Independence council ratifies two labor contracts and approves liquor-license renewals

The Independence City Council ratified two collective bargaining agreements and recommended approval of annual liquor-license renewals during its January 14 meeting.

Council voted to ratify a bargaining agreement between the City of Independence and General Teamsters Local 324 and authorized the city manager to sign the agreement. The motion was made on the floor and councilors recorded aye votes during roll call; the transcript records the motion and that the motion passed.

The council also ratified the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Independence and the Independence Police Officers Association and authorized the city manager to sign. The motion passed on recorded aye votes by councilors who cast their votes during the meeting.

Independence Police Lieutenant Gilbert presented an overview of liquor-license renewals. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission provides the city a list of establishments seeking annual renewal; the city has the option to comment or make no recommendation. Lieutenant Gilbert noted relatively few OLCC-related incidents in 2024 across all establishments. The council moved to recommend approval of all liquor licenses upon receipt of city fees; the motion was seconded and passed on recorded aye votes.

The three personnel-contract and licensing items were presented as separate action items and each received council approval recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt.