank you, council president jason. Jason, thank you for being here. I just want to start with that. I heard similar start with that. I heard similar concerns last week at the overlook neighborhood association meeting. And so it really helps association meeting. And so it really helps that you showed up. I actually asked people there to try to start coming to express to try to start coming to express themselves here. Maybe you're at that meeting, I can't recall, but I appreciate you being here. I did hav recall, but I appreciate you being here. I did have one quick question. I didn't hear who's currently paying for the security that that are who's currently paying for the security that that are that you that are that are doing this right now that are providing service. Right now that are providing service.
87 I'm assuming PBOT.
88 Pbot is paying for that.
89 They own the space. It's technically a
90 They own the space. It's technically a PBOT own park, which has been part of the project PBOT. By the.
91 Thank you. I just had to project PBOT. By the.
92 Thank you. I just had to clarify that the city was paying for that. I couldn't tell when you said you're raising money and such as. Tell when you said you're raising money and such as. Well, so I appreciate.
93 You're raising money for the mural and to change the space underneath the bridge. So. Mural and to change the space underneath the bridge. So. Got it.
94 Okay. Thank you. I just want to make sure I knew where the source of the funds to make sure I knew where the source of the funds were coming from. Thank you. We'll look into it. All of us on g2, I'm sure. Thanks.
95 Okay.
96 Thank you, councilor Ryan.
97 Please.
98 Next up we have amy
99 Please.
100 Next up we have amy thomas.
101 Please.
102 Next up we have amy thomas.
103 Good morning. Welcome.
104 Good morning. My
105 Good morning. Welcome.
106 Good morning. My name is amy thomas. And.
107 Good morning. My name is amy thomas. And.
108 Good morning. My name is amy thomas. And. Okay, dear mayor wilson. My name is amy thomas and I am a home forward wilson. My name is amy thomas and I am a home forward resident. I am writing formerly. Ask that you g resident. I am writing formerly. Ask that you give me the reason why you canceled my appointment to the home forward board of co to the home forward board of commissioners. As the resident representative, I have years of advocacy and representative, I have years of advocacy and leadership experience within home forward and the Portland metro area a experience within home forward and the Portland metro area and bring a wealth of lived experience that would be extremely valuable to home experience that would be extremely valuable to home forward board of commissioners. I went through a rigorous and equitable I went through a rigorous and equitable application process available to all home forward residents and employees for this residents and employees for this role, and out of hundreds of applicants, I was chosen due to my of applicants, I was chosen due to my experience and qualifications. After filling out the application qualifications. After filling out the application and going through multiple interviews, I was notified that I was appo was notified that I was appointed to this position on December 18th, 2025. In appointed to this position on December 18th, 2025. In mid January, I was told that the city of Portland appointment process had city of Portland appointment process had changed, and that it may take up to six months for it may take up to six months for me to be formally sworn in. In March 2026, for me to be formally sworn in. In March 2026, I endured a humiliating meeting with mayor wilson in humiliating meeting with mayor wilson in which he unfairly regarded my lived experience as a. Regarded my lived experience as a. Liability to performing my role as a commissioner. Since a. Liability to performing my role as a commissioner. Since then, I have waited, sacrificing other employment and leadership opportuni sacrificing other employment and leadership opportunities in order to pursue this appointment. This led to undue stress and appointment. This led to undue stress and financial hardship. But I endured because I believed in my ability to represent home believed in my ability to represent home forward residents well on the board. Represent home forward residents well on the board. Also, there was a letter that was written to follow this correspondence up as well, and was written to follow this correspondence up as well, and I'm pulling that up right now. Correspondence up as well, and I'm pulling that up right now. So welcome home coalition wrote. They had so welcome home coalition wrote. They had three requests and one was to publish the new recrui was to publish the new recruitment and approval process with timelines, roles clearly outlined on the process with timelines, roles clearly outlined on the city and home forward websites. In that publication. A clear and home forward websites. In that publication. A clear summary of how the new process will be different than the current one, and why those will be different than the current one, and why those specific changes are being made. Three. Specific changes are being made. Three. A response to those letter making assurances that the letter making assurances that the applicants who were already considered for these appointments will be given a fair chance to appointments will be given a fair chance to reapply, if they so choose to. I'm just looking for a so choose to. I'm just looking for answers and clarification, and hopefully I will get some of that. And thank you so much.
