Development News for Ontario, Oregon

City Council Declines to Recommend Ambulance Service Amidst Contract Concerns

During a discussion regarding potential support letters for ambulance services, City Manager Dan Cummings expressed concerns about a private company, Treasure Valley Paramedics, and the county's Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. [cite: 277-318] Cummings noted that the ambulance service is a private contract, not government-subsidized, and that letters of support should be directed to the specific entity, not the county commissioners, to avoid procedural issues. [cite: 281-287] He highlighted ongoing issues with Treasure Valley Paramedics' service over the past three years, including the use of city resources and city union complaints about their personnel having to provide services. [cite: 290-303] Concerns were raised about the lack of a penalty clause in the existing contract and the potential for Treasure Valley Paramedics to rely on public entities. [cite: 307-311] The council ultimately decided not to muddy the waters or provide a recommendation, given that the county commissioners are the decision-makers and other firms are interested in the contract. [cite: 332-334]

City Council to Support Resolution for Expanded High School Trades Training

Riley Hill presented a resolution from the county court supporting additional Career Technical Education (CTE) training at high schools, focusing on plumbing and electrical trades. [cite: 338-456] Hill, representing Mauher County Poverty Prosperity, highlighted the need for local training opportunities, as current regulations often require training in Idaho and have restrictive apprenticeship ratios. [cite: 344-363] The proposed changes aim to allow training for 16-year-olds and adjust ratios (e.g., 1 journey worker to 6 apprentices for electricians, 1 to unlimited for plumbers). [cite: 356-361] The county court's resolution has support from school districts and other cities. [cite: 365-368] The council agreed to work with Mr. Hill to draft a similar letter of support for the city to sign, recognizing the importance of these opportunities for youth. [cite: 438-445]

City Accepts Dedication of Un-Dedicated Street Right-of-Way

The City Council held a public hearing and approved the acceptance of a deed of dedication for a public right-of-way for a section of East Idaho Avenue. [cite: 111-175] This section of the street, located between Southwest 10th Street and North Verde Drive, was discovered to be un-dedicated, with the school district owning the land up to the south side of the road. [cite: 120-130] Surveys in 2011 and 2025 indicated no dedicated right-of-way existed. [cite: 130, 139] The dedication by the HC School District will allow the city to legally maintain the street and underground utilities, relieving liability for the school district. [cite: 133, 143-146] The cost to the city for recording the deed is $107. [cite: 152, 154-155]

City Council Repeals Obsolete Committee Chapters from Municipal Code

The City Council considered and approved on first and second readings, by title only, Ordinance 2846-2026, which repeals specific chapters of the Ontario Municipal Code (OMC) related to defunct committees. [cite: 69-102] The ordinance repeals OMC Title II, Chapter 3 (Golf Committee), Title IV, Chapter 4 (Library Committee), and Title IX, Chapter 9 (Youth Advisory Committee). [cite: 69, 83, 98] The Golf Committee and Library Committee were removed because the city no longer operates a golf course or has direct involvement with the library system. [cite: 75, 77] The Youth Advisory Committee, established in 2002, has been inactive since approximately 2010 due to a lack of participation. [cite: 80-82, 101]