I'll go ahead and now call the meeting to order.

First time on our agenda.

It's a Pledge of Allegiance tonight, led by Council Hillier.

Hi, please stand.

Remove your hats, if you will.

Place your hand over your heart and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance.

Thank you.

Please be seated.

All right.

That brings us to announcements.

We have two announcements tonight.

Two sets of new employees.

Our first new employees, our new war division staff, Levi Weldon and Mason Williams.

And Terrence will do the introductions.

Come on up, gentlemen.

There we go.

It's gonna be a tight fit, mayor.

We'll make it work.

You guys can hear me very well.

All right.

Mayor, City Council, how are we doing tonight?

Good.

How are you?

Doing good, doing good.

I'm Terrence Lakey, Water Division Manager with City of Twilighton, and it's my pleasure to introduce two our new hires here.

Uh Mason Williams and Levi Weldon.

I'll as our new water tech ones in our water uh division.

Um Mason started on March 10th.

Levi was March 20th.

And um it has.

It has.

It's been a busy few weeks and uh months for that matter.

And uh quick background on Mason.

So prior to uh Twalton, Mason was both a uh uh EMT and firefighter, and also a coffee roaster.

So man of many talents, and so you can say we like met at the hydrant, so to speak.

And he's been uh a great addition.

Um Mason's getting married on Saturday, so this is a big week.

So all that fun preparation that goes in with that.

So uh got five days, and um and so yeah, we're all excited for Mason.

Uh loves going outdoors and uh lives here locally in Sherwood, which is nice for those fun after hour calls.

So um, and then uh to my right is Levi here.

Levi before working with us, worked as uh uh tech with uh uh paper shredding company and also uh his prior experience was working uh putting in fancy like exotic pools and spas and stuff like that, so he's got a lot of plumbing experience.

And uh he's happily married to his lovely life.

Uh Alison who was here to support him, and um Allison is a detective for Portland, so she keeps them on the straight and narrow.

And um, so uh besides that uh Levi grew up uh racing in stock cars and uh building them, so his attention to detail uh was noticeable in the beginning.

And so he's the both of them had a great addition.

He's a huge uh Utah Youth fan.

And they can no longer beat up on Oregon here now that the Pac-12 conference is no longer existing.

So um, but as far as like work tasks go, both these guys is our water tech ones, are uh learning all the ropes.

Um, you know, they're between Alan, some of you guys know Alan and Ernie, they've both been here for you know 20 and 35 years, so they got a breadth of knowledge, so they're just shadowing them around learning all the aspects of water.

One of the cool things about Tualeton is that we're kind of a mid-sized city, so they really get exposed to all sorts of stuff.

We're not getting pigeon-holed into like one division.

So when it comes to like water sampling, doing mainline repairs, uh service line breaks, which happened this afternoon.

Um they get they're really getting exposed to everything.

So it's uh been a pleasure to get them on board.

So yeah.

All right.

Gentlemen, anything like you guys like to say?

I'm just happy to be here.

Same here.

Love it.

All right.

Well, thanks for joining our team.

Um there's several things the community values here in Twalton.

Uh our parks, our library, and our water system.

Uh, we're still one of the folks that are still on Bull Run Water.

Um, so Terrence knows the system in and out.

He's getting when I became young counselor, young mayor.

I got the tour of water from him.

So uh you're working for a terrific supervisor, terrific water department.

Um I welcome you to Twalton and hopefully you can have long, long careers here and uh enjoy every day you know working here in Twalton.

Thank you for joining the team.

Yeah, thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks for your time, everyone.

All right.

Now we have new two uh two new police officers, Chief Pitt Green.

We'll bring up uh Chase Charbonneau and Matthew Vorberg.

Welcome, gentlemen.

Well, good evening, Mayor and Council.

Uh I'm excited to bring uh two new police officers here uh tonight for introductions.

So uh directly to my right is Chase Charbonne, who uh Chase started with us on July 21st.

So uh directly to my right is Chase Charbonne, who uh Chase started with us on July 21st, uh and he previously worked as a tax administrator for the Oregon City Tax Service.

He grew up in Irvine, California, graduated from Northwood High School, and then uh received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Oregon State University.

He also served in the Air Force for four years and was a spent a short time as a reserve deputy with the Benn County Sheriff's Office.

Uh Chase enjoys spending time with his wife and his dogs.

He's a movie enthusiast and enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Uh seated next to him is Matthew Vorberg.

Now, the name might seem familiar because if you might remember this is the son of Michael Vorberg, who was uh a sergeant with our agency for a short time uh is now working for the Grants Pass uh police department.

Uh but Matthew also started on July 21st.

Uh he previously worked as an office assistant in the academics department at the University of Oregon, so we decided to hire a beaver and a duck on the same day.

Um of them is smarter than the other, I won't tell you which one, so um go beeps.

Umright uh Matthew is from Grants Pass uh moved to Newburgh at age 10, uh graduated from West Side Christian.

Uh he received a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Oregon and also spent time as an intern with the with the DEA.

So outside of work, he enjoys time spending with his girlfriend.

He's uh enjoys playing the electric guitar, hiking, and working out.

So both of them are currently assigned to our training division.

They will attend uh the basic police academy starting August 25th.

Uh so we're excited to get them back and get them into the patrol division and get them started.

So, you know, as our mantra, we like to hire good human beings and treat them and train them to be police officers, and these are two fine humans, and we're excited to have them as part of our team.

Great.

Gentlemen, the floor is yours.

Anything you'd like to say.

I don't think so.

Thanks for having us.

You're quiet.

I'm grateful to be here.

All right.

Well, I thank you both again for joining our uh local police department.

Um we just had national night out, and uh you didn't hear.

We had over 10 national night out events here in Twalton, you know, for a small town, that's a lot.

Um the arch community is very much supports our local police department.

You know, Chief Pickering and his team is very much in support of community-based policing, being involved, kids knowing all the police officers may as they can.

Um, so I know he'll instill that in you if you already don't have that.

And that uh look forward to again, just like the water folks, Long Carey here in Twalton.

That's a terrific department to be part of.

You'll have lots of opportunities, start a patrol, maybe uh ride a motorcycle for a while, be a detective, all kinds of cool stuff you can do here in the Towalton Police Department.

Just want to welcome you.

Thank you.

All right.

Thank you.

You got both got to compete for number one spot, the police academy.

So pressure.

All right.

That brings us to public comment.

Uh public comment is an opportunity for anyone to address the uh city council on an item that's not on tonight's agenda.

Please keep your comments to about three minutes.

If there's anyone in the room who would like to comment, I'll take those first, and then we'll switch over to Zoom.

Again, remember you only have three minutes.

Uh we have quite a few people who are here to talk about the Neuralwood trees.

