Public Meetings - Forest Grove, Oregon

The Forest Grove City Council met at 7:05 p.m. on October 26, 2026. No written agenda or minutes were available, so this summary is based solely on the transcript. All council members were present except Councilor Gustavson. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgment, the Pledge of Allegiance, a Civics Academy graduation procession, and public comment before moving through the consent calendar, presentations, and council communications. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 6-0 by voice vote on a motion by Councilor Martinez, seconded by Council President Valenzuela. No items were removed. Public Comments & Testimony - Dale Feek asked for and received three minutes. He raised two topics: (1) concerns about the data center resolution/action and the air quality permit process, saying he had not received conclusive answers from Oregon DEQ or city staff, and (2) an election-season appeal focused on protecting education, immigration, and democratic norms, saying "everything we love is on the line" for the November 3rd election. - McCain LeVarant, a Forest Grove High School senior and Girl Scout Ambassador, presented "Project Shining Star" to reduce senior isolation. She asked the city to designate a week or month in November or December as a citywide "Visit a Senior" initiative and to consider a banner on Pacific Avenue. Her motto was "presence is the real present." - Dr. Ronald Wiseman/Wismer spoke on behalf of David Hill Road landowners in the West Side planning area. He said properties were annexed in 2007, the city adopted the West Side Refinement Plan in 2017 identifying room for approximately 1,256 additional homes across roughly 592 acres, and nearly 20 years later there is still no workable path for sewer service, David Hill Road improvements, or infrastructure funding. He cited David Weekly Homes' effort on more than 90 acres for about 235 homes and asked the city to identify staff, schedule, and funding commitments, respond in writing, and provide monthly progress updates. He emphasized landowners want to work locally rather than go to the state level. - Carol Allery thanked city staff for quickly clearing squatters near Karen's Corners, saying the area is much safer. She also shared a Bible passage from Proverbs 6:19 about a person who stirs up conflict in the community and prayed for peace in the city. - No other public comments were offered in person or on Zoom. Presentations & Reports Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) Update - Marnie Kyle, an assistant county administrator, presented on WCCLS. She reported that nearly 351,000 residents hold library cards, users had about three-quarters of a million Wi-Fi sessions, more than 3.7 million digital checkouts through Libby, and more than 2.4 million in-person visits. WCCLS includes nine cities and three nonprofit partners operating 16 library locations serving about 600,000 residents. - The most recent library levy passed with 59% voter support in November 2025. The levy rate is 37 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, an increase of 15 cents from the previous rate of 22 cents. Forest Grove received $1,231,813 from WCCLS in fiscal year 2026-27, a 24% increase over the prior year. - WCCLS is developing a shared collection management model. City Manager Jesse Vander Zanden serves on the WCCLS executive board, and Library Director Colleen Winters serves on the library leadership group. - Council President Valenzuela asked whether levy funds are used exclusively for libraries and expressed concern that centralized collections could reduce local control. The county representative confirmed 100% of levy funds go to libraries and that WCCLS funds can still be used for locally purchased materials. - Mayor Winsel said she had lost trust in the process and finances, particularly because the new agreement has no floor or guarantee of county general fund support. She said voters who passed the levy expected it to add to services, not replace existing support, and she asked how WCCLS would rebuild trust. She also raised concerns about unincorporated Washington County residents using city libraries and the strain on city budgets. - Councilor Marty (as transcribed) asked about levy surplus, county general fund commitments, and the perception that county commissioners could redistribute funds. He said the uncertainty makes it harder for the city to ask voters for its own levies and cited other county departments, such as health and human services and housing, as examples of collaboration that incorporates feedback. The county representative responded that levy funds do not go into the general fund, there is a 3% fund balance policy, and all partner libraries received funding increases. Watershed Annual Report - Barry Sims of Trout Mountain Forestry and Public Works Director Greg Robertson presented the annual watershed report. The watershed is about 4,200 acres, roughly five miles northwest of the city, and supplies about half of Forest Grove's water. About one-third of the watershed is reserved from timber management to protect water quality and steep slopes. - In 2026, thinning and small patch cuts produced 1.86 million board feet of harvest volume and a net return to the city of about $900,000. Staff recommend a smaller harvest of about 1.5 million board feet next year. A new timber inventory is planned, and the city will undergo its next Forest Stewardship Council audit next year. - Councilor Falkner asked about long-term risks such as wildfire, disease, pests, and species diversity. Mr. Sims said the city is planting western red cedar, relying on drought-tolerant Douglas fir, avoiding steep erodible slopes, and responding quickly to issues such as lightning strikes and bark beetles. He said the only power line in the watershed is a PGE distribution line along Soda Springs Road, and undergrounding has not been discussed. - Councilor Schimmel asked about state forestry policy; Mr. Sims said the city's stream buffers already exceed the recent Private Forest Accord requirements and he was not aware of pending state changes that would harm city watershed management. MECOP Internship Presentation - Ava Greck, a MECOP engineering intern, presented the projects she worked on over about five months with the city. She worked with engineering inspector Leo Cortez, Public Works staff, and contractors including Goodfellow Bros., Fortis Construction, and Clean Water Services. - Her work included weekly erosion control inspections, ADA curb ramp inspections, subdivision projects Davis Estates and Bailey Meadows (each with over 200 new lots), Mills Lane with Habitat for Humanity (12 lots), and the Heather Street Extension. The Heather Street project created a new collector street from Mountain View Lane to Highway 47, with the Crane Data Center and Clean Water Services funding road frontage improvements. Sidewalks and two crosswalks were included at the new intersection. - She earned an ADA curb ramp inspector certification and learned AutoCAD, Blue Beam, Procore, and other software. - Councilor Falkner asked about pedestrian facilities on Heather Street, and Ms. Greck confirmed sidewalks and crosswalks are part of the project. A council member suggested