Public Meetings - Forest Grove, Oregon

This work session was held on January 12, 2026, to discuss proposed revisions to the city's development code. Staff presented changes across five areas: industrial standards, residential standards, non-residential uses, non-residential standards, and mandatory adjustments. Council provided feedback and reached tentative consensus on several items, but due to time constraints, not all topics were fully resolved. No public comment was taken. Discussion Items - Industrial Standards: Staff proposed 10-foot front, rear, and side setbacks for all industrial zones, with a 50-foot setback when abutting a residential zone, and a maximum building height of 40 feet, with a height increase of 1 foot for each additional foot of setback. Councilor Falkner argued this was an overcorrection, noting that the community's concerns were specifically about parcels adjacent to residential areas and that blanket restrictions could hinder economic development and job creation. She proposed applying setbacks and height limits only when abutting a residential zone, not across all industrial zones. Councilor Schimmel concurred, emphasizing the need for clear rationale. Councilor Martinez expressed support for setbacks near residential but concern about property value impacts. Councilor Gusin supported setbacks but wanted a height cap. Mayor cautioned against reactionary policy and stressed exploring other economic development strategies. After discussion, a pulse check showed four councilors (Falkner, Schimmel, Martinez, Marshall) and Mayor agreed with Falkner's proposal to limit changes to parcels abutting residential zones. Council President Valenzuela requested more time to consider, and Councilor Gusin wanted a front setback from the street. The topic was tabled for further discussion. - Residential Standards – Comprehensive Plan Target Densities: Staff proposed adding back target densities for residential zones to comply with Metro requirements. Councilor Falkner suggested this be addressed in the larger comprehensive plan update rather than now. No changes were adopted. - Residential Building Height: Staff proposed simplifying the residential height standard from "2½ stories or 35 feet" to a flat 35 feet, removing ambiguity. Council agreed without objection. - Townhome Setback Requirements: Staff proposed aligning townhome side setbacks with single-family detached standards, removing the requirement for additional setback based on height. No discussion or objection. - ADU Standards: Staff proposed increasing detached ADU square footage from 720 gross square feet to 720 ground-floor square feet (aligning with accessory structures) and increasing attached ADU from 10% to 20% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area. Councilor Falkner questioned the attached ADU limitation, suggesting a flat 720 square feet for attached ADUs as well. Councilor Schimmel supported removing the percentage cap. After discussion, council reached quick consensus to strike subsection B (attached ADU percentage) and retain subsection C (detached ADU to 720 ground-floor square feet). - Historic Review Garage Standards: Staff corrected a typographical error in the code regarding garage door width in historic districts. No discussion. - Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (C&R): Staff proposed adding a clarification that the city does not enforce private restrictions. No discussion. - Non-Residential Use Regulations: Staff proposed allowing office uses in the neighborhood mixed-use zone (currently restricted to pre-2008 uses) and swapping the definitions of "building" and "structure" to align with building code. Councilor Falkner noted the broader issue of many use restrictions (e.g., ban on neighborhood coffee shops) that hinder walkability, suggesting this be revisited during the comprehensive plan update. No immediate changes made. - Non-Residential Standards – Landscape Buffer and Screening: Staff proposed revising buffer standards to be based on abutting uses rather than zones, to better protect residential uses within commercial or industrial zones. Councilor Falkner asked for clarification; staff explained the approach. Discussion was brief, and no consensus was reached due to time. - Sidewalk Construction Standards: Staff proposed allowing sidewalks in new subdivisions on collector streets to be installed after building construction to avoid damage. No discussion. - Cannabis Facilities Statute: Staff corrected a statute reference from 475B to 475C. No discussion. Key Outcomes - Industrial Standards: Tentative consensus to apply setbacks and height limits only when abutting a residential zone (not citywide). Staff to revise proposal accordingly. Further discussion deferred. - ADU Standards: Consensus to adopt detached ADU allowance of 720 ground-floor square feet and remove the attached ADU percentage limit (i.e., allow attached ADUs up to 720 square feet). Staff to update code language. - Residential Building Height: Consensus to adopt flat 35-foot maximum, removing the 2½-story limit. No formal vote. - Other items: No formal decisions; staff received direction to bring revised proposals to a future meeting. The work session was adjourned, and the council moved to an executive session.

