Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Report: Scott Carter, Criminal Sergeant with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), presented the Council with the department’s August 2026 activity statistics. The report summarizes law enforcement services and community safety efforts completed within the city during the month.
- Patrol duties: Deputies completed 40.75 hours of patrol. The increased patrol presence focused on vehicles exceeding posted speed limits and drivers not obeying traffic signs.
- School Resource Officer services: School Resource Officer support hours was not noted.
- Incident response: Personnel responded to and documented sixty incidents during the month, covering a range of calls and situations.
- Area checks: Deputies completed forty proactive area checks to watch local conditions and support community safety.
Councilor McMinn voiced his concerns to Sargent Carter about the speeding vehicles(s) at the Emert Additions. He asked that digital speed sign be placed back on Emert Road. Sergeant Carter will explore placing the sign on Emert Road when it becomes available. Ms. Peterson reminded the Council that it had approved the installation of speed bumps in Emert Addition for this exact issue.
Approval of August 11, 2026, Minutes. The council approved the minutes as written.
Public Comment(s):
- Gayle Eynetich, an Ione resident, addressed the Council with concerns about the RV trailer at the Vendors’ Park. She said that, after reviewing the meeting minutes, she could not find a record of the Council voting on the matter. Council Chair Bailey-Cave explained that the Council had discussed and agreed to allow RVs to the park and that a formal vote was not needed. Councilors McMinn and Carson confirmed that the discussion and decision had occurred.
- Shirley Dozier, an Ione resident, requested a list of candidates for the November 3, 2026, City Council election. Ms. Peterson asked her to visit City Hall, where the list would be provided.
- Taranna Patton, an Ione resident, submitted a letter at the August 11, 2026, meeting requesting that monthly Council meetings be moved to the American Legion Hall. She explained that the new location would improve visibility by allowing guests to face the Council, creating a more welcoming environment. Ms. Patton thanked the Council and expressed her gratitude for considering and implementing her suggestion by scheduling the remaining 2026 meetings at the Hall.
New Business
Resignation of Councilor Patton. Mayor Shoemake announced Councilor Mark Patton’s resignation from the Council. The Mayor and Council thanked former Councilor Patton for the expertise, knowledge, and service he provided to the Council and the residents of Ione during his tenure. Councilor and former Mayor Skow praised Mr. Patton’s dedication and contributions, particularly to the Wastewater Project, and stated that the project would not have succeeded without him.
Old Business
Sewer System Update (Bill Ledbetter, Engineer, Anderson Perry & Associates). Mr. Ledbetter provided the Council with the last update on the wastewater project and contractor activity.
Construction Update
- All construction elements are complete.
- A Substantial Completion walkthrough was held on July 27, 2026. The project was found to be substantially complete, and a Substantial Completion Punch List was provided to the Contractor.
- A final walkthrough was completed on September 3, 2026. The Contractor was found to have completed all remaining work, including work listed on the
- Substantial Completion Punch List.
Application for Payment (AFP)
- AFP No. 23 (Final) is currently being drafted by the Contractor and the Engineer.
Engineer – City Budget Check-In
- For the Council’s knowledge, the following are the current remaining project budgets, based on the current Agreement between the Owner and the Engineer, which includes:
Amendment No. 8:
- Construction Engineering: $5,000
- Resident Project Representative: $12,000
- Record Drawings: $8,900
General
- Notice of Acceptability of Work – Attached for the Council’s review and consideration.
- The Engineer will finish the Record Drawings and the Operation and Maintenance Manual and provide these to the Owner for its files.
New Business (Continued from Above)
Amendment of the 2023-02 Nuisance Ordinance. The council voted on adding following new sections to the current Nuisance Ordinance:
- Unlawful Urination and Defecation
No person may urinate or defecate in public view, except when using a toilet in a public restroom or another facility specifically designed for that purpose.
- Unlawful Use of Compression Brakes in Ione City Limits
General Prohibition. No person may use compression brakes, engine brakes, or any other engine-, transmission-, or exhaust-mounted mechanical device designed to slow a motor vehicle within the city limits of Ione.
Emergency Vehicle Exception. This prohibition does not apply to government-authorized fire or emergency vehicles while responding to emergencies.
Signage. Public Works staff may post appropriate signs advising the public about this ordinance.
Amendment to the 2023-01 Wastewater System Regulations Ordinance. At its July 2026 meeting, the Council requested an amendment to the 2023-01 Wastewater System Regulations Ordinance addressing grease interceptors in Food Service Establishments (FSEs). The amendment is intended to align local requirements with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requirements and the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, which require FSEs to install these devices. The amendment is intended to:
- Prevent sewer blockage and sewage releases caused by fats, oils, and grease accumulating in the city’s sewer system.
- Reduce the city’s cost for operating, maintaining, and cleaning the wastewater system.
- Encourage proper handling, storage, and disposal of fats, oils, and grease.
- Prevent FSE from being fined by the DEQ.
- Prevent the city wastewater system from exceeding upper limits of normal on the monthly testing of fats, grease, and oil.
Community Service Policy. The Council reviewed the newly developed Community Service Policy, which establishes the requirements for participation in Ione’s Community Service Program. Copies of the policy are available at City Hall.
Fee Schedule. The Council reviewed and approved the City’s revised Fee Schedule. A copy of the fee schedule is available at City Hall.
Council Position Vacancy Notice and Application Deadline. The Council will appoint a new councilor at its October 2026 meeting. Applications for the vacant position must be submitted by 3:30 p.m. on October 1, 2026. The vacancy will be posted on the website.
Demolition of the Old Pump House. Shad Hass, Public Works Director, requested the Council’s authorization to demolish the old pump house before it becomes a public safety hazard. The associated well has been decommissioned. The Council approved Mr. Hass’s request,
Mayor’s Comments. Mayor Shoemake addressed attendees regarding recent rumors about the nature of his discharge from the U.S. Navy. He stated that he had served honorably and expressed disappointment that the rumors had circulated. He characterized the claims as slanderous and disrespectful to both him and all service members who have served the country.
Council Comments.
- Council Chair Bailey Cave requested that Zoning Ordinance No. 158 be amended to specify age requirements for manufactured homes newly placed within city limits. She asked that the proposed amendment be presented at the October Council meeting.
- Councilor McMinn asked about water the City is selling and raised residents’ concerns about the issue. He was advised that the State of Oregon measures the well’s static water level annually and that groundwater remains consistently fifteen feet below the ground surface. The city is currently selling less water than in previous years. Mr. Hass offered to measure the well level at predetermined intervals.
Public Works Report. Mr. Hass reported that both reservoirs underwent their scheduled five-year tank cleaning. The smaller reservoir required minimal cleaning, while the larger reservoir required more extensive cleaning but remained in extremely good condition.
Meeting Adjourned.
Agenda 
Minutes