109 Thank you very m of that. And thank you so much.
110 Thank you very much for coming down here today.
111 Next up we have zach white.
112 Oh, sorry. Councilor ka
113 Next up we have zach white.
114 Oh, sorry. Councilor Kanal. Sorry.
115 Thanks. Thanks for being here. Amy. I, I was given enou here. Amy. I, I was given enough information that I could tentatively schedule the new re tentatively schedule the new refiled appointments to the home forward board for October 21st. The filing deadline has not bee 21st. The filing deadline has not been reached for that date yet, which means basically a person can say, we'll have it ready, person can say, we'll have it ready, but not having not have it filed yet. And I don't want to put city administrator lee on the to put city administrator lee on the spot. If you happen to know, I'd love to know if that item has been filed and or if the people item has been filed and or if the people who are being appointed have been selected. I know that they don't technica know that they don't technically have to be yet for the deadlines.
116 Yes. Not to my knowledge, not yet. I'd have to follow up with not yet. I'd have to follow up with the mayor's office to kind of see their timing of of the nominees and how that's of see their timing of of the nominees and how that's moving forward.
117 Okay. So just to, for everyone's knowledge, what the information I was given everyone's knowledge, what the information I was given was enough for me to tentatively schedule it. This may change, but for the schedule it. This may change, but for the 2 to 5 p.m. Slot on Wednesday, October 21st in the committee of the whole. Thanks.
118 Thank you. Councilor Kanal.
119 Next up, we have zach white joining
120 Next up, we have zach white joining us online.
121 Good morning.
122 Morning. My name is zach white,
123 Morning. My name is zach white, born in district one. I'm speaking in a personal capacity. I often introduce myself capacity. I often introduce myself as a field organizer with next up action fund. But I'm also a member of Multnomah with next up action fund. But I'm also a member of Multnomah friends meeting a quaker community in district three. I was surprised to hear councilor Community in district three. I was surprised to hear councilor Ryan say he holds you all in the light, which is how we quakers talk the light, which is how we quakers talk about prayer. Last Wednesday, I and other. Next up, staff hosted a Wednesday, I and other. Next up, staff hosted a city council watch party at imagine black. They had signs around the room watch party at imagine black. They had signs around the room promoting their quote, no police money in politics pledge. It felt police money in politics pledge. It felt ironic. I was sitting there in the imagine black office as two of your instagram statements. Rol office as two of your instagram statements. Role in condemning councilor Green's old tweets disparaging the police. This was the s disparaging the police. This was the same day the Portland police association called for councilor Green to resign. Police association called for councilor Green to resign. Now, more than ever, I want to thank those of you who signed that no police money pledge for doing those of you who signed that no police money pledge for doing so. I have never been a, a c, a b person to so. I have never been a, a c, a b person to the portlanders in uniform who are trying to protect and serve our city, I respect that. Protect and serve our city, I respect that. What I do not respect is an election stunt by respect that. What I do not respect is an election stunt by the Portland police association. That's what it feels like. Councilor Green took his rage that's what it feels like. Councilor Green took his rage offline, ran for office and now is one of the most decent councilors on this dais. To me, is one of the most decent councilors on this dais. To me, that is leadership in a way to heal the painful divide our city felt in 2020. C heal the painful divide our city felt in 2020. Councilor Green speaks with kindness to those he disagrees with in a way that, frankly, n those he disagrees with in a way that, frankly, not all of you do. The condemnations of Green by the ppa and some of you do. The condemnations of Green by the ppa and some of you glaringly leave out the context, the timing, the murder of george floyd, the gassing of context, the timing, the murder of george floyd, the gassing of protesters, and the documented 6000 uses of force. There's a protesters, and the documented 6000 uses of force. There's a quote I want to share with you all on a different subject from pope leo the 14th. Like I all on a different subject from pope leo the 14th. Like I said, as a quaker, not a catholic. And my last testimony, I read a teddy roosevelt and my last testimony, I read a teddy roosevelt quote about invisible corporate government. So this is something I remember invisible corporate government. So this is something I remember reading this pope leo passage about listening to the poor while writing the max back from city hall. While writing the max back from city hall. Quote, growing up in precarious circumstanc city hall. Quote, growing up in precarious circumstances, learning to survive in the most adverse conditions, trustin learning to survive in the most adverse conditions, trusting in god with the assurance that no one else takes them seriously and helping one another. In one else takes them seriously and helping one another. In the darkest moments, the poor have learned many things that they keep hidden I learned many things that they keep hidden in their hearts. Those of us who have not had similar experiences of living those of us who have not had similar experiences of living this way certainly have much to gain.