The Forest Grove City Council held a work session on December 8, 2025, to discuss the outcomes of their December 1, 2025 annual retreat, review the 2025 goals and objectives, and explore how to integrate them with the 2040 plan. No public comment was taken, and no formal action was taken. The meeting was attended by all council members except Councilor Marshall. Discussion Items - Retreat Recap and 2040 Plan Integration: City Manager Jesse provided a brief report on the December 1 retreat, which focused on the 2040 plan and prioritization of actions. The council discussed how to reconcile the 2025 goals and objectives with the new 2040 plan and emphasized that the plan should be a living document that accumulates ideas rather than restricts them. - Concerns About Dropped Objectives: Councilor Falconer expressed concern that important items that did not make the 2025 priority list, such as the climate action plan, might be forgotten. She urged that all prior goals be retained in a comprehensive menu for future prioritization. - DEI and Climate Action: Councilor Gustavson raised the question of carrying forward the DEI section. The mayor supported specific, measurable actions. Councilors noted existing partnerships with Pacific University and past training. Councilor Falconer highlighted that the climate action plan could be adapted from the Mayor's Innovation Project resources. - Living Document and Innovation: The mayor proposed that the 2040 plan function like a workbook, allowing council members to add ideas from conferences or community input over time, rather than only during annual retreats. Councilor Martinez agreed that more input from department directors was needed. - State of Emergency and Immigration Response: Councilor Schimmel urged the council to recognize the ongoing state of emergency, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. He called for a more nimble decision-making process, staff discretion, aggressive advocacy to state leaders, and a standing work session to address these fast-developing issues. - Scheduling a Standing Work Session: After discussion, the council reached consensus to hold a monthly work session on the fourth Monday of the month, titled "Federal Activities" (to be sensitive to terminology), to monitor and respond to immigration and other federal actions. The session can be canceled if not needed. Councilor Falconer suggested coffee hour work sessions as an alternative, but the group settled on regular meetings. - Plan for Additional Objectives: The council agreed to hold a separate work session in February 2026 to discuss additional objectives that did not fit into the retreat prioritization. Council members will send ideas to City Manager Jesse by the end of January 2026. The new assistant city manager may bring a fresh approach to structuring the vision plan. Key Outcomes - Consensus: The council agreed to establish a monthly standing work session on the fourth Monday for "Federal Activities" to address immigration and other urgent federal matters, with the option to cancel if not needed. - Next Steps: Staff will compile a list of additional objectives and ideas from council members for the February work session. Council members are to submit their ideas to Jesse by the end of January 2026. - No Formal Action: As a work session, no motions or votes were taken. The discussions set the direction for future meetings and staff work.

