By mandate of the State of Oregon, all City and County ordinances regulating camping must be compliant with Oregon HB 3115 by June 30, 2023.

In response to this state mandate, the Molalla City Council went to great lengths to ensure adoption of a camping ordinance that:

1. Complies with the mandates of Oregon HB 3115; and
2. Discourages camping in areas where such activities fundamentally undermine the public's ability to use that public property for its intended purpose or creates unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.

On June 14, 2023 the Molalla City Council Adopted:

• Ordinance #2023-04: Regulating and Prohibiting Camping on Public Property; and
• Resolution #2023-11 which lists the allowable camping area(s) for homeless persons in Molalla.

*Important Notes:

1. HB3511, Ordinance 2023-04, and Resolution 2023-11 are all hyperlinked in the body above. You can also review them on the "Did You Know?" page of the Molalla Current under "Newsletters, Department Reports, and Other" Tool in a folder labeled "Public Camping Issues".
2. We recommend you also review the fact sheet in the "Public Camping Issues" folder to learn about the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals case of Martin v. Boise that was the precursor to the homelessness related legislative mandates being imposed on local governments today.

¿Sabías que...?

El Concejo de Molalla Adopto una Ordenanza para Acampar en Público

Por mandato del estado de Oregon, todas las ordenanzas de la ciudad y el condado que regulan los campamentos deben cumplir con Oregon HB 3115 antes del 30 de junio de 2023.

En respuesta a este mandato estatal, el Ayuntamiento de Molalla hizo todo lo posible para garantizar la adopción de una ordenanza de acampada que:

• Cumple con los mandatos de Oregon HB 3115; y
• Desaconseja acampar en zonas en las que actividades menoscaben fundamentalmente la capacidad del público de utilizar esa propiedad pública para los fines previstos o creen condiciones de vida inseguras e insalubres.

El 14 de junio de 2023 el Ayuntamiento de Molalla Aprobó:

• Ordenanza n.º 2023-04: Reglamentación y prohibición de acampar en propiedades públicas; y
• Resolución #2023-11 que enumera las áreas permitidas para acampar para personas sin hogar en Molalla.

*Notas importantes:

• HB3511, la Ordenanza 2023-04 y la Resolución 2023-11 tienen hipervínculos anterior. También puede revisarlos en "¿Sabía usted?" página de Molalla Current en "Boletines, informes departamentales y otros" en una carpeta denominada "Asuntos de campamentos públicos".
• Le recomendamos que también revise la hoja informativa en la carpeta "Asuntos de campamentos públicos" para obtener información sobre el caso del Tribunal de Apelaciones del Noveno Circuito de Martin v. Boise, que fue el precursor de los mandatos legislativos relacionados con la falta de vivienda que se imponen a los gobiernos locales en la actualidad.

City of Molalla - Answering Questions on Homeless/Houseless/Opioid issues affecting Molalla

This one-page fact guide hopefully will help guide conversations and develop solutions as best we can to solve very difficult problems. Please be mindful that this is only a summary, and consider reading the specific Bill, Legislation, Case Law, or Measure for further information.

Martin vs. Boise – Martin vs. Boise is a U.S. Court of appeals for the Ninth Circuit in response to a 2009 lawsuit by six homeless plaintiffs against the City of Boise Idaho regarding the city’s no camping ordinance. In summary, the 2018 ruling held that cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances if they do not have enough homeless shelter beds available for their homeless population. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the case leaving this precedent intact for the Ninth Circuit (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington). The Ninth Circuit Court is based out of San Francisco, California.

Oregon House Bill (HB) 3115 – In response to the Martin vs. Boise decision, the Oregon State Legislature approved HB 3115 in March of 2021. This Bill requires that by July 1, 2023, local laws regulating the acts of sitting, lying, sleeping, or keeping warm and dry in outdoor public places be objectively reasonable as to time, place, and manner with regards to persons experiencing homelessness. The Bill also creates an affirmative defense that a law is not objectively reasonable for persons charged with violating local law. Allows persons experiencing homelessness to file suit for relief to challenge the objective reasonableness of local laws. The City of Molalla is required by State Law to adopt a camping ordinance that complies with this law by July 1, 2023. Chief Sponsor of this Bill was Oregon’s current Governor, Tina Kotek. Click on this paragraph to read the bill text.

Current Molalla Public Camping Ordinance - Please click on this paragraph to view the City's current camping ordinance (MMC9.16.020) that has been rendered unlawful by Federal and State Law.

Draft Molalla Public Camping Ordinance - This is a working copy and will not be finalized until the June 28, 2023 Council Meeting. Click on this paragraph to view the Draft Ordinance.

Oregon Measure 110 – Measure 110 (Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act) was approved by Oregon voters in 2020 and went into effect in February 2021. There have been many precursors to this Measure but hidden behind the title, this Measure decriminalized misdemeanor possession charges for marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and more. It also decreased some felony drug charges to misdemeanors. However, the Measure did not reduce the intent to sell or distribute offenses. There is much more to this Measure that a person would need to read to understand all aspects, and we were supposed to see, as the title suggests, a focus on treatment and recovery. However, only a few areas have experienced these services throughout the State.

