Beaverton City Council Meeting - August 26, 2025

The Beaverton City Council met on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM. The agenda included public comments, a city manager update, presentations on the proposed Washington County library and public safety levies, a public hearing on a site development permit fee waiver, a code amendment for parking permit fees, and a work session on parks and open space. The meeting lasted several hours, with the library levy discussion extending considerably. The council approved the consent agenda, adopted a parking permit fee code change unanimously, and voted 4-3 to reduce a developer's site development permit fee by 50%. No votes were taken on the library or public safety levy presentations; the council voiced strong concerns about the library levy.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0) including routine approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kayleen Miller (resident of Southwest Laurelwood Avenue) expressed frustration about the delayed sidewalk project on Laurelwood Avenue. She stated that the sidewalk was promised within six months of moving in January 2021, but was put on hold due to funding. She cited safety concerns, speeding cars (estimated up to 40 mph in a 30 mph zone), three nearby schools, a bus stop, and two prior pedestrian fatalities. She requested better communication from the city and completion of the sidewalk.
• Doug Renault (resident, trumpet player with Oregon Symphony) asked what concrete steps the city is taking to protect immigrant neighbors from federal ICE actions, rescinding DEI resolutions, and other harms. He specifically queried about sanctuary law enforcement, courthouse presence, school protections, and support programs.

City Manager Report

• Community Survey: Now live through September 15, 2025, at BeavertonOregon.gov/survey to gather public input on safety, housing, transportation, and livability.
• Transportation System Plan (TSP) Update: Survey open at BeavertonOregon.gov/goBeaverton; community workshops held in fall 2024 and February 2025.
• Street Mural Program: New community-led program allowing residents to apply to create street murals; no city funding provided.
• Parade: Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10 AM with theme "Wild Wonders."
• Council Learning Session: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6 PM on fiscal sustainability and addressing budget shortfalls.

Discussion Items

Library Services Levy (Proposed Measure 34-346)

• Presented by Marnie Kyle (Assistant County Administrator) and Lisa Tattersall (WCCLS). The levy would replace the expiring levy and represent 45% of WCCLS revenue (55% from county general fund). The rate increase for a typical homeowner: about $54 per year (from current level).
• Key Statistics: WCCLS serves an estimated 600,000 residents with 16 library locations; 83,000 library cards issued to public school students since 2019; 2.4 million visits and 7.2 million checkouts in FY23-24; 10,000 students participated in programs; over 6,000 in-person events with 200,000 participants.
• Funding Formula: Based on population within a 10-minute drive and average FTE costs (excluding nonprofits). Nonprofits contribute 7-15% of their operating costs, while cities contribute up to 50% (Beaverton contributes ~$5 million annually).
• Council Positions:
  • Mayor Beatty stated the levy "does not work for us" in its current form; Beaverton residents would pay more and receive less; he does not support the levy as proposed.
  • Councilor Duggar expressed concern that Beaverton residents subsidize unincorporated areas and pay significantly more; noted a 68% rate increase for a 90% increase in Beaverton's allocation.
  • Councilor Teeter said it is "very hard to support it as it is right now" and urged changes before the funding formula is finalized.
  • Councilor Tivnon echoed concerns about equity and residents bearing too much of the cost.
  • Councilor Hartmeyer Prigg raised questions about funding formula inputs, foot traffic vs. population, and oversight.
  • Councilor Kimmy asked about personnel costs and long-term sustainability.
• Outcome: No vote; council expressed that the levy needs more work and that Beaverton's support hinges on a revised funding model.

Public Safety Levy (Replacement Levy)

• Presented by District Attorney Stephanie Martin and Undersheriff Kevin Cook. Proposed increase from $0.47 to $0.66 per $1,000 assessed value, raising an estimated $337 million over five years. Average homeowner would pay ~$6 more per month ($230/year).
• Key Statistics: County jail capacity reduced from 572 to 388 beds due to COVID and staffing shortages; 22-30 people released weekly due to lack of capacity; 1.3 million fentanyl pills seized in three years; one vehicle stolen per day (2021-2024 average, now declining); 17% increase in child abuse reports post-COVID.
• Council Questions:
  • Councilor Hartmeyer Prigg asked about ICE cooperation; Undersheriff Cook stated the sheriff's office does not enforce civil detainers and limits cooperation to criminal matters with judicial orders.
  • Councilor Hussen asked about the mental health response team (MHRT) and whether the levy would increase services; response was that it maintains current levels.
  • Councilor Duggar requested cost-cutting and efficiency talking points for community outreach; staff agreed to provide.
• Outcome: No vote; council indicated support for the levy but requested additional information.