The Forest Grove City Council met on December 8, 2025, at 7:05 PM. The meeting included public comments, presentations on federal advocacy, the farmers market, and the Committee for Community Engagement, a public hearing on a sanctuary city ordinance, and approval of a fire services agreement with Cornelius. All council members were present. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (5-0) without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Dale Feek (3363 Levina Drive, Forest Grove) urged council to read his emails and a podcast by historian Timothy Snyder, warning about parallels to historical tyranny and the importance of protecting democratic norms. - Carol Allen (neighbor of the U Street/Highway 8 intersection) requested a pedestrian crossing, describing the intersection as very dangerous. Mayor Winslow responded that ODOT has a traffic light in its next budget cycle and that the city's public works department received a Safe Routes to School grant for sidewalk gap improvements. Discussion Items - Federal Advocacy Update (Michael Skipper, CFM Advocates): Skipper reported that Forest Grove secured $2 million in federal funding in 2023 and 2024, but 2025 was challenging due to the Trump administration canceling grant programs and a full-year continuing resolution. For FY2026, the city's projects were locked out because prior FY2025 projects were prioritized. He noted that Congress has passed three of twelve spending bills and that the political landscape is uncertain, with potential for Democrats to flip the House in 2026. Councilor Schimmel asked if the contract covers immigration reform; Skipper confirmed it broadly covers city priorities. - Farmers Market Update (Adelante Mujeres staff): Presenters shared that 2025 attendance and vendor sales were static compared to 2023-2024, despite impacts from immigration enforcement and federal funding cuts. Nutrition incentives were a key loss. The organization faced an $800,000 budget hole from canceled federal grants. They proposed expanding the market onto College Way to relieve congestion and attract more visitors, aligning with the city's 2040 Vision Plan. Councilors expressed strong support for the market's role in food access and community resilience. - Committee for Community Engagement (CCE) Annual Report (Heather Finnegan, Chair): CCE highlighted its

The Forest Grove City Council met on November 24, 2025, at 7:03 PM. The meeting featured extensive public comment on immigration enforcement, the passage of a sanctuary city resolution, annual department reports from Light & Power, Library, Community Development, and Administration, and consensus to send a supporting letter to the Governor regarding a unified regional response to federal immigration actions. Consent Calendar - Item C3, a letter to Washington County requesting suspension of the Flock safety contract, was approved 6-1 (Councilor Martinez dissenting). - Items C1 (Public Arts Commission resolution) and C2 (boards/commissions appointments) were removed for discussion, then unanimously approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Johnson (Indivisible Forest Grove – speaking personally): Expressed support for suspending Flock cameras due to civil rights concerns, and urged the council to pass a sanctuary city ordinance, stating "somebody has to stand up... the stronger the resistance, the better chance that we can live through this mess." - Beth Genley: Strongly supported a sanctuary city ordinance, but questioned the specifics of city employee training regarding ICE encounters (e.g., recording arrivals, asking for IDs/warrants, entry to non-public areas). She also noted a regional immigration response coordinating group being formed by Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai and Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez. - Senator Janine Solomon (State Senator representing Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, Rock Creek): Described the current situation as an "economic and humanitarian crisis," stating ICE is detaining mothers, fathers, children, and neighbors based on skin color, not just the "worst of the worst." She shared a personal story of a mother fearing her 16-year-old daughter could be sex trafficked in broad daylight. She announced she sent a letter to the Governor on November 10th requesting a convening for a unified response, and noted the Governor is organizing a response. She urged the council to support actionable solutions. - Sandra (via Zoom): Contradicted claims about border security, stating that out of 560+ people detained, only three percent have criminal backgrounds. Discussion Items - Resolution 2025-64 – Sanctuary City: Councilor Falconer moved to approve, seconded by Councilor Schimmel. - Councilor Martinez (dissenting): Argued the resolution won't change the situation or the law, stated some constituents wanted a public vote, and referenced reports of IDs dumped at the border, suggesting those individuals had something to hide. - Mayor Wenzel (supporting): Responded that only one email from a non-resident called for a public vote, while many more expressed support. She described the trauma experienced by students – an 8th grader not knowing if their parents will be home – and personally witnessing people in military-style camouflage with masks yelling while walking students home. She called it "pure terrorism" and distinguished the current enforcement from prior administrations by noting the fear and