Good evening, I'd like to call to order this meeting of the Forest Grove City Council.

The time is 7 25.

Sorry for the late starts.

Will our city recorder please call roll?

Councillor Gesterson.

Here, Council President Von Zuela.

Here.

Councillor Shimon?

Here.

Councillor Falconer.

Here.

Councillor Martinez.

Here.

Councillor Marshall.

Here.

Here, Force Grove City Council meetings are located on the land of the Chualton Calapuas, who call themselves the At Falati.

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

Will the audience in Council please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance?

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States America.

Thank you.

You may be seated.

I did get some readers over the weekend, but I forgot them at home because I'm not used to having them.

Yeah, I was like one thing at a time, right?

Okay, our first proclamation this evening, hopefully I'm going in the right order, is domestic violence violence awareness month.

Whereas domestic violence is a serious crime that affects people of all races, ages, gender identities, socioeconomic levels, religions, and abilities, but has a disproportionate effect on marginalized communities.

And whereas domestic violence includes physical, emotional, social, sexual, spiritual, financial, and digital abuse, and can occur between family members, intimate partners, and within dating relationships.

And whereas domestic violence impacts vulnerable victims, including children, as approximately 50% of child abuse victims in Washington County also live in homes with domestic violence.

And these experiences in childhood increase the likelihood of struggles with addiction, mental health, school and other challenges.

And whereas Oregon sees higher rates of violence and abuse than the national average, with 42% of women and 39% of men experiencing domestic violence.

And whereas Washington County has united to address the impacts of all forms of family violence, including domestic violence, sexual assaults, and child abuse, through our family justice collaborative.

And whereas Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides a platform to show support for the domestic violence advocates, crisis hotline staff, and victim service organizations.

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 as domestic violence prevention month in Forest Grove, Oregon, and calls upon the people to learn more about preventing domestic violence and to show support for the organizations and individuals who provide critical advocacy, resources, hope, and assistance to the victims.

Go ahead.

Okay.

And when the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution creating the Continental Navy, and whereas the United States Marine Corps was established by the Second Continental Congress on November 10th, 1775.

And whereas the first unit of the Marine Corps was formed shortly thereafter, when Captain Samuel Nicholas recruited members and carried out the Marine Corps' first amphibious operation seizing much needed gunpowder from the British for the Continental Army.

And whereas the US Marine Corps has served in nearly every conflict in the United States history, and by 1943, the United States Navy had become the largest Navy in the world.

And whereas Navy and Marine Corps veterans and their family are an integral part of our community.

And whereas it is most fitting for the community to pause and reflect on the rich history, unwavering dedication, and innumerable sacrifices of members of the Navy and Marine Corps in their undaunted and immeasurable service to our nation.

Considering that the Court of Marines of the States United have participated in all the conflicts of the history of the pace, and that 1943, the Marina of the States United have converted in the most grand of the world.

Considering that it is summing appropriate that the community detects reflection over the rich history, the inquebrantable dedication and the innumerable sacrificials of the members of the Marina and the Court of Marines invaluable service to our community.

Ahora por tanto, el Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de Forest Grove proclama por la presente el 13 October 2025 como el 250 anniversario de la Marina y del Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos.

In Forest Grove Oregon has un jamado a la población para unirse as sus concierganos in those Estados Unidos in the reconocimiento y la participación in esta conmemoración special.

Thank you for your service.

You can take it to them too.

Great.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We are now gonna move on to item B on our agenda, which 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 the count of counselors present vote to extend the time.

Zoom attendees may use a raised hand feature to be called on.

Okay, so our first public comment is Abigail Slama Katron.

Hopefully I did not butcher your last name.

Hello.

Hi Abigail.

Hi.

My name is Abigail Slama Catchin.

I work at the Center of Sustainability on Pacific University's campus, and I'm in charge of the public transportation.

Hi, I'm Leilani.

I am also a student at Pacific.

I am a civic action team specialist at our McCall Center for Civic Engagement.

We recently learned that the Grove Link shuttle that services both the east and west side of Forest Grove is on the line for budget cuts, coming up in the 2028 budget cuts by TriMet.

So we thought it was important to bring this attention to you guys as our city council as Forest Grove services many people of the Forest Grove Link services many people wide range from any abilities, any races, because it targets both schools, parks, cities, community centers, and obviously Safeway.

And the survey closes on October 31st.

Great.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Okay.

No, not tonight.

Sorry, we're running late in Sorry.

I'll talk quickly.

On Friday, October the 10th, Speaker of the House, US House, Mike Johnson described this coming Saturday's No Kings rally as Hate America rally.

So are Mike Johnson in the White House worried about what are they worried about?

Why are they trying to discredit the rally before it even occurred?

Because it's likely to be even larger than the first No Kings rally.

Which was the largest demonstration against Trump since his return to the Oval Office.

Trump's power depends on maintaining the illusion that he's all powerful.

And the most Americans adore him.

That's what Robert Wright said in the email to me another.

So on the 18th, Hillsborough Shoot Park, some people don't live in Forest Grove.

Beaverton at the library, 2 to 4.0 to 6 30.

My wife and I plan to go to all three of them.

I encourage you to do at least one.

Thank you, Mr.

Peek.

Carol Allen.

Hello, Carol.

Good.

How are you?

Ah, thank you.

So I um I love it that it's domestic violence month because I know people have been under death and domestic violence.

And I know the injustice that has come out of this.

We really do not, and it's interesting.

You said something that I really thought that we are one of the highest for domestic violence, and this shouldn't be.

We have all these programs.

Question is why are the programs not working?

So here's something I want to share from the word of God.

Proverbs 10 uh 12 says hate stirs up conflicts, but love covers all wrong.

Luke 6 says, but to you who are listening, I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.

I think if we had a little bit more of what the Bible says, we might be doing a little bit better for our people who are under this domestic violence.

And I just wanted to share that, and I ask God to bless each one of you, give you wisdom.

I know you have a hard job, and I pray that he will guide you in all of it.

Okay, great.

Thank you.

Maria, do you mind moving the timer so I can see if there's okay?

Anyone on Zoom like to give public comment, please use the raise hand feature.

Okay, seeing none, we are gonna now move on to item C on the agenda, which is the consent agenda.

Items under the consent agenda are routine, oops, are considered routine, and will all be adopted with a single motion without separate discussion.

Counselors who wish to remove an item from the consent agenda may do so prior to the motion.

Any items removed will be discussed and acted upon following the approval of the remaining item.

What is the wish of the council?

That we remove item two.

Okay, remove item two.

Second, okay.

You have to say all those in favor of removing item two.

Right.

I think an item can be removed without a vote, and then the vote would be for the rest of the consent agenda, not otherwise removed.