checking an ADA ramp at the northeast slip lane at Quince and Tualatin Valley Highway for water pooling. Public Works Annual Report - Greg Robertson described projects by other agencies and city projects. ODOT's U Street signalization project is fully funded, with construction planned for 2028. The Rose Grove Crossing project is nearly complete. The Highway 47/Maple/Fern Hill intersection project is in Washington County's hands and is now planned for construction in 2028 after railroad agreements are finalized. The Council Creek Regional Trail is at about 90% design and is scheduled for completion around 2029. - City accomplishments included about 1.2 miles of overlay work, 47 curb ramps (about 600 total since the program began), completion of the Public Works administration building remodel on time and under budget, finishing an emergency intertie project, and replacing a 75-year-old raw water booster pump at the water treatment plant. - Upcoming priorities include a two-way traffic planning study for the Pacific Avenue/19th Avenue couplet between B Street and Hawthorne, completion of the Mountain View Safe Routes to School project in 2027, resumption of stormwater and sewer master plan updates, and continued support for county trail and Highway 47 projects. - Councilor Falkner asked about speed and safety at the Highway 47/Maple/Fern Hill intersection. Mr. Robertson said ODOT is proposing a lower speed limit beginning near Elm Street through Quince, and he would follow up on a possible roundabout at B Street and safety improvements at the B Street yield intersection. He also said the city has a GIS inventory of non-compliant curb ramps and expects the full sidewalk-gap inventory to be completed in about two years. - The mayor expressed frustration about repeated delays on the Fern Hill/Maple/47 project. Mr. Robertson explained that a roundabout was explored but not allowed by the railroad, so the project became a conventional signal. The mayor also asked about high-impact, low-cost speed reductions before construction. Federal Affairs Update: ICE Incident - Police Chief Marzelli provided an update on the October 7th incident in which an ICE agent entered the police station. He said a public records request for video footage is being processed; the city plans to release the video to the requester and post it on the city's YouTube channel. He estimated the video could be ready by the end of the week. - The chief met with community organizations on October 22 to discuss rebuilding trust. Groups included Adelante, community action agencies, the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Portland Community College, Centro Cultural, and others. An external third-party review is being coordinated, and training materials will be updated after the review. - Forest Grove participates in the governor's office coordination call on ICE activity. City staff also reminded department directors of policies for interactions with federal immigration officers. - Councilor Martinez said she has trust in Chief Marzelli and Assistant City Manager Zelle and thanked officers for their work. Councilor Schimmel asked about state coordination regarding Oregon State Police parking lots and broader scenarios if ICE agents were turned away from one public location and went to another. The chief said those questions are part of ongoing discussion. - Chief Marzelli affirmed that officers are committed to serving and protecting everyone in Forest Grove regardless of immigration status. Data Center Moratorium: Next Steps - Dan Reardon, senior planner, presented the schedule for development code amendments during the data center moratorium. The council adopted the moratorium resolution on October 12, 2026, which started a 120-day period ending February 9, 2027. - Proposed schedule: a joint council-planning commission work session on November 9; a council work session on November 23 to review draft amendments; public notice around November 30; a planning commission hearing on January 4, 2027; council first reading on January 25; second reading on February 8; and code amendments effective about March 10 unless an emergency clause is used. - Amendment topics may include application review process, location restrictions and setbacks, building design and screening standards, electrical availability requirements, water-cooling standards, noise standards for continuous low hum, heat island mitigation/heat recapture, and natural resource protections. - The mayor asked about the gap between moratorium expiration and the effective date. Mr. Reardon said the council could extend the moratorium or adopt an ordinance with an emergency clause. - Councilor Falkner suggested learning from Eugene, where data centers are not allowed in industrial zones, and noted that many of the proposed standards could benefit all industrial zones, not just data centers. Council Communications & City Manager Report - Council President Valenzuela reported on the October 14 library commission meeting, the Civics Academy library tour, and the band book event attended by about 10 people. She said Forest Grove is in the last cohort for centralized library collections, beginning in March 2028. She also reported on the Public Arts Commission's plans to present a Main Street art project, decorated trash bins (city purchased 25, starting with five), and an artist mixer on November 13. - Councilor Schimmel reported on the TV Highway bus rapid transit project, noting value engineering reduced the state funding ask from about $50 million to $40 million. He also mentioned the veterans memorial grant, Barney Reservoir Joint Water Commission recruitment after Rod's retirement, the Chamber's Latina Power Luncheon on November 4, and the tree lighting on November 27. - Mayor Winsel mentioned the sister city student delegation arriving Wednesday evening and discussed a future idea to combine the holiday parade with the tree lighting. - City Manager Jesse Vander Zanden reported that the community open house is October 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. He said the September FIRE report showed the fire department could staff and equip two emergency response units 90% of the time (27 of 30 days); without levy-funded firefighters, that would be 47% of the time (14 of 30 days). He also noted the library foundation funded five new crepe myrtle trees, Light and Power completed holiday tree decoration at Pacific University and replaced ten 1954 transmission poles, and the city is hiring cashier positions at the pool. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 6-0. - The council voted to extend the meeting past 9:30 p.m. to finish council communications. - No formal votes were taken on the presentations, but the council received the WCCLS update, watershed report, MECOP internship report, public works annual report, ICE update, and data center moratorium plan. - Council reached consensus for staff to evaluate whether the state Veterans and War Memorial Grant program, ranging from $10,000 to $80,000, is viable for the city and to return with a recommendation. - Next steps for the data center moratorium include a November 9 joint work session, November 23 council work session, January 2027 hearings, and February 2027 ordinance readings.