lack of due process. - Councilor Guston (supporting): Called the enforcement "terrorism" and stated leaders have a responsibility to govern with compassion. She linked the resolution to historical civil rights progress (e.g., voting, checking accounts for women). - Passed 6-1 with Councilor Martinez dissenting. - Resolution 2025-65 – Transient Lodging Tax IGA: Authorized the city manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement with Washington County for a 3.5% transient lodging tax (increased from 2.5%). Passed unanimously 7-0. Presentations & Annual Reports - Light & Power (Keith Horman): Completed replacement of failing 1970s-90s direct area cable; wildfire mitigation projects at Hillside Road and Upper David Hill Road finished, Lower David Hill Road pending materials; tested 10,000 pole drillings – identified 6 priority reject poles, 25 non-priority poles; replaced 364 pre-1970 poles; tree trimming program removed 19 of 24 hazardous trees on private property; low-income solar array at Forest Grove substation ready to bid; record energy efficiency savings of over 2 million kWh (154 homes annual usage); signed new BPA power purchase agreement (2028-2044); updated pole use agreements with communication companies (some dating to 1980s); completed migration to GIS-based utility network; clean fuels program has 34 customers, 23 e-bike purchases; transmission capacity study (PARS) completed and being replicated regionally; Filbert substation upgrades at 60% design; data center construction began with substation expansion; holiday lights are lit; tree lighting event Friday at 6 PM at 21st & College Way. - Library (Colleen Winters): Door count averages 8,200/month; circulation increased by nearly 3%; summer reading distributed many books, with staff promoting at farmers market and schools; received a generous donation for children's area remodel (new tree installed); fireplace area will be remodeled with new furnishings from the Library Foundation; 20 regular volunteers, 30-member Teen Library Council, 9 Friends board, 7 foundation board; 8 Pacific University work-study students (a record); WCCLS levy passed; next phase of structural governance evaluation will explore moving to a district model; possible centralization of collection selection/ordering/cataloging – outcome unknown; potential removal of security gates (following Hillsboro's pilot); ongoing exterior improvements (new mural for back entrance). - Community Development (Brian Paul): Building department (3 staff) processed 1,000 permits and 10,000 inspections for Forest Grove and Cornelius, with a valuation of $350 million; urban reserve areas workshop held; awarded DLCD funding for Housing Capacity Analysis (HCA) – a prerequisite for a Housing Production Strategy; adopted Economic Opportunities Analysis; began work on ADU workshop with Cornelius; drafted code revision for industrial areas (hearing in December); Building Improvement Grant program funded 10 storefront grants ($57K total); 6 tourism sponsorships ($18K); 2 tourism capital grants ($5K each); large building improvement grant round funded 7 projects ($175K total); Urban Renewal Agency purchased the old theater building and held a work session on Main Street direction; future priorities include feasibility analysis for David Hill urban reserves, HCA, comprehensive plan update, economic development/tourism strategic plans, hotel/grocery market analysis, and redevelopment concepts for URA-owned properties. - Administration (City Manager Jesse Vandersen): All 2025 goals completed or folded into 2040 plan, except the police station bond measure – a poll is underway (closes Dec 1), with a work session planned for Jan 12 or 26; noted 22 action items in 2040 plan for administration; top priorities: comprehensive plan, communications plan, wayfinding (highlighted by Councilor Guston for directing people downtown), partnerships with Pacific University, volunteerism; HR updated several policies (travel, expense, proclamations, 457 retirement, employee manual); Communications (2 staff) finished 2040 plan, implemented first Civics Academy (received exceptional reviews), revamped State of the City address, and created first-ever parks activity guide; IT (Eddie Littlefield) migrated to Windows 11, installed firewalls for CJIS compliance, replaced aging equipment; Finance (Sally Shashiri) successfully implemented biennial budget in system, completed water rate study, completed annual audit; priorities include hiring assistant city manager, police chief, and finance director; researching paid leave and work-back programs for recruitment/retention. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution 2025-64 declaring Forest Grove a sanctuary city (6-1, Councilor Martinez dissenting). - Approved Resolution 2025-65 authorizing an IGA with Washington County for transient lodging tax administration (7-0). - Consensus reached to send a letter to Governor Kotek in support of Senator Solomon's request for a unified regional response to federal immigration enforcement. - Received annual updates from four departments ahead of the December 1st council retreat. - Mayor Wenzel will represent Forest Grove on a regional immigration response task force convened by Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez. - Upcoming events: Tree lighting ceremony Friday at 6 PM at 21st & College Way; Migra Watch training December 9th (location released upon registration); council retreat December 1st at Light & Power.