Okay, great.

Thank you.

So the other two items, is there a motion for the other two items?

Uh so moved by Councillor Gusten.

Second.

And seconded by Councillor Marshall.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, same sign.

Hearing none.

Consent agenda items one and three are approved by the Force Growth City Council.

Okay, I'm going to turn over to you, Councillor Martinez for item two.

Really quick.

Who seconded the motion to remove that?

Council President Valenzuela.

Um, sorry, repeat that.

Okay, why do you want it removed or what do you want to talk about?

So I want to talk about um Deleace D I can't say it.

Dia de Los The Day of the Dead is what it is.

Um my objection to it is that it is uh by many looked at as a religious um celebration as well because they set up altars and they set food on the altars for their deceased loved ones.

So are you asking for us not to award the tourism grant?

Just for that one, correct?

Okay, is there a second to not award that tourism grant?

I'm sorry.

She would like to re would like to not award um application.

C2?

Yeah.

So she's presenting that as a motion.

Okay.

Does anyone else agree or to second that you want to get more background on it?

Um I would like some background on it.

I'm I'm processing.

Let's see.

I can read some information that I've found on it.

Um plus I've talked to some um Hispanic friends who have the heritage and that they they this is something that they do not um celebrate.

So it's um let's see.

Um maybe it's in my phone side.

It does have a history of um celebrating a deity.

So day of the dead, um it's a holiday in Mexico, also observed to a lesser extent in other areas of Latin America and in the United States, honoring dead loved ones and making peace with the eventuality of death by treating it familiarly without fear and dread.

The holidays derived from rituals of pre-Hispanic peoples in Mexico, led by the goddess Micta, and I can't say all that Hutal, known as the Lady of the Dead.

The celebration lasted a month, and so um under that, I and we have um made the um direction in the past that we do not observe or um the religious observances are not part of city speech.

Okay, I do you want to second it or is there a second or no I'm not seeing anyone that wants to second it.

So I'm gonna second it.

Okay.

I just want to have a conversation as a whole.

Yes, yeah, absolutely.

Okay, so it was moved by Councillor Martinez to remove the award, sponsorship, and it was seconded by Councillor Govson to remove the award.

And now there's discussion.

Yeah, I wanted to have discussion.

So yeah, can I go first?

That's right there before I forget.

So I was looking it up, and um, I mean, Counselor Martinez, you're completely correct, you know, it was based on a deity.

Um, at least that's what Google tells us.

I, you know, I wasn't there.

Um, but it is also a cultural holiday.

So what I want to make sure is that we don't pin ourselves in a corner, because I understand that um and it is cities voice at this point in time, but how do we differentiate between religious holiday um or religious celebration and a cultural celebration?

I'm just saying all this to throw it out there for everybody kind of think through that.

Because initially I was like, oh, of course we're gonna fund it, but you know, when I sit and think about it and have to think about you know the equity of it, what does this say as far as saying yes or no when it's both a cultural holiday to some and a religious holiday for others?

Whereas for me, it is both that's all.

And if I may, um counselor Martinez.

Um in Chile we do not celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

I'm sorry, would you in Chile?

My native country, we do not celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Uh however, uh many people here you know they don't understand the difference between Halloween and Dia de los Muertos.

They're two very separate things.

And uh I don't know what Google says, but for what I understand about this uh festivity, the celebration is the celebration of the people who have passed away in that family, the celebration of life.

Many times we go to a service, and what do we do?

We celebrate someone's life, right?

That's celebration of life.

And because this is a very unique c culture, they do it in a very colorful way.

So it's not like to express uh less fear for death or no respect for death or anything like that.

Um but it's it's very close.

It's on the first and second of November, which are Catholic days to remember.

It's all Saints Day and it's all Saints Day, exactly.

So that's why it's this is a weird, this is why I wanted her explain more with it so you guys would understand what she's talking about, because I could go out and say that I want to do something for All Saints Day or All Souls Day, and it would be similar to what is happening with um the day of the dead.

But I couldn't do it because it's considered a religious holiday, where that is considered a religious holiday as well.

So I see where she's I I see what is being said so you know, if um exactly, but we also need to let's think of a carnival, you know, when the uh the conquistadors came and they brought Christianity to the new world, okay.

They in the name of God, they came to to the Americas, and uh okay, we know some of the history.

Um but like a carnival, it's it's like uh the like merging the two cultures of the uh you know the Christian um religion and the other cultures.

So like a carnival is something like that with dances and costumes and things like that, where people would be fervent, uh uh you know, uh praying to Virgin Mary or Virgin de Guadalupe or whatever it may be, but that was kind of like a compromise in a way.

So the people, the natives could also celebrate this um and be content about celebrating, you know, uh Virgin de Guadalupe or another uh you know, another uh virgin from somewhere because we all have them, they have different names throughout Latin America.

Um so it like I said, it's a celebration of life, and when you uh make this uh altar, it's considered you know for the just to put food and celebrate the lives of the people.

That's why it has the pictures of those who have passed away, because it is believed they will come back home, stay there for a little bit, visit with the family and then leave.

Okay, and that's why you put the food that they used to eat, that they used to like, things they like to do.

Um because they're supposed to come and visit, and that is a belief they have.

Okay.

Um but it is on that day, because it you know, in other countries they're celebrated in different ways.

In Chile it's a very quiet and solemn day, where all you hear is classical music because it's a day of mourning, where in Mexico or here, you know, it's uh with Mexican American people, it's a celebration of the life they lived.

So that's that's what I know about Dia de los Muertos.

Counselor Gaffson.

I just want to throw another confusing fact in there.

Well then we're gonna start to talk about too um the the pagan celebrations, Halloween.

I mean, there's there's so much of that that's a crossover.

So I mean I don't I don't mind having this conversation again because we do want to make sure that when we say city voice, what that really means, so that there can be clarity.

Um I am completely on board with that.

How do we differentiate those two to make sure when we're okaying something, it's reflective of the city as a whole.

So I really I totally appreciate you coming about that because it it is something that I would not have thought about.

That's all I have.

Any further comments?

Um yeah, I do want to say I um and I not that I felt offended, but I don't use Google or anything like that for my research, being a nurse, I'm do a lot of research and only certain sites that I will look at.

Yeah, um, but yes, my my biggest concern was the fact that the altars are built and then food is put on those altars as an offering to their descendants.

So yeah, to and I have to be clear of conscience to the people of their families that have passed away.

But not a deity, you know, the people in their families that have passed away, not a goddess or anything like or anyone like that.

So uh that's and you see how Adelante Mujeres ha celebrates this day and they have activities because it is a cultural celebration also.

Any further discussion?

