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Record of Proceedings

Forest Grove City Council Meeting - August 25, 2025

City Council — Monday, August 25, 2025
BodyForest Grove, Oregon
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, August 25, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:16:42

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:03

I gotta read with me while I'm reading this thing from the screen.

0:11

No one will say anything about the We didn't have time to eat at all, so I'm gonna kind of use right now.

0:22

Okay.

0:25

Um I was like, I did not feel like doing anything today food-wise, so I just bought a Caesar salad.

0:33

Mariah.

0:34

Sorry, sorry.

0:49

Hello, friends.

0:52

Oh, I'm not on yet.

0:59

Good evening.

1:00

Is my mic on, Mariah?

1:02

Okay, great.

1:03

Thank you, Mariah.

1:05

Good evening.

1:05

I'd like to call to order the Forest Grove City Council meeting.

1:10

The date is August 25th, 2025.

1:13

I would like to begin tonight's meeting by honoring the life of assistant city manager Paul Deoni.

1:21

It is my deep privilege to speak on behalf of a grateful city, as we remember someone who was not only a dedicated public servant, but also a true friend to this community.

1:36

Paul gave 25 years of his life in service to Forest Grove.

1:40

As our assistant city manager and finance director, his impact was felt in every corner of city government.

1:47

He worked side by side with every department, bringing not only his not just his sharp financial mind, but his kindness, his collaboration, and his unwavering belief in what local government could do for its people.

2:04

Paul played a key role in guiding the city through major capital improvement projects, ensuring they were not only completed, but successful and sustainable.

2:14

Thanks to his leadership and foresight, we now have the infrastructure and the stability to serve generations to come.

2:23

He was also instrumental in passing multiple city levies, efforts that require not just technical skill, but the trust of a community.

3:50

Thank you.

3:51

Thank you, Paul.

3:52

And I tried to wear orange today, but I just couldn't do it.

3:55

So this is Forrest Grove Green, not Oregon Green.

3:59

Mariah, will you please call roll?

4:01

Councillor Gustafson.

4:04

You're on mute.

4:08

Sorry.

4:09

Council President Bonzoila.

4:11

Here.

4:11

Councillor Schumel?

4:12

Here.

4:13

Counselor Falconer?

4:14

Here.

4:14

Councillor Martinez.

4:16

Here.

4:16

Councillor Marshall.

4:17

Here.

4:17

Mayor Wenzel.

4:18

Here.

4:19

Forest Grove City Council meetings are located on the land of the Twileton Calapuas, who call themselves the At Pilati.

4:25

They are now part of the Confederate tribes of the Grand of Grand Rum.

4:29

Will the council and the audience please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

4:35

I applied to Langer to the flight.

4:39

Of the United States of America.

4:44

One nation.

4:54

Thank you.

4:56

Okay, moving on to item B on our agenda.

5:00

Public comment.

5:01

Time provided for anyone wishing to speak to the city council on an item not on the agenda or on the agenda, but not scheduled for a public hearing.

5:10

Comments are limited to two minutes unless additional time is granted by the presiding officer.

5:16

The public comment period shall not exceed 30 minutes unless a majority of counselors present vote to extend the time.

5:23

Zoom attendees, please or may use the raise hand option to be called on.

5:28

Okay, let's start with our first public comment.

5:31

He's gearing up in the queue, Mr.

5:34

Dale Feek.

5:41

Hello, Mr.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████12%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Procedural█████████9%
Veterans Affairs████████8%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Public Comment███████7%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Land Use██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Summary of Proceedings