So I'd ask you if the person before you has already mentioned the point you were going to cover.

Uh, just say you agree with that person and then move on to your points because we want to give everybody the opportunity to get uh you know their comments out.

So I'll go ahead and start.

I've got piles of paper here, and we'll start with uh Danny O'Neill.

Welcome, Danny.

Good evening, Mayor and Councillors.

Uh appreciate the opportunity to address the council.

Um, a very personal concern of mine.

Is Towallaton really a tree city USA?

I've lived in the fine city here since 1995.

I enjoy it, and I enjoy being involved.

My personal observation over the last three to five years.

I've seen more and more of our older trees disappear.

Amongst those were all along Boone's Ferry Road.

Both sides of Tewallet and Sherwood Road under the construction replaced with very wide concrete.

There is no indication of trees being replaced.

And the southeast corner of Southwest Avery and Towalat and Sherwood Road.

There were large trees there that were removed, and I haven't seen any indication of anything going back there and wondering why that happened.

Now the east end of Norwood Road, most of us are familiar with the autumn sunrise development.

Most of us are familiar with the autumn sunrise development.

Trees disappeared there, and my personal opinion that was not necessary.

Now currently, the tree grove on the west end of Norwood is in jeopardy.

My personal understanding of the difference between the developer's placement of the curb sidewalk, PGE easement, and printer area.

The developer's proposal allows for better protection or preservation of the tree grove on the south side of Norwood Road and still meet development conditions.

Those conditions are allowed to be modified to protect and preserve wetlands and trees.

The city's direction requires more area and places PEG utilities much closer to the trees and will not protect and preserve this outgrowth of trees.

That's not just my opinion.

That's the expert evaluation of a certified arborist consultant.

My request tonight is for the city to take a closer look at the bigger concern of protection resources.

Trees in this case.

Are we really acting like a tree city USA?

Thanks for your time and attention to this very visible issue.

One question.

Ask yourself who will bear the responsibility in negative PR if we lose the Norwood trees.

And that's going to be a neighborhood perspective.

Thank you very much.

Next up, I have uh Julie Haronius.

Hi, my name is Julie Hieronymous.

I'm a 25-year resident of Towellaton and also vice president of the Byroom CIO.

I'm here to speak for the trees along Norwood as well.

During the autumn sunrise development, we were promised that those existing mature trees would stay, but then they were cut down below the approved line.

This led to dangerous instability, power outages, and the permanent loss of our natural sound barrier.

Ken Allen has protected a proposed plan that protects the remaining trees while meeting city development goals.

And it's time we support developers who align with Towalton's values as Tree City USA.

Per the city's official website, it states this year Towalton celebrates meet being named a Tree City USA for the 35th time.

The people of Towalton have long seen the health of its tree canopy as vital to their sense of well-being and the community's well-being.

Trees aren't just landscaping, they're vital to our environment, property values, and quality of life.

Please don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

Support the plan that preserves the most trees.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next up I have Carol Robinson.

Pass.

Okay.

Next, M.

Roberts.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Good evening.

My name is M.

Roberts.

I represent Todd Prager and Associates, Consulting Arborist Firm.

We've been working on this project on Norwood Road.

And I'm an ISA certified arborist.

A couple of highlights from the Arborist report, which you'll hear about shortly if you haven't already seen it.

No trees to be removed on grove edges is recommended, and a minimum of 13 feet of tree protection zone where no right-of-way improvements, utilities, grading, or excavation within that 13-foot protection area.

Here's why.

Industry standard is six inches to one foot of tree protection radius around trees to be protected in a construction zone.

And a minimum is that six inches of radius per one inch of diameter of tree.

The current city protocols do not allow for that amount of protection zone.

Rely on exterior trees for wind protection and structural stability.

Removing trees and or removing or damaging roots of trees of exterior trees is severely debilitating to the entire stand.

We've seen this before in the failures east on Norwood Road.

From and in this current proposed project, we're hoping that that can be completely avoided by retaining all of the exterior trees in the stand.

Those tree failures were a direct result of construction damage under rigid city protocols.

So why do we care?

Public safety and community benefits.

Trees are vital infrastructure, filtering air and absorbing and filtering thousands of gallons of water in this stand of trees alone during each heavy rainstorm, which significantly reduces flooding and improves air and water quality for the city.

Additionally, they provide shade on the adjacent path that they are next to.

Mature trees offer exponentially greater ecological and hydrological benefits than newly planted two-inch caliper trees.

Retaining mature tree canopy and expanding housing are both achievable.

Success lies in collaboration, flexibility, and creative problem solving from all of us.

Thank you to city staff, all of you, city council, developers, and community members that are here for engaging in early discourse on this project.

Planning phase decisions are where success is built.

Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you.

Hodson is in Norwood.

Right here.

I think I read Hodson.

You go on here.

Brent Baby.

Whoops.

Sorry.

I'm getting old to fall over.

Mayor, honorable counselors.

Thank you for listening to us tonight.

This again is about the Norwood Road trees.

You've heard some of these things before, but I'd like to reiterate some of them because I think one of the messages is the most important thing.

So who here remembers the 100-mile-an-hour windstorm in 1997?

Okay.

So it taught us a lesson about how we had done development badly by removing inconvenient Douglas fir trees.

Portland was shut down for a week.

So was power.

Almost every new home in Durham had a hundred-foot-tall trees crashing into their homes.

This was because many of the outer, stronger stabilizing trees were removed when they interfered with a new home footprint.

This was a real event.

This type of storm will happen again.

This is what we will face if city engineers and policies prevail for the tree issue on Norwood Road.

We already recently experienced this problem 100 yards down the road when the LNAKS removed the stronger outer trees along Norwood and left only small weak, spindly trees that did not survive a storm just a few weeks later, taking our power feed down with them as they fell.

If you take nothing else away tonight, please know that the city plan for Ken Allen's development will cause this to happen.

Kin's plan does not.

Plus, it preserves the beauty, shade, light diffusion from the athletic field for the people that live along Norwood.

And importantly, wind protection.

Not least are wildlife habitat, including bald eagles that live there that I have seen personally grab squirrels right off of Norwood Road.

So when you decide this issue, I urge you to go with Ken's plan.

Trees are more important than 12-foot sidewalks that may or may not ever fulfill a safety need.

Thank you.

Rob Hula.

Topics have already been covered.

Just want to say a support.

Okay.

All the previous speeches, my wife and my family.

Strong support.

Okay, thank you.

Dan Cobb.

One of the justifications or a few of the justifications.

Sorry.

So some of the justifications I've read for the city's plan is that we need a 12-foot sidewalk for safety, and we need a planting zone setback for safety, and we need a bicycle path for safety.

And those are the bicycle path clearly is a great idea, right?

Toalletan High School, the sidewalk facing Twilight and High School is five and a half feet wide with no planning planting strip.