124 From the course of wisdom.
125 Tha
126 From the course of wisdom.
127 That is the experience of the poor. So I like to call him pope bob pope. The poor. So I like to call him pope bob pope. Bob is saying here that listening to the poor is how you be a good christian. But is how you be a good christian. But I also think it's what you all have to do as government. So thank you for all have to do as government. So thank you for listening.
128 Thank you very much for being here this morning.
129 That completes public being here this morning.
130 That completes public communications.
131 Okay. Thank you very much, everybody. Our next item on
132 Okay. Thank you very much, everybody. Our next item on our agenda is we're going to receive an update from the city administrator on any receive an update from the city administrator on any advances with regard to the federal response to the federal interventions in Portland city. Response to the federal interventions in Portland city. Administrator.
133 Thank you, council president, there are no new updates this week. We'll follow u there are no new updates this week. We'll follow up next week with any new information that we have.
134 Thank you very much. We have.
135 Thank you very much. Okay. Keelan, can we please call item number four.
136 Document number four.
137 Document 2026-277. Appropriate grant award of
138 Document 2026-277. Appropriate grant award of $207,411 for speed racing street takeover $207,411 for speed racing street takeover colleagues.
139 This is the second reading of a nonemergency ordinance. However, there was some discussion last week with however, there was some discussion last week with regard to how this grant appropriation worked in relation to appropriation worked in relation to the charter requirements for 5% to be sen relation to the charter requirements for 5% to be sent to the office of police oversight. I also understand councilor Kanal has an amendment to t councilor Kanal has an amendment to that end. But first, administrator, is there more information to be shared publicly abo more information to be shared publicly about that? No. Okay, then. Councilor Kanal.
140 Yeah, we sent then. Councilor Kanal.
141 Yeah, we sent the amendment over to be. Pre-filed. So I'm not 100% sure what over to be. Pre-filed. So I'm not 100% sure what that's it's not showing for me online, but we did send it in. Not showing for me online, but we did send it in. But so if you can bear with me a second, but basically we. You can bear with me a second, but basically we. We found that that the numbers were about. There was already a that the numbers were about. There was already a slight. It needs about $10,000 to get the exact numbers, about $10,000 t needs about $10,000 to get the exact numbers, about $10,000 to match 5% of the updated police budget match 5% of the updated police budget with ocpa. But the ocpa funding was already about 4000 something above the bare minimum. S something above the bare minimum. So this is an amendment to add the remaining 5000 and change from general fund unrestricted 5000 and change from general fund unrestricted contingency. The ocpa budget, so that the increase in the police budget from this grant is increase in the police budget from this grant is matched and the ocpa remains at 5% of the police budget. The ocpa remains at 5% of the police budget. I'm going to pull it up. Just try to find it online. And yeah, so but that's pull it up. Just try to find it online. And yeah, so but that's what it does. And I'll get you the exact text and want to point it out when it's posted. The exact text and want to point it out when it's posted.
142 Thank you. And your staff had emailed this around to us all. And I believe the council clerk has a all. And I believe the council clerk has a copy of this. Councilor are you formally moving this amendment? Then yo moving this amendment? Then you're going to read the text first.
