Forest Grove City Council Meeting - May 11, 2026
Forest Grove City Council Meeting - May 11, 2026
The Forest Grove City Council met on May 11, 2026, at 7:01 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, an award presentation, public comments, updates on the Historic Landmarks Board, Emergency Operations Plan, and IT services, adoption of two resolutions, and reports from council members and staff. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.
Proclamation and Awards
- Mayor Wenzel read a proclamation designating May 2026 as National Preservation Month in Forest Grove, Oregon, presented in both English and Spanish.
- Natasha Triplett from the Historic Landmarks Board presented the Eric Stewart Award to Skip Mueller for his many years of dedication to preserving Forest Grove history, including work with Friends of Historic Forest Grove and Valley Art Association.
Public Comments & Testimony
- David Dion suggested performing the land acknowledgement in the language of the original inhabitants (Atfalati/Calapooia). He also expressed concerns about federal government compiling lists of immigrants, minorities, and political opponents, and urged non-compliance with such efforts.
- Mr. Feek (last name spelled phonetically) offered a subscription to Heather Cox Richardson's Substack to the Mayor, who declined due to ethical concerns. Mr. Feek encouraged all council members to read Richardson's work.
- Carol Allery recited Bible verses (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8; John 3:16-18) and urged the council to share the gospel.
- Mary Jo Murley (1320 Cedar Street) spoke about the Washington County historical collection, now locked and inaccessible at Rock Creek Community College. She said it could take eight to ten years to become accessible again and urged the council to be aware of the risk to the collection.
Discussion Items
Historic Landmarks Board (HLB) Annual Update
- Presented by Brian Pohl, Community Development Director, pinch-hitting for Matt. The HLB is an advisory board appointed by council, overseeing preservation of architectural and cultural heritage. In 2025, accomplishments included a window restoration workshop by Brian Petrowski and a legal training by former city attorney Chris Kreen. The HLB adopted a work plan focusing on downtown historic standards and guidelines, community engagement on trash can designs, and evaluating options for the next grant cycle. Councilor questions addressed landmark designations (voluntary opt-in program) and potential outside investment grants.
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Update
- Presented by Chief Gearing. The EOP update aligns with the Vision 2040 goal to improve public safety response. The current EOP was adopted in 2014 and was jointly operated with Cornelius; after dissolution of the IGA, each city now has its own plan. The updated plan was developed by Stacy M. Burr Consulting (selected from five respondents) and has three main elements: the basic plan, functional support annexes, and a hazard planning annex. The EOP is not a resident guide but a framework for city-level response. Council roles remain unchanged, including declaring a state of emergency. A resolution to adopt the EOP will be on the May 25 council agenda. Chief Gearing noted that community engagement is ongoing through partnerships (e.g., dialysis clinic, active shooter response, tabletop exercises) and that future efforts will include reaching out to community groups.
IT Update
- Presented by Assistant City Manager Kim Ezel. The update connected to Vision 2040 goal of community connection. After the IT manager resigned in 2025, the city hired IT services firm Structured (contract expires October 2026). Since then, IT services have stabilized: workstations updated, most computers upgraded to Windows 11, critical cybersecurity upgrades completed, servers entering regular patching. Three future options were identified: (1) re-establish internal IT manager, (2) continue contract with private sector, (3) enter an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with another municipality. The city is developing an IGA with the City of Tigard, which has completed similar upgrades (phone system, standardized workstations, cybersecurity) and uses the same enterprise system (Tyler ERP). This IGA could serve as a pilot for shared municipal IT services across Washington County. Councilor Shimmel asked about compliance with state law on data sharing; Ezel noted partnering with a local government ensures mutual compliance with Oregon requirements.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 2026-13: Authorizing the city manager to endorse the Community Enhancement Program (CEP) intergovernmental agreement with Metro. The agreement extends Forest Grove's participation through December 31, 2030, with Metro collecting $1.50 per ton of waste at the transfer station and transferring approximately $100,000 per year to the city for community enhancement grants. The IGA requires adding one community member to the CEP grant committee. Approved 7-0.
- Resolution 2026-14: Adopting the city's investment policy (annual requirement per ORS). The policy applies to most city funds except defined benefit plan investments. The outside investment advisor reviewed the policy and recommended no changes; no state law changes since last review. Approved 7-0.
Council Communications
- Council President Valenzuela reported no meetings for the Policy Advisory Board in May and June; also announced the birth of his third grandchild.
- Councilor Feltner welcomed new HLB member Natasha Triplett and thanked her for presenting the award.
- Councilor Griffson, Marshall, and Martinez each reported no items. Councilor Martinez noted the Rural Fire Board has tentatively finished its budget and hired a new bookkeeper, Amber Woodford.
