The following are the unapproved minutes from the Hines Common Council and Budget Committee meeting that was held March 22. The minutes were edited for clarity and length.

Hilda Allison expressed interested in filling the vacancy on the Hines Common Council. She spoke briefly about her previous service on the council and said she believes she could bring some good ideas. 

Councilor Robert Beers made a motion to appoint Allison to the council. Councilor Dean Brizendine seconded the motion carried, and it carried.

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City Administrator Kirby Letham read the staff report that was presented to the Hines Planning Commission on March 1. At that meeting, the Planning Commission recommended that the Hines Common Council approve amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, adopting the newly revised Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study.

Letham told the council that there wouldn’t really be changes to the maps for the city of Hines in Phase I. However, the city will see changes when Phase II is released. This action would keep the city active in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Ordinance 331 adopts floodplain management regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry, superseding Ordinance 309 and City of Hines Code Chapter 15.12 – Flood Damage Prevention, which was adopted April 28, 2015. Letham then read the ordinance in its entirety.

Allison asked about enforcement, and Letham explained that it is on the city building permit application.

Sharon Voegtly asked how this helps the community, and Letham explained that the city’s NFIP membership helps lower insurance rates for homeowners who are required to purchase flood insurance.

Beers made a motion to approve Ordinance 331, as read. Brizendine seconded the motion, and it carried.

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Mayor Nikki Morgan and Letham noted that community members have expressed interest in a Neighborhood Watch Program.

Allison said people in her neighborhood know and watch out for each other.

Morgan agreed that some of the city’s neighborhoods have this system in place. However, they discussed hosting a meeting to determine whether something more formal should be established and whether a few people would be interested in serving as group leaders. 

The city would provide materials (such as signs to be posted in the neighborhood) and then schedule an officer to meet with program members for training. The program would serve as a theft deterrent and a way for neighbors to watch out for each other.

Brad Erbe said criminals know when police are off duty, and we need to determine how to cover the gaps.

Eldon Hart asked how well criminals are prosecuted when they get caught. Brizendine said that’s up to the District Attorney.

Sharon Voegtly said some community members might be afraid to report crime because they could be threatened. Brizendine said community members who are afraid to go straight to the police can contact any council member, and the information will be passed along to the police.

Erbe said just getting the word out about starting a Neighborhood Watch Program could deter criminal activity.

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Letham reported that:

• the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT’s) Safe Routes to School grant addresses unsafe areas where children may be traveling (biking/walking) to school. If Hines is awarded this planning grant, ODOT will hire a consultant to work with the city. 

The focus would be Hines Middle School and would also include Slater Elementary and Burns High School. The city could then apply for an additional grant to carry out the plan;

• Councilors Marsallai Quick and Misty Shepherd are working with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to apply for a grant to hire a planning consultant;

• Beers asked for an update on the fuel tax program. Letham said the city was projected to gain approximately $50,000 in revenue. However, the city has already received $54,000 with four months remaining this budget year.

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In other business:

• Quick made a motion to approve a business license for Jesse Calkins of A+ Cleaning Service. Beers seconded and the motion, and it carried;

• Letham said he spoke with Quick about emergency vehicles. Quick, who has experience working with a rural fire district, said the department leased fire trucks to ensure they had newer vehicles to work with.

Letham said he will research pricing and other details. Beers suggested considering the type of truck, maintenance program (local or long-distance), mileage restrictions, etc. He also discussed the possibility of a lease program for police vehicles.

• Morgan said the council needs to elect a president who can serve in her absence. Shepherd made a motion to elect Quick as president of the council. Brizendine seconded and the motion, and it carried.

• Morgan also noted that councilors need to be assigned areas. These assignments provide residents with a point of contact for questions, concerns, and comments. Councilor Amity York and Shepherd were assigned to water and sewer. Brizendine and Quick were assigned to police and fire. Beers and Allison were assigned to parks and streets.

The next council meeting is scheduled for April 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Hines City Hall.