OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Forest Grove City Council Meeting - February 9, 2026

City Council — Monday, February 9, 2026
BodyForest Grove, Oregon
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, February 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:19:27

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

Good evening.

0:08

I would like to call to order this meeting of the Forest Grove City Council at 711 on February 9th.

0:16

Will the city recorder please call role?

0:19

Councillor Gesterson here.

0:20

Council President Valenzuela here.

0:22

Councillor Schimmel.

0:23

Here.

0:24

Councillor Falconer.

0:25

Here.

0:25

Councillor Martinez.

0:27

Here.

0:27

Councillor Marshall.

0:28

Here.

0:28

Mayor Wenzel.

0:30

Here.

0:31

We acknowledge the land on which Forest Grove is located rests on the traditional village sites of the Atvalati, a tribe of the Calapuas who originally inhabited the Tualetan Plains, including Forest Grove.

0:43

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

0:47

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

1:39

Oh hang on a minute.

1:44

Testing.

1:45

Is this good?

1:46

Okay.

1:48

We're going to start over.

1:51

Whereas the Forest Grove City Council takes pride in recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month, honoring the many notable contributions of Black Americans.

2:04

And whereas the theme of Black History Month this year is a century of Black History Commemorations, marking 100 years since the inaugural week long observance of Black History in 1925, and urging us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations and transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.

2:31

And whereas the recognition of Black History Month has made February a time when Black history finds its way not simply into schools, but into cultural heritage sites, public squares, workplaces, houses of worship, and homes across the land and across oceans, offering opportunities to discover and learn more about African American history.

2:56

And whereas there is no American history without Black history.

3:02

And as we mark the 250th anniversary of the US independence, we recognize the importance of telling not only an inclusive history, but a true one, of recommitting ourselves to looking unfit unflinchingly at the past, including the parts that are uncomfortable, unflattering, and even shameful.

3:28

So that we may work towards the lasting institutional and societal change necessary to create a better future and a better America.

3:40

And whereas today and every day we celebrate African, African American, Afro-Latino, Afro-Caribean, and Black Heritage, and encourage all people to recognize and confront systemic racism in our neighborhoods and the wider community by standing in the gap of every opportunity, bridging barriers with fearlessness and determination to fight against racism and bigotry and improve representation of black people in all facets of our society.

4:17

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in Forest Grove, Oregon, Washington County, and calls upon all citizens to observe this month with the appropriate programs and activities and reflections and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just and proper us for prosper prosperous for all.

4:47

Thank you.

8:17

Thank you, Council President Valence Wellet for your help.

8:21

We are now moving on to item B, which is public comment.

8:24

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.

8:34

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

8:39

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

8:46

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

9:04

Thank you for being patient with me.

9:40

Last time I spoke to this council, I expressed my fear.

9:54

ICE agents continue to claim immunity to the strictures of the Constitution.

10:00

Schools are instructing staff to treat the presence of ice as any other active shooter.

10:05

In previous discussions, we've heard about the lack of manpower.

10:09

The Forest Grove police cannot stop ice if ICE chooses to come here in force.

10:15

We have heard that our police force is reluctant to put officers in harm's way to protect people against ice.

10:22

I understand this.

10:25

You are, many of you, just as fearful as I am.

10:30

You have heard many of the same rumors that I have that ice will be surged to Portland soon.

10:36

You are, as I am, frustrated by the framing of litigation as protection.

10:42

Unlike me, you have the power to act on a citywide scale.

10:47

You have the power to reach out and formally ask for assistance from Hillsborough, Cornelius, Portland, all of our neighbors.

10:55

If more officers from our neighbors are needed to defend us from illegal violence, then that is what you must seek.

11:02

Officers of the law cannot interfere with ICE's legal activities, but it is their duty to prevent violence, prevent murder, to keep us safe.

11:12

When an officer puts on their uniform, they accept the risk of violence.

11:18

Do not force the people of Forest Grove to accept that risk in your thank you, Mr.

11:23

Dean.

11:27

Michael Johnson.

11:47

Michael Johnson, I'm uh with Indivisible Forest Grove.

11:52

And I'm not necessarily speaking for them.