Um so just to clarify, if you say I, all those in favor of this motion, you are voting to not sponsor it.

You're voting to not sponsor it.

You understand?

If you say yes, you mean no, pretty much, because the motion is to remove it.

So is it something in the future that we get clarification on if this is considered a like a religious because I think that's where we're getting at is if we open the gate for this, then we have to open the gate for other religious holidays.

And that's what that's the thing that I want to know, because I it it that's and I think that's what Karen is trying to like propose with this, is that if it is a day of um if it's a day of religion and we're celebrating it or giving money to it, it's it goes against what we had said previously about not doing that.

But first of all, I think it's two different things, but go ahead, Councillor Schimal.

Well to me it's more of a dangerous precedent as of false attribution error you and your own research claim that it's a some pagan tradition that you know your research doesn't reflect that as a fact.

And my experience with with this uh this tradition this culture in the last four years is that it's not again associated no more than say christmas or Halloween so a tree a Christmas tree as an altar presence or as an altar how how we how we translate faith in in modern ways is their own offer I I think it's dangerous to suggest that because they call something an altar it's by nature that's that I think that's dangerous a dangerous precedent to associate a cultural tradition because you don't agree with it and and I I don't support the your your research on it I mean we we haven't seen the research obviously but yeah I think it's a false attribution error to associate that and to remove this would be uh unfortunate and I think it would probably disqualify many other tourism grants for anything uh remotely related to holidays I know I want to respond to that um this is not a reflection on a community of people as you know martinez is my last name and my husband is of Hispanic Puerto Rican descent I also have very good friends that are as well and who have supported my stance that I'm taking this evening so I I am a little offended by that comment because that is wrong and actually I forgive you now because I can't I will not carry offense because that's wrong too I just have a point of clarify oh when you're done I have a point of clarification so um yeah I mean I am not I don't come with these things lightly and I do do my research and make sure that I have grounds for and and I may not always express them verbally well but I do do my research um so anyway I'm done really quick and I know you no no no wait one minute okay I think you know I I think we're going off the rails and it's a little bit but I think the question for me is well maybe not but the question is under this program of sponsorships right my understanding is your question is it's funding it saying we're city speech with a certain religious or not for me personally if a church if a religious group came and said they were sponsoring an event that brought tourism to Forest Grove it to me would fit the qualifications of the sponsorship application and I would allow it right and so that free for me just me my opinion like not trying to create I'm okay with this because I'm gonna also be okay with any event that fits within the constitution that brings tourists to Forest Grove to spend their money to engage to have an event so that's that's where I'm at it's not you know I'm not a belief system but a belief that you know I think it's like there's five freedoms protect under the first amendment and that freedom of religion or and you know whether you view it as a religious holiday or a cultural tradition there's capacity for just like there's capacity for something else.

And then Counselor Gus then what was your clarifying I I just I was wondering if counselor Schimmel can sum up what it was he said because I'm sorry I'm having some problems with my hearing I'm working on but I didn't catch what you said could you just just quickly sum it up just I thought it was it would be an error to attribute uh this holiday or the this culture uh this culture event has anything resembling a pagan tradition that we shouldn't support if if it's if it's I'm sorry it would be a mistake to maybe it is event that's a pagan yeah taken event oh I didn't you said I didn't know anybody did and counselor martinez I want to apologize when I said Google I thought when you read that definition for us for some reason I thought that's what you had said that you had found this definition it was and I did I didn't mean to demean yeah no I what you were sharing with us or anything like that you know I mean we disagree and no in Puerto Rico they don't celebrate day of the dead they're probably more like Chile you know that they go to the cemetery bring flowers and it's a quiet day um it's not a celebration

I want to apologize.

When I said Google, I thought when you read that definition for us, for some reason I thought that's what you had said that you had found this definition.

It was a good one.

And I did I didn't mean to demean what you were sharing with us or anything like that.

You know, I mean we disagree.

No, in Puerto Rico, they don't celebrate Day of the Dead.

They're probably more like Chile.

You know, that they go to the cemetery, break flowers, and it's a quiet day.

Um it's not a celebration of death, but a day of mourning.

So I'm gonna call, are we done with the session?

I'm gonna call for a vote.

Can you clarify again?

Just the motion is the motion is to re to not fund this application for sponsorship.

And if we so if you say aye or yes, you are voting to not fund it.

If you say no, you're voting to fund it.

Do we need a follow-up just for clarification?

Are we then going we're going to need then is it then depending on which way it goes?

We may need another well.

Uh I think you'll need another motion either way because there is a second application.

There's two applications and item number two.

Yeah.

Okay, so let's do a roll call vote.

I'm just like with rather clarity.

Councillor Falconer?

No.

Councillor Martinez?

Aye.

Counselor Marshall.

I'm gonna abstain.

Counselor Gustavson.

No.

Counselor Ballonzilla.

Aye.

That means I don't want it.

I don't want to not fund it.

No, you wanted to say no.

No.

No.

No.

Counselor Schimmel.

Yeah.

Uh Mayor Wentzel.

No.

Okay, can I have a motion about item C2 on the consent agenda?

I move to approve item C2.

Second.

Okay, Counselor Falkner made a motion for item C2, and Councillor Schimmel seconded.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed say aye.

Hearing none.

It is passed with a seven to zero vote.

The other part of the consent agenda was approved by a seven to zero vote as well.

I don't think I ever announced that.

Okay, we're now on to item D.

Additions or deletions.

City manager, additions or deletions.

Uh no additions or deletions.

Thank you, Mayor.

Proposed by counselors.

Not seeing any.

Okay, presentations.

Thank you so much for waiting.

Thank you to your son for waiting.

Um, like I have we all have families and understand that.

So thank you.

So I'm gonna bring up our parks and rec director Anne Lane and Jill, or is it Rossell?

Uh Rosa.

Roselle from Alta Planning to talk to us about our loop trail update.

Again, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mayor and Council for our time this evening.

Um back in 2016, the Forest Grove Loop Trail, then referred to as the Emerald Necklace Trail, was identified in the 2016 parks, recreation, and open space master plan.

Uh we were funded a very nice healthy grant from Metro Trails uh back in 2022 to fund the cost to do a master plan for this project.

Um we put a little bit of SDC money towards that effort, and in early 2023, the project was awarded to ALTA planning and design.

And tonight I have Jill here to give you all an update.

Thank you.

Okay, so um yeah, this map here is showing the full alignment map for the loop trail.

The green represents existing bike routes and pedestrian paths on sidewalks primarily, and then the dashed blue is the proposed portions to fill the gaps of that loop trail.

Um go to the next slide.

So here you can see the different proposed trail types.

So the black line again is bike lanes and sidewalk.

