Council discusses restoring small meeting stipend, OGEC rules and training budget increases

The council discussed whether to restore a small historical stipend for meeting attendance (approximately $25) and how Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) rules apply. Staff explained two common options: submit the stipend to voters for approval or adopt a policy that would take effect only after the next election so current incumbents are not the direct beneficiaries. City staff said the stipend historically existed but no formal adoption ordinance could be found, prompting the review. "You all can receive the stipend so long as there is a formal policy that the governing body has adopted," staff explained; they also summarized a round‑table voting option OGEC has blessed for some school boards.

Council members each declared potential conflicts of interest for future votes on a stipend. The council indicated consensus to have staff draft policy language and seek OGEC guidance and to place appropriate timing for effective dates (for example, post-election implementation) in the draft.

On training, staff noted the council's combined budget lines (training and travel) total roughly $24,000 and recommended raising the training allotment from $2,000 to $4,000 to ensure new members and those with constrained schedules can access training and legislative advocacy opportunities. Council directed staff to draft a stipend policy (including OGEC guidance on effective dates) and to present any recommended budget adjustments for formal consideration.