By the Toledo Tribune
April 16, 2025
Tonight, the Toledo City Council met, and unlike past sessions where the sails flapped without purpose and the rudder swung with no clear aim, this night the ship surged forward.
Under the seasoned hand of Interim City Manager David Clyne, the vessel that is Toledo’s civic enterprise took to the wind. The sensation was unmistakable: the taut snap of canvas, the lean of a hull catching its course, and the thrilling pitch as the ship surged—not drifted—into motion. What was a hog wallowing in bureaucracy’s trough has become a fleet steed, sleek and sure across a sea of civic responsibility.
And hence was the meeting.
Council President Kim Bush called it to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the roll was called, and all were present save Mayor Cross.
I. Presentations
The council heard from Jensen Strategies with an update on the recruitment process for a permanent city manager. A course has been charted, and the timeline is firming.
II. Public Comment
I, your correspondent, was the sole voice from the public—and, yes, I sailed over the three-minute limit. Do you remember the music of an ice cream cart? Children lining up with sticky dollars and sweaty palms for a missile popsicle? That sound has gone silent. Vendors are barred from the public right-of-way. I have proposed a gentle return—three vendors, three hours, stationed beside our city parks. Popsicles. Tamales. Milk. Fresh bread. A bit of bustle for our quiet green spaces.
I also spoke to other dreams: a kayak launch at the so-called bridge to nowhere, a community garden blooming from unused land, a Rotary cook-off at the Mill Wren to feed Food Share’s shelves, and the still-breathing Thyme Garden project in the Main Street parking lot.
III. Consent Agenda
The council approved the minutes of the April 5 retreat, where minds met and course corrections were laid.
Resolution No. 1569 was passed, allowing the city to recognize and appropriate grant revenue for fiscal year 2024-25.
Personnel moves were confirmed:
• Christian Bailey, pending a completed background check, will join the Toledo Police Department May 1st.
• James Spang was unanimously selected and promoted to Lead Operator of the Wastewater Treatment Plant after the retirement of the former lead.
IV. Discussion and Decision Items
Legal Services Agreement:
With City Attorney Mike Adams set to resign in May, the council approved a temporary contract with Miller Nash law firm. The firm comes with credentials and a clear understanding of the city’s legal needs, offering reduced public entity billing rates.
Intergovernmental Fire Chief Agreement:
A proposal to share Siletz Valley Fire District Chief Lapof with Toledo’s Fire Department was approved. With former Chief Robeson assuming duties as Deputy Chief of Operations, this agreement secures leadership and prepares the department to recruit for two firefighter positions. (Stay tuned for more on this story)
Library Programming Realignment:
A new full-time Library Programs Specialist position was created to serve all age groups after two part-time roles went unfilled or vacated. The change aims to streamline programming and maximize outreach.
Water Line Upsize Project:
Council authorized City Manager Pro-Tem Clyne to execute the contract with Civil West Engineering for a 12” water line upgrade on SE Sturdevant Road. Funded by a $640,000 Business Oregon grant, this infrastructure supports the forthcoming Olalla Meadows workforce housing project.
V. Reports and Comments
City Manager Clyne addressed council questions and reiterated the administrative structure: department heads report to the city manager, not the council, a clarification brought into sharp focus when Councilor Mix expressed her preference to hear directly from the managers. The arrangement, Clyne explained, preserves the chain of command and allows measured, informed responses to council inquiries. Councilor Mix conceded and expressed her admiration for the entire city staff.
Council committee updates were minimal.
The Council Issue Tracker and monthly expenditure reports were submitted. Citizens are encouraged to review them at:
https://www.cityoftoledo.org/media/12696
And so, the meeting adjourned—not with confusion, but with quiet confidence.
A Final Word
Tonight, the ship surged forward. There was no mistaking the moment—a press in the chest, a lift in the spirit. After long months of stormy water and drifting meetings, there is direction. Sail met wind. Hull met wave. And Toledo, dear reader, moved.
This is Toledo.
Good night, and good luck.
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