City of Rockaway Beach Monthly Update – January 5, 2026

By Mayor Charles McNeilly

Welcome to my City of Rockaway Beach Monthly Update with a look back at the month of December 2025.

We had a sighting of a cougar and a bear off S. 6^th St. We share our space with wild animals, so it is always good to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when out and about.

The second round of king tides coincided with an atmospheric river event. As you can likely guess – managing stormwater has been a top priority for our Public Works crew during this event. Public Works Director Mertz reported that since the beginning of December, Rockaway has received 12.5″ of rain – including 4.5″ on December 9th alone. To deal with the onslaught of heavy rainfall, our crew stays busy keeping the creeks flowing and City culverts clear. A large portion of this work requires our crew to use heavy machinery on the beach to dig out the creek outfalls, which become clogged by logs pushed in by the high tides. Due to the timing of the heavy rains married with king tides (and then by the 10’+ wave action due to a 7.5-magnitude earthquake near Japan), this job alone has been a busy one.

The fourth week of December turned out to be even more eventful than the last! A windstorm on Tuesday night caused power outages along the coast from Garibaldi to Astoria, and this time, the outage lasted nearly 24 hours. After the windstorms, the rain returned causing heavy flooding across the county, although Rockaway itself was spared the worst of it.

In the event you need to prepare for flooding, the city always has a stockpile of sandbags at City Hall and sand on the corner of S. Dolphin and S. 3rd that is free for the public.

During the recent power outage, a committed group of volunteers from our Emergency Management team and Fire Department opened the Rockaway Beach City Hall warming center and kept it available for anyone in need. The fire department was able to cook a few pizzas donated by the Dollar General store in Rockaway Beach. According to Councilor Mary McGinnis, over 100 residents took advantage of the warming center on Wednesday.

It’s wonderful that Rockaway Beach can provide a warm space with electricity, Wi-Fi, and hot coffee for residents during extended outages. Please note that the warming center is usually open for outages lasting more than six hours, even if its opening isn’t immediately announced. During emergencies, priorities can change quickly, so posting notices may not always happen right away. However, everyone is welcome to stop by city hall to see if the warming center is open.

A special thank you goes out to our emergency preparedness team, the fire department, and Councilor Mary McGinnis for their work at the warming center.

Fire Chief Hesse wanted to recognize our radio group, as they did activate during the power outage and kept a clear line of communication open between Emergency Management and the citizens. Our information sign on city hall, Facebook and NIXLE alerts worked well during this event. The city will review management of the incident and look for opportunities to improve our service to the community. Fire Captain Grace and Fire Chief Hesse welcome any input on how the event was managed.

CO Starters Boot Camp, a four-week workshop designed to help participants strategize, problem-solve, and learn essential business fundamentals to advance their business ideas. Importantly, this isn’t your average bootcamp — it’s a collaborative learning experience where you’ll work through real-world challenges with the guidance of experienced facilitators and peers. Kindly share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested in starting or growing their business. The classes are free and will be held at Rockaway Beach City Hall. We extend our gratitude to Business Oregon, Foundry Collective, and Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) for sponsoring this series.

I presented at December’s Port of Tillamook Bay (PoTB) board meeting regarding the city’s interest in expanding and improving parking in our downtown core. Much of this initiative will necessarily require approval from the PoTB, so the initial step was to ensure the board is informed of the city’s new priority and to seek its support for these efforts. The PoTB board members appeared to understand the importance of additional parking at Rockaway Beach. City Manager Shepard has a meeting scheduled with the PoTB general manager in January to discuss this further. A shout out to Public Works Director Mertz for preparing the PowerPoint for the presentation.

TCVA will open two grant programs on January 1, 2026, providing funding opportunities for tourism-related businesses and lodging properties across Tillamook County (including Rockaway Beach!). The programs include TCVA’s annual Tourism Marketing Grants and new Accessibility Grants for Hotels and Motels program. Together, the two grant programs will make $200,000 available during the 2025–2026 fiscal year to support sustainable tourism marketing efforts and improve accessibility with local lodging. Full details are available at tillamookcoast.com/grants, please help spread the word to our local businesses.