On October 20, 2026, the Forest Grove Cornelius Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum for the three open seats on the Forest Grove City Council. Five of the seven candidates participated: Mallory Highfield, Matthew Knight, Karen Martinez, Sandra Perea, and Mariana Valenzuela. Candidates John LePerry and Chris Mejia were absent. The forum featured opening statements, moderator questions on key city issues, and closing statements. The moderator was Janine Merle, and the facilitator was Blake Tim. Opening Statements - Sandra Perea: Introduced herself as an educator, child of immigrants, concerned about affordability (her rent is 45% of her paycheck), and expressed opposition to data centers and ALPR/flock cameras. - Matthew Knight: Grew up in Forest Grove; priorities include strengthening the local economy, retaining city employees, and leveraging the Chamber of Commerce as a partner. Emphasized financial sustainability and expanding commercial/industrial tax base. - Mariana Valenzuela: Background as educator and community partnerships director; top priorities: housing affordability, environmental protection, and supporting local businesses. - Mallory Highfield: Park & Rec Commission and Budget Committee experience; priorities: preserving natural resources (clean air, water, less noise/light pollution) and supporting small to medium businesses so people can afford to live in Forest Grove. - Karen Martinez: Incumbent running for re-election; priorities: business growth (while preserving rural character), police force working conditions (current building inadequate), and community engagement (prefers face-to-face conversations over social media). Discussion Topics Candidates responded to a series of questions on city governance, economic development, housing growth, immigration/sanctuary policies, transportation, and budget priorities. - Balancing personal convictions with community views: All candidates emphasized listening to diverse perspectives, doing research, and seeking compromise. Mariana referenced advocating for community views in Washington D.C. even when not personally aligned. - Fostering economic vitality: Mariana highlighted the Forest Grove Forward 2040 plan, downtown improvements (lighting, sidewalks), and storefront grants. Mallory supported small businesses and noted potential uses for three urban renewal properties. Karen mentioned community events to draw visitors and RFPs for city-owned land. Sandra stressed listening to business hurdles and evaluating job creation per square foot. Matt advocated for leveraging the Chamber to identify barriers and bridge gaps with property owners; suggested senior housing on Woodfold property. - Housing growth and infrastructure costs: Mallory: need variety of housing, planning for new parks/schools, taxes fund services. Karen: developers should contribute to schools/parks; noted $50,000 in building permit taxes per new home. Sandra: willing to listen and research. Matt: explained tax base dynamics—commercial/industrial customers cost less to serve than residential, so growing commercial base helps fund housing needs. Mariana: housing mandates require updated capacity analysis; need more diverse housing (townhomes, duplexes), protect manufactured home communities, and integrate transit/walkability. - Immigration justice package and sanctuary city: Karen: Forest Grove already implements state sanctuary law; training for staff, rules against sharing personal info. Sandra: passionate; no flock cameras/ALPRs to prevent data sharing with ICE; lobbied for the bill. Matt: police should have zero involvement with federal immigration enforcement; city should help fund citizenship education. Mariana: emphasizes due process and bill of rights; proud of city's safe environment. Mallory: ensure policies are upheld with consequences for non-compliance; prohibit collection of immigration status and auto-delete data. - Transportation improvements: Sandra concerned about accidents on Highway 8/Quince; likes roundabout on 47. Matt: road improvements on Highway 8 to reduce driveways; study needed for future congestion. Mariana: listed completed projects (roundabout at Martin/47, safe routes to school, Maple/Fern Hill upgrades, partnerships with ODOT). Mallory: more sidewalks and bike lanes to improve walkability/bikeability and public transit. Karen: improvements like Maple Street roundabout solved some issues but caused new congestion; suggests twinning Verboort road but outside city control. - Budget priorities: Matt: evaluate each project on merit and community benefit. Mariana: safety is top priority. Mallory: similar to Maslow's hierarchy; measure outcomes and reallocate. Karen: safety and infrastructure (water reservoir, fire engine replacement, sidewalks). Sandra: focus on basic human needs and quality of life for all. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made at this forum. - Candidates shared their visions and policy positions for the November 3, 2026 election. - The facilitator reminded attendees to return their ballots by mail (postmarked by election day) or drop them at the Forest Grove or Cornelius City Library.

