7/8/2026 City Council Meeting

The City Council of Albany, Oregon, held a meeting on July 8, 2026, primarily focused on legislative public hearings regarding amendments to the Albany Development Code to comply with new state laws, including House Bill 2138 and Senate Bill 974. The council discussed procedural updates for residential development infrastructure reviews, with staff recommending approval of related ordinances. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the discussion of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, including the legal and privacy implications of banning ALPRs on private property. The city attorney outlined potential legal challenges such as equal protection, First and Fifth Amendment issues, and the financial risks of litigation. Council members expressed interest in exploring signage requirements for businesses using ALPRs and potential advocacy for state-level legislative changes. Additionally, the council approved a resolution to accept $1.64 million in grant funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation for preliminary engineering on the Third Avenue Calapooia River Bridge, with a local match of $168,000 from the street capital and restoration fund. The hearing on development code amendments was continued to August 26, 2026, to allow further review and public input.