By Mayor Chales McNeilly
Welcome to my City of Rockaway Beach Monthly Update with a look back at the month of February 2026.
I am excited to share that the Rockaway Beach Lion’s Club Weenie Wagon will be back at the Wayside for the summer selling hot dogs and fundraising for our community. Last summer was their most successful to date; let us make this summer even better as it is a wonderful way to give back.
Rockaway Beach hosted the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fund raiser at Lake Lytle Boat Lauch on Saturday, February 28th. Our Fire and Rescue Department was on hand in case of emergency. The event collected over $10,000 in donations. Thank you to all who donated, Special Olympics, and all who attended (and plunged). Our own Councilor Mary McGinnis plunged for the cause.
We are continuing to push the Jetty Creek Acquisition project forward where we are able: working with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to improve the terms of the loan (aligning the language for our land acquisition, instead of a construction loan); completing a title analysis with North Coast Land Conservancy; and revising the budget with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) to maximize the award. Additionally, Public Works Director Mertz has begun drafting an application to submit to the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA) for the creation of a recreation plan for the property. Kudos to all who have put time into moving this project forward.
Rockaway Beach’s official visitor website. had an 8% increase in users year over year. A Spring break article – Road Trip: Spring Break in Rockaway Beach – was published in Portland Monthly and Seattle Met.
Our Community Grant Program provides support for non-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and community entities that serve the Rockaway Beach community. The Small Community Grant is for requests up to $4,999 and the Large Community Grant is for requests from $5,000 to $20,000. The city began accepting applications on February 2nd with information and applications available under Community & Businesses on the city website.
We received comments on the draft Forest Stewardship Plan from DEQ and have incorporated the comments into the plan. The final Public Forest Stewardship Plan Advisory Committee meeting to review the draft and make recommendations for Council adoption is scheduled for March 17th at 3:00 PM (City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room).
The main decision at February’s regular council session was the adoption of Ordinance 2026-03, which will require a minimum of thirty rental days per year for Short Term Rental (STR) renewals in Rockaway Beach. This new “Use it or Lose it” rule addresses one of the key data points identified last year, which showed that a substantial number of STRs in Rockaway Beach had little or no rental history. With a cap now established, this created an unsustainable situation of unused licenses and a growing waiting list. The new rule is an important next step in managing the short-term rental business in Rockaway Beach by removing unused licenses and allowing others to create tourist housing and transient lodging tax for the city and its residents. The new 30-day minimum rental requirement will affect renewals for the July 2027 licensing period.
CITY HALL
The city entered into a new contract with GSI Water Solutions to assist with a Drinking Water Source Protection Fund grant to implement parts of the Source Water Protection Plan. We are excited to once again partner with this team who specialize in drinking water quality to bring our new plan into action. The application will request up to $70,000 in grant support (no match required) to implement activities identified in the Implementation Plan section of the city’s 2025 Source Water Protection Plan. These include enhanced monitoring efforts and enhanced community outreach efforts about source water protection, and water conservation.
The City received news that the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) has upheld the City’s decision regarding the Nedonna Wave Development. This was a major accomplishment, and I would like to thank our hardworking highly qualified staff for their years of work on this one. The city instructed our attorney to pursue reimbursement of our legal fees. City Planner Tapia provided the following summary of LUBA’s decision:
This morning, the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) issued their final opinion and order for the Nedonna Wave Planned Unit Development (PUD). LUBA affirmed the City’s decision to deny the request to amend the application for the second phase of the PUD on the grounds that the application had expired. Because LUBA affirmed the city’s denial on the basis that the 2008 PUD approval had expired, the Board did not reach petitioner’s first and third assignments of error, which related to the application of the Special Area Wetlands (SA) zone.
LUBA’s final opinions and orders can be appealed to the Oregon Court of Appeals (ORS 197.850), which can result in all or part of LUBA’s decision being invalidated. If the applicants sought to appeal this decision, the appeals would need to be filed in the Court of Appeals within 21 days after the date LUBA mailed its final opinion and order. If the applicant would like to move forward without appealing the case further, the City will require they submit a new PUD application and go through the PUD process anew.