This document summarizes two related meetings held on October 12, 2026: a Community Enhancement Program (CEP) Committee meeting and a regular City Council meeting followed by a work session on an ICE incident at the police department. The CEP Committee approved three grant awards. The City Council conducted routine business, received public testimony on traffic safety and the ICE incident, heard presentations on the Family Peace Center, federal affairs, and TV Highway safety, and then held a work session on the police department's encounter with an ICE agent. Consent Calendar - City Council: Approved the monthly building activity report (C1) on a 7-0 vote. - Item C2 (October 2026 Tourism Sponsorship Award) was removed by Councillor Govson (who abstained due to a board membership) and then approved 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Susan and Ron Field (1025 Gough Road): Submitted a petition with 81 signatures requesting speed-reducing measures on Gough Road after a hit-and-run driver killed a dog in a crosswalk. Asked for a four-way stop at Heatherway and Gough. - Ron Robin Orson (Gough Road): Supported the request and also asked for a four-way stop at Gough and Falls. Suggested police monitor speeding from his driveway. - Dale Feek (resident since 1966): Discussed three topics: (1) urging monitoring of the Crane Data Center's diesel generators; (2) warning about the SAFE database inaccuracy for mail-in ballots, recommending early mailing or drop-box use; (3) supporting the Forest Grove Police Department after the ICE incident, noting they acknowledged a mistake. - Lauren Miller (1520 Elm Street): Expressed concern about the former police chief's statements on immigration enforcement and the recent ICE agent incident. Questioned who authorized the agent into a restricted area and demanded accountability. Stated that a sanctuary city commitment must be reflected in enforceable policies, not just resolutions. - Beth Genley (Indivisible Forest Grove): Called the ICE incident a violation of small-town values. Urged police training to address the public's fear of ICE and emphasized that police should never offer camaraderie to ICE agents. Thanked city officials who acknowledged the fear. - Kylie Delgado: Showed a photo of the ICE agent and demonstrated that his vest clearly identified “ICE.” Accused officers of lying about not recognizing the agent. Urged release of footage and an internal audit, claiming the agent never used the restroom. - Sandra Pareta (speaking for Antonia Lopez): Presented an actionable policy for sanctuary status, similar to those adopted by Hillsboro and Beaverton. Stated that the ICE incident erodes trust, especially in the Latina community, and recommended reprimanding the officer who allowed it. - Antonia Lopez: Began as a domestic violence advocate. Said the ICE incident will cost lives. Asked that officers wearing purple patches should mean something. Called for an investigation of Sergeant Martino for either lying or allowing a masked gunman into a secure area. - Red Wortham: Noted the backpack program has served triple the families. Criticized the city for instilling more fear. Demanded Chief Marzilli acknowledge the mistake and call for accountability for the sergeant and the officer who ridiculed a legal observer. - Hope Kramer: Requested an independent investigator not from law enforcement and asked that lobby video be made public to clarify the incident. Discussion Items - Proclamation: Mayor read a proclamation declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Forest Grove. Rachel Schutz from the Family Justice Center accepted. - Family Peace Center Presentation: Executive Director Rachel Schutz and Board President Judy Welley reported on the new Family Peace Center, which opened nine months ago. Services provided to 3,479 survivors in Washington County (6,754 total services). Physical access increased 34% compared to the former Family Justice Center. Forest Grove residents served rose 138% to 162 (from 68 the previous year). The center offers a single door for survivors with co-located services, removing barriers like transportation and child care. Councillor Falkner asked about sustainable funding models; other cities fund through general fund or public safety levies. - Federal Affairs Update: Michael Skipper (senior vice president) presented the city's 2026 federal agenda. Earmark requests submitted for TV Highway Safety ($1M secured in House bill; $3M possible from Senate), Forest Grove Loop Trail, and Campus Corridor Gateway. Also submitted an $11.2M grant request for TV Highway safety. Water Quest Reservoir grant pending after a Trump administration hold. Election outlook: Democrats favored to take the House; Senate also in play. Congress recessed until after election; must pass FY27 appropriations by Dec 11. Councillor Falkner asked about the certainty of the $1M given minority status; Skipper confirmed that was the maximum achievable. - TV Highway Access Management Strategy: Senior Planner Dan Rudin provided an update on a project to improve safety on a 2/3-mile segment from Quint St to 1st St. 33 driveways were evaluated. Short-term solutions include signage, rebuilding driveways; long-term options involve driveway closures, medians, and pedestrian improvements (e.g., rapid flashing beacons). Community outreach included two focus groups, a public open house, and 600+ letters. Next steps: draft amendments to the Transportation System Plan and development code, with adoption targeted by June 2027. Councillor Falconer asked about incentives for property owners; staff noted the city can use development code requirements and ODOT's ability to reevaluate access permits. Councillor Martinez asked about the delayed mid-block crossing at Rose Grove (utility issues with ODOT); Rudin agreed to raise it at the next project meeting. - Council Communication: Brief reports from councillors on committee meetings (PAB, library commission), upcoming events (Eastside Park grand opening Oct 16, Sister City student delegation Oct 28–Nov 1 needing host families, CCE open house Oct 27, TV Highway project committee meeting). - City Manager's Report: Responding to public testimony on Gough Road, a crash and traffic warrant analysis will be conducted for the intersection at Gough and Heatherway. Also, water rights transfer from a newly purchased property on Gales Creek, and interviews for an economic development strategic plan consultant. - Work Session on ICE Incident: Chief Dave Marzilli and City Manager presented a timeline of the Oct 7 incident at the police station. An ICE agent parked outside; an officer allowed him into a restricted area to use the restroom after the agent identified himself. A community member filmed the interaction. No law was broken, but policy was violated. Immediate actions: policy clarified (no federal agents in non-public areas without official business), press release issued, training refreshed. Next steps: independent third-party review (council consensus for a non-law enforcement agency), release of video (council asked staff and city attorney to investigate feasibility), and development of a new video restating sanctuary city commitments. Councillors discussed trust, accountability, training gaps, and need for transparent communication. Key Outcomes - CEP Committee: Approved grant funding for Forest Grove Backpack Program, Forest Grove School District Family Resource Center, and Gigi's House on a 10-0 vote. - Consent Agenda Approval: C1 approved 7-0; C2 approved 6-0 (Councillor Govson abstained). - Gough Road Speeding: City Manager confirmed crash and warrant analysis will be conducted. - ICE Incident Review: Council directed staff to engage a third-party investigator not affiliated with law enforcement; also asked city attorney to explore options for releasing video footage. Staff will provide updates via a future work session. - Policy & Training: Police Department will refresh all training on sanctuary city policies and facility access procedures. A new video reiterating the city's sanctuary commitments will be produced.