Molalla must operate within this difficult legal framework above. However, there are many instances where an individual will and should be arrested for drug related issues. We need the community to contact the Molalla Police Department if any action is witnessed. Posting on Facebook or other social media site will not send the needed message. To report an incident please call 503-655-8211. Please also have a dialogue with our Police Department.

Molalla Hope Warming Center/Extreme Weather Center – This shelter is not operated by the City of Molalla. The property is owned by the City of Molalla and Molalla Hope, Inc. is operating the Center through a Commercial Lease Agreement authorized by the Molalla City Council and partially funded through Clackamas County. Based on the two previous legislative and legal actions there may be a benefit to having the Center operate in Molalla. However, there are also opinions that the existence of the Center is exasperating the situation. The City is working to find the best resolution for the community while working within the framework of the law.

What Can I do to help solve these problems? – Read up on the laws and rules Molalla must operate within and bring your ideas to the conversation. You can also support Oregon (House Bill) HB 2973 which would repeal Measure 110 if it passes, and recriminalize possession/use of illicit drugs. This will allow law enforcement to take the measures necessary to eliminate drug activity which is a major contributor to the recent increase of homelessness issues in Oregon.

How do I support (House Bill) HB 2973? – Follow the Bill, provide public testimony to each committee that reviews it, provide public testimony to our State Representative, Rick Lewis.

The following page contains QR Codes that link to each support task mentioned. If your computer or phone cannot read QR codes, a google search of the terms next to the QR code will get you to the right place(s).

How do I Support HB 2973

Sign up to follow bills in the Oregon House of Representatives

HB 2973 is currently in the House Behavioral Health and Healthcare Committee as of 3/31/23.

Look Under the "Staff" heading for the link to submit public testimony.

Submit Comments to Representative Lewis

I am asking the community for your help. I often hear that people in our community are hesitant to report suspicious people or circumstances in their neighborhood. Sometimes information is posted on social media sites such as Facebook and the community feels the police aren’t doing anything about what is posted on social media. If you see something happening that seems out of place, makes you feel unsafe, or is criminal behavior, I am asking you to call 911 or the non-emergency police dispatch at 503-655-8211.

~Chris Long

Chief of Police

When should you call 911 or non-emergency dispatch?

911 is for events that are an immediate danger or threat to life or safety, or a suspicious event that is in progress.

Non-emergency means there is no active or immediate danger or after a significant time delay.

Why people Don’t Call:

They don’t want to waste the police’s time or resources.

Calling dispatch helps establish patterns, track statistics, focus patrols, and makes better use of our police resources.

Drugs are legal, so what’s the point?

Violations can be issued.

Delivery and Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance is a crime and enforcement actions can be taken.

Violations and arrests create statistics which are needed to affect legislative changes in the law.

What if I see something that is out of the ordinary or makes me feel unsafe?

Call 911 if it is happening now or just happened.

This includes suspicious people, vehicles, or circumstances, or other obvious criminal behavior.

You can still call even if the suspect has left the area.

Why should I call 911 or non-emergency dispatch?

Police do not monitor social media.

Calling dispatch helps the police department establish focused patrols and gather statistical information.

Statistical information helps prioritize patrol response areas and make better use of police resources.

What happens when you call 911 or non-emergency dispatch?

Dispatchers will ask you a series of questions such as:

What is happening?

Why is it suspicious?

When did it happen?

Describe the vehicle, persons, event.

This information determines the priority or response, and how many officers are needed.

Calling dispatch creates a log or history of events and supports statistical data

Will someone call me back?

Officers will call you after the event and give you what information they can – some information may not be given because of a pending criminal investigation or other factors. Sometimes officers must respond to others calls before they are able to call you back.

Can I be anonymous?

You don’t have to leave your information, however, not having your information means an officer can’t call you back. Witness statements can be essential in court.

I took pictures of the person or event – does this help?

Photos or videos can be very helpful to the investigating officer, a picture tells a thousand words! However, never put yourself in danger for a photo or video!

Did you know it’s Election Year?!?!?!

If you are considering running for City Council in the November General Election, please continue reading.

Candidate applications AND petition signatures are due to City Hall on Friday, August 19, 2022, by 12:00pm. The Elections Officer must verify signatures with the Clackamas County Elections Office and respond to Candidates by Thursday, August 25^th. Candidates have until Thursday, September 1, 2022, to submit their entry in the Clackamas County Voters Pamphlet. The cost for entry is $50.00, payable to Clackamas County.

You can call the Elections Officer (City Recorder) at 503-759-0285 or email cityrecorder@cityofmolalla.com for more information. Here is the link for Candidate Information: https://www.cityofmolalla.com/cityrecorder/page/elections-2022

Saturday, August 27, 2022 - 10:00am-6:00pm

Celebrate Molalla 2022 will fill the street for the fifth year. The event will stretch south from 3rd Street to the Molalla Museum Complex where you can also take in the Molalla Heritage Apple Festival. The combined events will host over 150 vendors.