11:54

I think I'm speaking probably for just about everybody here.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety████████████████████████████████████████40%
Procedural███████████████15%
Public Engagement██████████████14%
Active Transportation███████7%
Urban Planning███████7%
Immigration Enforcement█████5%
Federal Activities███3%
Affordable Housing███3%
Racial Equity██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Forest Grove City Council Meeting - February 9, 2026

The Forest Grove City Council met on February 9, 2026, at 7:11 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Black History Month, public comments on immigration enforcement and other topics, several transportation and trail project presentations, approval of a business license ordinance, and various council and staff reports. The consent agenda was approved 7-0.

Proclamation

  • The council proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in Forest Grove, recognizing the contributions of Black Americans and the theme "A Century of Black History Commemorations." The proclamation was read and adopted.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mr. Dean expressed fear about ICE enforcement, urged the city to seek mutual aid from neighboring police forces to protect residents from illegal violence, and stressed that officers have a duty to prevent violence.
  • Michael Johnson (Indivisible Forest Grove) spoke about the desperation felt by some community members, supported symbolic legislation and litigation as a deterrent, and urged resistance to protect democracy.
  • Mr. Fake (spoke after Johnson) referenced a town hall with Congresswoman Bonamici, supported the mayor's call for mayoral collaboration, and commented on clean water services (noting a $31,603 fine for failure to test an engine generator) and energy crisis reports.
  • Carol Allery offered a religious message about truth and fear, quoting Proverbs and Corinthians.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously with a single motion (7-0). The agenda item list was not provided in the transcript, but it was adopted without discussion.