Even though LUBA’s final opinion and order did not reach the SA zone questions, this legal matter has clarified the application of the SA zone as a base zone, with its own allowed uses and standards. These standards cannot be deviated unless the zoning of the property is changed. In other words, all the hard work from staff, Planning Commissioners, and City Councilors led to clarity in our land use process.
The final Project Refinement Plan for the Rockaway Beach section of the Salmonberry Trail is now complete and will soon be available for viewing on our website. Funding to construct the trail is needed to move this project forward, and that may prove to be difficult under the current federal grant funding environment. This will be an exciting project to pick back up someday once grant funding is available.
You may remember our agreement with EVCS for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at the Anchor Street parking lot. Unfortunately, EVCS has yet to secure the federal funding award for the project but is working diligently behind the scenes to make it happen. As a result, we are in a holding pattern.
I submitted four letters recently supporting the efforts of four local organizations. These included support for an application from CARE to serve as Regional Coordinator within Oregon’s Statewide Shelter Program, a letter of support for the Rockaway Beach Volunteer Firefighters Association’s request to TPUD for $10,000 to enhance the city’s emergency preparedness, Go Rockaway’s request to TPUD to support a dual-purpose community engagement event hosted in partnership with the Rockaway Beach Fire Department and a letter of support for the NKN School District’s Emergency Resilience Project.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The Quarterly Emergency Preparedness meeting was on Wednesday, February 4th. Seventeen community members attended the presentation. Our subject was “Be Red Cross Ready” and was presented by Red Cross. The presentation covered tips and tools that citizens can use to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster. Plan to attend the next quarterly Emergency Preparedness meeting.
Our Fire Department has developed a strong working relationship with Neahkahnie Middle School and their Emergency Preparedness. While the Fire Department attends routine Fire Drills, the Middle school has reached out and asked for additional information to be prepared for a large-scale disaster and over the last two years Chief Hesse and Captain Grace have attended the school’s monthly Emergency Preparedness meeting. The school now has Go Bags in each classroom, an accountability plan, and communication plan. In February, during a teacher-in-service day, the school staff gave a guided tour of the Tsunami Evacuation Route and Assembly site. The teachers will be practicing this route with students this spring. Next steps will be collaborating with the high school to update their Emergency Preparedness capabilities.
Chief Hesse continues to work with the County to develop the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The County plan will include the risk assessment of Rockaway Beach and best practices to reduce risk and planning for residents. The Fire Department will roll out an education campaign this spring that will improve the readiness and planning for our residents in the event of wildfire.
Chief Hesse and Captain Grace met with Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) to discuss supply needs for the city for a large-scale disaster. Also, discussed were funding options and storage opportunities.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
The Planning Department is preparing amendments to the Flood Hazard Overlay Zone, as directed by City Council. These amendments are not related to Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Pre Implementation Compliance Measures (PICM) and do not propose implementation of the no-net loss standards, but rather these amendments bring the City code up to the 2020 FEMA model code standards and address issues with the current code. For more information on PICM, please visit this link.
Ordinance 2026-01 and 2026-02, which amended two Comprehensive Plan policies related to the economy and the Zoning Ordinance definition of multi-unit housing, have taken effect. Expect to see updated Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance documents on our website, which are easier to navigate than the previous versions.
The Planning Department reviewed three zoning permits, approving internal remodel work on NW 23rd Ave, denied a single dwelling unit and site stabilization proposal for unpermitted work in the urban growth boundary (UGB) near 23rd Ave.
The 2025-2029 Strategic Plan includes an action to update the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission provided initial guidance on a reorganization of the current Plan.
PLANNING COMMISSION
At the February meeting, the Planning Commission discussed the upcoming comprehensive plan update project. Planner Tapia put together an excellent presentation on the subject. Tapia also went through his staff report with the Commission, which included topics such as the recent LUBA decision, the project to update the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance, and housing capacity analysis and housing production strategies. Kudos to City Planner Tapia and the Planning Commission.
If any of the Planning Commission activities listed for February are of interest, you can read the meeting materials and view recordings of all Planning Commission meetings on the city website Rockaway Beach Meeting Agendas & Minutes page.