There will be FREE Kids Crafts & Activities, Artists, Artisans, Antiques, Locally Handcrafted Products, and More! Enjoy the expanded Food Court, Music, Beer, Cider & Wine.

SPONSORS & VENDORS - Sign up forms and information are available on the City of Molalla website... click anywhere on this announcement or copy and past eh following URL in your browser https://www.cityofmolalla.com/administration/page/celebrate-molalla-2022

For questions, email the Event Team at CelebrateMolalla@cityofmolalla.com or send a message on the Celebrate Molalla Facebook page.

The Molalla Police Department has received questions from local businesses which are generally open to the public regarding 1) what constitutes a trespass, 2) how to report a trespass, and 3) how to exclude or trespass a person from their place of business/property in the future.

1. A person commits the crime of criminal trespass in the second degree if the person enters or remains unlawfully in a motor vehicle or in or upon premises. A person with lawful authority over the property (owner, manager, legally authorized person) must order the unwanted person to leave or serve the person with a “Notice of Trespass”, then the unwanted person must refuse to leave or return to the property to constitute a trespass.
2. If the unwanted person has been ordered to leave and has refused or was previously excluded from the property and has returned, please call the Clackamas County non-emergency dispatch at 503-655-8211. Please be prepared to provide the address of the location, describe the lawful authority over the property, and provide the name of the individual, if known.
3. A “Notice of Trespass” form available at the police department to serve an unwanted person when the person is no longer welcome on the property. Please note: The Molalla Police Department “Notice of Trespass” form is only applicable in circumstances where residency is not a factor.

See Newsletters, Department Reports, & Other for a printable copy of this form

DID YOU KNOW…..

CITY BUDGET

WHO ARE WE BUDGETING FOR?

The citizens of Molalla to include all residents and business owners inside the city limits.

WHEN DO WE BUDGET?

We start the process in January and complete it by June 30 for the next fiscal year of July 1 through June 30.

WHAT IS A BUDGET?

It is a financial plan containing estimates of resources and expenditures for a single fiscal year based on the best information you that at that time.

BUDGET RULES AND PURPOSE

Local Budget Law establishes standard procedures that controls expenditures of public funds and encourages citizen involvement.

Oregon Department of Revenue has rulemaking authority to implement local budget law to direct budget development that ensures consistency across local governments. Citizen involvement is encouraged.

PHASES OF A BUDGET

Budget Officer proposes the budget

Budget Committee approves the Budget

City Council adopts the budget

Changes after Adopted Budget-Supplemental

WHAT IS A FUND?

A fund is defined as a fiscal and accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts segregated by purpose based on regulations, restrictions, or limitations.

…GENERAL FUND is the chief operating fund that accounts for all financial resources except those required to be accounted for in a dedicated fund.

…SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS like Library or Street Funds account for money that is earmarked for a specific purpose such as gas tax or special district funds and can not be used for any other purpose.

…DEBT SERVICE FUNDS record repayment of bonds or loans. This money is dedicated and can not be used for any other purpose.

…ENTERPRISE FUNDS are Sewer, Water, and Stormwater and they levy user charges for each services. This money can only be spent on the operating and maintaining a self-supporting facility or service.

…CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS records money used to build or acquire capital facilities.

For Questions contact Dan Huff, City Manager-Budget Officer at dhuff@cityofmolalla.com or Chaunee Seifried, Finance Director at cseifried@cityofmolalla.com.

If you would like to attend 2022 Budget Committee meeting dates are:

May 18, 2022 @ 6:30pm – Budget Committee Meeting (Molalla Civic Center Council Chambers, 315 Kennel Ave)

May 19, 2022 @ 6:30pm – Second Budget Committee Meeting If Needed (Molalla Civic Center Council Chambers, 315 Kennel Ave)

This morning, April 26, 2022, Molalla Fire District recognized members of the Molalla Police Department for their heroic actions during a serious incident that occurred in March of this year. These members went above and beyond their assigned duties to perform a rescue of a juvenile. We pride ourselves on the working relationship we have with our law enforcement brothers and sisters. Thank you for your commitment to service and safety.

We need your input!

Please take 10-15 minutes to complete the survey today: https://bit.ly/3LPOPp0

As a thank you for completing the survey, you will be entered in a drawing to win one of two $25 gift cards!

Clackamas County is updating the commuinty Wildfire Protection Plan which helps county officials and residents understand how to protect homes, businesses, infrastructure, and most importantly, people in the event of a large wildfire.

The information you provide will help the county develop strategies to reduce the risks posed by wildfire, improve coordination between fire protection agencies, and inform response activities.

Clackamas County 2018 Community Wildfire Protection Plan - www.clackamas.us/dm/ccwpp.html