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# Council wants pellet mill's promises in writing
- URL: https://www.calapooyabeacon.net/council-wants-pellet-mills-promises-in-writing/
- Published: 2026-09-01T07:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-24T18:44:04.000Z
- Description: The Council told staff to get the pellet mill's promises to stop discharging and repay the City in writing, and rezoned a Northeast Pine property for homes.
- Author: Wayne S. Harger
- Tags: Municipal Politics & Governance, City Council

*Oakland City Council, regular session, September 1, 2026*

Listen to the full meeting

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The Oakland City Council directed staff to obtain written commitments from Swanson Group after staff reported that the company admitted discharging industrial wastewater into the city's sanitary sewer and agreed to stop and to reimburse eligible City costs. Council members also asked for more testing information and further review with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Douglas County, and scheduled further discussion for September 8.

**Other decisions**

- Approved Ordinance 595, rezoning 105 Northeast Pine for low-density residential use.
- Approved Resolution 2026-11, accepting $8,944 in Business Oregon matching funds.
- Appointed Dan Bartram to the Historic Commission.
- Agreed that any Public Works volunteer given access to city water facilities must pass a background check and a Council interview.

**Police and public safety**

Police reported 86 activities in August, including eight cases and two arrests. The Council raised concerns about speeding, electric bikes, and water trucks rolling through the stop sign at Second and Pine. Police plan more patrols and targeted stops there, and will contact the trucking company involved.

**City finances and public works**

The City reported about $230,000 in checking, $817,000 in its money market account, and $1.2 million in the state investment pool. Three localized boil-water notices issued recently have all been lifted. The Council plans an on-site review of leaning oak trees and damaged fencing at Stearns Park.

**Still open**

How the City will handle the mill's alternate disposal method, DEQ requirements, testing costs, and any damage to the treatment plant; which Stearns Park trees can be saved; and how to build a City website that meets new federal accessibility requirements without breaking the budget.

*The Beacon's publisher co-signed a citizens' memorandum to the Council on a proposed pellet mill settlement.*

*Compiled from the meeting's audio recording using AI transcription and reviewed by the editor.*