It does have a bike path.

And yet there's been no significant accidents that I'm aware of, and I've lived right near the high school for many, many years.

By the way, I've been living in Twilighton since 1983.

So I don't understand how the safety considerations that are in place for Twilight and High School regarding the width of the sidewalk and a planning strip are ignored for Twalan High School, and they haven't had any issues.

I don't think that a 12-foot sidewalk running along Norwood, as is in front of Autumn, the Autumn Sunrise development.

I don't see how that's necessary.

And for the life of me, I don't see enough people on Twilight on that 12-foot wide sidewalk.

I mean, I see almost nobody on that sidewalk, me and a couple of neighbors.

The volume traffic of pedestrian bicycle traffic and foot traffic just does not warrant such a massive layer of concrete.

Concrete ruins whatever the heck it's laying on.

Concrete is the enemy of a healthy ecosystem.

And laying down concrete so close to existing trees that they hope will stand is ludicrous because the root structure that all those adjacent trees need, they're all torn out, as your arborists have said.

So I I don't I don't fathom who on earth thinks we need 12-foot-wide sidewalks in there.

I just don't get it.

If you if you wander around the city of Twalleton, you don't see 12-foot-wide sidewalks almost anywhere.

Maybe on blind, but they're just not there.

So it's a it's disgusting.

It's it's just horrific, and I hope you can care about the quality of life for people in the community by leading letting those trees remain.

We lost big time with with the previous development on Norwood Road.

That was just a tragedy, and anybody could see it coming.

Anybody knows anything about trees.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, out in the trees, so I know.

Come on, do the right thing.

Just do the right thing for us.

Thanks, Dan.

All right.

So I'm gonna switch gears a little bit.

Is there anyone in Zoom that's related to Norwood?

Yeah.

Okay.

Right.

I think I was just unmuted.

Uh hello everybody.

Um, thank you for your time tonight.

Uh hopefully you can hear me.

Yep.

Yes.

Okay, great.

Uh, my name is Carly Case.

I've lived here in Twalaton for 17 years.

Uh, thanks to the Autumn Sunrise development.

Not only did we lose an entire 22-acre forest.

Don't know if you know how much that was.

That was 22 acres.

Um, as has also been mentioned, the last remaining line of Douglas firs along Southwest Norwood bordering autumn Saturdays.

Additionally, because of the increased capacity needed to accommodate these developments.

Um, we hear that the line of trees nearest Southwest Boons Ferry bordering 9300 Southwest Norwood Road, that will be removed anyway.

Uh, to basically to make the road wider for a dedicated left-hand turning lane on Norwood.

Once this is done, there'll be very few mature frontage trees left after all of this.

And as a community, we're asking the city for a compromise and to revisit city standards that preserve mature trees.

I'm asking the city to commit to saving whatever we can, working with the willing developer to preserve the mature stand of trees and the root system to keep what we can of our history and ecology.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Tim here.

Okay.

Tim, you're up.

Great.

Thank you.

This is Tim Neary Byrum CIO president.

And uh just want to reiterate all a lot of the comments that have been said so far.

Uh really especially wanna uh just shout out to Danny O'Neill, who is the biorum CIO land use officer.

He spoke first tonight.

And he has researched uh and been involved on this issue more than anyone could could ever ask for.

And uh he's done such great work in diving into this on trying to understand the city's perspective, uh Ken's perspective about the trees.

And uh the key piece of information that I keep coming back to that uh that Danny unearthed was that when he pushed city engineers for like what plan are they going on?

Are they basing this off of what they sent uh Danny was the drawing uh the ar uh the plan that was put forth as part of the autumn sunrise development with the AKS engineering stamp on it?

Uh it was very clearly the the exact same plan uh that Autumn Sunrise used, and that plan clearly didn't work.

Um it said it did on the front end, and uh that's what we were told.

We were told it would be fine, and then of course all those trees fell, and then they had to be bulldozed.

And while we've heard from the city manager uh about like a willingness to work together until there's a really a concrete plan for how the trees are going to be preserved.

Uh I mean, based on past experience, we're we as neighbors and the neighborhood are pretty antsy and concerned about what's gonna happen.

So we look forward to a real concrete plan from the city as far as like how they'll be preserved.

And uh encourage the city to consider options where uh utilities and the easement for them go either under the road or even cross the road to the north side of Norwood, where there's just uh I don't know, 15 to 20 foot wide stretch of weeds.

So that's uh all I want to say and reiterate a lot of the comments you heard earlier.

Thank you.

Thanks, Tim.

All right.

So is there anyone else who don't have to be signed up in the room or on Zoom who would like to comment?

Come on up, sir.

Sure.

I didn't plan on speaking, but I just can't help myself.

My name's Dave Tully.

Um I live on Stonewood Drive.

I live directly behind the football field.

Those trees, I moved here from Canby.

I took that home with my wife because of that beauty behind my home.

Um I look at those trees every day and how beautiful they are.

I see bald eagles up there constantly.

I see squirrels playing in those trees.

I saw the disaster of autumn sunrise firsthand.

First hand.

I saw those trees come down, it made me cry.

It was disappointing.

I was here before you all.

You saw me.

Um I don't want to see this happen.

There are trees behind us.

It's it's it's just a terrible design.

And the developer's design, I feel is more than compromising for what needs to be had there.

But to take those beautiful trees out will cause me to leave this city.

It will definitely cause me to put my home on the market.

The minute I hear that this is a done deal and those trees are going out, that sign will go in my yard.

I'm sorry, I love this community.

I love living here.

I raise my kids here.

I have a step kid that is doing wonderful in this city.

She's doing fantastic.

She's a realtor here.

She sells a lot of property in the city.

But this will cause a family problem for us, and we will be out of here.

I don't want to see that happen.

Please think about it.

Go with the developer's plan.

It's really a good plan and save our trees.

Okay.

Thank you.

All right.

Anyone else?

What up, sir?

Uh good evening, Mayor and Council.

My name's Ken Allen, and I'm the uh friendly developer that's doing the townhomes, and also I represent Horizon uh school and church.

And uh before I get to talking about the topics of trees, I had some community news to share in that is this past weekend Horizon always does a back-to-school backpacks, and we were able to reach over 500 families that came into our school, and then we uh gifted all these families with backpacks full of supplies.

Um the gentleman just spoke, he's talking about um livelihood and living here and lifestyle, and that I'm an Oregon native.

I actually came into this world on Columbus Day storm.

So if anybody knows that storm, uh I've already taken care of many mini trees on my day of arrival, so don't really want to do any more.

Um I will say I've never been on this side of the table of this argument.

I've been usually on the other side.

Um, and it's actually kind of refreshing to have the community support, and I wanted to thank staff because they've been um very transparent with me.

