Welcome to my City of Rockaway Beach Monthly Update with a look back at the month of March 2025.
Superintendent Emerson reported that the enhanced ADA compliant Wayside Beach access is now open to the public. Just in time for spring break. Nice job!
We saw our first use of the new Rockaway Beach David’s Chair last Saturday! Our first David’s Chair rider grew up in the area and said that being able to go down onto the beach and back up the St. Mary’s sand hill by herself was a thrill. Bill Hassell wrote a nice article about it in the Tillamook County Pioneer (link above). It’s wonderful to see a project like this reach the finish line! Thank you David’s Chair, St. Mary’s Church, and all the volunteers who partnered with the city to make this possible!
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association is hosting Ashley Schahfer, founding owner of Empowering Access, to lead a “Disability Outdoors” Q and A session. The event is scheduled for April 4th, 10 am – 12 noon at Rockaway Beach City Hall.
Along with many other tasks, Recorder Thompson has been busy investigating the capabilities of our new reader board outside of City Hall. In addition to meeting notices, you may see a few new slides in the line-up. These are intended to support our local businesses.
City Hall
On Wednesday we got out first look at the initial rankings for this year’s Community Paths Funding. This is an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) grant program the city applied to for Salmonberry Trail construction funds. Unfortunately, it looks like the only projects to be funded in Region 2 (the ODOT region we fall under) are slated to be awarded to Lane County and the City of Eugene. While this is just a preliminary ranking, it is unlikely to change. Work on planning and design will continue, and we’ll look for the next opportunity to get this wonderful project funded.
Councilor Mary McGinnis and I went to Salem to attend the Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) Board meeting. We were invited to update STIA on Rockaway Beach’s progress with our segment of the trail. Despite the news about our grant application, we can be proud of the progress we’ve made.
I am excited to share that the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) technical team met recently and subsequently published funding recommendations. Our $1.4 million request made it on the list as recommended for funding. The OWEB board will make final awards in April. This is great news and a key piece of the funding puzzle for the acquisition of the watershed.
Fire Department and Emergency Preparation
The Fire Department’s call volume continues to increase. This year to date, the department responded to 102 calls for service. Last year at this time, they didn’t hit that many calls until May. This puts call volumes about a month ahead of schedule and spring break is only just beginning. Medical calls continue to lead the way, and recently falls are on the increase.
Yes, our Fire Department was busy.
- Chief Hesse says that Spring Break is here and has been busy. Beach patrols for education have been performed on nice days and the crews are preparing for another busy weekend.
- Fire Crews responded to a house fire on Minnehaha Street. Units from Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi, Nehalem, Bay City, Adventist Health, Rockaway Beach Patrol and TPUD responded, and Tillamook 911 dispatched the call. Crew controlled the fire quickly, no injuries to civilians or firefighters. We can be proud of our volunteers from Rockaway Beach and surrounding communities for the coordinated, efficient response and the quality of work performed. I am sorry for the homeowner’s loss and hope they can complete repairs soon.
- The Fire Department completed both the classroom and driving portion of the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). The course covers Emergency Driving Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARS) as well as reinforcing safe driving practices. The final exam is a driving cone course to mimic common driving scenarios, such as parallel parking, backing, and turning. It was a fun and informative class.
Fire Chief Hesse reported new progress on our ladder truck build. He says that “The ladder build portion is complete and the pump is installed. The salesman told me that it is now headed to the factory to get the tank and compartments added. I am working on the timetable for the site inspection. It is taking longer to build than expected but getting much closer to delivery and service.”
Chief Hesse learned that the legislature approved funding for the 2025 Oregon State Fire Marshall
Staffing. This is a great program that really enhances our summer emergency response capabilities. This program allows Rockaway Beach to hire two grant-funded firefighters each summer season. Chief Hesse has applied for the grant and is awaiting award notification.
This marks the 5th year anniversary for Chief Hesse here in Rockaway Beach. City Manager Shepard sat through interview after interview as the city searched for our first full-time Fire Chief. After just a few minutes with him, City Manager Shepard knew the city found our new Fire Chief. Chief Hesse says he’s enjoyed the challenge, feels at home here, loves the support of the city employees, council and community, and knows that coming here was the best decision he has ever made. Chief Hesse says that he looks forward to the future and continued growth of our emergency services.
Planning Commission
At the March meeting the Planning Commission (PC) tackled several important matters:
- Cascadia Partners presented the draft code amendments for Middle Housing. The PC discussed the proposed amendments in great detail. The PC generally supported the proposed amendments as written and will hold a public hearing in April before considering making a recommendation to the City Council.
- The PC reviewed the applications for this year’s small community grant. Six applications were received for a total request of $22,773.58. After much discussion, the PC voted to recommend funding approval for all six grants with conditions. The City Council will make the final decision in April.
- The PC reviewed draft code amendments providing an exception to the STR Cap for accessible short-term rentals. After much discussion, the PC’s consensus was to allow time to rework the amendments to include kitchen standards, an accessible STR cap, and other refinements. The PC will revisit an updated draft at an upcoming meeting.