CITY HALL

We are rapidly nearing the final stages of purchasing the lower half of the Jetty Creek watershed. This is an exciting period, and we anticipate a flurry of activity over the coming months as we work to successfully complete this project. We are blessed to have an exemplary team with the capability to successfully tackle projects of this scale.

I want to make sure you are all aware that there have been several updates to Oregon Government Ethics Law that are set to take effect January 1st. House Bill 2930 expands the definition of conflict of interest to include public officials, their relatives, household members, and any associated businesses. Officials must disclose conflicts when taking actions that could result in private financial gain or loss for these parties. For full details and guidance, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/ogec

Finance Director Johnston reported that the city has already received a total of $478,198 in combined property tax revenue which is 94% of the budgeted amount.

Johnston also reported that Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) announced that Tier One/Two and Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) rates are predicted to decrease beginning in July 2027, and OPSRP Police/Fire is only expected to increase by .03%. The League of Oregon Cities says PERS consultants expect system wide average rates to be stable with no major fluctuations and will release more information in January.

Public Works Director Mary Mertz has been selected to serve on the Coastal Public Access Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC), a state-level group convened by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. The committee’s role is to guide the development of rules that protect and enhance public access to Oregon’s coastline, ensuring that these spaces remain open and sustainable for future generations. This work is critical because it balances environmental stewardship with community needs, shaping policies that impact recreation, tourism, and local economies. Director Mertz’ participation brings a valuable municipal perspective to the table, reinforcing Rockaway Beach’s commitment to responsible coastal management. It’s always great to see our team representing Rockaway Beach’s interests at the state level.

FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Fire Chief Hesse was interviewed recently by KTIL, please follow this link to the watch the interview: https://www.podcasts.com/api/download-episode/214777847

The Rockaway Beach Fire Department will be featured in the next publication of Ruralite Magazine. The article discusses the growth of our department and community in recent years, our investment in modern life-saving equipment, fiscal responsibility, and community connections.

Santa paid his annual visit to the Fire Station. A light parade was held prior to the event and was well attended. Santa was delivered to the Station in the new Ladder Truck. Hot Cocoa, Cookies, Door prizes, pictures with Santa and Ladder Truck rides were enjoyed by kids of all ages. A shout out to Go Rockaway for their assistance with this annual event.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The planning department approved three zoning permits:

An addition to a new restaurant, enhancing our local dining scene and vibrancy of the downtown area.
Creation of an additional dwelling unit (ADU) is increasing housing.
Allow for a recreational vehicle (RV) to sit in the Residential Manufactured Dwelling (RMD) zone. This application required coordination with Tillamook County to ensure all required permits were obtained.

In October, Nedonna Wave LLC appealed the City Council’s decision remanded by the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). Oregon Shores filed to intervene in the case. On December 1, Nedonna Wave submitted the Petition for Review, in which the applicant presents legal arguments for why they believe the local decision should be overturned. Staff continue to consult with legal counsel and are moving forward with submitting a brief as a response to the applicant’s arguments by describing the City’s response to the original LUBA Remand, particularly the aspects concerning the interpretation of the Special Area Wetland zone as a base zone.

Planner Tapia represented the City of Rockaway Beach at the 2025 Fall Coastal Planners Network Meeting. At this meeting, representatives from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL), and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) shared updates pertinent to the coastal region. Planners from across the Oregon Coast met to share challenges and successes in each jurisdiction. Planner Tapia also attended the Oregon Floodplain Managers Group meeting which focused on sharing resources for obtaining accurate flood and hazard data.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission held its last meeting of the year. During this meeting, the Commission granted a variance to reduce the required setback for corner lots and expand the façade of a non-conforming structure. The Planning Commission moved to recommend amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to the definition of multi-unit housing and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan’s economic policy by removing explicit specifications of the organization with which the City must coordinate.

