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.
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.