The Forest Grove City Council met on October 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, public comments on speeding concerns and a recent ICE agent incident at the police department, consent agenda approvals, presentations on the Family Peace Center, federal affairs updates, and the TV Highway Access Management Strategy, along with council communication and a city manager report. Proclamation - Mayor Wensel proclaimed October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Forest Grove, highlighting that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 6 men in Oregon have experienced domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or physical assault by an intimate partner. The Family Justice Center served 6,000 survivors in 2025, and the Domestic Violence Resource Center provided over 7,400 crisis services. Public Comments & Testimony - Ron and Susan Field (residents of Gough Road for 50 years) presented a petition with 81 signatures requesting speed-reducing solutions on Gough Road, including a four-way stop at Heatherway and Gough, after a hit-and-run driver killed a pedestrian's dog in a crosswalk. They urged police to ticket speeders. - Ron Robin Orson (Gough Road resident) also requested a four-way stop at Gough and Falls and criticized the placement of mobile radar signs, suggesting police monitor speeds near his home. - Dale Feek (resident since 1966) raised three topics: monitoring diesel generators at the data center, mail-in ballot concerns related to the SAVE database (citing a 20% inaccuracy rate), and support for the Forest Grove Police Department after the ICE restroom incident, acknowledging a mistake. - Lauren Miller (1520 Elm Street) expressed ongoing concerns about police response to federal immigration agents, calling for accountability and clear policies following the incident where an ICE agent was escorted into a restricted area. She linked this to the upcoming $29 million police facility bond, urging transparency. - Beth Jenley (Indivisible Forest Grove) criticized Chief Marzilli’s characterization of the ICE bathroom incident as “small town values,” stating it undermines sanctuary city commitments and public trust. She thanked council members who acknowledged community fear. - Kylie Delgado (filmed the incident) questioned the sergeant’s claim that he couldn’t identify ICE from the patch, demonstrating the “bossy E” phonics rule. She alleged the agent never used the restroom and called for releasing footage and holding officers accountable. - Sandra Pareta (speaking for Antonia Lopez) presented actionable sanctuary policy language, citing fear in the Latina community and urging reprimands for the involved officer. She noted that residents are avoiding police and medical help due to fear of ICE. - Antonia Lopez (former domestic violence advocate) demanded an investigation of Sergeant Martino for lying or allowing a masked, armed man into a secured area. She stated the incident would cost lives and that community trust is broken. - Red Wortham (21-year sheriff’s office veteran) criticized the department for not admitting a mistake, called for an independent investigation (not by another police agency), and requested that lobby video be made public. He challenged the sergeant’s denial of ICE affiliation and an officer’s treatment of a legal observer. Consent Calendar - C1: Monthly Building Activity Report — Approved 7-0. - C2: October 2026 Tourism Sponsorship Award — Removed by Councillor Govson (who abstained as a volunteer board member). Approved 6-0. Presentations - Family Peace Center (Rachel Schutz, Executive Director; Judy Welley, Board President) — Reported a 138% increase in Forest Grove residents served (162 vs. 68 last year) and 84% more services accessed. The new center has provided 6,754 services to 3,479 survivors since opening, with a 34% increase in physical access. The center offers a single door for survivors in Washington County, including transportation via Ride Connection. Judy Welley announced her retirement in December. - Federal Affairs Updates (Michael Skipper, Senior Vice President) — Updated on 2026 federal agenda: $1 million secured for TV Highway Safety Improvements in the draft FY27 House bill (cut from $3 million due to minority status); pending Senate bill may add $3 million. Also submitted $11.2 million Safe Streets grant and a Watercrest Reservoir FEMA application. Provided midterm election analysis, noting Democrats are favored to regain the House and have a path to the Senate. Congress will return after elections to pass FY27 appropriations and reauthorizations. - TV Highway Access Management Strategy (Dan Rudin, Senior Planner) — Presented short- and long-term scenarios to improve safety and ODOT compliance along a two-thirds mile corridor (33 driveways). Short-term options include signage and driveway rebuilding; long-term includes medians, driveway closures, and pedestrian improvements. Outreach included focus groups and an open house. Next steps: finalize recommendations, develop code amendments, and hold work sessions in early 2027, with adoption by June 2027. Council Communications - Councillor Marshall announced the opening of East Side Park on Friday, October 16, at 5:30 PM. Mayor Wensel added that students from nearby schools will name the park. - Councillor Martinez reported the Sister City student delegation visit October 28–November 1, needing host families. - Councillor Schimmel noted a community open house for CCE on October 27 and a Tualatin Valley Highway project committee meeting. - Councillor Falconer mentioned a tour with the state delegation regarding TV Highway funding. City Manager Report - A traffic review board meeting will conduct a crash analysis and traffic warrants analysis for a potential four-way stop at Gough Road and Heather. - The city is consulting on water rights transfer for the recently purchased property on Gales Creek and will do a full water rights inventory. - Interviews for the Economic Development Strategic Plan consultant contract are scheduled. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda items approved as noted. - The city will investigate the Gough Road intersection for a four-way stop. - The council will hold a work session immediately following the meeting at 8:30 PM to discuss the ICE incident and policy. - Council members expressed support for making TV Highway safer and urged progress on the mid-block crossing at Rose Grove.

