OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Forest Grove City Council Meeting - April 13, 2026

City Council — Monday, April 13, 2026
BodyForest Grove, Oregon
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, April 13, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:43:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

Good evening.

0:08

I'd like to call to order this meeting of the Forest Grove City Council at 704 on April 13th.

0:15

Will the city recorder please call role?

0:19

Councilor Valenzuela.

0:20

Here.

0:21

Councilor Shimmel?

0:22

Here.

0:22

Counselor Falconer.

0:23

Here.

0:24

Counselor Martinez?

0:25

Here.

0:25

Councillor Marshall?

0:26

Here.

0:27

Mayor Wenzel.

0:28

Here.

0:29

We acknowledge the land on which Forest Grove is located, rests on the traditional village sites of the At Paladi, a tribe of the Calipoas who originally inhabited the Tualetin Plains, including Forest Grove.

0:42

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

0:45

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

0:52

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republican stand.

1:08

Okay, next on our agenda is item four, which is our police chief swearing in.

1:14

So a little bit as our city recorder gets ready, I would like to introduce you to Chief Marzilli.

1:20

He began his law enforcement career in Oregon, joining the Washington County Sheriff's Office in 1998.

1:26

Over 28 years, he advanced through the ranks from deputy to commander, serving in patrol investigations, jail, and professional standards.

1:36

He is known for building strong teams rooted in trust, communication, and accountability.

1:42

Forest Grove is so grateful that he accepted this job.

1:45

So if Police Chief Merzilla can please come up, or soon to be Forest Grove Police Chief, officially sworn in.

2:07

That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

2:12

The Constitution of the State of Oregon.

2:16

The laws and ordinances of the city of Forest Grove.

2:38

Which I've been appointed according to law.

3:09

Congratulations, Chief Marzilli.

3:11

Okay, we have three proclamations tonight.

3:14

I'm gonna read all of them in English and then Council President Valenzuela will read the last one in Spanish as well.

3:21

So we'll we will begin with Arbor Month.

3:24

Whereas Arbor Day was first observed in 1872 with the planting of more than one million trees in Nebraska.

3:32

And whereas the Forest Grove community continues this tradition of environmental stewardship by conserving, preserving, and restoring our local urban forests.

3:43

And whereas our community appreciates the many benefits trees provide to our residents, businesses, and visitors.

3:50

And whereas the National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Forest Grove as Tree City USA due to our community's commitment to effective forest management over the last year.

4:04

And whereas calendar year 2025 marked the 36th consecutive year Forest Grove has received Tree City USA designation, and whereas the Forest Grove Community Forestry Commission recognizes the stewardship of the Forest Grove community over the past 36 years to advance the city's urban forestry efforts.

4:24

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim the month of April as Arbor Month in Forest Grove, Oregon, and encourages the community to support the spirit and tradition of the first Arbor Day by planting trees for the benefit of our community.

4:43

Okay, next up is the library.

4:47

So whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong.

4:55

Bless you.

4:55

Thank you.

5:06

And whereas dedicated library workers provide welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all.

5:16

And whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect and thrive.

5:33

And whereas libraries protect the right to read, think and explore without censorship, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression.

5:44

And whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to create National Library Week under the theme Find Your Joy.

5:57

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim April 19th through April 25th as Library Week in Forest Grove, Oregon, and encourages the community to visit the Forest Grove Library and celebrate all the ways the library helps our community find joy.

6:18

Let's go libraries.

6:22

And now we will move on to Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Crime Victims Rights Week.

6:31

Whereas Oregon sees higher rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood trauma than the national average.

6:41

And whereas child abuse and sexual violence are some of the most serious public health issues, with numerous studies documenting the link between trauma and a wide range of medical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral experiences with both short and long term effects.

7:02

And whereas children who experience abuse are uniquely affected because they are still developing and therefore suffer lifelong effects to their physical and emotional health.

7:14

And whereas sexual violence, childhood abuse, and interpersonal crime affect all people, but disproportionately affect those impacted by systemic inequities, and whereas when harm does occur, we are determined to respond by helping survivors by not only safety, healing, and justice, but also equitable access to services, a sense of hope for their future, and the tools to rebuild their lives.