Forest Grove City Council Meeting - August 25, 2025

The Forest Grove City Council met on August 25, 2025, to address a range of topics including public comments on data centers and veterans' inclusion in the Vision 2040 plan, presentations on county and regional levies, approval of employee handbook and food/beverage policies, and council communications. The meeting began with a tribute to the late Assistant City Manager Paul Deoni, who served the city for 25 years.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved by a vote of 7-0, with no items removed or discussed separately.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dale Feek urged the council to change development codes to address height, noise, and other concerns related to data centers, referencing a recent article about Crane Data Centers. He also expressed political views about the Trump administration.
  • Michael Pearl (U.S. Army veteran, American Legion Post 2) expressed concern that the word "veteran" does not appear anywhere in the Forest Grove 2040 plan, asking if the city honors veterans.
  • Alice Custodio (mother, aunt, wife, and widow of veterans) proposed a veteran and military family support initiative in Vision 2040, citing the presence of the National Guard Armory and the omission of veterans' needs in the current draft.
  • Jordan (speaker) supported the veterans' comments, noting that veterans make up approximately 5% of the population and should be included in the 2040 plan.
  • Carol Allery raised concerns about data center impacts on the electrical grid, referencing a July 29 article about Hillsboro's problems, and called for rate transparency and tracking of electricity shut-offs.
  • Tim Rippe (former councilor) spoke on three topics: opposing backtracking on the Oregon Main Street program, urging the city to adopt a height limit for buildings (noting no current limit), and supporting veterans' inclusion in the 2040 plan.
  • Christy Kotke (former councilor) praised the city's willingness to pivot on programs that aren't working and encouraged the city to improve communication about data center impacts, noting that public understanding changes when accurate information is provided.
  • Dan Morris (4400 Settlers Loop) suggested the council negotiate with Crane Data Center for community contributions, given the property tax exemption and the company's stated desire for partnership.
  • Mayor Wenzel responded to veterans' comments, explaining that while the word "veteran" is not in the 2040 plan, actions within the plan (e.g., updating parks master plan, exploring multi-use community facility) address veteran needs.

Presentations

  • CECOP Intern Presentation: Engineering intern Aaron Park presented his summer work, including projects on town center improvements, Davis Estates, Green Data Center, and CWS Ripple project. He learned about plan reviews, inspections, ADA curb ramp certification, and professional communication. Councilors praised the program.
  • Library Local Option Levy (Measure 34-345): Lisa Tattersall (Washington County Cooperative Library Services) presented neutral information on the proposed levy. The levy would replace an expiring 22-cent levy with a fixed 37 cents per $1,000 assessed value, raising approximately $129/year for an average home. It would fund programs, resources, open hours, and central services across 16 libraries. If not passed, services would be reduced.
  • Public Safety Local Option Levy (Measure 34-346): Commander Dave Marzilli (Washington County Sheriff's Office) and District Attorney Kevin Barton presented the levy. The current levy expires June 2026; the proposed rate is 66 cents per $1,000 assessed value (about $19/month for average home), generating $337 million over five years. It would fund 16% of countywide public safety services, including jail operations, child abuse prosecution, domestic violence assistance, drug enforcement, and mental health response teams. Barton noted the jail is currently operating at reduced capacity (388 of 572 beds) and the levy is needed to restore full capacity. Councilor Schimmel asked about assurance that the jail would be fully staffed with levy passage; Marzilli and Barton explained challenges but stated the levy is essential.
  • Metro Councilor Update: Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Metro Councilor, District 4) provided updates on transportation (TV Highway Bus Rapid Transit project secured $28.5 million), housing (affordable housing bond created 5,600 homes, 2,664 with two+ bedrooms), and supportive housing services (SHS) (2,500 people housed since 2021, 3,000 evictions prevented, 450 new shelter units). He noted Metro is not referring SHS extension to voters this cycle but plans reforms. He also mentioned a community depot program for recycling and disposal, and grant opportunities. Councilor Schimmel raised concerns about safety on TV Highway and the Bee Street Trail.

