Milwaukie City Council Meeting - September 2, 2026: 9/11 Proclamation, Code Amendments, and Community Concerns

The Milwaukie City Council held its 2,456th meeting on September 2, 2026, at City Hall and via video conference. The agenda included a proclamation for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, community comments on the King Road construction project and utility billing practices, a public hearing to adopt amendments to manufacturing and business industrial (MBI) zoning, a work session on policy light code amendments (with middle housing items deferred), and council reports on freight rail merger, Kellogg restoration project, and other city business.

9/11 Proclamation

Mayor Lisa Beatty read a proclamation recognizing September 11, 2026 as the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Chief Verdick and several council members shared personal reflections on the attacks and their aftermath. The proclamation was unanimously approved.

Public Comments

• Elvis Clark (Milwaukie resident) commented on climate trends, noting that recent summers have been cooler than predicted despite rising emissions, and expressed concerns about preserving energy choice and democratic values in climate action.
• Kent McCarty (owner of Great American Video and Espresso, representing King Road businesses) testified about the severe impacts of ongoing construction on his drive-thru business, reporting his worst coffee month in 3.5 years. He questioned the plan to close westbound lanes to one-way traffic, noting the bid originally required two-way traffic. He asked for consideration of grant relief.
• Karen Galloway (Milwaukie resident) described confusing and unsafe traffic control on King Road, including wrong-way drivers and lost residents. She urged the council to advocate for residents and businesses, and asked that the contractor be held to the bid specification of two-way traffic. She questioned the proposed one-way closure.
• Jennifer Murphy (Milwaukie resident) raised concerns about Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS) in apartments, which can lead to eviction for non-payment of variable utility fees. She urged the council to consider regulations or disclosure requirements, as other cities have done.
• During the Policy Light Code Amendments work session, Carl Reynolds (56-year resident) spoke in support of orderly planning and rules, urging that exceptions not undermine the intention of code. Amanda Cartwright (resident adjacent to a proposed cottage cluster) described a developer's threat after she appealed a variance, and questioned the cumulative impacts of such developments on safety, drainage, tree canopy, and neighborhood character.

Discussion: MBI Zone Code Amendments

Planning staff presented proposed amendments to modernize the manufacturing (M) and business industrial (BI) zones, including formatting updates, use tables, and revised standards. No public testimony was offered. Council made three amendments:

1. Strike an incorrect reference to Chapter 27 in the hazardous materials use definition.
2. Add a cross-reference to section 19.5.071 for marijuana retailer proximity restriction.
3. Re-add a 15% minimum vegetation requirement in the M zone.

The ordinance (ZA-2026-002) was adopted unanimously (5-0) on first and second readings by title only.

Discussion: Policy Light Code Amendments

Planning staff reported that all items related to middle housing (e.g., parking design for cottage clusters, garage standards) would be deferred to a future work session to allow a broader discussion of state mandates and city code alignment. Two non-housing items were presented:

1. Minor modifications to community service uses (CSU): Staff recommended removing ambiguous language about open space and natural resources from the minor modification criteria, letting the natural resources code govern.
2. Modifications between preliminary and final plat: Proposed to allow small changes (e.g., up to 5% lot width/depth variation) without restarting the plat process, based on Portland's model.

Council expressed support for exploring phasing and broader discussion. Public testimony raised concerns about developer accountability and the cumulative effects of cottage clusters. No vote was taken; staff will prepare responses and bring back recommendations for timing.

Council Reports

• King Road Construction Update: City Manager Sagar reported that the project is nearing paving. To avoid extending into spring, the contractor proposes closing King Road to westbound traffic for up to 4 weeks (one-way eastbound only). Staff will conduct outreach, detour signage, and attempt to support businesses. Grant relief is limited to the existing Business Improvement Grant program; no dedicated construction impact relief program exists. Council expressed concern about the change from two-way traffic as originally bid, and requested a memo analyzing phasing, business impacts, and potential fiscal options (including CET funds) to mitigate harm.
• E-bikes: Police Chief reported that monitoring of the Trolley Trail and Springwater Corridor has been added to patrol routes. A new webpage on e-bike regulations was launched. No immediate regulatory changes were proposed.
• Freight Rail Merger: The proposed Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger could increase Brooklyn Yard traffic by 22%. The City Manager will file a Notice of Intent to Participate (NOIP) with the Surface Transportation Board by the September deadline, coordinating with Portland on comments.
• Kellogg Restoration Project: The city is eligible for a $1.06M state revolving loan (50% forgivable) for the sewer component, but council has not authorized taking on debt until project funding is more certain. The Protect grant (due October 9) requires the city to be lead applicant. A project team briefing will be scheduled for October 6 to address council questions on costs, rate impacts, and underpass design.
• Parks DAC: The District Advisory Council prioritized a county parks levy for the November 2027 ballot.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted: MBI zone amendments (ZA-2026-002) unanimously (5-0) with three staff-recommended amendments.
• King Road: Council directed staff to produce a memo on alternatives to the one-way closure, business grant options, and safety impacts before a final decision.
• Policy Light: Middle housing items deferred; staff to recommend timing for a study session. Non-housing items (CSU minor modifications, preliminary/final plat changes) will be reconsidered after broader discussion.
• Freight Rail: Staff will submit a NOIP to the STB and coordinate with Portland on comments.
• Kellogg Restoration: Council requested that the project team present at the October 6 meeting with detailed cost and design information before any city funding commitment.
• Parks Levy: The DAC will work toward a county parks levy for 2027.