143 I'll just read it out loud because I got it here.
144 I'll just read it out loud because I got it here. Kanal one adds 5% of the appropriated grant amount to the budget for the office of community based police. Accountability and compliance with charter requirements. The fy 2026 2027 budget is amended to move requirements. The fy 2026 2027 budget is amended to move $10,370.57 from general fund unrestricted contingency to the office of community unrestricted contingency to the office of community based police accountability. And there's a scrivener's error in there. It says policy, not police. There. It says policy, not police. But I will get that to you.
145 Thank you.
146 Thank you. So councilor Kanal has moved Kanal one and councilor Avalos has seconded collea councilor Avalos has seconded colleagues discussion of the amendment. Council vice president. Clerk.
147 Thank you, council president, ju
148 Thank you, council president, just a couple of questions. I'm just looking at this amendment. Actually, I think there's two just looking at this amendment. Actually, I think there's two amendments coming.
149 Second item.
150 Next item. Next item. Okay. So
151 Next item. Next item. Okay. So question number.
152 Two for this.
153 Oh I'm wrong, I apologize.
154 I do you want me to speak
155 Oh I'm wrong, I apologize.
156 I do you want me to speak to that one too?
157 Why don't you briefly describe it. But we've already moved the first one.
158 So moved the first one.
159 So sorry to interrupt you, vice president.
160 Well, I was just. Maybe your second amendment
161 Well, I was just. Maybe your second amendment addresses my question about delaying acceptance of the grant. That's my concern. And secondly, it acceptance of the grant. That's my concern. And secondly, it seems to me that this is an issue that should be dealt with by through the budget issue that should be dealt with by through the budget process, and not on every individual grant that comes through. This seems kind grant that comes through. This seems kind of awkward that we know we have this requirement and the know we have this requirement and the budget office should be taken care of it in a larger, larger budget. So taken care of it in a larger, larger budget. So I'm not sure why we need to do this.
162 Thank you, vice preside why we need to do this.
163 Thank you, vice president Clark, councilor Smith.
164 Thank you, mr. President. Thank y
165 Thank you, mr. President. Thank you, vice chair Olivia Clark. Thank you, vice chair Olivia Clark. That's not quite what it should be. Clark. That's not quite what it should be. This money that goes to ocpa has to come from the operating budget. It doesn't to ocpa has to come from the operating budget. It doesn't count for individual grants that come through the city of count for individual grants that come through the city of Portland. That happened to go to the police. If that was the case, there is a number of to the police. If that was the case, there is a number of grants that have gone through to the police that you would have to actually go back in and take the have to actually go back in and take the 5%. This doesn't qualify for that. Councilor Kanal. Qualify for that. Councilor Kanal. You have to do this from the operating budget. And so I will not be supporting your the operating budget. And so I will not be supporting your amendment.
