The Dalles City Council had a busy session last night. It opened with recognition of the members or The Dalles Police Major Crimes Unit. Following an alleged murder in Hood River, the unit was called in to help, immediately arresting two of the three suspects and doggedly pursing the last suspect for three days before finding him at a homeless camp near The Dalles. Police Chief Tom Worthy read out the commendation they received from the Oregon Police Officers Association, which ended with:
“The Dedicated and tireless efforts of Detective Sergeant Ell, Detective Perez and Detective Castro led to the capture of a dangerous and violent offender, significantly enhancing the safety of our community. Their exemplary actions are worthy of recognition, and on November 7th, the detectives were recognized statewide by the Oregon Police Officers Association at their annual banquet, with a unit citation award for excellence of their work in this difficult case. Let’s give them a round of applause. It’s great work. [Applause fades].”
Following a presentation on the Tri-County Hazardous Waste and Recycling program, Councilors approved a fee increase request from Waste Connections, doing business as The Dalles Disposal. Jim Winterbottom, who runs the local department, explained the increases were minor:
“Currently, the rate for a customer here in The Dalles for a 32-gallon trash can, picked up weekly, are currently paying $21.78. The increase will have a collection of 56 cents a month or 13 cents per pickup. The larger 90-gallon roll carts that we provide for weekly service, currently paying $32.10 per month, going to see an increase going up to $32.93, or 19 cents per pickup.”
Councilors also approved changes to the city’s planning commission which includes dropping the meetings from twice a month to just one a month. The time for the former second monthly meeting will be devoted to an administrative law judge who will hear appeals.
And councilors discussed changing the process by which it awards grants to nonprofit organizations. Staff will bring back recommendations for council approval at a later date.