PUBLIC WORKS
Superintendent Emerson and Director Mertz did a walkthrough of the N. Pacific Street project with the contractor, engineer, and paving subcontractor to discuss the final stage, which is paving. The N. Pacific project is third on the project list for Bayview paving company to complete once the asphalt plant reopens. While we could certainly use more rain, we are keeping our fingers crossed that the mild weather holds out so we can complete the paving shortly after the spring break holiday. Paving estimated to take 2-3 full days. Public Works staff will coordinate a mailer to go out to the impacted property owners to advise them of the upcoming road closures. This $1M+ project remained on schedule even with additional storm drainage work added to the project. We look forward to seeing this project wrapped up and are proud of the quality.
You may have noticed our Public Works crew on the side of 101 near the Dollar General recently. The crew were onsite with Flygt Pumps for the installation of a demo pump for the 4th Street lift station which we will evaluate over the next few months. While the City’s pumps at 4th Street are not particularly old – the pump has a challenging time processing the flows they receive from the hotels on the oceanfront and were getting bound with rags last summer. The demo pumps from Flygt should alleviate this issue as they can “de-rag” themselves by spinning backwards and have an advanced control system. We are hopeful that the pump performance will meet our expectations.
The bid opening for the Nedonna Beach water main project took place. The Notice of Intent to Award the Nedonna Water Main Improvements was issued to the low bidder, Lyda Construction, on February 24th. City Council will have the opportunity to consider approving the award at their March meeting. Public Works staff will be creating a project page on our website to keep the public informed of the status of the project and will be posting signs at the entrance to Nedonna Beach directing the public to the website.
Public Works Director Mertz met with our City Engineer, our City Attorney and JQ Constructions’ Surety (responsibility for another’s performance of an undertaking) to discuss the termination of the contract with JQ Construction to obtain and install a new sludge pump and trickle filter at the City’s wastewater treatment plant. The Surety (who is already dealing with JQ Construction’s nonperformance of another contract) is willing to work with the City to get the project moving and completed as quickly as possible.
Two major repairs at the Old Growth Cedar Boardwalk were completed by Public Works staff and they were able to get the boardwalk reopened quickly. The staff will frequently monitor the boardwalk and make repairs as needed – avoiding lengthy closures.
The development team for the next phase of the Lake Lytle Estates subdivision has been in contact with Director Mertz and told her that they would be submitting grading and offsite improvement plans for the city to review. This development received tentative plat (plot of land) approval in 2023 and is in the engineering phase. Director Mertz will provide updates on this development as the project progresses.
At the Water Department, staff hosted the City of Estacada on a tour of the Water Treatment Plant. Staff are also working with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to complete the state‑required PFAS aka forever chemicals sampling program and will meet all required deadlines. Crews installed a new water service and meter, completed follow‑up improvements to recent mainline repairs by installing a new air release valve, and performed routine maintenance at the Water Treatment Plant, including pressure washing tanks. Water Department remains focused on essential operations, including ongoing meter readings, service turn-ons and turn-offs, and responding promptly to an after-hours no-water call on Chieftain. The team also completed multiple utility locates throughout town, including in Nedonna Beach.
For streets, roads, and stormwater, crews filled potholes in multiple locations and are preparing to apply additional cold patch asphalt in Cedar Creek and other areas. Vegetation management continued with weed trimming throughout town and limb trimming along the boardwalk to improve safety and visibility. Crews cleaned sidewalks at the Wayside and swept downtown, removed a downed tree on N. Ocean, and added sand and cleared brush along the Boardwalk. New signage was installed at the community garden/Veterans Park and Lake Lytle boat access points to meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, No Thru Traffic signs and blocks were placed on unimproved access routes, and the playground at Anchor Street Park received a thorough steam cleaning.
The Wastewater/Sewer Department concentrated on maintenance at the treatment plant, with ongoing pressure washing and cleaning, as well as patching and structural repairs to the scum pit. Staff continued monitoring the demo pump at the N. 4th Pump Station to ensure optimal performance and purchased parts for the upcoming pump rebuild at the NW 17th lift station.