We've had lots of meetings, lots of emails, uh, maybe too many emails, but I think we're I even got a call this afternoon.

I think we're moving towards a positive solution, but to Tim's point, we definitely need to bring that to a concrete plan.

Um I still stand by our plan.

Um you'll see in the Arborist letter.

I'm not gonna go into the points, um, but the point a couple made earlier.

Um, you know, the sidewalk in front of uh the high school, pretty unsafe, and I can't really um express the concern for safety more than telling you a quick story.

We were down in California on a project, and we were living and coming and going with my family.

We still lived here in Oregon, and um some good friends of ours on the soccer team, they actually lost their two children from a dunk drunk driver who went over the bike lane over the planter strip over the 12-foot sidewalk and onto the bike path that's up here, probably 40 feet away.

So whether we're curb tight or 30 feet or whoever, it it's not gonna stop that.

So the second picture I'll I handed out is on highway 43 in Lake Oswego.

They have a decorative rail that also serves as a protector for pedestrians.

So there's a three-foot planter, you know, highway 43, how fast do they go down there?

35, 45, pretty fast.

Um, so I'm willing as a developer to bring that kind of a solution all along Norwood in a partnership with the city to give us SDC credits because I feel that would answer the safety aspect, bring some beauty to it, and still preserve the trees, which is really what we're all about.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks.

I'm Mary Lynn Westenhaver, and I've lived in Twelton for 25 years, this go-around.

Um I just wanted to say that um I we all know that as cities grow and develop that we're gonna lose trees.

And it's still sad, even though it has to happen.

But there are also times when it doesn't have to happen.

So if we can save some trees, like a big bunch of trees, why not?

Um that's all.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Well, that's a pretty shot.

My name is Joe Oste.

I've lived in Fronton for 24 years, and my backyard looks out at the farmer trees that I used to look at.

And we're autumn sunrise is built.

And I'd like to compliment Ken Allen for having a plan that keeps the trees.

And um one of the things I've noticed is that because of the 12-foot sidewalk and the plantings that they did, is that they have to come and maintain it, mow it, water it, and I just think that's a waste of resources when you could have trees that maybe need needles breaked up once in a while.

I think that's that's uh not good for the environment.

And I also wonder why we need a 12-foot meandering sidewalk with grass when something smaller could suffice and we could keep those trees.

Um I guess that's all I have to say.

The other points were very well spoken too.

All right, anyone else.

Anyone pop up in Zoom?

Oh, come on up, sir.

I don't know if I'm not saying anything either.

Uh my name is Brian Bexted.

I live off Stonehall Drive.

Uh actually right behind my house was the uh 23 acres of beautiful pine trees when I moved there.

And uh after they were all gone and before the houses were built, we had a windstorm come through that literally tore down just about every fence on the back side of that that property.

Uh the two neighbors next to me actually had their fences uh cemented down and it raised the cement blocks up, and they had to pay to have it fixed because of the strong winds that came through.

Um I don't know if I I live on that side, so I see that impact, so I obviously don't want that for my neighbors on the other side.

And um it's just I don't know if everybody that's here that wants to support the Ken's plan and keep the trees, just quickly stand up so you know exactly how many of you are here.

Thank you.

Okay.

Thank you.

Yeah, sure.

All right.

I should tell you so.

Anyone else?

All right.

So then I'll move on to uh Kevin Mulvaney.

Welcome, Kevin.

Thank you.

Thank you, counsel.

Um, so three weeks ago when I came to you all and told my sad story of uh how we were told we weren't gonna keep our ducks.

Uh I was moderately hopeful that um what happened tonight at the at the work session would happen that most of you were were on board, and I appreciate all of you being on board.

I also appreciate you going through the trauma of the duck thaw and not wanting to relive that.

Um to our point, uh, I think it was uh Commissioner Brooks or Councilor Brooks uh said that uh sorry, I'll get back to that.

Um flightless ducks are the same as chickens and in terms of how dirty they are, how much noise they make, and the one thing flightless ducks have going for us is they can't get out of our yard.

Uh if you travel down Martinazzi Avenue, you will see chickens that belong to people who may have permits, they may not.

Those chickens are walking down the road all the time getting out of their yards.

Um so that slight adjustment to uh the verbiage in the code.

I know it is a lengthy time, uh, you know, six months out to go through that process.

Um, but I imagine the the amount of actual work is minimal to get those changes made would help Toileton grow and allow people that maybe aren't looking for backyard fowl as food source, but as companion.

Um we love our ducks just as much as we love our rabbit and our dog and our cat.

Um we will get food, and I'm happy to give duck eggs away uh because we can't eat that many uh in our house, but looking at it from less of a food source, it is a food source, it is a comfort source, um, and they are pretty low impact animals to the neighbors.

They do quack, they do look like they want to fly, but they can't.

Uh they do spread feathers, which I understand could, you know, people with allergies might have that.

Um, but I think the change of times, that's where I was getting at the change of times and attitudes about what is a backyard animal.

Chickens are great.

Um, our neighbors have had chickens, uh, and this new idea of what else can be a pet in the backyard, as long as we foster reasonable and responsible backyard pet ownership.

It's not an alligator, it's not uh wild dog or a cat that's climbing in the other people's yards and fighting with their cats.

Flightless ducks, and there's only about seven species out of the 140 worldwide species of ducks.

Um can't.

They can't do that.

They can't really impact the neighbors.

And they would abide by the same rules as the chickens, 10 feet from the neighbors, 20 feet from their house, keep them in a pen.

They love being in their their enclosed space at night, so they don't pose any different problems uh than chickens.

So thank you very much for all of your time and that conversation continue to give me hope that we will be able to keep our pets uh for the future.

So thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh next up, uh Rob Drake.

Welcome, Rob.

Good evening, uh Mayor Bubenick and City Council.

I am Rob Drake, and I'm here as chair of people for libraries.

Um the Washington County um uh has brought forward a cooperative library services, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, uh an operating levy for the November 4th election.

It is a replacement levy for the current funding, and it will be like the current one, a five-year duration.

The levy is approximately 45% of the revenue for the 16 libraries in the county.

And if this measure is lost, it would be devastating.

I mean, look at your own city budget.

If you suddenly overnight lost 45% of it, uh it would be a dark place to be.

The cities benefit immensely from this measure.

The measure helps fund many aspects of full library services in the county.

I'm here to ask that the city pass a resolution of support for the funding measure.

I provided you a draft which you're welcome to use or not.

I borrowed from one we brought forward in 2000.

Um it's a model resolution, and it is ballot measure 34345.

And I know there are some issues right now working out the final formula, but that's something internal to the measure itself.

And I think what's most important is to get this passed, and any help you could provide would be I think welcome.

I'd be happy to happy to answer any questions.

Well, thank you, Rob.

