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The Dalles City Council | June 22, 2026
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations Contract Amendment Approved with 8.03% Increase
The City Council approved Amendment Number Three to the contract with OMI (a subsidiary of Jacobs Engineering) for wastewater treatment plant operations. This annual amendment adjusts the contract cost for the 15-year period, which began in July 2023. The proposed increase for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 is approximately 8.03%, bringing the annual fee to $1,618,781. This increase exceeds the contract's standard 4% cap due to significant cost drivers beyond OMI's control. These include increased costs for outside lab testing (up 38%), chemical increases (up 7%), and substantial fuel price volatility impacting the hauling of biosolids. Additionally, the repairs limit in the contract has not been updated since 2012, leading to budget challenges. The city's adopted budget for FY 2026-2027 already accounts for these increased costs. Staff recommended approving the 8.03% increase over the 4% cap to ensure operational continuity and avoid potentially higher costs through cost-sharing agreements.
City Accepts Property Dedication for Sidewalk Improvements on Chennith Loop Road
The City Council adopted Special Ordinance 26-613, accepting approximately 2,400 square feet of real property along Chennith Loop Road for public street purposes. This action is a 'housekeeping' item related to a previously approved 76-unit affordable housing development at 816 Chennith Loop Road. The dedicated area includes existing sidewalk improvements that need to be brought up to city standards. The property owner is dedicating this land, which was previously on their property, to the city to ensure the sidewalk is entirely within the city's right-of-way, as is standard practice. This dedication clarifies long-term ownership and maintenance responsibilities, placing the area into public ownership and facilitating required public frontage improvements.
First Street Streetscaping Project Exceeds Budget by $364,223 for Sewer Line Repairs and Extension
The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute Change Order Number Two to Contract Number 2025-14 with Ajax Northwest LLC for the First Street Streetscaping Project. This change order addresses utility conflicts and necessary adjustments identified near the intersection of First and Court Streets, a complex area due to an elevated sidewalk structure, aging vaults, and proximity to the Baldwin Saloon. A key issue is a 100-year-old clay sewer main discovered beneath the proposed micro-pile installation area. To protect this aging infrastructure and allow for construction, the change order includes installing micropiles and two new manholes to provide access for lining the sewer line. This approach aims to extend the life of the existing sewer line without full replacement, which was estimated to cost significantly more ($1.3 - $1.5 million). The total cost of Change Order Number Two is $364,223, and it includes a 73-day contract extension, moving the completion date to July 13, 2027. Funding for this change order, along with anticipated costs for the sewer lining work (estimated at $100,000), will remain within the overall project budget, leaving approximately $782,000 remaining.
City Council Approves Wage Adjustment for Assistant City Manager/HR Position
The City Council approved a targeted wage table adjustment for the Assistant City Manager/Human Resources position. This adjustment is necessary due to an upcoming recruitment need, as the current incumbent will be leaving to become a City Administrator in another city. The role has evolved since its creation, and a recent organizational change will have the Assistant City Manager supervising the Finance Director. To align classifications and provide greater flexibility, the position is recommended to be moved from the DH3 pay range to the DH1 pay range. The DH1 range is $123,723 to $152,164, an increase from the current DH3 range of $107,382 to $143,820. This adjustment will support internal alignment, recruitment competitiveness, and organizational clarity. Funding for this change is available in the current budget.
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