City Manager's Report
- Metro's future vision survey is open until May 31 for regional participation; the city will post it on its website.
- Congressional directed spending request for TV Highway submitted by Rep. Bonamici is pending reconciliation between House and Senate.
- Farmers market started last Wednesday. Changes: 21st Avenue between Maine and A will not be closed due to discontinuation of Festival of the Arts; additional barricades and signage are being added for safety on South Maine and North Main.
- Two studies (grocery store analysis for urban renewal properties and boutique hotel analysis) are complete or near completion; results will be summarized at an urban renewal agency work session in June.
- ODOT will begin construction on TV Highway A and B mid-block crossing (pedestrian crossing with rapid flashing beacon) in late May.
- ODOT assisted in contacting railroad for the Safe Routes to School project on Mountain View.
- Emergency water intertie (72-inch line from Joint Water Commission to Hillsboro) will be fully completed in June.
- Public Works Administrative Building is ahead of schedule by about a month and under budget.
- Friends of the Library book sale runs Thursday through Saturday; Pacific University art is displayed at the library.
- Light and Power completed underground wires for Heather Street extension from Mountain View to Poplar.
Mayor's Report
- Mayor Wenzel reported on feedback from the first farmers market, including questions about data centers, park maintenance, and the need to restore park history information on the city website (specifically for Abigail's Park). She encouraged council members to staff the city booth at future farmers markets to advocate for the police facility bond.
- Attended Pat Truax's funeral.
- Expressed frustration with ODOT's Region 1 ACT (Area Commission on Transportation) regarding the SIP (capital investment plan) process, which required three meetings without clear criteria for additional projects.
- Met with OSU Extension and 4-H representatives, who are considering a taxing district on the May 2027 ballot due to Washington County's $10 million budget deficit. She suggested waiting to see if there is traction before inviting them to present to council.
- Announced upcoming Metro meeting on long-term strategic plan at Hidden Creek Rec Center (Hillsboro) on Thursday, 4-6 PM.
- Reminded council of budget committee meeting on May 12 at the Light and Power building, and that the next council meeting is Tuesday, May 26 (instead of May 25) due to Memorial Day.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I'd like to call to order this meeting of the Forest Grove City Council at 701. Will our city recorder please call roll. Councillor Gustafson. Here Council President Valenzuela? Here. Councillor Shimon? Here. Councillor Falconer? Here. Councillor Martinez? Here. Councillor Marshall. Here. Mayor Wenzel. Here. We acknowledge the land on which Forest Grove is located located rests on the traditional village sites of the Atpalate, a tribe of the Calapua who originally inhabited the Twilaton 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. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice cross. Whereas the National Trust for Historical Preservation created Preservation Month to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America. And whereas Preservation Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country's cities and states, and enable more Americans to become involved in the preservation movement. And whereas historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth and sustainable development, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability. And whereas historic preservation is relevant for communities across the nation, both urban and rural. And whereas it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals to help preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people. Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Forest Grove does hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as National Preservation Month in Forest Grove, Oregon, and calls upon the people to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance. Thank you. In Forest Grove, Oregon, y a Sun Yamado Alagente de Forest Grove a unirse con sus Estados Unidos para reconocer y participar in esta celebración especial. In testimonio de Local A Suspito La Presente Ya Echo Kel Sello de la Ciudad de Forest Grove, Oregon de Mayo de 2006, nuestra Alcaldesa Malinda Wenson. Okay, so now is the moment that most of you have been waiting for. I mean, besides for the few people who are paid to be here. So all the people who chose to be here, this is the big moment. Okay, I would like to bring up uh Natasha Triplett from our historic landmarks board member to do the honors. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to recognize Skib Mueller for his many years of dedication to preserving the history of Forest Grove by resenting with presenting him the Eric Stewart Award. Skib joined Friends of Historic Forest Grove in 2011 and within a year became both a board member and board secretary. Over the years, he has served as docent at the old train station, helping visitors connect with stories behind our community. He has also helped develop the Forest Grove Deed Index and has conducted extensive research on local families and historic property. As one of Friends of Historic Forest Grove's longtime face administrators, Facebook administrators, he has shared local photograph shared local history through Popular Throwback Thursday Post and helped digitize countless historic photographs and negatives. In addition, Skip has been a longtime member and board member of the Valley Art Association, where he has helped preserve and digitize the organization's historical records. And um wanted to thank Friends of the Store Forest Grove and Valley Art. Thanks so much. Zoom attendees may use the raise hand option to be called on. Okay, so let's start with public comment. David Dion is first up tonight. He beat you here, Mr. V. Thank you. Uh first, I'd just like to uh talk about the land acknowledgements at the beginning of the meetings.
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