Discussion Items

  • Postponement of Police Facility Work Session: City Manager requested to postpone the police facility work session from February 23 to March 9, 2026, to await grant outcome from the state legislature. Council gave consensus via thumbs up.
  • ODOT Presentation – East TV Highway Updates: Stephanie Turner (ODOT Area Manager) presented on:
    • A new pedestrian crossing at AMB Row (Rose Grove Mobile Home Park) on OR 8, delayed due to federal rule changes, construction spring/summer 2026.
    • New traffic signal at OR 8 and Aira Av/U Street, with lighting and curb ramps, coordinating with Forest Grove's safe routes to school project and TriMet's BRT. Design underway, construction expected 2028-2029.
    • Recent curb ramp replacements on Highway 47 and planned work at Pacific Avenue and Mountain View in 2027.
    • Councilor Schimmel raised concerns about ponding and safety at the Quince and Highway 8 slip lane. Councilor Falconer asked about sidewalk gaps on TV Highway; City Engineer Greg Robertson confirmed the gap (U Street to Rose Grove) will be filled by the safe routes to school project.
  • Council Creek Regional Trail Presentation: Renith Kalfkins (Washington County Senior Project Engineer) presented:
    • Trail from Hillsboro to Forest Grove, funded by RAISE and regional grants. Design completed in 2024, permits obtained, but federal grant review task force is reviewing the grant. Construction timeline hinges on approval.
    • Enhanced crossings project (U Street, etc.) design started in January 2026; open house expected in April 2026, translated into Spanish. Construction contingent on trail approval.
    • Discussion on community engagement, accessibility, and outreach to Latino communities. Councilor Falconer suggested partnering with Centro Cultural and Adelante Mujeres, and using Grove Link for transportation to open houses.
  • Fernhill Maple Intersection Presentation: Renith Kalfkins presented on the intersection of OR 47, Fernhill, and Maple:
    • Complex coordination with railroad, multiple utilities (BPA, Forest Grove Light & Power, PGE, etc.), and property owners. BPA relocation starting in May 2026, which will set off utility relocations.
    • Design final submission expected August 2026, advertising November 2026, construction March 2027 (pending rail order and utility work).
    • Councilor Falconer asked about stop bar placement and crosswalk markings; the design will bring stop bars back behind crosswalks to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
    • Mayor Wenzel expressed frustration over delays and asked if the city could expedite; the county engineer said they will share fatality and accident data with the railroad to push for permits.
  • Ordinance 2026-01 (Second Reading): Amending business licensing regulations (Title 11, Chapter 110) and repealing ordinance 201-05. No public testimony received at January 26 hearing. Council approved 7-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda approved 7-0.
  • Police facility work session postponed from February 23 to March 9, 2026, by council consensus.
  • Ordinance 2026-01 approved 7-0 (second reading, no further public hearing).
  • Council Communications:
    • Council President Valenzuela reported on library commission retreat and CDBG presentations (13 organizations, results due Thursday).
    • Councilor Falconer reported on Historic Landmarks Board (draft downtown design in June, new chair, art receptacle project).
    • Councilor Martinez reported on Gills Creek Station (community deciding between manual vs. electronic reader board).
    • Councilor Schimmel reported on CCI interest in boards/commissions sanctuary training, and attended a housing opportunity day in Salem.
  • City Manager Report:
    • Oak Leaves trademark renewed.
    • Storefront remodels: Wild Willow Studio complete; Fry's Action Athletics and Casa Kiev (by Adelante Mujeres) in progress.
    • 21st and Main intersection: warrants analysis approved, will become a four-way stop with phased implementation and pre-warning signs.
    • Police facility grant application: $3 million capital grant, chief to testify next week.
    • Fire department staffing: 7 career firefighters per day now, two units staffed 22 out of 23 days in January.
    • Public works administration remodel going vertical; library renovations (reading tree, fireplace area) funded by library foundation.
  • Mayor's Report:
    • Attended town halls with Bonamici and Attorney General.
    • Region One ACT recommended five projects for SIP priorities (including I-5 Rose Quarter, TV Highway BRT, Sunrise Corridor, Columbia River trail).
    • Washington County may consider increasing vehicle registration fees from $30 to $60 (reading in May, adoption January 2027).
    • CPOs (Community Partnership Organizations) being replaced by district-based committees.
    • A council letter about Flock contract was not received by county commissioners; work session upcoming.
    • WCCC approved $1.3 million for TV Highway U Street intersection and Highway 47/Martin Road projects in Forest Grove.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I would like to call to order this meeting of the Forest Grove City Council at 711 on February 9th. Will the city recorder please call role? Councillor Gesterson here. Council President Valenzuela here. Councillor Schimmel. Here. Councillor Falconer. Here. Councillor Martinez. Here. Councillor Marshall. Here. Mayor Wenzel. Here. We acknowledge the land on which Forest Grove is located rests on the traditional village sites of the Atvalati, a tribe of the Calapuas who originally inhabited the Tualetan Plains, including Forest Grove. 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. Oh hang on a minute. Testing. Is this good? Okay. We're going to start over. Whereas the Forest Grove City Council takes pride in recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month, honoring the many notable contributions of Black Americans. And whereas the theme of Black History Month this year is a century of Black History Commemorations, marking 100 years since the inaugural week long observance of Black History in 1925, and urging us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations and transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world. And whereas the recognition of Black History Month has made February a time when Black history finds its way not simply into schools, but into cultural heritage sites, public squares, workplaces, houses of worship, and homes across the land and across oceans, offering opportunities to discover and learn more about African American history. And whereas there is no American history without Black history. And as we mark the 250th anniversary of the US independence, we recognize the importance of telling not only an inclusive history, but a true one, of recommitting ourselves to looking unfit unflinchingly at the past, including the parts that are uncomfortable, unflattering, and even shameful. So that we may work towards the lasting institutional and societal change necessary to create a better future and a better America. And whereas today and every day we celebrate African, African American, Afro-Latino, Afro-Caribean, and Black Heritage, and encourage all people to recognize and confront systemic racism in our neighborhoods and the wider community by standing in the gap of every opportunity, bridging barriers with fearlessness and determination to fight against racism and bigotry and improve representation of black people in all facets of our society. Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in Forest Grove, Oregon, Washington County, and calls upon all citizens to observe this month with the appropriate programs and activities and reflections and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just and proper us for prosper prosperous for all. Thank you. Thank you, Council President Valence Wellet for your help. We are now moving on to item B, which is public comment. 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 the majority of counselors present vote to extend the time. Zoom attendees may use the raise hand option to be called on. Thank you for being patient with me. Last time I spoke to this council, I expressed my fear. ICE agents continue to claim immunity to the strictures of the Constitution. Schools are instructing staff to treat the presence of ice as any other active shooter. In previous discussions, we've heard about the lack of manpower. The Forest Grove police cannot stop ice if ICE chooses to come here in force. We have heard that our police force is reluctant to put officers in harm's way to protect people against ice. I understand this. You are, many of you, just as fearful as I am. You have heard many of the same rumors that I have that ice will be surged to Portland soon. You are, as I am, frustrated by the framing of litigation as protection. Unlike me, you have the power to act on a citywide scale.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com