Um the green is gonna be proposed separated multi-use path, and the blue is a neighborhood greenway.

And so the next slides will show you what these would look like.

So just if you can kind of pay attention again, the black is along um the existing route and green would be a separated multi-use path.

Blue is the neighborhood greenway, so that would be sidewalks with some traffic plumbing measures and bike traffic on the street.

So next slide.

Oh, wait, can we go back to that slide?

Oh, yeah.

So Kyle Park, what's the star on 19?

So it goes Kyle Park, and then you have Knox Ridge.

So I think the stars are the are like parks or nearly those are proposed trail access points.

Oh, they're just trail access points.

Like a trailhead.

Yeah.

So there was a read opportunity.

I could have read the key.

I should have mentioned the mayor.

Thank you.

So here you can see what the trail might look like.

Um Kyle Park and beyond there to the west with the existing neighborhood on one side.

And then we are showing some of the planted pollinator meadow and public art and seating.

Off to the side.

There's another example.

This is where there's an easement to take the trail off of David Hill Road and come through just north of Hartford Drive.

It would be a separated path again.

And then this would be something like what you might see on David Hill Road.

So bike lanes and sidewalk, but still safe routes for both people to walk and bike.

And then as I was describing the neighborhood greenway, one portion of it is on Watercrust Road.

So this would be pedestrian route would be along the sidewalk, but there would be some traffic calming measures in place along the road to slow drivers down and share the space.

And that's what those pavement markings are shareos, so that bikes and fires can go along the same route.

This here shows the full trail network.

So what you're seeing is blue is existing trails throughout the city, and the red would be future trails.

So not just the loop trail, but it also has the Council Creek Trail.

And it also shows some proposed future parking areas.

And those are in yellow.

So here we have a potential phasing approach.

This does not mean that you need to do one first, two second, three thirds, but it's just breaking it down into kind of logical ways to think about implementing the trails.

So phase one from Rooter Farms Park to B Street Trail.

Much of that alignment is already existing.

So that would be a nice option to implement in one go.

And then phase two is Rooter Farms Park to David Hill Road.

That would be partially the separated path and partially the neighborhood greenway.

But completing that connection there.

And then phase three is showing David Hill Road to Highway 47 through that easement that we were thinking about.

And then here you can see the breakdown of costs for those three phases and the total cost to complete the loop trail.

And the implementation plan also includes design guidelines and really goes in depth into each of these different categories that you see here.

And there is the trail operations and maintenance framework and some permitting requirements that are also included for guidance.

Anything else.

Okay, any questions?

Yeah, counselor Falkner.

I have some question and also some observations and concerns.

So on in our packet, there were there were a couple things.

I just so in some of the existing conditions that exist on the on some of the paths, you know, you're showing in your black dashed line because it's existing facility.

Um there are conditions that that sort of violate some of the inputs implementation things that you know we would hope to achieve with the new sections.

And so I would just, I would just hope that we look at some of that existing trail as well to make sure that they sort of come in line with some of the best practices, including specifically.

There are on along 47, there's um, you know, the trail crosses um streets that are approaching or exiting 47 into the neighborhood.

So maple, oak, uh, elm, those are the three that I'm most familiar with.

But where those where those conflicts exist, where those intersections are.

There is no clear, there is no walk, there is no path crossing the street, there's no marked lanes.

Um also the stop signs for the um for the track for the vehicle traffic that is leaving Elm and Maple.

Um the stop sign is way out actually beyond the trail crossing, and so cars will actually sit in the trail in order to stop for high for traffic on four on 47 before they use.

Um so often what that means is people are looking to their left to make sure that they can take a right turn and they don't see a pedestrian or a bike approaching from their right.

So there's at least two of those intersections.

And then on sort of a similar, there's a big gap on 40 on highway 47 where of the of the trail where we propose to go and meet up with David Hill Road with a new trail.

However, the existing condition is that when you're riding or walking or running with your dog, you have to actually run on the highway itself in order to connect.

And so I'm just hoping that we we're looking at those existing conditions to improve them.

And then I've got one more thing.

Yeah.

So that is actually as far as the implementation plan goes, providing guidance for bringing up to our the existing trail system as well and making some of these improvements and yeah, allowing for safer conditions throughout.

And then can I make one other observation?

I noticed on one of the images in the packet is from a project I'm very familiar with, uh 17th Avenue in Milwaukee and Southeast Portland.

And the photo includes um and includes recommendation for um for signage um across driveways.

And you may know that after that um that project was complete and jurisdiction was handed over to Milwaukee, all of those stop signs were removed because they required pedestrians to stop for cars when when pedestrians are traveling on the path.

All of those stop signs have been removed at this point.

There were several of them, and what it required was that if you were riding your bike or you were walking, especially when you're riding your bike, you would ride your bike for about 50 feet and you'd stop at a driveway, and then you would drive ride your bike 50 more feet and stop at another drive.

So I would strongly encourage that we do not include something like that.

If it's a requirement, maybe I don't know what our what our funding is going to look like, but I've under what my understanding is that that was a federal requirement for funding.

Um if we could avoid that, I think we would avoid ripping out stop signs or not.

So it was a federal requirement, but then the city.

But um, yeah, I think the idea is just for like blind turns and where you might not see a driveway entrance, not to have it be like an iterative solution alone.

That's what happens.

Okay, any other questions from council.

So where are we at with this project and what's our timeline?

So there's several steps in this process, and we've we're we're just completing a big step one, and that's the master plan.

Um we we need to really get a better understanding of uh a few things.

One um construction funding, um maintenance personnel requirements or bringing something like this into our system.

Um and the route itself, um really taking a much closer look at properties that were impacting uh ownership, etc.

So this is this is the first big step of very many steps to come.

Great.

Thank you.

Okay, you can't tell I'm super excited about it.

No, it doesn't drive fingers like what I would welcome walking that entire route, just as uh counselor Falconer pointed out, you know, you don't know until you actually experience the conditions of you know what you're you're trying to develop.

I'd welcome that opportunity.

Yes, and there are several just nuances along the route that are unique uh to the space uh that we'll have to be given careful consideration when we get to construction document development and you know how we how are we addressing these special in individuals.

Okay, thank you, ladies.

Thank you.

So we're gonna move on to item F public hearings ordinances and resolutions, and I'm gonna call our community development director and our economic development director up.

That would be Brian Pohl and Miles Gloacke for ordinance number 2025-03.

Hello, gentlemen.

Thank you, Mayor and City Council.

Uh this is the second reading consideration for adoption of ordinance number two thousand twenty-five-03.

The ordinance was introduced and received its first reading on September 22nd of this year.

At the time, council expressed support for the rate increase and directed staff to proceed with the second reading for adoption.