Okay, thank you.

All right.

So anyone else who would like to uh come on up and do citizen resident comment on anything that's not on the agenda.

You already did, Dan.

No, you already did.

You talk you already got one shot, that's it.

Is it a different topic?

Oh, okay, sorry.

All right.

So does the city allow chickens?

You gotta be at the we can't hear you, they have to hear you on the mic.

The city allows chickens.

Yes.

Wow.

And and now we're going to thinking about adding ducks.

That's the request.

I see.

I'm amazed that we allow chickens.

I've lived in a neighborhood, actually, it's a rental.

The neighborhood had chickens.

They they got out constantly.

The feed from the chickens attracted lots of rodents.

So the entire area was was kind of overrun by mice and rats that tended to live in tunnels underground under our landscaping.

So when I went out to redo the landscaping, rodents spread in a panic.

And the chickens, as I said, were all over the place.

It would jump up onto the back deck of the house and ping on their reflection on the sliding door.

Out of what competition, I suppose.

I don't know.

It's amazing to me that way allowed chickens.

I just do not think that's a great idea, but uh adding to that ducks.

I don't know.

I think we really should rethink this whole poultry thing in a city of this size.

I just can't believe next day.

Anyone else?

All right.

Uh turning back to Norwood.

I know as of Friday, city staff was still working with Mr.

Allen on a plan, and uh the latest I heard was that some uh progress was made and that we're awaiting a new plan from Mr.

Allen that addresses some of the city's concerns.

Um with that, I'm just gonna have um Mike come on up and just give a quick update at Aquila if you'd like on the uh a synopsis of the Friday meeting.

Good evening.

Uh I'm Mike McCarthy, I'm the city engineer.

Hi, good evening.

I'm Aquila Herdravich, the community development director.

And yes, we met with Ken, I think it was actually two or more Fridays ago.

It was anyway, it was a couple weeks ago.

And we have started working on you know a plan that could um meet his needs as well as the conditions of approval, and we think that there's flexibility in the land use decisions that were already issued and the those conditions that will allow him to meet the conditions as well as preserve the trees.

And we I think we voiced in that meeting that we um are in agreement with Ken and that we want to preserve the trees as well.

And so we're really just looking for his plan that can bring all that together.

Thank you.

So just to make it really clear, we are committed to preserving the trees.

Um when last we met with Mr.

Allen, uh, we left it that uh his team is working on their design plans.

Allen, uh we left it that uh his team is working on their design plans, and that we would then be working with him on those plans on how to fit the you know the walkway and plantings where they can fit uh without impacting the root zones of the trees and the issues that would be with the trees.

Uh so we'll be working with Mr.

Allen with the you know with this arborist and to figure out the specifics for how we can make this work and preserve the trees and meet the land use requirements that Mr.

Allen's development's legally required to meet and meet city codes for good transportation facilities.

So we are working together.

I am I believe we'll be able to find a good solution that will preserve the trees that will have a good design and a good place for people to walk and that we can meet these goals.

But to be completely clear, we are committed to preserving the trees.

Okay, thank you.

All right, thanks.

All right, so that will conclude tonight's public comment.

I very much appreciate everyone coming out tonight.

You're welcome to stick around for Sheriff Massey's request about the levy.

We've got a couple uh county commissioners here to talk about the library levy.

So you want to stick around and hear about those things, please feel free.

If you want to leave, go ahead and do that now.

Thank you.

All right, that brings us to uh tonight's consent agenda.

Uh those items are consent on the consent agenda are considered routine and will be adopted by one motion, unless someone on the council would like one of them removed and heard separately later tonight.

Tonight's uh consent agenda consists of item number one consideration for approval of the work session and regular meeting minutes of July 14th, 2025.

Item two, consideration of resolution number 5898-25 awarding the contract for the construction of the Nybert Creek Trail to Nutter Cooperation.

Item number three, consideration resolution number 5899-25, authorizing the second amendment to the agreement between the city of Twalton and Randall and Karen Alstad for management and operations of Basalt Creek Parkland.

I'm number four, consideration of resolution number 590-25, authorizing the first amendment to the agreement between the city of Twalton and Marguerite Ra for the management and operations of riverfront parkland.

Item number five, consideration of resolution number five nine zero one twenty-five, authorizing the first amendment to the agreement between the city of Twalton and Dan Cash and Marsha Riley for management and operations of riverfront parkland.

And finally, item number six, consideration of resolution number 5903-25, amending the city of Twalton fee schedule and rescinding resolution number 5871-25.

Earlier tonight in work session, Councilor Gonzalez mentioned that he liked item number six removed from consent and heard separately later tonight.

Are there any other changes?

I move that we adopt the consent agenda except item six as read.

Second, I have a motion and a second.

Any discussions on the motion to um approve the consent edge dread with the exception of polling item number six.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

Abstentions, it's unanimous.

All right.

Moving on to special reports.

Uh Washington County Liberties presentation.

I'm gonna take Sheriff Massey because she keeps fanning herself back there.

So I know she's toasty.

Sheriff Massey, come on up.

Wow.

And district attorney Barton, welcome.

Yes.

Well we gotta get you a little fan when you put a lot of stuff on.

Oh my gosh.

Commissioner Snyder, welcome.

Oh, good evening, Mayor and Council members.

I really appreciate you giving us the opportunity to talk a little bit about the uh local option levy coming on the ballot in November.

Uh we're really looking forward to sort of doing a little bit of education, but we're gonna zoom through the slides so then we can spend more time making sure that what we talk about and what's uh what this uh includes is meaningful for you.

So we'd like to spend more time just responding to questions that you might have.

Uh well, good evening.

I'm Kevin Barton.

I think I had a chance to speak with many of you in the past on the DA, of course, um, and I want to echo what Sheriff Massey said.

So before I dive into the first slide, I I do want to take a moment and say uh the topic of trees and ducks and it is actually relevant to uh what we're going to talk about here today because here's the segue.

When I think of our public safety system, it's an ecosystem.

And for the ecosystem to work correctly, everything needs to be in equilibrium and to be balanced.

And that means I can't do the work I do in the DA's office without an adequately funded and well-run uh sheriff's office.

And the sheriff and I can't do the work we do without our community corrections department uh who supervises people who've been convicted of crimes without them having adequate funding and resources.

And they can't do the work they do without our juvenile department uh who deals with youths, typically teenagers who are find themselves on the wrong side of the law making bad decisions as kids and as teenagers, but we know that we have an opportunity to rehabilitate them and to turn them around in the right direction.

All of those public safety um systems and component pieces need to work together, like the ecosystem with our trees and our ducks and everything else to make everything work in balance.

And so, in that sense, I think that today's topic is actually uh relevant to what we're speaking to you about here in a moment.

So we have several slides, and I'll just dive through a few of them.

