Council discusses blight, procedure

Portland City Council discussed blighted properties and department head attendance during their meeting Monday, with some council members also questioning agenda policies.

Council member Ron May brought up the issue of blight, saying he has tried to get the topic on the agenda and that it has been removed by Mayor Jeff Westlake twice. He suggested creating and building up a fund to help deal with blighted properties.

Westlake said he has talked with Ceann Bales of Jay County Development Corporation about potential grants for blight removal and was in contact with a crew that was in the process of fixing up such a structure. 

May questioned why the issue has been removed from agendas, with Westlake responding that that times he would like to have council members come to him with such questions first. He said sometimes items seem to cause drama and do not lead to productive meetings.

“I guess this isn’t a city council meeting then,” said May.

The question was then addressed to city attorney Wes Schemenaur, who agreed that it is the council’s meeting and that the mayor is the presiding officer. He said he would research the issue further.

Council member Ashley Hilfiker questioned if residents have had items rejected from the agenda. Clerk-treasurer Lori Phillips said no residents have been turned away.

Hilfiker also asked that department heads be required to attend council meetings, particularly when expenditures are being approved, saying she feels it would help with questions and eliminate confusion. Westlake said he would bring up the idea at his next department head meeting.

In other business, the council:

•Heard a reminder from the mayor that the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association Show officially begins today. McClung urged caution with heavier traffic and more golf carts on the streets.

•On the recommendation of the city’s tax abatement advisory committee, approved a tax abatement for Priority Plastics on a $3.5 million investment in new equipment.

•OK’d a brief street closure for a house to be moved from 209 Lincoln Ave. to about a block away on Penn Street. (Portland Street Department superintendent Matt Shauver said his staff will provide assistance with blocking traffic and clearing the path as needed.) Also approved the closure of a half block of Hayes Street adjacent to Race Street from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.

•Heard resident Jim Wasson ask about paying for sewage treatment for water that is used on his garden. He also thanked city employees for their work to keep the city’s parkings looking nice.

•Received updates from clerk-treasurer Lori Phillips following a conference she attended last week. She noted upcoming changes to labor laws, funding from the state, public works projects and other tax issues.

•Heard from Phillips that the draft of the 2026 budget is being finalized and will be sent to council members. A public hearing on the budget is slated for Sept. 15, with a vote on adoption planned for Oct. 6.

•Hilfiker thanked local police for their presence at arrival and dismissal from school and the street and parks department for their work this summer. She expressed concern about cars parking on sidewalks.