Uh you also see a resolution tonight outlining the funding mechanism for the TLT funded programs for your consideration.

Um finally the city is coordinating with Washington County on amending the inner con the intergovernmental agreement that enables the county to collect the TLT on the city's behalf.

The increase will take uh effect on January 1st of 2026, allowing time for lodging operators to prepare for implementation.

And staff is working on a notation plan for the lodging operator.

There have been no changes to the ordinance since the first reading, and staff recommends the city of Council adopt ordinance 25 2025-03.

Are there any questions?

Thank you, Miles.

Are there any questions since the first reading?

Seeing none, what is the wish of the council?

Move to approve ordinance uh 2025 oh three.

Okay.

Ordinance 2025-03 was moved by Councilor Marshall and seconded by Councilor Martinez.

Any discussion.

Seeing none.

Will the city manager read it by title only?

Ordinance 2025-03, amending Forest Grove Code of Ordinances Title III Administration, Chapter 34, taxes and fees, Section 34.26, uh tax imposed and section 34.38 administration increasing the local transient lodging tax rate from 2.5% to 3.5%.

Thank you.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, please say aye.

Hearing none.

Thank you.

We are now moving on to resolution 2025-55 clarifying usage of street light fee.

And our city manager is doing this one.

Thank you, Mayor, members of the council.

I'll try to be brief.

Uh in 2013, uh the city council enacted a dollar fifty per month street light fee on each utility bill.

The fee has remained the same since 2013.

That fee was dedicated toward the ownership, operation, maintenance, installation, and replacement of all of the street lights in the city.

There are currently 2,236 street lights in the city.

The project that the city undertook in 2019 and 2020 was to replace all of the actual lights in the street lights with LED street lights.

So we went from sodium lights to LE LED lights, and that saved approximately $62,000 per year.

Those savings were actually used to finance that project.

And we've subsequently, as of 2023, that project has been paid off.

So what staff approached the council about and what there was a work session, and I'm gonna refer to my notes here.

Whoops.

Oh I'll just go off memory.

So we had a work session in sub on September 22nd.

Uh and the conversation of the work session was about the street light fee and also about clarifying the usage of the street light fee and what there was a consensus on in December to September 22nd meeting was to one establish a dedicated replacement account for the streetlight polls and the street light fixtures.

Currently, there was no replacement account for any of those two thousand two hundred and thirty-six street lights.

It only paid for the operation and maintenance.

So they reached a consensus to have a dedicated replacement fund for those and to use essentially those savings that were created and put it into that dedicated fund over time that will fund the approximate replacement of the street polls and the street light fixtures over about a 75-year life cycle.

Um the other consensus that council reached was to be able to use part of the proceeds from the street light fee for um uh those street trees that are within that downtown community development block grant area that have fixtures or electric fixtures for the purpose of putting street tree lights uh in the street trees, and then also uh the decorative lighting on the street poles themselves uh during the holiday season.

So with that, um the resolution clarifies the usage of the street light fee by establishing a dedicated replacement account for the street light fixtures and street polls and also allowing for the usage of um the uh for street lights associated with the holiday decorating on the street polls and then also the street trees.

So with that, I'm happy to answer any questions that the council may have.

Any questions for Jesse?

Yeah, just uh want to follow up on the Laurax's question from last meeting about the maintenance that what was the I guess the consensus from your staff on maintaining the trees, namely the uh the mature trees.

Yeah, so staff when and looking at the past, um the city has taken a more active role in the tree maintenance in that community development block grant area as part of the streetscape enhancement project.

And so in talking with Greg Robertson, the public works director, we are looking at doing a um a pruning contract, if you will, for that community development block grant area associated with those street trees.

Does that answer your question, Counselor?

Okay.

Any other questions?

Okay, what is the wish of the council?

I move that we accept um resolution 2025 when it's this second 55.

Perfect.

Okay, and then any discussion.

I mean, I I kind of just want to say, I mean, maybe I don't need to say it, but uh there was an application earlier today from the city club about holiday decor decorations and like branding, and the reason like that didn't make it up here is because I this was coming and we had consensus for the lights in the downtown holiday decoration.

Um and so I just wanted to clarify that just from just want to put it out there.

Okay, any other discussion points.

Okay, hearing none.

All those in favor, resolution two zero two five-five five, please say aye.

Aye, all those opposed, same signal hearing none.

Resolution two zero two five-five five is approved by the force growth city council in a seven to zero vote.

Resolution two zero two five-five six authorizing same.

Oops, I'm not gonna read it at all.

Go ahead, Mariah.

Hi.

Hi.

Um so this is a resolution for an intergovernmental agreements with the uh secretary of state.

The Secretary of State created an electronic records management system, which is the system that the city currently uses.

Um, this agreement is not actually for our use of the system.

They contract with uh a group for essentially like additional assistance, so they'll help they do they'll do trainings.

So we've done some our staff has done some trainings with them.

Um they help us with structuring.

There was recently some changes to um to the retention schedule, and they went in and updated the system for us.

Um this is a um there's no cost to the city for this service.

Um, it's kind of included in our use of the system.

Um, so this is just the Secretary of State made some updates to that agreement, and so they have nullified the past the last one.

And if we want to continue receiving those um those benefits, then we need to submit an updated one.

For any questions.

Questions.

Did you have a no?

I thought I saw the side of my head.

Okay.

Um, I don't see any questions, Maria.

Thank you.

What is the wish of the council?

Okay, I'm gonna give it to Councilor Govson and I'm gonna second it to Councilor Marshall.

That's cool.

Okay.

Any discussion?

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, hearing none.

Uh resolution 2025-56 is approved by the Force Grove City Council in a seven to zero vote.

I'm gonna call back up.

Um development director Brian Bull and Economic Development Coordinator Miles Wilaki.

Maybe just Miles.

We don't recognize that guy at all seated up anyway.

Shots fired.

Go ahead.

Uh resolution two zero two five fifty-seven is before you tonight.

The resolution changes the funding model for the TLT funded programs from a percentage-based model that we had before to a line item budget model.

The resolution also creates a fourth program category, 2040 vision action items.

During the budget cycle, council will set the funding for each program.

The resolution also stipulates that any revenues over budget expenditures will be dedicated to the 2040 vision action program.

Are there any questions?

Questions first.

What is the wish of the council?

So move.

Second.

It was moved by Councillor Schimmel, seconded by Councillor Falconer.

Any discussion.

Seeing none.

All those in favor of res of approving resolution 2025 57, please say aye.

Aye.

All those opposed.

Same sign.

Aye.

Okay.

Resolution 2025-57 was approved by the Force Grove City Council in a vote of six to one.