Below is recap of the meetings activities:

Public Hearing: Consideration of #VAR-25-2 Request for a Variance to Setbacks Required to Expand a Non-Conforming Structure at 25985 Beach Drive (2N1020CA 6900) (APPROVED)

Public Hearing: Consideration of #CPA 25-01 Proposed Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan section titled Policies Relating to the Economy (RECOMMENDED APPROVAL)

Public Hearing: Consideration of #ZOA 25-01 Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Section 1.030: Definitions (22) Dwelling, Multi-Unit to Differentiate Multi-Unit Housing from Middle Housing (RECOMMENDED APPROVAL)

If any of the Planning Commission activities listed for December are of interest, you can read the meeting materials and view recordings of all Planning Commission meetings on the City Website.

PUBLIC WORKS

Bacterial samples from the North Pacific Street Improvement Project were taken to the analytical lab for testing – all samples passed – allowing the project to continue to move forward as scheduled.

Having received the final report from the City-wide leak detection study, Public Works has been busy tracking down leaks and making repairs to the system. One of the larger leaks identified in the study is on Easy Street. This section of waterline is old, steel pipe – not an ideal material for our coastal area. Often, when repairing steel lines, additional leaks appear in other sections of the line (which we refer to as the sprinkler effect). To make lasting, long-term repairs, Public Works is creating a plan to replace the entire steel line.

During the heavy rain events, due to the amount of sediment that washes down Jetty Creek, the city does not run the water treatment plant. Running the water treatment plant when turbidity is high is hard on the system (since it must work more to clean the water) and requires more staff hours to keep the filters and other parts clean. To take advantage of this “down time” staff coordinated with a 3D printing company to have a damaged (and obsolete) part to one of our water plant filters recreated. For months, staff have been trying to find a way to replace this damaged part but have been unable to source it since it is obsolete – so we are excited that 3D printing can create it for us.

The Public Works hiring team are holding interviews for their two open positions – a Utility Worker (replacement) and a Plant Operator (additional). Public Works Director Mertz is pleased with the quality and quantity of candidates that applied to join our team. I believe this speaks to the solid reputation our city has for being a great place to work, where our employees often stay for the long haul and get to be a part of our impressive team.

Public Works Director Mertz applied for a Tillamook Coast Visitors Association Tourism Facilities Grant. This application requested $75,000 to support our Lake Lytle restroom project. We anticipate hearing back from the TCVA in approximately four weeks.

Work on the new Lake Lyle restrooms is progressing. The project includes custom-designed trash receptacles. Public Works Director Mertz collaborated with Nan Devlin of TCVA on the designs, and the new receptacles are scheduled for delivery in late December. I think they look great and will be another wonderful addition to town.

CITY COUNCIL

The December City Council Workshop covered the following:

Utility Assistance Program – Marni Johnston, Finance Director and Koren Karlovic, CARE, Inc. The City of Rockaway Beach is considering a partnership with CARE Inc. to launch a Utility Assistance Program aimed at helping limited-income individuals, families, and seniors in crisis pay their water/sewer bills. The City will provide CARE Inc. with an initial $15,000 from the General Fund. A finalized application form and Memo of Understanding (MOU) will be prepared for approval by the city council at a later meeting.

Option Agreement for Jetty Creek Watershed – Mary Mertz, Public Works Director. Public Works Director Mertz reviewed the purpose and main components of an Option Agreement between the City of Rockaway Beach and Nuveen Natural Capital regarding the acquisition of the lower half of the Jetty Creek Watershed. The agreement grants Rockaway Beach the exclusive right, but not obligation, to purchase the property. Nuveen Natural Capital was acknowledged as a valuable partner in this effort.

Review of Sewer and Water Code Updates Related to Billing. City Manager Shepard led a brief discussion on amendments to the city’s water and sewer code related to utility billing. The proposed amendments included removing references to specific staff positions, tasks, and billing dates to align with actual billing practices. These updates are scheduled to coincide with the planned sewer rate adjustment.