This was a work session of the Forest Grove City Council on November 24, 2025, covering two major topics: the future of the community survey and a proposed ordinance to codify sanctuary city provisions. The council reached consensus on both items, setting a direction for staff to bring back a draft ordinance and aligning the next survey with the 2040 planning process. Discussion Items - Community Survey Future: Communications Manager Stephanie Fleischer presented options for the biennial community survey, which began in 1998. The survey takes about six months and is conducted every two years. Challenges include survey fatigue, outdated data, and staff capacity. Three options were presented: (1) next survey in 2028 to align with the 2040 plan update and budget cycle, (2) continue every two years but with an external contractor, and (3) status quo with internal execution every two years. Councilor Gusin asked about cost and value of using a contractor. Councilor Martinez advocated for Option 1, citing the need to avoid over-surveying and to align with the 2040 plan implementation. The council reached consensus to move forward with Option 1. - Protect Forest Grove Ordinance: City Manager Jesse and City Attorney Jody led a discussion on codifying sanctuary city provisions, modeled after Portland's "Protect Portland" ordinance (Chapter 23.20 of Portland Code). The council reviewed differences between an ordinance (more permanent, legislative) and a resolution (administrative, temporary). Key elements of the Portland ordinance include: prohibiting city employees/contractors from assisting federal immigration enforcement, banning use of city resources for immigration enforcement, requiring new policies and training, mandatory public reporting of violations, submitting FOIA requests to DHS, and defining non-public areas. The ordinance includes a disclaimer that state and federal laws override. Councilor Martinez expressed concerns that the ordinance is "fluff" since Oregon is already a sanctuary state, and argued it may worsen cooperation with federal agents. Councilor Gifson countered that it is no longer fluff given current federal actions and that it strengthens the city's position. Councilor Valensuela emphasized the importance of protecting the community from profiling and abuse. Councilor Falkner clarified that the reporting requirement applies to all city staff, not just police. The council voted 6-1 (Councilor Martinez dissenting) to bring back an ordinance codifying sanctuary city provisions. The title was amended to "Protecting Forest Grove Resources from Misuse in Violation of State Law for Federal Immigration Enforcement" to address concerns about the word "protecting" implying guarantees. Council also discussed the need for ongoing training and updates from the city attorney on evolving legal landscape. Key Outcomes - Community Survey: Consensus to adopt Option 1 – next survey in 2028, aligned with the 2040 plan update and budget cycle (2029-2031 budget). Staff will plan accordingly. - Sanctuary City Ordinance: Council directed staff to draft a "Protecting Forest Grove Resources from Misuse in Violation of State Law for Federal Immigration Enforcement" ordinance, using Portland's template. The ordinance will include new policies, training, reporting, and public space definitions. The city attorney will provide ongoing legal updates. The lone dissenting vote was Councilor Martinez. - Next Steps: Staff will prepare a draft ordinance for a future council meeting. The council will continue discussion on specific provisions as needed.

The Forest Grove Planning Commission convened on November 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM for a scheduled public meeting. The sole agenda item was a public hearing on proposed development code text amendments. However, only three of the required members were present, preventing a quorum. Following guidance from the city attorney, the commission was unable to proceed with the hearing and opted to continue it to a future date. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for non-agenda items. All attendees were present for the development code hearing. Discussion Items - Chair announced the lack of a quorum (only three of the required five members were present) and reported that City Attorney Chris Kreen advised that the public hearing could not begin without a quorum. - The chair proposed continuing the hearing to December 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM. One commissioner noted a scheduling conflict due to work travel but indicated they could attend via Zoom. - Staff confirmed that no deadline requires the hearing to occur before the end of 2025, so a January date was also possible, though the chair preferred December 15 to avoid further delay for the public attendees. - Chair noted that if the hearing cannot be held on December 15, new notices would be sent to all who received the original notice; otherwise, announcing the continued date at the meeting would avoid additional notice costs. - The chair also mentioned that the city calendar is always up to date for meeting schedules. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the proposed development code text amendments was continued to December 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the same location (with Zoom option available). This continuation was declared by the chair, as no formal motion could be made without a quorum. - The public meeting was closed, and the business meeting could not proceed due to lack of quorum, so the meeting was adjourned. - All originally notified parties will receive an additional notice if the hearing date changes; otherwise, no new notice is required.