Did you want to discuss before that and I didn't give you a chance?

Um I just uh I'm back to the we need to start thinking about funding main street program and looking into that.

And that was one of the discussions at our um retreat was when we talked about increasing this.

That was something that was brought up.

Okay.

And I'm sorry if I didn't see your hand during discussion.

If I went too fast.

Oh no.

Okay.

I apologize for that.

Okay.

Um thank you.

Is everyone fine with that vote after that?

Okay.

Um number five.

Resolution 2025-58.

I don't see Sally's.

Who's doing that one, Jesse?

Is Sally here and I just don't see her?

I'm doing that one.

Come back up, Jesse.

This is trans.

This is about public works funds.

So resolution 2025-58 essentially makes um appropriations for public works.

Uh, these are what are called miscellaneous projects.

So this is not regarding insurance or labor or any of the kind of major budget items or the CIP.

It has nothing to do with capital improvement program.

This really has to do with what are called decision packages that come in on a per annum basis to staff.

And just to be candid, uh these were left out of unintentionally left out of the budget process.

And so we are coming forward with a budget amendment to uh essentially add these into the budget.

Um I'll go through these kind of one by one, but I'll try to do it briefly.

Um the appropriations, I'm gonna explain the projects and the appropriations in the funds will follow essentially the projects.

But there's one appropriation for $36,250 in the street fund, and that would assent that would replace or fund a line laser uh striper for striping roads and parking lots to replace the existing one.

So that's a replacement of that piece of equipment.

The radar speed trailer to replace the existing trailer, that's another equipment replacement, two additional portable speed signs for a total of four portable speed signs to address address traffic complaints, and four replacement of all radio repeaters that are past their design life.

You'll actually see that appropriation in four separate areas, and it's split between those four funds.

So it's split between street, sewer, water, and surface, surface water.

So I'm not going to repeat all that per times, but it's all four of those appropriations are for the radio repeaters.

Uh the other couple major appropriations would be the water SDC fund appropriations would increase by 70,000.

There's currently a water line that's approximately 400 feet.

It's three inch PVC, it leaks frequently.

Uh it's at the end of U Court.

Um, and this project would replace that line with a six-inch pipe and allow for a federal hydrant fire hydrant in that area.

It's also time to be commensurate with the repaving of U Court next summer.

Uh, that would be for 70,000 because it's an expansion from three inch to six inch, that particular appropriation is SDC eligible.

Um, and uh the other one is a $38,000 appropriation.

Uh, this is to reimburse the equipment fund to essentially enable public works to retain a street sweeper that's currently in the inventory and not sell it.

So the $38,000 is the estimated um sale value of the existing street sweeper.

The reason for public works wanted wanting to retain uh the street sweeper in the fleet and purchase the new street sweeper, which has already been approved, but the retention of this one is not.

The reason for the retention is a street sweeper is one of the most um common pieces of equipment to break down.

It's got a lot of moving parts, uh it's sweeping things.

Oftentimes you can't see what it's sweeping and vacuuming, and so it's it's out of service um uh a lot.

And this would essentially enable us to have a much more manageable and consistent leaf replacement schedule because if the new one goes out, we'll be able to go and use the replacement one while the new one is being fixed.

To do that is adding to the equipment fund for the replacement value of 38,000.

Again, the new one was already budget in the budgeted in the equipment.

And then there would be a transfer from street sewer water and swim to the equipment fund for a total of $80,000 to purchase what's called a swap loader.

Essentially, what this would allow is taking two items that are on the capital improvement replacement schedule and not replacing either of them, and instead combining the functions of those two items into one function, what's called a swap loader.

A swap loader is a type of pretty intuitive what it is.

It can do multiple tests as opposed to having individual trucks that do single tests.

And this is 350,000.

270,000 has been accrued in the equipment fund, and this would provide the balance of 80,000 for that.

For the purchase of the swap loader, the other two vehicles would still be sold.

We would use the replacement value of those to help purchase the uh the swap loader.

So with that, I'd be happy to take any questions that the council may have.

Any questions for Jesse?

Seeing none, what is the wish of the council?

So move.

Second.

I'm sorry, I didn't get my question in in time.

I was still processing it.

I'm so sorry.

I'm like, oh no, it's happened already.

I know Jesse, you and I talked about because you know how I love street sweepers and schedules.

Um, and we talked about this $38,000.

My only my only question is we all know when you let your vehicle sit around, it's not gonna start.

So is there going to be a routine if we keep that secondary street street sweeper?

Um, is there it's gonna be turned on and run around the you know park for a little while to make sure everything's moving instead of it just sitting there until the other one?

So that's it.

Yeah, that's a good question.

I can check with Greg Robertson, the director of public works, but we do try to keep all of our equipment in run-in condition all the time, even if it's a replacement, we try to make sure that it's ready to go if something does break down, which does require some level of either monthly or uh every other month maintenance to make sure the batteries are charged, that it's fully fueled, that it'll start and fire it up every now and then.

Yeah, all that.

So that's all.

Okay.

Thank you, counselor.

Either one of us would oh, I would be right in there.

Okay, any other discussion questions?

What is the wish of the council?

You want to redo it?

Oh, and I'm back to get the discussion.

So okay.

I moved that we accept 2025 56.

Is that one we're on now?

58.

58.

Okay.

And then I lost track.

Council President Valenzuela, you seconded it last time.

You want to do that again?

Okay, so I resolution 2025-58 was moved by Councilor Martinez and seconded by Council President Valenzuela.

Okay, discussion.

Any discussion from council.

Okay.

Okay.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Oh, aye.

And sorry, I didn't say it.

That was like doing too much.

And then all those opposed, same sign.

Hearing nine resolution 2025-58 is approved by the force growth city council in a vote of seven to zero.

Our last resolution in the evening is gonna be um explained to us by our amazing lightning power director, Mr.

Keith Hortman.

Good evening, Mayor, Council.

Uh, as noted in the staff memo, our long-term power purchasing agreement uh for all preference utilities is expiring on September 30th, 2028.

And BPA has now offered the next long-term power purchasing agreement, which will run from October 1st, 2028 through September 30th, 2044.

And uh, we'd like to see if you'd approve of for the city management manager to sign the uh next long-term purchasing agreement with BPA.

Any questions for staff?

Comment, Keith.

What well played at the uh public safety open house.

That was a very popular block of uh activity with your equipment.

Any other comments, questions?

Hearing none, what is the wish of the council?

Move to approve.

Second.

It's moved by counselor Falconer and seconded by Councillor Martinez.

Any discussion seeing none or hearing none, I guess.

Um, all those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

All those opposed, please say aye.

Hearing none.

Resolution 2025-59 is approved by the Force Grove City Council on a vote of seven to zero.