Site Development Permit Fee Waiver (Ordinance Discussion)

• Applicant (Rich Hannah of 1224 Architecture & Assembly) requested a refund of $38,146 for Site Development Permit SD2022-0025. The original permit expired in August 2024; a second permit was issued in 2025 after re-application. Staff argued fees are non-refundable per code unless just cause is shown.
• Arguments:
  • Applicant cited regional bank failures (Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic) that caused financing to collapse, leading to a hiatus. They noted the city notified them of building permit expiration but not site development permit; requests for extensions are typically granted. They offered to pay for the six days of staff review (second permit processed quickly) but sought a full refund of the second fee.
  • Staff (Andy Varner, Community Development Director) stated permitting extensions must be requested before expiration; the city relies on permittees to manage expiration dates. Staff spent time on inspection and review for both permits.
• Council Deliberation: Motions were made for a $30,000 reduction, then amended to a 50% reduction ($19,073). Councilor Hartmeyer Prigg argued that reduced housing development costs and the unusual bank failure constituted just cause. Councilors Teeter, Tivnon, and Kimmy opposed, citing code clarity and precedent.
• Vote: 4-3 in favor of 50% reduction (Councillors Hartmeyer Prigg, Hassan, Duggar, and Mayor Beatty yes; Councillors Teeter, Tivnon, Kimmy no).

Parking Permit Fee Code Amendment (Ordinance 4871)

• Presented by Casey Graziano (Parking Operations Manager). The amendment removes language capping parking permit fees at the cost to administer/enforce the program and removes specific department references. The code had not been updated since 2002.
• Public Comment: None.
• Vote: Unanimously adopted (7-0).

Work Session: Parks and Open Space (Metro Bond Local Share)

• Presented by Lee Crabtree (Assistant Community Development Director) and THPRD staff. The city has $5.7 million in local share funds from the 2019 Metro Parks and Nature Bond (THPRD has $8.6 million). Funds must be used by June 2026 (agreements) and completed within 10 years.
• Options: Partner with THPRD to acquire property/deliver projects, or go it alone, or a mix. Staff recommended partnering with THPRD, which has SDC funds for capacity projects.
• Council Positions:
  • Mayor Beatty supported partnering, noting THPRD's SDC credits and community impact mechanisms.
  • Councilor Duggar expressed hesitation, emphasizing need for downtown parks to match housing growth; he wants specific investments in downtown and active transportation.
  • Councilor Teeter favored downtown confluence and active transportation connections.
  • Councilor Hartmeyer Prigg supported partnership with checkpoints and milestones.
  • Councilor Hussen advocated for walkable parks and collaboration with THPRD.
  • Councilor Tivnon supported partnership and highlighted Cooper Mountain preservation.
  • Councilor Kimmy requested a water feature for heat relief.
• Outcome: Council broadly supported moving forward with an agreement with THPRD; staff will prepare for a joint meeting on September 30, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
• Site Development Permit Fee Waiver: Motion to reduce the $38,146 fee by 50% ($19,073) passed 4-3. The mayor will sign the final decision and order. Staff directed to bring back a process to handle similar requests at the staff level.
• Parking Permit Ordinance (4871): Adopted unanimously, 7-0, removing fee caps and department specificity.
• Library Levy: No action taken; council expressed that the current funding model is unacceptable and needs significant changes before Beaverton can support the levy. A revised proposal is expected by the end of the month.
• Public Safety Levy: No action taken; council requested efficiency talking points for community outreach.
• Parks Work Session: Council directed staff to pursue an agreement with THPRD to deploy the city's $5.7 million Metro bond local share, with a focus on downtown parks, active transportation, and the downtown confluence concept. The joint THPRD board meeting is scheduled for September 30, 2025.