We're talking about essentially a replacement levy.

So this will be a new levy with an increased amount if for the average homeowner.

Uh, some later slides will get into this, but it's roughly six dollars more that we're asking the average homeowner to pay.

It's 66 cents per assessed 1,000 dollars of uh value for property.

It will raise, we believe, an estimate of about 337 million dollars over a five-year period.

Um I'll take the lead on this next slide, then I'll pass the baton.

So um a broad brushstroke snapshot of how our levy funds our criminal justice uh public safety system, about 16 percent of our public safety ecosystem is funded by the local option levy.

The remaining 84 percent is funded by other sources.

The largest single other source, of course, um, is the county general fund.

Um but this 16 percent is absolutely critical to doing the work that we do.

Um, it makes sure that our jail can function adequately, makes sure the sheriffs uh has patrol officers who can respond all throughout the county, including in the cities, like our mental health response teams and other important resources.

It ensures that when your Twaleton police officers, Chief Pickering's people go out and make an arrest when your Twalton residents call 911 or your Twalton businesses witness a crime occurring, uh, that there can be room at the jail for them to be housed, and that there can be a prosecutor in the DA's office to prosecute that crime and a victim advocate to support the crime victim uh and a community corrections officer to make sure that that person's adequately supervised.

So it does all of those things.

To the right of the screen, of course, um we try to summarize uh some of those things and to highlight them.

So prosecution, countywide law enforcement services, probation and parole, juvenile.

And I want to highlight one last piece there for you, too, is um support for domestic violence victims.

One piece that our levy has funded in the past and will continue to fund in the future is support for our family justice center.

This is a countywide uh uh resource.

Uh it's a nonprofit that provides uh resources for domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors, and when a new building is open here in January, we'll also include child abuse victims and survivors.

So it's one stop shopping for all of those victims and survivors, also will be funded by uh levy dollars, which is so important to making sure our ecosystem uh flourishes.

All right.

Where do you want to go?

I'm here for questions.

Oh, you're questions.

I love knowing this.

This is beautiful.

Okay, so let's touch on a few things that this levy will do.

Um it's gonna provide those resources that uh the district attorney just talked about investigating and prosecuting crimes, not just those most violent crimes, but those crimes that directly relate to our livability theft, break-ins, graffiti, uh, car theft, those are the things that um are instrumental in making sure that people feel safe in their neighborhoods and their homes.

And it's really, I think, uh in all of our cities here in Washington County, the reason why people enjoy living here so much because the livability in Washington County is really exceptional.

Um it will allow for the district attorney to ensure that they can not only prosecute child abuse and child pornography type cases, but add additional resources.

It's important to mention, I believe that our child abuse reports have increased by 17% over the last few years, and we don't see that piece going down.

And so it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we have the resources necessary to be able to hold those offenders accountable and to provide the services that they need.

Another thing for me is that this levy will allow us to not just maintain the services that we are providing, but expand upon those services and ensure that we are providing more robust uh programming and services for our community, like expanded victims assistance and emergency programs for ham families harmed by domestic violence, and for essential interagency teams like our Westside and Range C narcotics team, our wind team, who removed about 1.3 million fentanyl pills over the last three years.

And while I understand we can't quantify a negative, if one pill can kill.

Can you just imagine how many lives have been saved through those interagency efforts and the dedicated deputies who are on the street doing the interdiction to keep those things from coming into our community?

And this is one thing that's that's really near and dear to my heart.

I know that um I have spent time with all of you before, and that the providing a county jail is a statutory requirement of the sheriff.

The Washington County jail is in a very biased fashion the most professional, exceptional jail that I've seen, and I say that having come from a jail previously on the East Coast.

Um the services that we provide to include things like mental health services for our adults in custody, critical programming like GED and things like that, um, allow for us to ensure that in our way, keeping the community safe helps us ensure that we are putting a better adult in custody back out into the community, a more rebu rehabilitated a adult in custody who might be on critical medications so that the community is safer than they were before they came into custody.

Our county jail has not been operating at full capacity previously, it was due to staffing issues, but we have really turned that around, and currently it is due to critical infrastructure repair.

The Washington County Jail is the smallest jail per capita at its current service level in the entire jail in the entire state.

However, we are the second largest county in the state by population.

And so this levy will allow us to continue to expand those efforts and to get these critical infrastructure repairs done so that we can provide uh more bed space for those people that actually really need to be in custody.

Sure.

Um, thinking about if we expand, if we increase the dollar amount for the levy, what what will allow us to do to continue to do, and also how will it allow us to expand the work that we do do?

I'd like to talk a little bit about the mental health response team.

I'm assuming that this is not the first time any of you have heard of the mental health response team, but if if it is, I'll just tell you it pairs a licensed uh clinical social worker with a patrol officer, and they can go out anywhere in the county to provide an alternative response.

Uh it's invaluable.

I actually did a ride along a few years ago uh with the sheriff's office um out with uh their MHRT team, and within maybe the first 20 minutes of our shift, we went out to the city of Beaverton.

They could they go to any city, and it provided uh the Beaverton officers with another option rather than making an arrest and going to jail.

There was a man that was clearly in a mental health uh crisis.

And being able to see that firsthand was very eye-opening.

So I'd encourage you if you haven't had the chance to do a ride-along, uh, whether it's with the MHRT or somewhere else, it really gives you an idea of what what um what type of resource there is.

Um maybe the most critical question is how is this going to impact uh the average homeowner?

Uh and so as I alluded to earlier, it's about six dollars more per month for this replacement.

Everything's going up.

The last thing we wanted to do would be to say, hey, raise taxes, that's not a good thing.

We're property taxpayers as well.

However, um we can't continue to do the work that we do without increasing the levy amount.

So the dollars and cents are there on the screen for you, but for the average um home with the assessed value of about 350,000, they would pay just under 20 dollars a month or 230 dollars a year.

Um this, of course, is the parade of horribles.

What happens if the measure does not pass?

Um, and I'll just tell you I don't know.

Um, it would be really, really bad.

Uh we lose not only the funding, there'd be massive layoffs, there'd be critical cuts to the public safety infrastructure in Washington County.

The system would not look tomorrow the way it does today.

Uh, and it would erode a sense of safety that we have built up here over the years.

And once eroded, it is very difficult to get that back.

I think we know that from looking at our neighbors.

Uh let's see.

This is a summary slide.

So I think we can maybe segue into some questions if you all have questions for us.

And what we're looking for is just your support.

And we would love the opportunity to answer questions you have, though.

And if there's anything we can do to help you support the levy, we'd love the chance to do that as well.

Christian Steiner, do you want to sing me or just field the questions?

Well, I I again want to reiterate what my colleagues presenting tonight have uh already said, and and we really do want to try to meet all of our communities' needs throughout Washington County and do want to earn and have the support of the Twalt City Council.