The Forest Grove Community Enhancement Program (CEP) committee met on October 12, 2026, to hear presentations from six finalists for the city's $15,000 community enhancement grants. Of 11 grant applications submitted, committee members had scored all applications, and the six highest-scoring organizations presented. Each organization received six minutes to present and up to four minutes for committee questions. After discussion, the committee voted to award one-year $15,000 grants to three organizations. Presentations - Adelante Mujeres – Forest Grove Farmers Market Activities: Adelante Mujeres described the market's community impact, including approximately 100,000 visitors per year, 120 unique vendors, and the Kids Pop Club/Power of Produce program serving children ages 3–12 with $2 food vouchers. The representative said the organization served just over 2,000 children last year, with a majority from Forest Grove, and that the grant would support staff time, chef demonstrations, supplies, and vouchers. She also noted the organization is "almost 12 million dollars" and reduced its budget by 6% from last year due to federal funding cuts. - GG's House – Do the Next Right Thing: GG's House founders described a 13-year-old volunteer-run organization that provides emergency, flexible assistance including bus tickets, schooling, funerals, household needs, and more. They reported feeding over 500 meals a month, supporting over seven food banks, and serving 61 people from January 1 to August 31, not counting food giveaways. They stated the organization is 100% volunteer-run and tracks every person and expense. They also mentioned their building was recently sold, and the grant would help them continue responding to community needs. - Growing Gardens – Forest Grove Home Gardens Project: Growing Gardens presented its home gardens program, which connects qualifying participants with bilingual education, plants, seeds, and three years of classes and peer mentoring. In Washington County, Growing Gardens has distributed over 2,000 plant starts and had 125 people participate in gardening and green cleaning workshops this year. Only four families are currently in Forest Grove; the grant would add about 10 families per year and fund a community organizer and gardening supplies. - Family Peace Center – Expanding the Circle of Care: The Family Peace Center reported 138% growth in targeted Forest Grove outreach for residents served and an 84% increase in service volume since starting the CEP grant, plus a 95% increase in rural participants from 2025 to 2026. Overall, 21% of its population now comes from rural Washington County. This summer, the center held six Forest Grove outreach events and had individual conversations with 327 people. A 2027 grant would fund targeted outreach materials, creative access campaigns such as social media, bathroom signage, salon training, and Highway 26 signage, and continued navigation and coordinated services. - Forest Grove School District Family Resource Center: The coordinator said the center, housed at Cornelius Elementary, provides food, hygiene items, clothing, school supplies, and referrals to families in the district. Last year it provided direct resources to 340 students or families, holiday assistance to 397 students, and helped 38 families with city funding for ICE-impacted families. The school district does not fund the center; it relies on grants and donations. The grant would purchase food, hygiene supplies, clothing, school supplies, and emergency basic needs. - Forest Grove Backpack Program: Board members presented the program's fifth year of providing weekend food bags to Forest Grove School District students. Last year, the program provided 4,382 weekend bags; in the first six weeks of this school year, it delivered 678 bags. It currently serves 128 families, including 22 students with dietary restrictions, 71 Hispanic/non-white children, and 19 McKinney-Vento students. Food costs are up approximately 4.2%. The Elks Lodge provides space, and the program is funded entirely by grants and donations. Committee Discussion - Committee members praised all six applicants and noted that many groups already collaborate, with GG's House repeatedly mentioned as a community anchor. - One committee member expressed concern that the application scoring process may favor professionally written applications over demonstrated community need and suggested adding grant-writing or technical assistance for future applicants. - The committee reached consensus to hold a future CEP work session to review and improve the application and scoring process. - A committee member disclosed that they are on the Family Peace Center board of directors during the discussion. - One committee member on Zoom said she approaches ranking by asking which vulnerable populations are most likely to fall through the cracks and need help most urgently. Key Outcomes - The committee approved a motion to award one-year $15,000 CEP grants to the top three ranked organizations: Forest Grove Backpack Program, Forest Grove School District Family Resource Center, and GG's House. - The vote was 10–0. - The committee also agreed to schedule a work session to reassess the CEP process for next year.

