By Chelly Bouferrache
For The New Era
The Brownsville City Council, led by Mayor Daniel Craven, convened on April 29 to address a critical issue: the need to revise and resubmit an operations agreement with the Brownsville Canal Company.
With Councilors Lynda Chambers and Sean LaCoste absent and excused, the remaining council members authorized a new agreement, though it’s unclear if the Mill Race will be operable for 2025.
The need for a new agreement was prompted by the Canal Company’s rejection of a prior proposal. The council hopes to reach an agreement so the Mill Race water continues to be available to water livestock, irrigation and flood control for surrounding properties.
City Administrator S. Scott McDowell highlighted the absence of a formalized agreement for years, despite the city’s ongoing provision of services to the Canal Company. The latest revised agreement aims to clarify obligations, with negotiations set to resume in May and a draft expected by June 2025.
The Calapooia Food Alliance’s annual report, presented by Peggy Purkerson, detailed the alliance’s contributions, including food donations to Sharing Hands, the Community Garden program, and Azure buying program.
She announced the Brownsville Farmers Market, running May 1 through October at their new location at D & D Storage across from Dari Mart, with operating hours from 3 to 6 p.m., and will be extended in summer. Melissa Selby, the new market director, will oversee operations. Purkerson praised the alliance’s efforts, accessible at www.calapooiafoodalliance.org, for enhancing local food security and increased community engagement.
Sgt. Steven Frambes of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office delivered a report focusing on last month’s traffic statistics and ongoing investigations. Frambes noted the county-wide coffee shop break-ins, with active leads under review.
Responding to an inquiry from Councilor Dave Hansen about an incident at the 76 gas station on Highway 228, Frambes confirmed that also remains under investigation. Hansen also asked about non-lethal weapons options available to the Sheriff’s office, prompting Frambes to outline the types available to deputies, required training and licensing.
Councilor Mike Winklepleck encouraged colleagues to join a patrol ride-along, emphasizing the insights he had gained by doing so, into law enforcement challenges.
The council approved and read four proclamations, recognizing different aspects of the community. The Linn County Pioneer Association Proclamation will be celebrating the 138th Pioneer Picnic, honoring the region’s heritage and upcoming festival.
Winklepleck read proclamations for Mental Health Month, urging self-care, and Military Appreciation Month, thanking veterans and active-duty personnel. Councilor Hansen presented the Older Americans Month proclamation, acknowledging seniors’ contributions.
The semi-annual Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report required by the DEQ, was presented by Public Works Superintendent Karl Frink and McDowell, and met Department of Environmental Quality requirements. The report urged pet owners to use city-installed pet waste stations and reminded residents that runoff impacts river ecosystems. Frink encouraged reporting illegal dumping to City Hall to protect fish habitats and water quality.
McDowell’s City Administrator report covered multiple updates: He mentioned an upcoming meeting with CivicsPlus to look at a new platform the company is developing for small cities like Brownsville. McDowell noted state changes to programs like PFAs and VOCs, ongoing insurance renewals, and the dismissal of a 2018 marijuana lawsuit after an appeal.
City Hall will serve as a ballot drop site for the May 20, 2025, election, open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. McDowell also highlighted staff efforts to monitor state legislation to protect residents from overregulation.
Discussion items included the Legislative Advocacy and Policy Committee’s efforts and March financials, which showed fiscal stability.
Citizen comments addressed drainage concerns, with Betty Doren raising issues about her property, and Sharon Banks introducing Sravya Tadepalli, who will report on the council for the Brownsville Times, set to relaunch in June (brownsvilletimes.org).
Hansen spoke about opposition to House Bill 2548, citing bureaucratic burdens on farmers, and shared the Central Linn School District’s bond measure flyer. Winklepleck questioned the need for the bond and asked about the allocation of state lottery and marijuana funds for schools.
The council’s focus on the Canal Company agreement reflects Brownsville’s proactive approach to infrastructure challenges. By addressing water management, celebrating community initiatives, and maintaining public safety, the council demonstrated its dedication to the city’s future. The revised agreement, once finalized, will be a critical step toward the canal continuing to work for Brownsville’s residents and agricultural sector.