Forest Grove City Council Meeting - September 22, 2025
Forest Grove City Council Meeting - September 22, 2025
The Forest Grove City Council met on September 22, 2025, at 7:08 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, public comments, several presentations, a public hearing on a transient lodging tax increase, council communications, and a city manager report. The meeting was adjourned to a work session.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dale Feek spoke during public comment, reading from Robert Reich's book Coming Up Short. He warned about the dangers of authoritarianism and fascism, referencing the 2024 election and expressing concern about the direction of national politics.
- Jill Ruhl, treasurer of the Forest Grove Swim Club, provided public comment on the swim club's financial contributions. She corrected a figure presented in an earlier work session, stating that the swim club's total contribution to the pool was $23,302 (based on $17,595 from memberships and $3,467 from rentals for four meets), not the $8,645.20 previously quoted. She also noted that volunteer coaches for Forest Grove Youth Baseball had to prepare fields themselves, and questioned the affordability of summer programs offered by the city.
Presentations
- Washington County Sheriff's Office Update: Sheriff Massie reported on staffing improvements at the jail, with vacancies reduced to eight and full staffing expected next month. Three housing units remain closed due to critical infrastructure repairs (roof, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression), but nine of ten units are expected to open by March 2026. Other updates included interagency teams, a NIBAN terminal grant (analyzing shell casings), search and rescue cadets (48 missions this year), Project Lifesaver and Help Me Home programs, and a drone team (over 500 missions since 2024). The sheriff also highlighted a public safety local option levy on the November 4 ballot covering 16% of the sheriff's office budget. Council members expressed appreciation for the progress.
- Summer Parks Intern Update: Nisaya Reb, a second-year OSU student, presented on her work as the first Parks and Recreation marketing intern. She managed the Facebook page, wrote the Grove Groove e-newsletter, created promotional graphics, and produced a promotional video. She participated in outreach events and recommended establishing a permanent summer internship program.
- East Side Park Update: Miguel Camacho-Cerna from Place presented updated designs for the half-acre park on 19th Avenue. The park features universal access, natural play elements, a play structure, picnic tables, seating, and an artistic fence. An arborist assessment found several unhealthy trees needed removal, and a tree was knocked down in a windstorm. The city is working with Washington County Housing Authority for direct access from the adjacent apartment complex. Construction is expected to begin early 2026 with a goal of completion by summer.
- Public Arts Commission Update: Chairs Dana Eatson and Emily Lux reported on completed projects: a mural by Nate Marcel on the Lincoln Park restroom (celebration October 1), three $500 mini-grants (Cornelius Elementary mosaic, all-female art show, Festival of the Arts), and the second annual Festival of the Arts (57 free art experiences over four evenings). Upcoming plans include beautification of Main Street with rotating art displays at four designated locations, possibly inspired by programs like SG's. Council member Victoria Falkner suggested collaboration with the Historic Landmarks Board to put historic photos on new trash cans.
Discussion Items
- Public Hearing – Ordinance 2025-03 (Transient Lodging Tax Increase): The council held a public hearing on the first reading of an ordinance to increase the local transient lodging tax (TLT) from 2.5% to 3.5%, as discussed in a work session on September 8. No public testimony was offered. The council voted 6-0 to approve the first reading.
- Council Communications: Council members reported on committee meetings (WCCA, NLC University Council, EDC, CCE) and upcoming events (Oktoberfest, Eastside Merchant Halloween event, Chamber open house). Councilor Schimmel mentioned EDC exploring temporary uses of the theater building and a need for activity there.
- City Manager Report: Jesse Smith reported on grants: $4.7 million total obligated/awarded, $2 million in federal funding over three years, and $630,000 in annual community grant programs. Three additional firefighters were hired under the levy. Light and Power is 75% complete on undergrounding overhead lines (DOE grant). TriMet assumed ownership of the right-of-way for the Council Creek Regional Trail and signed a 25-year maintenance agreement with Washington County.
- Mayor's Innovation Project: Mayor Wenzel proposed joining the Mayor's Innovation Project at a cost of $1,250, providing access to meetings and networks. Council members indicated they would review the materials.
- Council Retreat: The mayor proposed a four-hour evening retreat on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5-9 PM to prioritize action items from the 2040 Vision Plan. Council expressed general support, with a preference for a weekday evening over a Saturday.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved unanimously (6-0).
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-03 (TLT increase to 3.5%) approved unanimously (6-0).
- Council tentatively scheduled the annual retreat for Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5-9 PM.
- City manager to circulate Mayor's Innovation Project materials for council review.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Wait. No. Good evening. I'd like to call to order this meeting of the Force Grove City Council. A little bit late at 7 08. Will our city recorder please call roll? Councilor Gustafson? Here. Counselor Shimon? Here. Councillor Martinez. Here. Counselor Marshall? Here. Counselor Falconer. Here. Mayor Wenzel. Here. Force Grove City Council meetings are located on the land of the Twalton Calapuas, who call themselves the Athalati. They are now part of the Confederate tribes of Grand Ron. Will the audience and the council please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, but liberty and justice for all. Hello. I just like a magician. Now I'm down here. And I think I'm really funny. Okay, I'm here for the proclamation of Arts and Humanities Month. Whereas for over two decades, the month of October has been recognized across the country as National Arts and Humanities Month. A collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. And whereas the purpose of National Arts and Humanities Month is to increase and support equitable access to and greater participation in the arts and to raise awareness of the positive impact the arts and humanities have in our communities and lives. And whereas the arts and humanities embodies much of accumulated wisdom, intellect, and imagination of humankind, and play a crucial role in promoting individual well-being, connecting cultures, highlighting inequities, and making communities stronger. And whereas the arts and humanities represent the freedom of expression that empowers Americans to speak and think independently and creatively. And whereas our artists, librarians, scholars, and museum professionals are vital to the prosperity of our society, serving to preserve historical memory, nurture empathy, provoke thought, and help us all imagine a better future. Now, therefore, the city council of the city of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim October 2025 as Arts and Humanities Month in Force Grove, Oregon, and calls upon the people to join their f their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance. Thank you. Okay. Now we're going to move on to item B on our agenda. Item B is public comment. 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. Comments are limited to two minutes unless additional time is granted by the presiding officer. The public comment period shall not exceed 30 minutes unless a majority of counselors present vote to extend the time. Zoom attendees may use the raise hand option to be called upon. Okay, our first and only person signed up for public comment is Mr. Dale Feek. Hello, Mr. Feek. Hello, Mayor Winsel. And Counselors, I'm Dale Feek.
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