The Forest Grove City Council met on November 10, 2025, at 7:15 PM. The meeting included extensive public testimony on immigration enforcement, annual department updates, and culminated in the unanimous adoption of a resolution declaring a state of emergency and allocating $50,000 to support community organizations aiding those impacted by federal immigration activities. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, consisting of routine items, was approved by a vote of 7–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Fernando Guterres and Dale Feek expressed concerns about ICE presence in Forest Grove, with Feek highlighting a Washington County emergency declaration and urging council action. - Kristen Ludwig shared a story of a documented community leader too afraid to testify; she called for voluntary notaries and parent support. - Peter Terex, former councilor and current school board member, urged a public hearing on any emergency resolution and stressed student safety. - Beth Genley (Indivisible Forest Grove) reported on community efforts to document ICE activities and asked the council to act, including directing police to record and report ICE actions. - Melissa Tim, a teacher, described trauma in schools: students fearful, a pregnant mother without her husband, and ICE agents circling Cornelius Elementary. - Linda Taylor suggested using the city utility as a mechanism for emergency assistance and shared the "SALUTE" acronym (Size, Activity, Location, Uniform, Time, Equipment) for reporting ICE incidents. - Michael Johnson recommended collecting information for habeas petitions and pursuing bench warrants for illegal arrests. - Carol (read aloud) shared a message that residents are more than farm workers and deserve peace. - Nathan Derleth, a new mother and university employee, criticized the Pledge of Allegiance given current events. - Justin Baer expressed exhaustion at explaining ICE actions to his daughter and urged the council to take definitive action. - Sean Elke, former law enforcement, encouraged legal strategies and criticized state inaction. - Avery Grubbs, mother of a disabled adult, noted that her caregivers (both documented) are afraid to take her daughter out due to skin color. - Mika Mendez (Zoom) expressed fear and urged the council to correct misinformation and stand up. - Rosa (Zoom), a DACA recipient and mother of three, feared being taken from her children. - Sandra (walk-in) demanded action, noting she is working two jobs and already helping her community despite being scared. Discussion Items - Public Works Update (Greg Robertson): Reported on the Council Creek Regional Trail (bid April 2026, two-year build), overlay projects (1.5 miles, 66 curb ramps), completion of the admin facility expansion (April 2026), emergency water intertie, and 2026 priorities including a study to return downtown couplet to two-way traffic, safe routes to school, water rate/SDC study, and a $250,000 arts grant for signage. - Police Department Update (Chief): Reviewed 2025 goals including the unsuccessful police station bond, a response time dashboard (going online), code enforcement work session in January 2026, traffic enforcement grants, and community outreach (16,000 Facebook followers). The chief noted that officers have been directed to record ICE interactions but cannot intervene due to legal limitations; state-level guidance is needed. He also highlighted the hiring process for a new police chief. - Parks and Recreation Update (Cody Jeffers, for Director Lane): Reported progress on Kyle Park bike skills area and Forest Grove Loop Trail Master Plan, $13,000 in financial assistance (Fund for All), pool tile replacement, new programs (summer kickoff, Park Licks), and 2026 priorities: pool deck/locker room renovation, East Side Park construction, master plan update, and cost recovery plan. - Fire Department Update (Chief Gearing): Detailed accomplishments: purchased deployment analysis software (Atom, $17,500 split 50/50 with rural district), implemented response time dashboards (including real-time shift displays), filled three levy-funded positions (graduation December 4), updated volunteer program (15 active members), applied for state staffing grant ($35,000), and a draft IGA with Cornelius. 2026 priorities include new fire engine placement, surplus truck sale, staffing software, and standardized training. - Council Communications and Additions/Deletions: Councilor Falconer moved to add an emergency declaration resolution to the agenda (item F2); motion passed. - Resolution 2025-60: Authorizing city manager to establish membership in the Mayor's Innovation Project ($1,250/year); approved 7–0. - Resolution 2025-61: Declaring a state of emergency regarding federal immigration enforcement, authorizing up to $50,000 from contingency funds to support community-based organizations providing services to impacted residents. The resolution expires December 31, 2025. Council discussed the need for public testimony (noting extensive public comment earlier) and confirmed funds come from reserves (no impact on other services). Passed 7–0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved (7–0). - Resolution 2025-60 (Mayor's Innovation Project membership) approved 7–0. - Resolution 2025-61 (State of Emergency) approved 7–0, allocating $50,000 for community organizations. - Council set a retreat for December 1. - Council agreed to include youth advisory members in the NLC student delegation selection (applications due December 31). - Council scheduled an executive session (real property negotiations) immediately following the meeting. - The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM with council consent to continue to executive session.

