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.
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.