Questions?

Councilor Ray.

Oh, thank you very much for your presentation.

I was just um I'm just curious, because it it is shocking that you said child abuse was up 17%.

Number one, why is there a reason?

And number two is like, are there any like educational um piece or part of this?

Is there any educational to teach parents how to be parents or have like what is the the goal to get that down?

If it went up 17%, how do can you get it back down to 17%?

I mean, I'm just it's just mind-boggling that we just say so loosely, oh, it went up 17%.

Uh I feel that is shocking.

So I agree with you, by the way, that it's shocking.

Please know, um the reason that's included is because it's shocking, and because it's true, and because it's a significant priority for us to dedicate more resources to.

Um, I'll speak just a little bit about what we are doing and hope to continue doing and expand, and then I'll give the DAA an opportunity because he has a large piece of this as well.

But our uh, for instance, our public affairs team is out in the community constantly giving these presentations and education.

I'm working specifically with um sheriff's office advisory boards to reach communities that um I might not have direct access to or not know exactly what they need from us by way of education, and then we are doing a significant amount of work, even if it's unrelated to child abuse, but someone's in custody and they need some sort of parenting classes, those are things that we offer as a way to teach people alternative responses when they're in crisis and aren't able to manage whatever it is in their family that is causing them to move down this path.

But it is it has to be a holistic approach, um, not just the sheriff's office, not just the DA's office, not just um community corrections, not just juvenile.

Um then I will say lastly that I believe, while I do not have data with me to affirm it, that people are also reporting more frequently than they ever have before.

Um now that kids are back in school and it's not COVID, they have more access to those you know, mandatory reporters, teachers, counselors, nurses that are that are identifying this than they did the previous years where COVID was in existence and so many kids were out of school.

Kevin?

Uh well I was a child abuse prosecutor for roughly the 10 years before I was elected as DA, so this is an issue that I've spent a lot of time thinking about, and um the sheriff's exactly right.

So child abuse reports are up.

That doesn't mean child abuse occurrences are up.

In fact, I don't believe that child abuse occurrences are dramatically as increased as the reports are.

Ironically, this is gonna sound weird to say, it's a good thing when reports are up because that means we're finding out about more of it.

Um I know that sounds odd to say.

Um, there's actually a significant disconnect between reported crime and actual crime for most crime categories.

The exceptions to that are car thefts.

Usually, most people, when their car is stolen, they'll always report it.

Even the criminals will report it because cars are so expensive, you need to file a report in order to make an insurance claim, right?

But some crime just doesn't get reported.

Domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse.

And so we've done a lot of work, and actually the levy has funded a lot of this outreach work.

We have these things that are called MDTs, multidisciplinary teams, where you bring together people from a variety of disciplines, schools, health care providers, prosecutors, uh CPS workers, police officers, and we try and sit around and look at an issue from a 360-degree perspective.

How can we get people to report this more?

How can we raise awareness?

How can we teach parents about how to keep their teenagers safe with phones?

I've got three of them, and I still can't figure that one out.

But the more we can do to get the increased awareness and the increased reports, the more we can find out about the problem that's happening.

So I actually see it as a slightly encouraging sign when we know what's happening because it lets us dig into the issue.

Did I answer your question?

Yeah, no, that was actually a lot um I guess because it was said so like so.

I'm like, oh geez, you know, that really like uh sparked an interest in why it went up.

And now that you're saying it's because of reporting, there's more uh access to people that you know can help um kids understand what that or like parents um understand how to be uh at least like you said, the response.

I like what you put it, uh different the responses to some kind of reaction or you know children can respond differently differently.

Right.

Yeah, and education part to me is really important because I think that's that's what leads to responding if you don't have the the education or the tools, what to do when you're in that situation where you you you don't you you're I guess child abuse I always think of like violence, but it could be different things.

So yeah, I guess yeah.

Thank you.

Now, what we have seen an increase in is children exposed to drugs, and that is dramatically increasing.

So that I don't want to sugarcoat things and say there are some increasing challenges that we're seeing uh today.

So that is a real factor and a real challenge for us.

Thank you.

You bet.

President Pratt.

Hi, and then Council.

Get ready, Commissioner Snyder.

Interesting me.

Um, mayor with his um Washington County coordinating committee, he is for the whole time we've been on council telling us of your dire straits at the jail, especially.

So I understand the need for this, and um, you know, our our con the big concern here is that people are, you know, we just passed a school levy, we're gonna talk about library levy, and people are not their costs aren't covering so that's the concern, but I understand this need and that we need a jail at full capacity.

So, on to Commissioner Snyder.

I know you guys had a huge budget shortfall, but um I was very concerned what 7.1 million dollars you cut from this budget, and my concern, I guess it's more of a statement is is that going forward, if this passes, that we're not gonna see this again the next year and the next year in your county budget.

Well, I don't think there's ever going to be a guarantee I can provide for you indefinitely in the future.

The uh commission is working really hard to try to figure out how to stabilize the county funding on a more long-term basis.

The entire commission that's currently in place has provided very clear direction that we want to be on that path, and we are on that path.

I want to be clear about that.

Um, part of that path though, in involves shoring up the financial resources that are available to continue providing the critical resource uh providing the critical services that we need to provide, in this case, public safety.

I think you're gonna continue to see uh a struggle uh as we work through a number of areas and try to figure out how to uh make those financially sustainable in the long run.

Some of that is is caused by um the large number of uh sort of urban unincorporated areas.

I was talking to another commissioner earlier today about that and what that the challenge that poses.

That's a little different than what we're talking about today, but it does it really does pose a significant challenge for the um county and frankly for the services that many of those urban unincorporated community members expect.

As a pharmacy elected, I'm sure you understand that we have concerns about that too.

Yes.

Well, thank you.

Council Hillinger.

Thank you very much.

Um I'd like to place the lens on stopping the pipeline a little bit.

I I appreciate why you've chosen family justice and chosen the parts of the circle that you've chosen.

But um, district attorney um Bart and I've sat in many meetings with you around ACEs and that effort I didn't see really go anywhere, which was too bad, and maybe there's an update on that, other than I think um no closed door, or I think is the only outcome that came out of that countywide effort that that I'm aware of, and I think Oh, are you speaking of maybe a year or so ago there was this countywide ACES convening?

There are multiple, yes.

Uh-huh.

Well, the convening of multiple meetings.

Yes.

So the family justice center is um will become the family peace center.

They're changing the name with the focus on ACEs, which is adverse childhood experiences.

The idea being, of course, that the more work we can do for young people who've experienced trauma, the greater benefits we can have down the road where they avoid falling into things like homelessness or addiction or criminal behavior.

So the Family Peace Center is actually, I think, one of the positive things to come out of those ACEs convening meetings.