7:44

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim April 2026 and April 19th through April 25th, 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Crime Victims Rights Week in Forest Grove, Oregon, and reaffirms our commitment to supporting a coordinated and collaborative community of providers that deliver intervention and prevention services of violence and abuse all year long.

8:18

Thank you.

8:19

And here's Council President Valence Miller.

8:25

Okay, let's see.

8:27

Proclama.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement██████████████████18%
Urban Renewal██████████████████18%
Procedural████████████12%
Arts And Culture█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%
Public Safety██████6%
Public Engagement██████6%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Public Health█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Forest Grove City Council Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Forest Grove City Council met on April 13, 2026, at 7:04 PM. The meeting included the swearing-in of Police Chief Marzilli, three proclamations (Arbor Month, Library Week, and Child Abuse Prevention/Sexual Assault Awareness/Crime Victims Rights Week), public comment, approval of the consent agenda, presentations from the Family Peace Center, Library Commission, Community Forestry Commission, and a comprehensive plan update, a public hearing and vote on Resolution 2026-12, and council communications.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved with a vote of 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • David Dion spoke about the importance of equal application of the law and expressed concerns about federal overreach, stating that no elected official has unlimited authority and that the rule of law must apply to all.
  • Carol Allery expressed opposition to fluoridating the water, citing health risks including tooth discoloration, skeletal weaknesses, neurological problems for children, and links to high blood pressure and seizures. She urged the council to consider the negative effects.

Presentations

Family Peace Center Update (Rachel Schutz, Executive Director)

  • Since its founding, the Family Justice Center (now Family Peace Center) has served over 31,000 survivors with 54,000 services. In 2025, 12,500 services were provided to approximately 6,000 survivors. The top three services were basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene), advocacy, and legal support.
  • A notable dip in survivors occurred in 2025 (excluding 2020) due to increased immigration enforcement, which also reduced crisis line calls and hospital visits. However, the average number of services per survivor increased.
  • The new Family Peace Center opened on January 21, 2026. In its first two and a half months, over 1,200 people walked in. For Forest Grove, 88 individuals were served in 2025; 32 have already been served in 2026, on track to more than double.
  • The council received the annual report and thanked Rachel Schutz for her work. A grand opening is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

Library Commission Annual Report (Morgan, Chair)

  • The library has a refreshed children's area, fireplace area, and new signage. Two new staff members (Jack Buck, Amanda Woods) joined. Pacific University has 10 work-study students at the library.
  • 2026 goals include reviewing the library's mission (first time in over 10 years), inventorying and revising policies, conducting a user survey, filling commission vacancies (especially a student position), and developing guidance for public art.
  • National Library Week is April 19-25, 2026. The library levy recently passed, enabling potential service expansion. The library also offers free notary services.

Community Forestry Commission Annual Report (Dan Reardon, Mark Nagajima)

  • Forest Grove achieved Tree City USA designation for the 36th consecutive year. 2025 highlights included an Arbor Month tree planting at Thatcher Park, work on updating the "Tour of Trees" map guide, and reviews of dangerous tree removals affecting power lines (especially Oregon White Oaks in the Uplands).
  • 2026 priorities: completing the tree tour map, a citywide tree canopy assessment, the annual Arbor Day tree planting on April 16 at 10 AM at Lincoln Park, and updating the Urban Forest Management Plan.
  • Councilor Marshall suggested linking the tree tour with public art and tourism; Councilor Falconer noted that some Main Street tree locations might be better suited for public art.

Comprehensive Plan Update (Dan Rurdin, Planning Division)

  • The existing comprehensive plan was adopted in 2014; the new Forest Grove Forward 2040 vision provides the basis for an update. A housing capacity analysis is required by December 2027.
  • Staff recommended issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified planning consultant to evaluate the current plan and develop a scope of work, community engagement plan, and sequencing strategy. The budget for FY26-27 is $150,000.
  • The council concurred with the recommendation, noting that hiring a consultant is appropriate given the project's complexity and staff capacity.

Public Hearing & Resolution

  • Resolution 2026-12: Adopting the amended Urban Planning Area Agreement (UPAA) between Washington County and the City of Forest Grove, repealing Resolution 2018-75. The UPAA clarifies roles for land use planning in areas within the urban growth boundary. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended adoption on March 2, 2026.
  • The amendment updates annexations since 2018, removes a de-annexed area, and adjusts the boundary near Cornelius (2.6 acres). A subsequent comprehensive plan map amendment will be required.
  • The resolution was approved with a vote of 6-0.