166 Thank you. Councilor Smith councilor Kanal.
167 Yeah, I'm going to wai councilor Kanal.
168 Yeah, I'm going to wait to move it, but I'm just going to describe the second amendment. And then I'll speak t describe the second amendment. And then I'll speak to the first amendment a little bit. Kanal two adds a section two t first amendment a little bit. Kanal two adds a section two to the ordinance to add an emergency clause. It reads this council. The council declares that an emergency council. The council declares that an emergency exists in order to avoid undue delays in accepting these grant funds. Therefore, this ordinance shall be in full force therefore, this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the council. And the reason for this is exactly as vice the council. And the reason for this is exactly as vice president Clark said, to. To ensure that it is able to immediately go ensure that it is able to immediately go through and be a part of the ongoing work of the police bureau part of the ongoing work of the police bureau and getting back to Kanal one. And I'll state, just for the record, I. My intent, assuming that we are in compliance with the charter on ocpa, compliance with the charter on ocpa, is to vote yes on this grant. So for those who may be speculatively counting votes grant. So for those who may be speculatively counting votes and wondering if nine is achievable, it is. But getting back to the first achievable, it is. But getting back to the first amendment. I think councilor Smith is correct that that we would think councilor Smith is correct that that we would have had to do this, except that the ocpa budget, the 5% had to do this, except that the ocpa budget, the 5% ratio was not had not been violated by any previous action we've taken this any previous action we've taken this fiscal year because there was a little extra in there in the thousands. This one, was a little extra in there in the thousands. This one, this particular grant, would raise the police budget high enough that the ocpa budget would b the police budget high enough that the ocpa budget would be below 5% of that revised police budget. And so in order below 5% of that revised police budget. And so in order to keep that in line, the amendment is necessary to k that in line, the amendment is necessary to keep the ocpa budget at 5% or above. So necessary to keep the ocpa budget at 5% or above. So that's the intention there. I think more broadly, the philosophy behind it, think more broadly, the philosophy behind it, I think, is that the philosophy behind the counter argument is, is a little the counter argument is, is a little concerning to me because by that logic, you just cutting up what by that logic, you just cutting up what the charter amendment counts for and doesn't count for. This is money that would be used by the for. This is money that would be used by the police bureau for ongoing operations. It's fairly obviously a part of their budget. If we accept this grant, I their budget. If we accept this grant, I think that that that's a reasonable person on the street would understand that kind of thing. Street would understand that kind of thing. So that's why you see the ratio being maintained with this amendment. You see the ratio being maintained with this amendment.
169 Thank you. Councilor councilor Pirtle-guiney.
170 Thank you. Councilor councilor Pirtle-guiney.
171 Thank you, council president. Mr. City a
172 Thank you, council president. Mr. City administrator, I had said last week that I hoped we could have some clarity about whether this was needed or not, could have some clarity about whether this was needed or not, and you have no updates for us. I don't know if the city attorney's office has an update. I don't know if the city attorney's office has an update. It seems pretty important to me for us to understand this issue, beca for us to understand this issue, because if we. Thank you for being here, I need to know before I vote on this being here, I need to know before I vote on this amendment if this is something we need to do or not. It seems to me that we do or not. It seems to me that we could set a precedent in taking this vote. If it's not we could set a precedent in taking this vote. If it's not necessary to meet the 5% threshold for grants, that necessary to meet the 5% threshold for grants, that could have significant impacts if we receive large grants later, either if we receive large grants later, either positive or negative, and if it is necessary, I want to make sure that we're necessary, I want to make sure that we're following our charter and the law.
173 Okay. Good morning council. My name is heidi brown, chief deputy with the my name is heidi brown, chief deputy with the city attorney's office. Good to see you all this morning. So the office. Good to see you all this morning. So the charter language says that the funding for the board will be proportional to no less than 5% for the board will be proportional to no less than 5% of the police bureau's annual operational budget. So the question is, what's the operational budget. So the question is, what's the annual operational budget? Code language has defined that operational budget? Code language has defined that in 35.20 .030 to say, council will adopt a budget at the conclusion of the budget cycle that is proportional to 5% of the that is proportional to 5% of the currently adopted pb annual operating budget. So at the time that you operating budget. So at the time that you code that that annual operational budget has been defined annual operational budget has been defined as when you adopt your annual budget, been defined as when you adopt your annual budget, that that is when the 5% is calculated. Now, if for any reason council wants now, if for any reason council wants to redefine annual operational budget to go throughout the year, you could operational budget to go throughout the year, you could bring an amendment to code to redefine that language. But for now, that is the redefine that language. But for now, that is the interpretation through code of that language. Now, that is the interpretation through code of that language. So that I just wanted to set the big stage. So then the short answer is that since the big stage. So then the short answer is that since you've already adopted the annual budget and set the 5% from the annual annual budget and set the 5% from the annual budget, then changes throughout the year are do not need to be adjusted changes throughout the year are do not need to be adjusted to the ocpa.
174 Is there any the ocpa.
175 Is there any precedent or interpretation that the city attorney's office has interpretation that the city attorney's office has made in the past on. What the attorney's office has made in the past on. What the fall and spring technical adjustments count as? What I am hoping to understa count as? What I am hoping to understand is, is a grant different than understand is, is a grant different than building in a new program that we put millions of dollars toward new program that we put millions of dollars toward in a fall? How would both of those not need to be matched? Would one need to be matched and not need to be matched? Would one need to be matched and not the other? Is there a gray area there? How cut and dry is this in there? How cut and dry is this interpretation and how far does it extend?
