This photo looks out on the 2.6-acre property that was donated to the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council. It is at 2505 W. 7th St. in The Dalles and could eventually be the site for a Navigation Center to help the houseless in our community. Citizens spoke in favor of the idea while another said the location was not good on Monday, March 14.
By Tom Peterson
Locals spoke out in force in support of plans for a houseless Navigation Center in West the Dalles during the City Council meeting’s public participation on Monday, March 14.
Eight different citizens asked The Dalles City Council to support the center as it works its way through both the funding and planning process.
One commented that the siting of the center on Seventh was not correct, and it would be a detriment to retail and hotels in the area.
The comments come as a heightened awareness about the houseless population in The Dalles is appearing to gel with a possible Navigation Center on the horizon.
Mid-Columbia Community Action Council reported helping 81 houseless people in 2021, 21 of which were moved to permanent housing. And a population of around 30 plus can be seen daily on the streets of The Dalles, many in various stages of crisis, ranging from mental health issues to addiction.
Marilyn Arthur, North Central Public Health District Director Shellie Campbell, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s Marilyn Roth, One Community Health Director Max Janisek, One Community Health Director Martin Campos-Davis, Kristen Lilvik St. Vincent de Paul Ministry’s Colleen Ballinger and Forust Ercole all supporters the Navigation Center.
In February, Mid-Columbia Action Council’s Kenny LaPoint told City Council that his agency had secured title to 2.6 acres of donated land at 2505 W. Seventh Street, and they have $2.75 million in committed funds for a center to address the houseless situation holistically.
To that end, the Navigation Center built at 14,000 square feet would provide one-stop-shopping, if you will, for those working to transition to a stable home.
LaPoint said the building could eventually hold offices for Mid-Columbia Center for Living, The Next Door, Mid-Columbia Housing Authority, Bridges to Health, the Oregon Human Development Corporation, One Community Health, Columbia Gorge Health Council and Nch’i Wana Housing for issues addressing Native Americans living along the Columbia River.
LaPoint is still in the process of raising money for the Center and no official plans have been submitted to the City.
Crime Spree
Also during public comments, Jennifer Dewey reported that crime in The Dalles was on a major uptick, noting she had gone through two years of police reports and found her family business Ray Schultens Motors had called for police service 53 times.
“It seems excessive,” she said. “I know the police do a great job but a lot of times their hands are tied.”
People are often cited and released on property crimes in wasco county, especially since the pandemic when incarceration puts people at a much higher risk for contracting COVID-19.
“I know it is happening across town,” Dewey said of increased crime. “You as a council have responsibility. You have codes and enforcement… what is the game plan?”
She also pointed out that garbage along I-84 is presenting a poor picture to people visiting The Dalles.
Mayor Rich Mays directed staff to look into the problem and get back with Dewey in the near future about the situation. “This will be addressed appropriately,” he told her.
Development Fees on East 17th Street
Council unanimously approved a reimbursement district on E. 17the Street, west of Morton.
The District was put together to allow for further development of housing on property in East the Dalles that will be annexed and eventually subject to city taxes.
At the direction of the Council, public works designed water and sanitary sewer systems outside the city limits of the area of E. 17the Street, west of Morton. Public works then had the systems constructed.
They were completed last December.
Councilors established a reimbursement district and fees for th 8-inch sewer main improvements.
The project cost $69,955, according to the City staff report.
After questioning by property owner Linda Holcomb, it was noted property owners who currently have sufficient septic tanks are not required to hook to the system and pay the fees. Rather, they have the choice to do so if their current system is working properly.
Cost to property Developers
Properties owners/developers will be required to pay the City reimbursement fees equal to $13,836.05 per acre or $3,459 per quarter acre when they develop and connect to the new sanitary sewer main. It was also pointed out that fees are typically paid in lump sums; however, arrangements with the City’s finance department could be made for payments if there were extenuating circumstances, such as a very limited income.
The airport added 24,000 gallons of fueling capacity this year, and have since seen a large increase in JET A fuel sales - for jets and turbo-prop helicopters. The new tanks can also pump twice as fast, providing more efficient service. That’s important when multiple craft need fueling.
Airport Update
Columbia Gorge Regional Airport Director Jeff Renard told Council there are 24 people on a list waiting to rent space in hangers.
Renard also said they have completed the fuel tank upgrade giving the airport 24,000 more gallons of capacity for fueling which allows for service of multiple aircraft at one time.
He noted firefighting assets such as the scooper planes are expected to arrive at the end of May or early June. “That is great for us as a region,” he said, implying the need for wildland fire fighting resources in dry months.
The Airport is also working with Columbia Gorge Community College and Klickitat County Economic Development on submitting federal grants to build hanger space to house an aviation repair vocational training center at the airport.
Renard also pointed out that their future plans for developing a business park along the east unused runway will eventually come into conflict with local events, as it is utilized by the public and is already rented out for two-thirds of the year in 2022. “We’ll have to try and figure out a work-around,” in coming years when the business park is built out, he said.
Appointments to Boards
Council approved the following appointments for city commissions and boards:
Nic Portella to the Planning Commission, with a term expiring April 30, 2024;
Scott Stephenson to the Historic Landmarks Commission with a term expiring May 31, 2025; Serena Smith to the City of The Dalles Budget Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2024 and Shanon Saldivar to the Urban Renewal Agency Board with a term expiring December 31, 2023.