The Forest Grove City Council held a special meeting on October 12, 2026, at 4:02 p.m. to conduct a public hearing on Resolution 2026-47, which proposed adopting a temporary 120-day moratorium on data center development and expansions within the city. After staff reports, public testimony, and council discussion, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the resolution. The moratorium is a temporary pause, not a permanent ban, intended to give the city time to study four areas of concern and consider development code amendments. It does not apply retroactively to projects that have already received land use approval. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident of 1405 Elm Street, a lung cancer survivor and non-smoker, spoke as a proponent. He said he hoped every council member would vote yes, argued the moratorium was needed, possibly for more than 120 days, and said emissions from data centers could hurt high-risk people like himself who have difficulty breathing. He said he had moved to Forest Grove for cleaner air and found data center development devastating. - A second resident of 1405 Elm Street also spoke in support. He said he was upset that the planning commission approved a data center next to Fernhill Wetlands and an elementary school because it met current ordinances. He asked whether the city could update its ordinances within 120 days, cited evidence of white noise, thermal, and groundwater pollution from data centers elsewhere in the U.S., argued data centers create few jobs, and said they could lower adjacent property values. - A resident of 1637 23rd Avenue asked neutral questions about whether the 120-day timeline was enough, whether the moratorium could be renewed, what work would occur during it, and what the plan was afterward. Staff responded that the city would review its code and possible amendments, intended to complete that work within 120 days, and noted state law allows extensions when progress is being made. No opponents testified. Discussion Items - Senior Planner Dan Reardon, identified in the transcript as Dan Rudin when he spoke, presented the staff report. He tied the proposal to the Forest Grove Forward Vision 2040 goals: a balanced and diversified economy with high-paying jobs; increased diverse and affordable housing; and resilient, financially sustainable infrastructure. He also referenced the city's 2025 economic opportunities analysis and 2019 housing needs analysis. - The city followed state notice requirements. It notified the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development on August 26, 2026, 47 days before the hearing, and public notice of the special meeting was given on October 11, 2026, at 3 p.m., 25 hours in advance. State law requires at least 45 days notice to DLCD and 24 hours notice for a special meeting. - Assistant City Attorney Josh Soper, identified in the transcript as Josh Silver when he spoke, explained that the moratorium is based on the statutory compelling-need standard rather than the public-facilities-shortage standard. He read the five statutory criteria: existing regulations are inadequate to prevent irrevocable public harm; the moratorium is sufficiently limited so needed housing and commercial/industrial supplies are not unreasonably restricted; alternative methods are unsatisfactory; the public harm from no moratorium outweighs adverse effects on other local governments; and the city has sufficient resources to complete needed changes within the moratorium period. - Draft findings identified four areas of concern: data centers' rapid growth, land-extensive nature, and low employment density could harm the city's economic mix; the city's housing capacity analysis may show a need to rezone some industrial land for housing; data centers' very large electricity consumption raises infrastructure and customer-demand concerns; and data centers may have negative public health and environmental effects through air and noise pollution, waste heat emissions, heat island effects, and chemical discharges to wastewater. - A clarification was added to Section 1 of the resolution stating that the moratorium is not retroactive to projects that have already received land use approval, consistent with the vested rights doctrine. In response to Councilor Schimmel, who characterized the Crane project as having a 2024 land use approval for three phases, staff clarified that the approval covered two buildings that could be constructed in multiple phases. The approved two buildings and associated site improvements would not be affected, but new land use applications for expansions or additional phases would be prohibited during the moratorium. - During council discussion, Councilor Gustafson requested clear public communication on the timeline and next steps, and staff nodded in agreement. Councilor Falconer emphasized that the 120-day period allows a proper conversation about changing rules but the council must comply with legal processes to avoid litigation and wasted city resources. Councilor Schimmel raised the possibility of partnering with Hillsboro on an environmental analysis; council members agreed this should be discussed at a future work session rather than decided that evening. Key Outcomes - After the public hearing was closed, Councilor Schimmel moved to approve Resolution 2026-47, and Council President Valenzuela seconded the motion. - The council voted 7-0 to adopt the temporary moratorium. Voting yes were Council President Valenzuela, Councilors Schimmel, Falconer, Martinez, Marshall, and Gustafson, and Mayor Wensell. Councilor Marshall arrived after the meeting was called to order and joined the vote. - Mayor Wensell declared Resolution 2026-47 passed and adjourned the special meeting.

- Approved Ordinance 2026-04, a 10-year non-exclusive cable franchise with Comcast of Oregon II, by a 5-0 vote with the mayor abstaining due to a perceived conflict. - Approved Resolution 2026-46 by a 6-0 vote, updating the tourism event sponsorship program. Changes include shortening the application deadline to 30 days before an event (previously 90), allowing the Forest Grove School District to apply, and adding an event-series category. The related tourism capital grant program was sunset due to lack of interest. - Issued proclamations for Public Power Week (Oct. 4-10), Banned Books Week, and Arts & Humanities Month. - Heard public comments, including a request for code enforcement attention to a dumping/garbage issue on a pathway; comments about a property near the old gyms were clarified by staff to involve Washington County-owned property that will be supportive/transitional housing, not a homeless camp. A resident also announced the Tualatin Plains Outpost effort and a Forest Grove Indivisible meeting with Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read. - Council President Valenzuela reported on the library commission, including the WCCLS book sale Oct. 22-24, and expressed concern about Washington County's centralized library material selection and multilingual collections. Councilor Schimmel reported on Coffee with Cops and youth advisory activities, including a transit access issue: a 90-minute TriMet ride from Forest Grove to PCC makes it hard for students to access mechatronics and community college programs. - The city manager reported that the economic development strategic plan narrowed to three firms, right-of-way applications will be submitted in October for the Mountain View/TV Highway Safe Routes to School project with construction possible in summer 2027, and a CEP committee meeting is set for Oct. 12. - Heard the annual electric rate study presentation. Staff recommended no rate increase this fall and a February work session after more is known about the new large load. Scenarios: if the load does not come online, residential rates would need to rise about 4.25% over several years; if it comes online in April, a 3.25% first-year increase with no increases in following years; if it comes online in July, a 3.7% first-year increase with no residential increases for several years. The study also referenced about $65.6 million in new debt obligations for two larger projects. - The council adjourned and went into an e-bikes work session.

