Forest Grove City Council Meeting - February 23, 2026

The Forest Grove City Council met on February 23, 2026, at 7:10 PM. The meeting included a recognition of a fire captain for 20 years of service, a proclamation for International Women's Day, public comments on federal election integrity and community events, presentations on the 2025 audit, Pacific University updates, and the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Master Plan. The council held a public hearing and approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-02, amending the development code. Council communications and the city manager’s report highlighted library updates, housing capacity analysis grant reductions, wildfire mitigation projects, and upcoming events.

Recognition

• Mayor Wenzel and the council recognized Fire Captain Will Murphy for 20 years of service with the Forest Grove Fire Department. Captain Murphy, who joined the department in 2006, was praised for his expertise in emergency medical services, collaborative labor representation, and dedication as a public servant.

Proclamations

• Council President Valenzuela read a proclamation declaring March 8, 2026, as International Women's Day in Forest Grove. The proclamation emphasized gender equity, the achievements of women, and the need to dismantle structural barriers to equality.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Dion spoke about the threat of voter suppression efforts by the Trump administration, urging the council to support enfranchisement of Forest Grove citizens, particularly women, transgender people, and mail-in voting.
• Dale Feek read a statement from Heather Cox Richardson criticizing the Trump regime, quoted President Trump’s calls for voter ID and restrictions on mail-in ballots, and encouraged the council to resist the administration’s actions. He also urged attendance at the high school play "The Diary of Anne Frank."
• Christy Kocki (School Board Chair) invited council members to school budget meetings and highlighted the need to support schools during deficit spending. She also promoted the play "The Diary of Anne Frank" as a testament to fighting hate.
• Carol Allery shared a religious message about love and fear, stating that love is the answer to fear, and quoted John 3:16.
• Chaz Hundley (editor/publisher of News in the Grove) invited the council to an open house before the State of the City address on March 12, 2026.
• During the public hearing on Ordinance 2026-02, Dale Feek testified neutrally, expressing concerns about enterprise zones (citing Crane Data Center) and zoning for a cannabis facility near a school, and noting that the proposed building height changes would not retroactively apply to Crane’s seven-story structure.

Presentations

1. Annual Audit (Clear Trail CPAs)

• Chris Odell presented the 2025 audit results for the city and the Urban Renewal Agency (URA). Both received unmodified (clean) opinions with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. No separate management letter was issued. Council thanked staff for their work.

2. Pacific University Update

• President Dr. Jenny Coyle highlighted the university’s 176-year history, current enrollment of 3,000 students, and designation as Oregon’s opportunity university (emphasizing access and outcomes). She noted that 27% of students are first-generation, 32% of undergraduates are Pell-eligible, and 44% of alumni live in Oregon.
• Dr. Coyle acknowledged headwinds in higher education (demographic cliff, devaluation of education, changing federal policies) but stated Pacific is not in a financial crisis. She discussed restructuring, three-year degree pathways, and a potential merger with Willamette University (maintaining Pacific’s identity and location). She appealed to the council to champion higher education and maintain Forest Grove as an inclusive community.
• Councilor Falconer thanked Dr. Coyle for her engagement. Council President Valenzuela asked about the impact of federal policy changes (OB3) on health professions programs and funding. Dr. Coyle replied that details are uncertain but private lending may fill gaps. Councilor Schimmel suggested cross-promotion of Pacific and community events.

3. Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Master Plan

• Recreation Director Ann Lane and Recreation Coordinator Cody Jeffers presented the draft scope of work for the RFP. The plan will guide 10-year development, redevelopment, and equitable distribution of parks, trails, and recreation facilities. Key components include:
  • Section 1: Foundation (asset review, staffing analysis, demographic study, barrier assessment).
  • Section 2: Community engagement (public outreach, partnership assessment, gap analysis, service evaluation).
  • Section 3: Infrastructure forecast (assessment of parks/trails, aquatic center, senior center, feasibility of multi-use recreation facility).
  • Section 4: Implementation plan and adoption-ready document by June 2027.
• Councilor Schimmel praised the staff professional development opportunity and noted the inclusion of asset management. Council President Valenzuela emphasized supporting local youth sports clubs. Councilor Falconer urged outreach to renters and transit-dependent populations. Councilor Martinez stressed the need for comprehensive engagement to avoid past oversights (e.g., East Side Park). Councilor Martinez also asked about bringing preferred partner agreements and shared use agreements to council before the master plan is final; staff acknowledged that discussions on those agreements are ongoing.

Discussion Items

• The council discussed the annual audit and Pacific University update, with no further debate beyond questions.
• Development Code Amendments (Ordinance 2026-02): The council heard staff presentation on proposed amendments to Articles 8 and 12. Key changes include clarifying industrial building heights (45 feet when 50 feet from residential zones), adjusting residential standards (target densities, building height measurement, increased ADU square footage), allowing office uses in neighborhood mixed-use zones, and adding landscape buffer footnotes. The council debated the wording of the height table and confirmed the staff amendment to read “none, 45 feet maximum height when 50 feet set back from a residential zone.” There was no further discussion from the council after the hearing.

Key Outcomes

• First Reading of Ordinance 2026-02: Approved 7-0, with an amendment to clarify the building height language. The second reading is scheduled for March 9, 2026.
• Council Communications: Council President Valenzuela reported on library fundraising event (March 17, 5-8 PM), library renovation updates, and shared concerns about the centralization of library purchasing under the county’s new system, emphasizing the need for transparency in the intergovernmental agreement review. Councilor Falconer highlighted chamber information (student marketing group, small business incubator, Know Your Rights training on March 7, and ribbon cutting at Forge Grove Food Hall on March 7). Councilor Gustafson reminded of the 250th U.S. anniversary and downtown association involvement. Councilor Schimmel commended the city manager for professional development opportunities.
• City Manager’s Report:
  • Housing Capacity Analysis grant from DLCD reduced from $160,000 to $11,000; staff may seek mid-biennium budget adjustments.
  • Light and Power completed three planned wildfire mitigation projects (undergrounding lines) and applied for a $500,000 grid resilience grant.
  • Pre-diagnostic meeting with railroad for Mountain View Safe Routes to School project was positive.
  • Library hosts AARP tax assistance every Wednesday (10 AM-3 PM).
  • City Manager appointed to League of Oregon Cities Energy and Environmental Policy Committee.
• Upcoming Events:
  • State of the City address: March 12, 2026.
  • Forge Grove Food Hall and Tap Room grand opening: March 7, 2026 (noon-9 PM).
  • International Women’s Day: March 8, 2026.

The meeting adjourned to executive session for labor negotiations (ORS 192.660(2)(d)).