In parks and public spaces, staff met with the Lions Club to coordinate improvements at the Highway 101 dock entrance. Public Works will relocate a garbage can to a newly prepared site, while the Lions Club will provide ongoing vegetation maintenance. Staff also ordered new playground signage, temporary informational signage for the Lake Lytle boat launch, installed two new garbage cans in high‑use areas, and repaired a boardwalk security camera following a solar panel failure.
At city facilities, staff completed general cleaning and maintenance tasks, repaired restroom fixtures at City Hall and a city park, installed a tamper‑proof mail slot at City Hall, and coordinated with the Tillamook County Health Department to remove an old sign at City Hall.
In fleet and equipment, staff diagnosed a cooling system issue on an older work truck and ordered replacement parts, with repairs scheduled for completion soon. The garbage truck returned to service after repairs to the shifter linkage.
CITY COUNCIL
The February City Council Workshop covered the following:
- Review of Resolution Adjusting Budget Appropriations
- Review of Romtec Lake Lytle Restroom Contract
- Review of Proposed Amendments to City Charter
- Review of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CARE for Utility Assistance Program
- Review of Wayside Use Application from Lions Club
- Review of Wayside Use Application from Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Discussion Regarding Cap Exemption for Accessible Short-Term Rentals (STRs)
The February City Council Regular Meeting covered the following:
- Presentation – Small Community Grant Closeout Report – Kristin Koptiuch, Neah-Kah-Nie Coast Arts Music & Cultural Foundation (NCAM)
- Public Hearing on Ordinance 2026-03: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 113, Sections 113.03 And 113.04, Related to Short-Term Rental Application Fees and Standards
- Consideration to Determine the NCAM 2024-2025 Small Community Grant Complete (APPROVED)
- First & Second Reading of Ordinance 2026-03: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 113, Sections 113.03 And 113.04, Related to Short-Term Rental Application Fees and Standards (APPROVED)
- Consideration to Adopt Ordinance 2026-03: An Ordinance Amending City of Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 113, Sections 113.03 And 113.04, Related to Short-Term Rental Application Fees and Standards (APPROVED)
- Consideration of Resolution 2026-08: A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with CARE for Utility Assistance Program (APPROVED)
- Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-10: A Resolution Adjusting Appropriations for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget (APPROVED)
- Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-11: A Resolution Approving Proposal from Romtec for Procurement of Lake Lytle Restroom Buildings (APPROVED)
- Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-12: A Resolution Approving Use Application for the Lions Club Weenie Wagon Adjacent to the Wayside (APPROVED)
- Consideration of Resolution No. 2026-13: A Resolution Approving Wayside Use Application for the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce Thursday Markets (APPROVED)
- Executive Session. The City Council held an Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e), to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions. This session kicked off the negotiation phase for the acquisition of the lower half of the Jetty Creek Watershed.
If any of the Council activities listed for February are of interest, you can read the meeting materials and view recordings of all Council meetings (except Executive Sessions) on the city website Rockaway Beach Meeting Agendas & Minutes page.
ROCKAWAY BEACH PATROL
Undersheriff Kelly informed City Manager Shepard that Deputy Travis Patterson joined the Rockaway Beach Patrol bringing our Patrol back to three deputies. Deputy Patterson has been with the Sheriff’s Office for two years. Welcome aboard Deputy Patterson!
KEY DATES IN MARCH FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The City Council Workshop is on Wednesday, March 11th at 4:30 pm in the City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room followed by the City Council Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm downstairs in the City Hall Council Room.
The Forest Stewardship Plan Advisory Committee meeting is on Tuesday, March 17th at 3:00 pm in 2nd Floor Conference Room.
The Planning Commission meeting is on Thursday, March 19th at 5:00 pm in the City Hall Council Room.
We offer in-person and virtual options for attending all our meetings. Meetings are recorded so they are available for viewing at your convenience. Agendas and packets are available on our city website. Sign up for our city email list on our city website to have meeting packets sent to you automatically.
The Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager is Thursday, March 26th at 9:00 am in the City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room.
Please stay informed and engaged!
The most efficient way to keep up to date with your city government is to add your email address to the city’s email list through the city’s website submission form.
If you have ideas to share; questions or concerns about what is going on in the City of Rockaway Beach, please email me at cmcneilly@corb.us.
I am still listening.