Scappoose council cancels Jan. 20 meeting, schedules goal-setting retreat for Feb. 5

The City Council voted Jan. 6 to cancel its scheduled Jan. 20 meeting and to plan a one-day goal-setting retreat on Feb. 5.

Council members discussed whether to move or cancel the Jan. 20 meeting because the agenda was light and a council goal-setting retreat was scheduled soon after. The city manager presented three potential retreat dates—Jan. 25, Feb. 1 or Feb. 8—and council members expressed a preference for Feb. 5 (staff described the day as an in-lieu meeting). One councilor moved to cancel the Jan. 20 meeting; the motion carried by voice vote.

City Manager Ben Bergner said the retreat would be a one-day session intended to focus on council-level vision and priorities, that staff would attend, and that department heads would be asked to coordinate their own operational goals. Councilors discussed start times and possible site visits (for example, a wastewater-plant tour) and asked staff to confirm availability of department heads.

Why it matters: The retreat is a chance for the council to set strategic priorities and review operational projects with staff. Cancelling the Jan. 20 meeting clears space in the calendar ahead of that session.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the retreat date (Feb. 5) and logistics and notify councilors and department heads of the agenda and start time.