176 So so to be clear, the supplemental budgets that are adopted in the fall and spring tau under the code language adopted in the fall and spring tau under the code language don't require adjustments to the ocpa at this time. They're allowed. They're permissible. You can allowed. They're permissible. You can certainly do it if you want to, but they're not required. Now, in answer to your question, though, if you required. Now, in answer to your question, though, if you were to redefine code to, say, annual operational budget is throughout the course of the annual operational budget is throughout the course of the year, then when you look at it, you'd need to look at, is the grant for an operational you'd need to look at, is the grant for an operational purpose or a capital purpose? I think our office has defined an operating think our office has defined an operating budget to be expenses for operating the police bureau, but that does not include for operating the police bureau, but that does not include capital expenses. So that's normally how that's been capital expenses. So that's normally how that's been delineated between those two. So it would depend on the purpose of the grant on whether you would have matching purpose of the grant on whether you would have matching funds. Again, though underlying if you're saying, do I have to do it you're saying, do I have to do it or not right now, you don't have to because of the code language.
177 And are there other language.
178 And are there other places where that phrase about annual operations budget is where that phrase about annual operations budget is used? Meaning if we were to change how we meaning if we were to change how we interpreted that for police and ocpa, how we interpreted that for police and ocpa, could there be inadvertent implications to other bureaus and in other parts of the budget? Other bureaus and in other parts of the budget?
179 Not not that I'm not that I'm aware of of aware
180 Not not that I'm not that I'm aware of of aware of councilor. And I did kind of did some legal research as well. Councilor. And I did kind of did some legal research as well. We looked at budget law, we looked at local budget law and the budget manual. There's there's discussions about an operating budget. There's not a definition of an operating operating budget. There's not a definition of an operating budget or an annual operating budget. And so we're looking at the way the city has budget. And so we're looking at the way the city has been utilizing those terms.
181 Okay. Thank you. And. Utilizing those terms.
182 Okay. Thank you. And. I am now so so if I'm understandi
183 Okay. Thank you. And. I am now so so if I'm understanding you correctly, we don't need to we don't need to do this. You correctly, we don't need to we don't need to do this. If we were to do this, we wouldn't be creating a precede were to do this, we wouldn't be creating a precedent that could have implications elsewhere in the budget. If these funds are for the budget. If these funds are for capital expenses, however, we could be creating a precedent because right now you're interpr precedent because right now you're interpreting the need as only applying to operational and not capital expenses. Is that accurate?
184 Yeah. Councilor Kanal the city attorney speak to the legal side. For the record. City attorney speak to the legal side. For the record. Jonas biery chief financial officer the one just just caveat I'd make it's a good question is, caveat I'd make it's a good question is, are there other places in particularly policy or code where we reference operating? I think or code where we reference operating? I think it is possible. I mean, we certainly haven't done that. That detailed review. Haven't done that. That detailed review. I think that's probably a low risk where I think there is just something to be aware of think there is just something to be aware of is that, you know, because grants do come through related to PPB know, because grants do come through related to PPB with with some, I won't say regularity, but but more than occasionally. And because we do make obviously mid-year adjustments, there will be some make obviously mid-year adjustments, there will be some sort of administrative thinking we need to do about what triggers that change. A we need to do about what triggers that change. And I say that because I would suggest, if this is a path that council wishes to take, it if this is a path that council wishes to take, it would be extremely valuable, particularly to the budget office, to have clarity via a code correction so office, to have clarity via a code correction so that we have clear understanding of under what specific circumstances are clear understanding of under what specific circumstances are we expected to to make that budgetary adjustment?
185 And just if I can add on budgetary adjustment?
186 And just if I can add on to that councilor Like, for example, there are some pass through grants that come to various places, but through grants that come to various places, but including PPB, so they might get a grant from somewhere from the feds or from the state tha from somewhere from the feds or from the state that then is passed on to other other jurisdictions, other people, they're not utilizi jurisdictions, other people, they're not utilizing it for their own operations. So as, as jonas was saying, there would be an analy jonas was saying, there would be an analysis on each one that would need to be made on how the money, how the money is would need to be made on how the money, how the money is anticipated is, is intended to be used.
187 Got it. So for pass through grants, obviously
188 Got it. So for pass through grants, obviously different situation. And are we still in grants, obviously different situation. And are we still in a space where we should be assuming that ocpa is a space where we should be assuming that ocpa is likely not going to draw down their full budget this year? Obviously we never know for any bureau. I know obviously we never know for any bureau. I know they're in the middle of a hiring process. I mean, is all middle of a hiring process. I mean, is all of this, to a certain extent, moot because some of the funds will come back anyway? Some of the funds will come back anyway?
189 I'd say councilor I think that is a possibility. We certainly, as you indic that is a possibility. We certainly, as you indicated early in the year, to sort of be able to align anticipated spending to actual spending, I don't think I'm not aware of any change to the conversation that occurred during the. Any any change to the conversation that occurred during the. Any material change to the circumstances beyond what was discussed during the budget deliberations.
190 Okay. Thank you for all deliberations.
191 Okay. Thank you for all of those clarifications.
192 Thank you. Councilor. Pirtle-guiney. Councilor. Ryan.
193 Thank you, council pirtle-guiney. Councilor. Ryan.
194 Thank you, council president. I jumped in before I had all the details because I just found out about this amendment, the details because I just found out about this amendment, and I was out in the hallway with a constituent. You had me at what I with a constituent. You had me at what I thought. My gut said, no, this is not operational. This is a designated grant. No, this is not operational. This is a designated grant. And then you were able to read what the charter said, which defined it very clearly. The charter said, which defined it very clearly. So this would put us out of compliance with the charter that people put us out of compliance with the charter that people voted on and passed. So I don't know why we're quibbling about this. I do know that we need why we're quibbling about this. I do know that we need these funds to take care of a very challenging situation that's making it really difficult in challenging situation that's making it really difficult in the city for many residents and many employers. So I hope that we can many employers. So I hope that we can get to business here and go ahead and receive this grant that that is awarded to go ahead and receive this grant that that is awarded to us. Thank you. And I will not be supporting this amendment, obviously. Supporting this amendment, obviously.
195 Thank you, councilor Ryan. Councilor Smith.
196 Thank councilor Smith.
197 Thank you. Councilor, can I have a question? Did you take this through legal have a question? Did you take this through legal counsel before you put this in?
198 Tha before you put this in?
199 Thank you.
200 Yeah.
201 We we've talked to lawyers about the underlying issue with
202 We we've talked to lawyers about the underlying issue with it, not the exact text of it, because it says, I mean, it's a single sentence that just moves from single sentence that just moves from unrestricted contingency. We asked the budget office about where to take the money from, and that' about where to take the money from, and that's why it's general fund unrestricted contingency. That was their suggestion.
203 So but they suggestion.
204 So but they can't tell you that based on what I'm hearing today. What I'm trying to get to I today. What I'm trying to get to is if legal counsel has told you that you can't do this, why to is if legal counsel has told you that you can't do this, why pursue this? That's that's what I'm asking you.

Procedural episode · turns 205–213

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205 Legal counsel has not told us that we cannot
206 Legal counsel has not told us that we cannot do this. And I don't know what councilor Ryan was talking about a minute ago, but I'm pretty sure Ryan was talking about a minute ago, but I'm pretty sure heidi did not say that, that adopting this amendment would put us out of compliance with the charter. But I'll of compliance with the charter. But I'll just.
207 Say that's not true.
208 No.
209 Point of order. Read it again.
210 Yeah.
211 Just to
212 Yeah.
213 Just to be clear. So the funding for the board shall be no less than 5% of the police bureau's annual operational no less than 5% of the police bureau's annual operational budget. And that's defined as no less than.
214 And then you gave suggestions on how we could work