Prineville council adopts ordinance opting city into recreational immunity statute

The Prineville City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1290 on a single reading, immediately invoking the ordinance's emergency clause to opt the city into a stronger recreational-immunity provision.

City Attorney Jared Reed told the council the measure is intended to extend immunity for the city, its agents and officers in areas used for recreational activity and to provide clearer protection where statutory immunity otherwise applies to larger cities. Reed said the ordinance would also clarify that private landowners, nonprofits and volunteers may construct or maintain structures within public rights of way or easements without exposing the city to new liability. Reed cited a statute in his presentation (transcript reference: "r s 1 0 5 6 6 8").

Councilor (speaker 7) moved to approve Ordinance 1290, describing it as a necessary update in light of recent judicial narrowing of general recreational immunity. The motion was seconded and passed with all councilors voting in favor.

Because the ordinance was adopted as an emergency on one reading, Reed stated it would take effect immediately. The council did not record any dissenting votes or amendments during the discussion.

The council did not request additional changes and the ordinance will be included in the city municipal code as chapter 92.6 as presented.