The Forest Grove City Council held a work session on November 10, 2025, addressing two main topics: the police facility project and the city's response to increased ICE activity. The council discussed value engineering to reduce costs for a new police station, reviewed polling timelines, and then debated potential actions to protect the immigrant community, including an emergency declaration and codifying sanctuary city status. Discussion Items Police Facility - Staff presented an update on the police facility project following the failed May 2025 ballot measure (47.75% yes, 52.25% no). The total project cost was estimated at $31 million, with construction costs at $23 million. The building has been reduced from 27,000 to approximately 21,500 square feet, and the cost per square foot is about $980, in line with regional averages. - Staff proposed six value engineering alternates to reduce costs without affecting functionality, including changes to metal decking, exterior facade, bullet-resistant glazing, and secure parking fencing. The total savings from these alternates were not explicitly stated but were part of the cost reduction effort. - Council reached consensus to accept the value engineering recommendations from staff. - On polling, council agreed to proceed with an initial poll to gauge community sentiment and timing for a potential future ballot measure. The budget includes $25,000 for one poll; a second poll could be considered later. Council opted to conduct the first poll now. Inclusive Community and Federal Immigration Update - The council heard from the city manager, police chief, and city attorney about the recent increase in ICE enforcement activity in Forest Grove and neighboring communities. Oregon is a sanctuary state, but federal agents may still operate. The city attorney advised that city employees should not intervene with ICE agents but should document interactions. Police Chief Ryman noted that the city is obligated under state statute to record and report abusive incidents. - The council discussed a draft brochure on how to identify a Forest Grove police officer. Feedback included making it more visual, adding non-examples, and using QR codes for resources. Council gave consensus to move forward with the brochure. - Council brainstormed potential actions and voted on several items via consensus: - Replace the 2017 Inclusive Community resolution with a Sanctuary City resolution. - Draft a "Protect Forest Grove" ordinance codifying sanctuary city status, including training, reporting, and signage. - Declare a state of emergency to accelerate assistance, with an initial allocation of $50,000 from contingency funds (consensus on $50,000). Staff will prepare an emergency declaration for the regular meeting. - Write a letter to Washington County Board of Commissioners requesting suspension of the contract with Flock, the license plate reader company, due to concerns about racial profiling. - Grant authority to the city manager and mayor to collaborate with other municipalities, community organizations, and law enforcement on regional responses. - Schedule regular work sessions to update on immigration issues. Key Outcomes - Council accepted value engineering changes for the police station. - Council authorized a first poll on the police facility ballot timing, spending up to $25,000. - Council directed staff to bring back a Sanctuary City resolution and a Protect Forest Grove ordinance for further work session. - Council approved an emergency declaration resolution to be added to the regular meeting agenda, with $50,000 in initial funding. - Council approved sending a letter to Washington County regarding Flock. - Council gave authority for collaboration with regional partners. - No formal action was taken on the proposal to authorize police to arrest ICE agents; it lacked consensus and was removed. Note: Public comment was not taken during the work sessions.