Thank you, Keith.

Okay, now we're on to item G, which is council communication.

We're gonna start with Councilor President Valenzuela.

Thank you, Mayor.

So the first thing uh I sent an email to you uh to request your presence at the gathering of the groups uh for the from the library commission uh that will take place on November 9th from 3 to 5 30.

It is a Sunday, so I understand it's very difficult to attend uh on a date, you know, like that family time and everything.

Uh but that is the tradition that's you know when the gathering of the groups happens, and the council is invited, of course, and also the uh friends of the library and the library foundation um will be present, so you know, for that the gathering of the groups, and uh there have been um a lot of improvements at the library, things going on, like the children's place is still um you know becoming uh almost ready.

It's going to be a lovely place with this wonderful uh wooden tree uh where kids can go in there and sit down and read.

It's it's absolutely lovely.

And um there are also uh making decisions in terms of um some hires that they need uh to uh some stuff that need they need to support uh the library and um uh additional things.

Um we had a resignation in the foundation, um a member of the foundation.

Um this foundation is going to be celebrating their 20th anniversary.

And um, you know, that's a great thing.

These are very devoted people that make a lot of things happen at the library, a lot of uh work, a lot of donations and dedication uh to bring up good things uh for the library.

Uh the foundation has also approved the funding for the fireplace area, so the furniture has been ordered again.

That's going to be another lovely place for the community to go and visit uh at our wonderful library.

Um and that's from the library commission.

Who resigned from the foundation?

He was Phil Ruder.

As we know, he's a very active uh community member, so he's doing a lot of things, and it would be understandable uh you know why made that change.

Uh for the PAB, uh we had the meeting last Thursday, um right after the state of the county.

I don't know if any of you were able to attend the state of the county, uh, but we had our uh policy advisory meeting right after that.

Um the highlights of the evening was going through the um application for the next cycle.

There had to be some changes.

I have mentioned that to you uh from time to time, but also uh I sent to you via email this afternoon, the accomplishments of this board.

And um I hope you do take a look at it.

Uh but these are the accomplishments for year uh 24-25, and those are it has listed uh all the homeless activities, public services, um, economic development, uh housing, how many people and families were assisted and helped, um and the funding that was allocated for these different projects, um homeless activities, neighborhood and community development, um, and all those numbers that uh you can take a look at it.

So I thought I would send that to you so you can see it.

All right, and that that's my my report.

Thank you, Councillor President.

Um next up is Councilor Falkner.

I have one thing.

Um HLB meeting.

I did bring your question about working with uh the arts commission on um the downtown receptacles um to maybe work with maybe providing historic photos or you know collaborating on many murals, they are happy to do so.

But at least from HLB's perspective, I think it's a great councillor Gutson.

Have you heard from the Arts PAC if they'd be willing to collaborate with HLB on the historical photos on the trash receptors?

They didn't really it expand on anything, but I can't imagine why they wouldn't.

When I talked to some of the members at the mural um at the like ribbon cutting for the mural, they were they seemed on board.

So if we could just hook them up together.

Is that Jesse?

Is that something that we can just maybe ask Matt and who's the staff or Colleen?

Yeah.

The only mention was the fact that they're um that it's it's paneled instead of flat, which I mean you can still make that work.

But that was their only comment.

Yeah.

And they are kind of inset too.

So if it could actually probably be um me thinking about it, could it could even be like a changing thing.

So like if you know you actually have an insert slide them in.

Okay, yeah.

Okay, cool.

Thanks.

And then uh we're gonna go back this way to Councilor Guffin.

I have nothing to report.

Okay, thank you.

And then we're gonna go back this way.

It's like ping pong.

We're gonna go back this way to Counselor Marshall.

I have nothing to report either.

Okay, then we're gonna stay next.

Yeah, we're gonna try and catch up.

Um the rural fire board.

Actually, there's not always a lot to say about the rural fire board.

We ended in record time.

Um they do have uh a schedule that they're working on for the um volunteers because they want them to be cleaning up the Gales Creek fire department.

So, and so far I guess it's working.

Um, we do have five new fire uh fires that started last month.

Last time I heard um, and then for the um sister city committee, we're coming down to the wire with um next week.

Our uh students and um the few adults that come who will be here next week on the 22nd.

And just firming up the last of the events.

Looks like the activities are pretty well taken care of.

And for the welcoming on the 22nd, like if any can't thank you to Council President Valentuela who's gonna step in for me because I'm previously committed.

But any of you, if you're free, can come and welcome the group as they get here.

And I think they're scheduled to arrive between 4 30 and 5 15-ish.

Yeah, yeah.

So if you're here, no, I'll be here.

That's accurate, but anyone's welcome to do that.

Okay.

Sorry for interrupting.

Okay, and then Councilor Schimmel.

Well, I want to give an update and in relationship to the 2040 vision plan and and give a lot of credit to staff, namely Stephanie with the uh the civic engagement group.

You know, she's been doing a fantastic job of modernizing our community engagement, making it easier to engage in community through civic uh academy as well as this upcoming open house October 28th.

I think those are two great examples where you know we're beginning to modernize our how we engage our community or and invite them in.

So that's been exceptional.

And with uh Miles and the economic development commission for a couple meetings now, he's facilitated some very robust dialogue with uh an exceptional group of business professionals to uh get some insights on particular um actions and the most recent one was uh the tourism RFP, uh just getting some input from the group uh in terms of how to craft that RFP for the next cycle.

So I mean, great great job with Jesse with uh coaching staff to really seize on to that 2040 plan and and activate it.

Thank you.

Okay, and then we're gonna move on to Jesse.

I like that.

So thank you, Mayor, members of the council.

Um thank you for first the time off.

It was uh had a nice week off, but it's great to be back as well.

So uh did have a couple things to report.

Um the city council sent a letter to the Bonneville Power Administration regarding that power poll on Highway 47 and Fernhill Maple Road, and that power poll was in part some um having some impacts on the project schedule and the project construction.

Um I don't have a specific report about exactly when the power pole is going to be moved by BPA because recall it was owned by the BPA and it have to be moved by the BPA.

I did want to report, however, that the letter has had an impact.

BPA has assigned a congressional liaison.

That essentially gives this issue a much higher priority, a level of review and attention.

So I think that was a positive step.

They also assigned a project manager to this and gave it a project number.

So they're looking into a schedule materials process.

I also want to give a shout out to Keith.

Keith has established some really good Keith Horman, our Light and Power Director and his team have established some very positive and constructive dialogue with BPA and relationships there that are enabling this issue to get a level of attention that it otherwise would not.

And so kudos to Keith and his team for that.

Once they have a plan and a schedule, um I'll report back to the council with more.