Review of Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) Renewals. The OLCC provides the City with a list of upcoming license renewals and gives local governments 60 days to recommend approval or denial. License applicants complete their application with OLCC online. The City Council may consider whether they wish to recommend that OLCC deny or restrict any annual liquor license renewals. Staff did not have any reports of problems relating to current licenses that OLCC can consider refusing or restricting a license. Staff recommended the City Council review the licenses scheduled for renewals and approve them under the Regular Meeting Consent Agenda.

Review of Wayside Use Applications. The City Council reviewed four Wayside Use applications for 2026. Discussion topics included parking capacity, approval criteria, the application process, alternative event locations, and potential economic benefits.

The December City Council regular session meeting included the following:

Public Hearing: Public Hearing on Ordinance 2025-05: An Ordinance Amending Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 53: Water This hearing allowed public input on proposed amendments to the Water Code related to billing dates.

Public Hearing: Public Hearing on Ordinance 2025-06: An Ordinance Amending Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 52: Sewer This hearing allowed public input on proposed amendments to the Sewer Code related to billing dates and outdated references to specific staff members.

Public Hearing: Public Hearing on Resolution 2025-51: A Resolution Adopting New Sewer Rates This hearing allowed public input on changes to sewer rates.

First & Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-05: An Ordinance Amending Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 53: Water (APPROVED)

Consideration to Adopt Ordinance 2025-05: An Ordinance Amending Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 53: Water (APPROVED)

First & Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-06: An Ordinance Amending Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 52: Sewer (APPROVED)

Consideration to Adopt Ordinance 2025-06: An Ordinance Amending Rockaway Beach Code of Ordinances Chapter 52: Sewer (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution 2025-51: A Resolution Adopting New Sewer Rates. (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution 2025-52 Setting Meeting Calendar for 2026 (APPROVED)

Consideration of Resolution 2025-53 Authorizing City Manager to Execute Option Agreement for Jetty Creek Watershed. (APPROVED)

Executive Session. The City Council met in Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body about current litigation or litigation likely to be filed. No Final decision was made.

The City Council held a Special Meeting on Monday, December 22, 2025 which included an Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body about current litigation or litigation likely to be filed. After the Executive Session the regular session was reconvened during which the Council considered Resolution 2025-54 Approving a General Release and Settlement Agreement with Daniel Howlett and Justin McMahan. (APPROVED) The Settlement Agreement states that “Defendant City of Rockaway Beach is designated the prevailing party.”

If any of the Council activities listed for December are of interest, you can read the meeting materials and view recordings of all Council meetings (except Executive Sessions) on the City Council page.

TILLAMOOK COAST VISITORS ASSOCIATION (TCVA)

Read Enjoy a “Winter Chill-Out” in Rockaway Beach in Willamette Week which encourages visitors to embrace the off-season and spend it exploring our quaint and hospitable coastal town.

Nan Devlin with TCVA produced Rockaway Beach Business Reels posted on Visit Rockaway Beach, Go Rockaway and Rockaway Beach Community in Oregon Facebook sites: Joe’s Snacks and Beer; Tie Breaker, Troxel’s, Pronto Pup, Oregon Du-Drops, Green Coast Market, and International Police Museum are completed and posted; more to come!

Rockaway Beach in cooperation with TCVA funds Façade Improvement and Off-Season Marketing grants with transient lodging tax. Sea Breeze finished their façade improvement project; Green Coast Market has a new illuminated sign out front; Troxel’s is finishing their golf course project; Jiu Jitsu 101 and Neahkahnie Coast Arts and Music Cultural Foundation completed off season marketing grants.

KEY DATES IN JANUARY FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The City Council Workshop is on Wednesday, January 14^th at 4:30 pm in the City Hall 2^nd Floor Conference Room followed by the City Council Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm downstairs in the City Hall Council Room.

The Planning Commission is on Thursday, January 15^th at 5:00 pm in the City Hall Council Room.

The Forest Stewardship Plan Advisory Committee meets on Friday, January 16^th at 11:00 am in the City Hall 2^nd Floor Conference 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.

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, at the bottom of the landing page.