The Forest Grove City Council met on October 27, 2025, at 7:06 PM. The meeting included public comments, presentations on the city's watershed and Clean Water Services partnership, council member communications, and a city manager's report. No formal votes or resolutions were taken during the meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Dale Fake urged the council to watch a seven‑minute‐and‑thirty‑second speech by historian Timothy Snyder on freedom and citizenship, and encouraged the council to become better citizens. - Silas Rule, a youth athlete representing multiple nonprofit youth sports programs (soccer, baseball, basketball, swim club, water polo, lacrosse), presented a petition signed by youth athletes opposing proposed increases in field and pool rental fees by the Parks and Recreation Department. He argued that higher fees would likely lead to increased registration costs for families, especially those with multiple athletes, and would risk excluding kids from participating in affordable, inclusive community programs. He asked the council to reconsider the fee changes. Presentations Civics Academy Recognition The council recognized the first graduating class of the Forest Grove Civics Academy. Mayor Wenzel thanked Stephanie and Joyce (communications team) and department directors for creating the program. Graduates received certificates and cards of appreciation. Forest Grove Watershed Annual Report Barry Sims, the city’s contract forester, presented the annual update on the watershed (4,225 acres). Key highlights: - 2025 activities: thinned 110 acres, completed 8 acres of small patch cuts and 9 acres of variable retention; net revenue to the city was $900,000. - The watershed remains Forest Stewardship Council certified; a recent audit found no issues. - Plans for 2026‑27 focus on never‑thinned areas, similar volumes, and updating the timber inventory. - Mayor Wenzel praised the watershed’s management and invited the public to future tours. Clean Water Services Annual Update Joe Gall (Chief Utility Relations Officer) and Rick Shanley (Interim CEO) provided the state‑of‑the‑partnership presentation. Key points: - Clean Water Services serves 600,000+ residents in urban Washington County; Forest Grove is a partner city. - Upcoming major investments in Forest Grove: the Ripple lab (new lab relocating to Forest Grove, opening late 2026/early 2027); a $19 million clarifier upgrade at the Forest Grove wastewater resource recovery facility; and a new Council Creek Pump Station to serve West Forest Grove. - A feasibility study on billing alternatives will be conducted; currently the city bills on Clean Water Services’ behalf. - The West Basin Master Plan is being finalized; it will coordinate with the city’s long‑term development plans. - Fernhill natural treatment system now attracts 250,000 visitors annually. - Councilor Schimmel asked about workforce development opportunities at the new lab; Shanley said it is “aspirational” but the lab is primarily for compliance. Discussion Items Council Communications Council members gave reports on board and committee activities. A significant discussion arose from Councilor Schimmel’s comments about an email correspondence that he believed contradicted the council’s August 25 work session consensus on downtown redevelopment and partnerships. He argued the email misrepresented the council’s direction and undermined the city manager’s authority. He requested that the council reaffirm (1) council and city manager authority under the charter and council rules, and (2) the August 25 consensus on goal 1.8 (relating to financial partnerships). Councilor Martinez and others noted that the council had already sworn to uphold the charter and that the consensus had not been formally challenged. Councilor Gutison clarified that her email to the city manager was only to request a correction to a staff member’s misstatement about having signed a confidentiality agreement, not to undermine consensus. Councilor Schimmel expressed concern about a “bad culture” and “perpetual harm.” No formal motion or vote was taken; the matter was left for future consideration. City Manager Report City Manager Jesse reported: - Bonneville Power Administration assigned a project manager to the Highway 47/Fern Hill project, ordered poles for relocation, and a spring outage is planned; the project is back on track (saved nearly a year). - IT improvements under Eddie Littlefield (CJIS, Windows 11 upgrades, server patching). - GIS services RFP expected in November/December. - Public safety response time dashboard data is ready for website posting. - Development code amendments will go to the planning commission on November 17 and a council work session on November 24. - The light and power low‑income solar project is completing environmental review; final design and construction will follow verification of congressional funds. - Library volunteer recognition dinner (October 22) had 60 attendees. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken during the meeting. - BPA Highway 47/Fern Hill project is back on track; a thank‑you note to BPA was suggested and supported. - Council retreat scheduled for December 1, 2025 (5:30–9:30 PM). - Mayor’s Innovation Project membership ($1,250 annual fee) received general support; a resolution authorizing membership will be brought to a future meeting. - The council approved the mayor’s request to use city letterhead for college recommendation letters for three Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council seniors. - The city will ensure applications for three student slots at the National League of Cities conference are distributed to youth board/commission members and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. - No action was taken on the proposed fee increases for youth sports organizations or on the concerns raised by Councilor Schimmel.