A last-minute call to extend discussion failed to derail the city’s plans to update rules for cutting trees and vegetation in the dunes. Ordinance 910 will change the zone code to allow more removal of vegetation than the current beaches and dunes overlay code does.

Last month, planning commissioners unanimously recommend passage of the dune vegetation amendment.

The beach overlay district was established to regulate activity in dunes and beach areas in order to protect the landscape. The northern boundary is Fairway Avenue in the Highlands and the southern boundary is the south end of South Ocean Avenue.

Demand from homeowners and contractors for code changes have steady grown over the last two decades with an influx of invasive species posing risks to the environment and vegetation blocking views.

A January 2017 forum organized by Gearhart resident Margaret Marino brought experts to the table and was followed up by formation of the city’s dune management committee.

Their recommendations were presented to the Planning Commission, which forwarded it to the City Council for a vote Wednesday, May 2.

Changes to the city’s beach overlay district will be more permissive in allowing people to cut weeds, invasive plants and trim trees in the beaches and dunes overlay district.

The new code expands rules to allow emergency and non-emergency vehicles both on public land for water system access and private land “as reasonably necessary” for construction or maintenance.

The code lays out details for pruning, trimming and removal of vegetation. Provisions establish a fire buffer safety zone and designate guidelines for trimming of shore pines and spruce.

Councilor Dan Jesse and Mayor Matt Brown voted for the amendments. Councilor Kerry Smith voted against, seeking further council discussion. Councilor Paulina Cockrum was absent.

If passed in a second reading at the June council meeting, provisions would go into effect 30 days later.

For now, homeowners can cut Scotch broom, but no pines, grasses or other types of vegetation, City Administrator Chad Sweet said after the meeting.

Reita Fackerell was chosen from among three applicants for a vacant City Council position Wednesday.

Former councilor Sue Lorain, first elected in 2012 and reelected in 2016, left the council in April after relocating to the Portland area. Her term does not expire until December 2020. Fackerell will finish out Lorain’s term.

Brown introduced Fackerell as chairman of the city’s budget committee two years running, with grant-writing experience and membership on a variety of regional boards, including the South County Food Bank and Seaside Chamber of Commerce.

Fackerell, former director of the Seaside Public Library, was named 2017 volunteer of the year by the Seaside Chamber of Commerce.

“I think she would be a wonderful asset to the City Council and the community as well,” Brown said in announcing her appointment.

Fackerell will attend her first meeting as councilor in June.

“I appreciate everyone who was interested in the position,” Brown said. “It really means a lot to us in the city that people want to get involved.”