Lake Oswego City Council Meeting – February 17, 2026

Note: The raw transcript begins with the date March 3, 2026, but the provided metadata indicates the meeting took place on February 17, 2026. This summary uses the given date in accordance with instructions.

The Lake Oswego City Council convened on February 17, 2026, to recognize proclamations, hear public comments, adopt the 2026 council goals, receive a legislative update, and appoint a city manager pro tem. The council voted unanimously on all actions, including adding a goal to explore phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers.

Proclamations

• Disability Awareness Month: Mayor Buck proclaimed March 2026 as Disability Awareness Month, with the theme "the power of support."
• Nowruz (Persian New Year): The council recognized Nowruz, celebrating renewal and hope. Councilor Afgan added remarks condemning terrorism and injustice, emphasizing inclusivity and community values.

Lake Oswego Reads Presentation

• Nancy Nyland, library volunteer and special events coordinator, presented the 20th annual Lake Oswego Reads selection: "TILT" by local author Emma Patti. The book focuses on post-Cascadia Earthquake Portland. The two-month event includes 40 programs, 800 copies distributed, and themes of sustainability and disaster preparedness. The author event will be held at Lake Ridge High School on April 1st (tickets free).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michelle Moore (with husband Hunter and daughters) expressed deep concern over the city's failure to enforce building and stormwater codes at a neighboring property, alleging 16 violations, improper driveway slopes, missing stormwater features, and a DEQ permit violation. She stated the city engineer called the violations a “private matter” and told her to stop emailing staff, which she argued unfairly burdens neighbors and risks the city’s MS-4 permit.
• Stefan Ripson urged a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, citing noise, air pollution, and health risks. He referenced a field trip where children were affected, and noted that Portland and hundreds of other communities have enacted bans. He asked for at least a seasonal ban and said enforcement concerns are not a valid reason to delay.
• Chris Durkey (chair, Lake Oswego Fire Station Rebuild campaign) and Jenny Cherry Tree announced the campaign has over 100 individual endorsements and 23 organizational endorsements. They launched an art contest for K-12 students to celebrate firefighters, with winners’ artwork displayed at the new fire station. Submissions due April 21.
• Jeff Weens asked for a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, emphasizing the carcinogenic emissions from two-stroke engines, comparing them to secondhand smoke. He noted that Portland landscapers already use electric blowers there but gas in Lake Oswego, and urged reinstatement of the 2025 landscape equipment goal with a two-year phase-out.
• Stephanie Halleck (president, Friends of Lusher Farm) urged the council to add a priority for the Lusher Farm land use application to the 2026 goals, noting that without Clackamas County approval, recreational activities at Lusher must cease.
• Mark Pullman (board member, Lake Oswego Sustainability Network) asked the council to reinstate the gas-powered landscape equipment phase-out goal, calling it a life-saving project.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of January 6 and 20, 2026, and Resolution 26-12 authorizing a facility use agreement with the Lake Oswego School District for Oak Creek Elementary and Lake Ridge Tennis Courts. Motion passed 6-0. Councilor Verdick noted a desire to explore reciprocal facility use agreements to avoid taxpayer-funded fees between government entities.

Discussion Items

• Adoption of 2026 Council Goals: City Manager Pro Tem Phelan presented the proposed goals and initiatives, noting revisions from the goal-setting retreat (e.g., adding “advocate for” to the first initiative, adding language about west side urban renewal for a library facility, and rewording fiscal sustainability and transit access goals).
• Amendment to Add Gas Leaf Blower Goal: Councilor Boop moved to amend the goal list to add: “Explore and continue outreach and policy research in regard to phasing out gas powered lawn equipment and to bring recommendations to city council in early 2027.” He stated the goal was removed from the list but remained a priority, and the amendment recognizes ongoing staff and advisory board work. Councilor Afgan noted the community commitment made in 2025 and that over 50% of residents support the ban. Councilor Corgan supported staying the course, noting technology improvements and lessons from Portland. Councilor Verdick expressed concern about overloading the goal list (21 initiatives already) but supported the amendment as an exception. Councilor Boop noted his own goals were voted out but this one deserved inclusion. The motion passed 6-0.
• Tentative Adoption of Goals: The council then tentatively adopted the 2026 goals as amended, with a final version to be brought back. Motion passed 6-0.

Legislative Update

• Deputy City Manager Madison Thiesing provided a brief update on the final days of the 2026 short legislative session, noting the constitutional deadline of March 8. Key items:
  • A $4 million funding request for South Shore Fire Station (sponsored by Rep. Wen) was not included in the end-of-session bill, but further efforts may be pursued.
  • The Oregon federal tax disconnect will preserve about $30 million for the state budget.
  • A gas tax repeal vote is currently planned for May 2026, potentially coinciding with the South Shore Fire Station bond measure. Staff will coordinate messaging.
• Councilor Verdick noted that the lodging tax bill passed with a 50/50 split between tourism and cities, and the state lodging tax increase (for wildlife habitat) was controversial. The Oregon Ethics Commission fixes were mostly addressed except for serial meetings. Councilor Thiesing will continue work on South Shore funding and Emerald Ash Borer advocacy for the long session.

City Manager Pro Tem Appointment

• Mayor Buck announced the formal process to recruit a permanent city manager. For the interim, he nominated Lynn Peterson as city manager pro tem. Peterson, a 30-year resident of Lake Oswego, has served as Clackamas County Board Chair, Washington DOT Secretary, interim executive director of a nonprofit, and Metro Council President. She stated her first priority is listening and learning, and her motto is “get stuff done.” She intends to apply for the permanent position. Council members expressed strong support. Consensus was reached to negotiate a contract and bring it to a special meeting for approval. (Note: Councilor Raf was excused; the vote was not taken at this meeting; only consensus to proceed.)

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0.
• 2026 Council Goals: Amended to include a gas leaf blower phase-out exploration goal, with recommendations due early 2027. Tentatively adopted 6-0; final version to be presented.
• City Manager Pro Tem: Consensus to negotiate contract with Lynn Peterson; special meeting to be called for approval.
• Council Vacancy: Councillor Raf’s resignation effective April 1. Process outlined: during March 31 meeting, council will review timeline and criteria; applications open after April 7, interviews in May. Appointee serves through January 1, 2027; the remaining two-year term will be filled by election in November 2026. Board and commission recruitment also open.
• Other: The South Shore Fire Station bond will be on the May ballot, possibly alongside the gas tax repeal vote. Staff will coordinate messaging.