City manager reports progress on council goals: transportation plan, public safety center, broadband and charter review among priorities

City Manager Byron Smith presented a status update on council goals, reporting progress across planning, infrastructure and community projects.

Key updates included: consultants contracted and an advisory committee formed for the Transportation System Plan; Safe Streets for All grant application submitted for pedestrian and safety priorities; public safety center renovation under construction with a tentative reopening in early 2026; EOTech water allocation work ongoing; a joint RFP with Umatilla to scope broadband options; and initial public engagement planning for the Carnegie Building following a $1 million state award toward the project.

Smith also noted the charter review conversation that began at the work session and that staff would return a resolution to establish a citizen review committee. He said the city will continue to monitor TRT fund balances, evaluate park and sidewalk priorities, and continue feasibility work on an aquatic and wellness center with a fall report anticipated from the task force. Smith closed by offering to answer council questions; councilors asked timing questions for the public safety center and about feasibility study details for the aquatics project. No formal actions were taken; the report was for information.