Public Works
Public Works has filled their Utility Worker 1 position vacancy. Superintendent Emerson extended an employment offer to a Rockaway Beach resident with a March start date. Public Works remain on the lookout for a Plant Operator.
Public Works Superintendent Dan Emerson has been working with Neah-Kah-Nie School District to get Streetlights at the entrance to the High School/Middle School. Superintendent Tyler Reed informed us that they were awarded a $5,000 grant for their street light project. The next step for them is to secure an additional $3,000 to complete the installation. Thank you to everyone who submitted letters of support!
Public Works completed internet, phone and telemetry upgrades this week. All legacy communication lines have now been cancelled at a savings of $1,100 per month.
Public Works opened bids for their Wastewater Treatment Plant pump replacement project. The results are under review by our engineers. At first glance, costs might be much lower than initially anticipated.
GSI Water Resources presented the draft Source Water Protection Plan at a Town Hall. Thank you to those who attended. This plan provides a framework for Rockaway Beach to address risks to its primary drinking water source, Jetty Creek, in a manner that meets the criteria for state approval of a Drinking Water Protection plan. The Sourcewater Protection Plan Development Advisory Committee (SPPDAC) will hold one final meeting to review the comments received on the draft plan.
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is slated to award $90,000 for restoration work in the lower Jetty Creek watershed. The Tillamook Estuaries Partnership will lead this habitat restoration project. The landowner, Nuveen Natural Capital, will provide support and supply woody materials at no cost.
City Council
If any of the Council activities listed below are of interest, you can read the meeting materials and view recordings of all Council meetings (except Executive Sessions) on the City Council page.
Workshop Items discussed:
- Tillamook County Visitors Association – Nan Devlin
- Events & Activities to support tourism in shoulder season
- Tourism workforce training + education programs
- Review of Draft Revisions for City Council Rules & Procedures
- Review of Resolution 2025-13 Approving Salmonberry Trail Preferred Alignment In Rockaway Beach
Regular Meeting Items:
- Reschedule Regular July Meeting from July 9th to July 16, 2025 (Approved)
- Consideration of Resolution 2025-12 Approving the Award of a Contract for City Engineering Services (Approved)
- Consideration of Resolution 2025-13 Approving Salmonberry Trail Preferred Alignment in Rockaway Beach (Approved)
- Consideration of Resolution 2025-14 Approving Use Application for the Lions Club Weenie Wagon (Approved)
Rockaway Beach Patrol
Deputy Kevin Grogan reported that two additional patrol officers will be added to the Rockaway Beach Patrol over the next few months. Rockaway Beach will have coverage seven days a week with a day and night shift. Watch the announcement of a community event to welcome the new members of our Rockaway Beach Patrol.
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA)
Applications are now being accepted for two additional grants – Business Facade Grant and Marketing Grant. Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) is administering this program on the city’s behalf and has gone door to door to share handouts with local businesses. Notification emails were sent to all City of Rockaway Business license holders, and all other typical means of advertisement for the program were followed. Additionally, TCVA will reach out to the businesses that applied for grants and didn’t get funded or were partially funded last year. Available funding for the Facade improvement Grant is $200,000 with a maximum request of $30,000. Available funding for the Marketing Grant is $30,000 with a maximum request of $3,000. An important change this year is grants will be funded at 50% once approved with the remainder funded upon completion of the project. Information, eligibility and login link to apply can be found at: https://visitrockawaybeach.org/grants. The deadline for applications for both grants is April 20th.
Check out the latest email blitz from Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TVCA). David’s Chair, Green Coast Market, the Writer’s Rendezvous and other stories are highlighted. Thank you TCVA for the consistent push for Rockaway Beach.
Dan Haag, Director of Trails, Outdoor Recreation and Accessibility (TCVA) reported that Senate Bill 179 unanimously passed the Senate last week. It has now been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. This bill will give cities a permanent fix to recreational immunity and allow Oregon’s beaches to remain open and accessible. Thanks to everyone who shared their support on his bill. I know that Councilor McGinnis and Planning Commissioner Lanyon appeared in person in Salem to share their support on this important legislation.
We saw a 34% increase in number of sessions on visitrockawaybeach.org year over year in March.
Key Dates in April for Community Engagement
- April 2nd – Emergency Preparedness Meeting (City Hall)
- April 9th – City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting (City Hall)
- April 16th – Budget Committee Meeting (City Hall)
- April 17th – Planning Commission Meeting (City Hall)
- April 19th – Pancake Breakfast and Open House (Fire Station)
- April 19th – Easter Egg Hunt (Phyllis Baker Park)
- April 19th – Scavenger Hunt (maps available at Fire Station, Easter Egg Hunt and merchants)
- April 22nd – Sourcewater Protection Plan Development Advisory Committee Meeting (City Hall)
- April 23rd – Budget Committee Meeting (City Hall)
- April 24th – Coffee with Mayor and City Manager (City Hall)
Check the calendar on the city website for additional details.
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.
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.
Mayor Charles McNeilly