This work session was held to discuss e-bike and micromobility device regulations in Forest Grove. No public comment was taken, and no formal actions were voted on. The council reached consensus to move forward with updating city ordinances related to e-bikes, with an emphasis on gathering detailed data, improving infrastructure, and engaging schools and the community. Presentation and Discussion - City Manager Jesse Vanderzanden and Sergeant Troy Maslin presented on the growing use of e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices, citing safety concerns and an increase in related incidents. A keyword search of dispatch records (Washington County area) from June 1 to September 28, 2026, returned 673 incidents involving e-bikes (including crashes, thefts, and complaints). - The presentation linked e-bike regulation to the Vision 2040 plan’s principal value of safety, and reviewed state law (ORS Chapter 814) and upcoming changes from House Bill 4007 (effective January 1, 2027), which redefines device classes, lowers age requirements, and clarifies helmet rules. - Council members raised concerns about the lack of granular data on crash types (e.g., e-bike vs. car vs. pedestrian), inadequate bicycle infrastructure (e.g., missing bike lanes, unsafe intersections), and the need to avoid regulating vulnerable road users. Several members shared personal experiences of unsafe conditions and crashes. - Council requested that future efforts include targeted data analysis, engagement with schools (individual schools, school district, and Pacific University), outreach to e-bike rebate recipients, and a broader examination of infrastructure and driver education. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously agreed to move forward with updating the city’s ordinances to address e-bikes and related devices, with a focus on safety and data-driven policy. - Staff was directed to gather more specific incident data (e.g., crashes involving pedestrians vs. vehicles, location details) and to incorporate infrastructure assessments into the process. - The timeline for ordinance development will align with neighboring jurisdictions (Cornelius, Hillsboro, Washington County) and the January 1, 2027 effective date of HB 4007. Public education and engagement will continue concurrently. - The work session adjourned at 8:40 PM.

This work session was the second of two planned sessions on the Transient Lodging Tax (TLT). Staff presented recommendations for program refinements, sought council consensus on an event series sponsorship program, and discussed financial projections for TLT-funded programs. No public comment was taken, and no formal action was taken. Discussion Items - Program Refinements: Staff proposed two changes: (1) expand eligibility to allow government entities to apply for the tourism sponsorship grant, and (2) reduce the application submission deadline from 90 days to 30 days prior to the event. Council discussed the first proposal and reached consensus to limit expanded eligibility to the Forest Grove School District only, not all government entities. The rationale was to support school-hosted tournaments that draw tourism while avoiding dilution of funds for nonprofits. The 30-day deadline change was accepted without objection. - Event Series Sponsorship Program: Staff introduced a new program offering up to $20,000 maximum per event series, with a maximum of $5,000 per event with sponsorship tiers and $2,000 per event without. To qualify, an event series must meet at least three of six criteria (e.g., same location, same day of week, same target audience) and be organized by the same entity within one year. Council clarified that a series is defined as two or more events. The program was approved as proposed, with a note to include the “two or more” definition explicitly. - Financial Overview and Future Funding: The TLT fund currently has an unallocated balance of $180,000, with expected annual revenue of $160,000 (projected to grow 3% annually). Current allocations: public arts ($11,050), event sponsorship ($44,200), tourism marketing ($44,200), capital grant program ($11,050), and a portion of the economic development coordinator salary ($28,460). Total expenses are $138,960, leaving savings of $200,000. Staff proposed sunsetting the capital grant program due to low usage and redirecting its funds to event sponsorship. A five-year forecast was presented showing increasing reserves. Council expressed support for the proposed allocations. - Main Street Program Funding: A council member suggested allocating TLT funds to the Main Street program, referencing prior budget discussions. Other members noted the program was not part of the current proposal and that the work session was not a venue for formal motions. No consensus was reached to include Main Street funding at this time. Key Outcomes - Consensus reached on government entity eligibility: Only the Forest Grove School District will be added as an eligible applicant. Staff will amend the program accordingly. - Consensus reached on 30-day application deadline: Approved. - Event series sponsorship program approved with a definition of two or more events and meeting at least three of six criteria. - Capital grant program to be sunset as agreed by council. - Financial plan adopted as presented, with reserves set aside for future capital projects. - No action on Main Street program funding – council did not reach consensus to include it in TLT allocations at this time. - Staff will prepare a resolution amending the tourism sponsorship and capital grant programs to reflect council direction and incorporate TLT programming into future budget conversations.