Discussion Items

  • Council Communications: Council President Valenzuela reported on the library levy presentation and a CDBG/PAB meeting. Councilor Falconer updated on Bureau of Reclamation pausing the alternative seismic dam project due to cost, and on chamber meetings. Councilor Gustafson reported on Public Art Commission (mural completed, exploring custom art) and supported collaboration with Historic Landmarks Board for trash can art. Councilor Marshall reported on parks and rec (Cornelius school opening, skate park repair, rec programs) and raised concerns about the city partnering with for-profit Skyhawk over local nonprofits. Councilor Martinez noted challenges with the upcoming sister city delegation from Japan (October 29-November 2) due to key volunteers unavailable. Councilor Schimmel reported on the 2040 plan implementation and TV Highway safety.
  • City Manager Report: Jesse (city manager) acknowledged the tribute to Paul Deoni, announced the community open house on October 28, the Civics Academy (20 slots filled, starts September 10), the CEP grant deadline September 17, the TV Highway Access Management Plan kickoff, and the public works administration building groundbreaking. Speed limit on Oak Street changed from 55 to 35 mph. Knox Ridge Park anticipated to open in September.
  • Mayor's Report: Mayor Wenzel noted that development code amendments for data centers (height and setbacks) will be brought forward this fall. Councilor Gustafson requested a work session on a moratorium on data centers while code changes are considered; Councilor Falconer and others questioned the legal and practical implications, and the mayor determined no consensus to proceed. The mayor then asked for consensus to join the Mayor's Innovation Project (annual fee $1,200) – deferred to next meeting for more information.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
  • Resolution 2025-48 (Employee Handbook revisions): Approved 7-0.
  • Resolution 2025-49 (Food & Beverage Policy for Appointed Officials): Approved 7-0.
  • Resolution 2025-50 (Food & Beverage Policy for Mayor): Approved 5-0 on roll call (Mayor recused, remaining councilors voted yes).
  • Resolution 2025-51 (Food & Beverage Policy for Councilors elected November 2022): Approved 4-0 (Councilors Marshall, Valenzuela, Martinez recused).
  • Resolution 2025-52 (Food & Beverage Policy for Councilors elected November 2024): Approved 4-0 (Councilors Schimmel, Falconer, Gustafson recused; Mayor and others voted yes).
  • Discussion on moratorium: No consensus; council will proceed with development code amendments via public process.
  • Mayor's Innovation Project membership: Deferred to next meeting for council review of materials.

Meeting Transcript

I gotta read with me while I'm reading this thing from the screen. No one will say anything about the We didn't have time to eat at all, so I'm gonna kind of use right now. Okay. Um I was like, I did not feel like doing anything today food-wise, so I just bought a Caesar salad. Mariah. Sorry, sorry. Hello, friends. Oh, I'm not on yet. Good evening. Is my mic on, Mariah? Okay, great. Thank you, Mariah. Good evening. I'd like to call to order the Forest Grove City Council meeting. The date is August 25th, 2025. I would like to begin tonight's meeting by honoring the life of assistant city manager Paul Deoni. It is my deep privilege to speak on behalf of a grateful city, as we remember someone who was not only a dedicated public servant, but also a true friend to this community. Paul gave 25 years of his life in service to Forest Grove. As our assistant city manager and finance director, his impact was felt in every corner of city government. He worked side by side with every department, bringing not only his not just his sharp financial mind, but his kindness, his collaboration, and his unwavering belief in what local government could do for its people. Paul played a key role in guiding the city through major capital improvement projects, ensuring they were not only completed, but successful and sustainable. Thanks to his leadership and foresight, we now have the infrastructure and the stability to serve generations to come. He was also instrumental in passing multiple city levies, efforts that require not just technical skill, but the trust of a community. Thank you. Thank you, Paul. And I tried to wear orange today, but I just couldn't do it. So this is Forrest Grove Green, not Oregon Green. Mariah, will you please call roll? Councillor Gustafson. You're on mute. Sorry. Council President Bonzoila. Here. Councillor Schumel? Here. Counselor Falconer? Here. Councillor Martinez. Here. Councillor Marshall. Here. Mayor Wenzel. Here. Forest Grove City Council meetings are located on the land of the Twileton Calapuas, who call themselves the At Pilati. They are now part of the Confederate tribes of the Grand of Grand Rum. Will the council and the audience please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I applied to Langer to the flight. Of the United States of America. One nation. Thank you.

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