Very much so.

So and thank you to the council for um enabling that to happen with that letter.

Uh some good news.

Uh we did receive um uh essentially it's not specifically a grant award, uh, but we were announced an intent to award for the city of Forest Grove, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development announced their housing planning assistance grants.

Um we're one of 82 cities that received a grant.

They didn't tell us how much, but they did tell us um uh the consultancy that that uh that we would be using and and um so we'll we'll see how much funds may follow, but that's a very good first step in terms of looking at uh housing capacity analysis uh is that housing planning assistance grant.

And then the last thing to report on is uh the city, and I know the council has talked about a couple different traffic areas in the in the city that needed to be looked at further.

Um one was Main Street and 21st.

Um, and specifically could staff take a look at a four-way stop.

The other one was B Street and 19th in that north-south direction, and then turning east.

Uh, and so we we hired Kittleson associates to do what's called a warrants analysis and a warrants analysis is a very kind of data-driven analytical approach to pedestrian crossing, speeds, number of vehicles, site distances, all kinds of things.

And to make a long story short, um, they are in the traffic control review board reviewed their report, and the TCRB is recommending a four-way stop at Maine and 21st Avenue.

So that's the first one.

And then they're also recommending some additional signage on B Street and 19th to try and clarify the turning directions for the vehicles going south and also the vehicles going north that intend to go east onto 19.

So expect um some communications, some advanced communications about what some of these traffic changes may be.

Um, and and uh, but also expect those to be implemented probably within the next six months or so.

I'm trying to do is advance as much advanced notification as possible to uh assure that um uh that there's some uh that the public knows that these things may be coming.

So with that, Mayor, that concludes my report.

Thank you.

Great, thank you.

Um September 29th, I so one of the groups that I'm part of is the Metropolitan Mayor's Consortium.

And the group of us, all of us mayor signed on to a joint statement announcing the militarization of the city of Portland.

Um that's we are I just want to like on the public record state that one of the I like a lot of things, and I feel very, very grateful to get to be the mayor of a community that I love and a country I love and a constitution I love.

Um one of the things I love about being the mayor is that it's nonpartisan.

So there were some accusations of signing because of one political party or not, and I just want to affirm that I'm a nonpartisan mayor.

I served CFOs Grove in a non-person capacity, and it was a very easy decision for me to sign on to that statement because I took an oath three times now.

That oath was to protect the constitution.

And local jurisdiction, local police are in charge of our cities, and it's very, very dangerous to use military for in that capacity.

Um so, anyways, there was I want to say 13 of us who signed on to that letter.

A few of us spoke at a press conference.

That happened on the 29th.

Um that was on, yes, that was the 29th on the 30th.

Uh, I had my first Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee meeting.

Uh, and we utilized an opportunity with uh Washington County Commissioner Pam Trees, and that was fun.

On October 5th, I went and uh did the pre um town hall meeting with Congresswoman Bonamici uh for local electeds.

I thought it Sunday, October 5th.

Um, I forgot that on Lincoln on the first, uh, I think Councillor Schummel was there and Councillor Martinez.

We did the mural ribbon cutting.

Um, and that was really cool.

That was awarded through some of the TLT funds to two public arts commission.

Um, and they just do a really good job of the whole process, the RFP, like the vision, getting it completed.

Uh transportation, state transportation.

So I I attended the region one area transportation meeting on October 6th and the Washington County Quarry Committee meeting today.

You know, this transportation funding, I thought uh on October 6th, I thought there was going to be a temporary plan, right?

For some modest increase, like basically a band-aid to get us through some transportation funding.

But then a comment was made, and I don't know if it was made at the Washington County Chairs Meeting or WCCC that now there's like word that it might go to a vote.

I don't know if anyone else has heard that.

This would have been a really long day for me.

So I will come back with transportation.

But one of the really cool things in the region one meeting about transportation that I thought was really cool.

Uh similar to our Grove Lake system, which Abigail and I and Leilani talked about how good it's for the Grove.

They they uh also are looking for other gaps in transportation.

So they're thinking of doing this.

Where did I write it down at the micro mobility?

Oh, it's micro transit.

Okay, so it's microtransit, and they're gonna do a pilot program in the Progress Bridge area.

But basically, they have shuttle buses that are eight passenger buses, and they're trying to connect people in that new progress bridge area.

What's the high school?

Is it Westview?

No.

Yeah.

Is it Westview that new high school?

Yeah, so Westview High School, Progress Ridge, Washington Square.

And so it's almost like an Uber, but it's for public transportation.

It's a pilot program, it's funded for the longevity of it.

This is a grant SNF program, transit tax increase.

Uh it will be funded.

Yeah, so you know, there's this funding thing, but right now they have funding to do it.

It's called Spot.

It's shared public on demand transit.

That's their brand.

And it's gonna launch January 5th, and the pilot will go through April of 2027.

So if it works, right, like this kind of hits those like gaps in public transportation.

Um, and honestly, like one of the things, in my opinion, not speaking for anyone else, but one of the things we have to look at with public transportation is being able to fund it, right?

And like meet the needs.

And so sometimes smaller vehicles like Grove Link is really successful.

We only have one bus line, and it's not always successful to use TriMet, but to get around Forest Grove, Grove Link is really successful.

And so this is just another pilot program that they're trying that I thought sounded really cool.

Um, talking about TriMets, they're having budget shortfalls.

Um, we've had an increase of 53% since 2019.

They have not recovered since COVID.

There's a 300 million dollar gap between their annual expenses and their revenue.

Uh so they're gonna look at some service cuts starting November 30th, and that's kind of the survey, the TriMet survey uh that the Pacific um students were talking about as well.

So the line, you know, we only have bus 57, so they're not gonna cut that, but there's a 185th stop.

But basically right now they're cutting service um after hours.

So again, this pretty much targets anyone that's like has a lower income or has to work nighttime jobs because now the bus into on certain lines will only run once an hour.

Um, if you could make it, because I cannot make it the beaver that it used to be called the CAT, the Center for Addiction Triage and Treatment.

Now it's called the Beaverton Recovery Center.

That ribbon cutting's gonna be at 10:30.

How did I not write down the date?

Oh my goodness.

I shouldn't know this date.

It's on the 24th.

I have a good memory sometimes.

It's Friday, October 24th at 10:30 a.m.

That's right off 185th in the old Wacket building.

So some of us toured it when they first bought it, but now it's now you get to see the inside.

Um, okay, I'm gonna stop so we get back on track.

We have an adjourn this meeting of Forest Four City Council, but we do have a work session immediately following, but we'll take a short bio break.

Okay, meaning adjourned.

Where do you want to have the work session at?

Just up here.