Council Communications

  • Council President Valenzuela reported on the Policy Advisory Board approving the 2026 Annual Action Plan for HUD funding, and noted National Community Development Week and Fair Housing Month activities.
  • Councilor Falconer reported on a walking tour of the historic downtown district, JWC meeting, and a chamber ribbon cutting at Camelas.
  • Councilor Marshall reported on Parks and Rec discussions about parking and maintenance, the upcoming East Side Park construction, and a pop-up event at Kyle Park on May 16 with mountain bike coach Robbie.
  • Councilor Martinez reported on the Rural Fire Department budget and a new reader board, and the Sister City Committee's progress on 501(c)(3) documentation.
  • Councilor Shimmel reported on the TV Highway Transit Project, noting that the TriMet CEO will visit on April 17 for a street-level orientation, and mentioned the potential study of converting Pacific Avenue to two-way.
  • City Manager reported on budget preparations for May 12, grants (BRIC for water reservoir, Safe Streets for All for TV Highway), progress on the public works building remodel, and the Housing Authority's RFP for 60 units of permanent supportive housing.
  • Mayor Wenzel reported on the MYAC trip to Washington, D.C., Region One Transportation funding discussions, TriMet service cuts (merging lines 58/19 and 97/38), and proposed a work session on immigration for April 27. She also announced the passing of community volunteer Pat Truex and offered condolences to her family.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved 6-0.
  • Resolution 2026-12 approved 6-0.
  • Presentations received; council directed staff to proceed with the comprehensive plan RFP.
  • Mayor announced a work session on immigration for April 27, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call to order this meeting of the Forest Grove City Council at 704 on April 13th. Will the city recorder please call role? Councilor Valenzuela. Here. Councilor Shimmel? Here. Counselor Falconer. Here. Counselor 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 At Paladi, a tribe of the Calipoas who originally inhabited the Tualetin Plains, including Forest Grove. They are now part of the Confederate tribes of Grand Ron. Will the council and the audience please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republican stand. Okay, next on our agenda is item four, which is our police chief swearing in. So a little bit as our city recorder gets ready, I would like to introduce you to Chief Marzilli. He began his law enforcement career in Oregon, joining the Washington County Sheriff's Office in 1998. Over 28 years, he advanced through the ranks from deputy to commander, serving in patrol investigations, jail, and professional standards. He is known for building strong teams rooted in trust, communication, and accountability. Forest Grove is so grateful that he accepted this job. So if Police Chief Merzilla can please come up, or soon to be Forest Grove Police Chief, officially sworn in. That I will support the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the State of Oregon. The laws and ordinances of the city of Forest Grove. Which I've been appointed according to law. Congratulations, Chief Marzilli. Okay, we have three proclamations tonight. I'm gonna read all of them in English and then Council President Valenzuela will read the last one in Spanish as well. So we'll we will begin with Arbor Month. Whereas Arbor Day was first observed in 1872 with the planting of more than one million trees in Nebraska. And whereas the Forest Grove community continues this tradition of environmental stewardship by conserving, preserving, and restoring our local urban forests. And whereas our community appreciates the many benefits trees provide to our residents, businesses, and visitors. And whereas the National Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Forest Grove as Tree City USA due to our community's commitment to effective forest management over the last year. And whereas calendar year 2025 marked the 36th consecutive year Forest Grove has received Tree City USA designation, and whereas the Forest Grove Community Forestry Commission recognizes the stewardship of the Forest Grove community over the past 36 years to advance the city's urban forestry efforts. Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim the month of April as Arbor Month in Forest Grove, Oregon, and encourages the community to support the spirit and tradition of the first Arbor Day by planting trees for the benefit of our community. Okay, next up is the library. So whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong. Bless you. Thank you. And whereas dedicated library workers provide welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all. And whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect and thrive. And whereas libraries protect the right to read, think and explore without censorship, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression. And whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to create National Library Week under the theme Find Your Joy. Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim April 19th through April 25th as Library Week in Forest Grove, Oregon, and encourages the community to visit the Forest Grove Library and celebrate all the ways the library helps our community find joy. Let's go libraries.

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