I I understand that, and I and I applaud that whole entire effort.

But as we consider the continuum of care of how people are getting there and how that education works, I guess I would just like to say that it's something that I would love in the future for you to consider that the substance use prevention programming around the you know, we those programs have been eliminated basically by the federal government.

There are cuts here, there, and everywhere that are going to continue to impact your pipeline.

And I don't see really any efforts on any part, like the county has made it 10 times more difficult to sign a contract to get to work with the county.

And I know Commissioner Snedary and I have talked about that, certainly hasn't gotten any better.

Um, but I do think that if you know, we're talking about sustainability and impact on the youth and families in our communities, and I think we have to look more systemically and more broadly on that continuum of care when we're asking communities for dollars.

And I under I understand why this is a specific scope, but I'm really disappointed that we can't be more holistic.

So you want to see, I mean, what I'm hearing you say is you want to see more upstream primary prevention so that we're not having so much downstream work for these two fine leaders.

Absolutely, because that we are not, we are not gonna leak through the legal system get ourselves.

We're not gonna arrest and convict our way out of the exactly.

And I um know that the state has recently passed some legislation around primary prevention through the Alcohol Drug Policy Commission.

I know everyone wants to focus just on fentanyl, which is you know, I I understand that one pill can kill, I I understand all those things, but I think when you're looking at a city like Twalton, who is the one of the farthest communities from city seat or county seat to get resources and those sorts of things, investing in more systemic ways to improve the health outcomes and all the social determinants of health for our community members, we have to look more broadly.

And so I just would like to say that.

I don't I don't think you'll get disagreement from any of the three of us, but the uh ability to uh fund additional programs right now is very strained by the conversation we were just having.

And I I think there's ways, particularly on the on the public health side, that the county could lead more efforts, but would need more resources to do so.

Okay, thank you.

I live in Sherwood, so just about as far from the county as Twalton.

Well, I'm with you.

Yes, I think there are a lot of um creative solutions that could be come up with, and um, I would really encourage you to after this election reach out to some people working in some of these areas and find ways that maybe we can have some grassroots efforts because we all understand that um we need public safety, we need the services that you all provide.

That is not what I'm saying, but I think if we continue to look at just a point in time, we are not ever gonna get there, and we are gonna fail our kids.

And one last thing, you know, you can make data say about anything, so I'd encourage you to be really careful about that slide.

I think that that could be really traumatizing for people about the 17%.

You need to you need to add some language to that, in my opinion.

Council Sacker, you have Council Brooks.

Thanks for coming and presenting.

Um I appreciate the need, and I've had an up-close um look at the community corrections since I worked there as a social worker and help families that were involved in a drug um treatment program that was going on until COVID.

Um as a social worker, I was a clinical social worker, and as a community practice social worker, I have a lot of the similar concerns that counselor um Hillier just mentioned.

My um first question.

There's a few things that kind of jumped out at me when we were speaking today.

Um was if we could look at the slide that had all the um pieces on it.

There we go.

So we're looking at this 16%.

Um, and then we have this list of prosecution, countrywide law enforcement, et cetera.

And I'm just curious in those what percentages these budget numbers are.

Um I think that when we have these conversations, especially at this level, it's really important to understand the percentage of money that's going to different things.

We have um right-along mental health here in our police department who we get to share with Tiger once in a while.

Um every, you know, which is really great in addition, but it to me it's not the infrastructure that's needed around mental health.

And my biggest concern right now is that we are um facing drastic changes and cuts to our state that's gonna outsize federally, that's gonna outsize um a lot of the things that we do to support our community, and I'm just curious what the thinking is around how does this department and help people that um may be dealing with poverty issues like petty thefts, um and um those types of things, uh especially when we're cutting so much.

I'm also really concerned about like we just heard about the increasing rate of homelessness where we have an eviction rate now without eviction prevention programs that's gonna be we have like fifth 15 people being evicted and 10 people being housed.

So we're going the wrong direction, no matter if we're building all these units or not.

Um and then of course we always have that conversation here about how does um our community interact with the services that are available.

So I don't know if probation and parole has um become more electronic for check-ins, or if people have to take a bus across town to Hillsboro to meet their officer while they're trying to do their DHS stuff for their kids, while they're trying to do their housing, you know what I mean?

Um that's on that point, Councilor Brooks.

I'll just share that we're working very hard to um bring the community corrections uh efforts in our county, sort of up to current expected standards, which involve making contact in the community.

That's a uh somewhat of a change in approach from Washington County in the in the past and is in part because of the really serious nature of many of the crimes that have been committed by people that are on uh being supervised in the community corrections area.

And that is something that we we need to do and we know we need to do, but it requires additional resources.

It takes more time to go find and visit someone in their home and see what's going on than it does to call them up or send them an email, which in the past has met the state standards, but does not meet the mark.

Right.

So I am not saying that it should be um less robust or more robust.

I'm saying that the touch points um should be more convenient.

And accessible should be accessible equally to no matter where you live in this county.

That's what I'm saying.

So I don't want to, it's not about giving somebody a boost that doesn't deserve a boost or any of this kind of stuff.

Um and then I uh I'm also like um some of the things that we talked about as well were about um the uh need for that youth can um be rehabilitated and and I also think that adults can be rehabilitated and I've worked with people that are that that's the primary focus of our uh community corrections division.

If you look at their mission and purpose, it is that.

I think it's important to say it when we're presenting though, too, as well, because it's um it sounds it's to me it sounds strange to just hear about kids and their possibilities and not adults and their possibilities.

So and then I'm just curious about as we face these cuts and as people face more and more dire circumstances around um poverty outcomes and what we're going to be facing as these cuts come through our communities.

Is there a way that we are going to be strategic around working with people that are falling on hard times that are not getting the health that they need when we have a really limited infrastructure that is gonna continue to become worse and worse?

I mean you and Counselor Hillier are both bringing up in my mind some of the most significant issues our country has in uh both mental health and the way that we treat and support people with both uh mental health challenges and also with substance use issues.

Um you're bringing up poverty, and to me that's an income distribution problem, and you're bringing up houselessness, which is interspersed in all of that.

I will just be very honest with you.

We as a public safety levy are not gonna solve all those problems in Washington County through this levy.

I think that they need to be solved.

I want to continue working to solve them, and I think the county commissions, county commission, the city councils all have a role, and so does the federal government and all of that.

There are a lot of things that need to change for all those things to get solved, but it's not gonna be all through unfortunately the public safety levy.

No, I don't think it will all be through the public safety levy, but I'm curious about what the public safety levy is gonna bring to that conversation, and if that's been thought of through that way, especially as these times are changing.

Yeah, where it can support where it can and where we're planning for the future of it needing to because we're gonna be in a very different situation, and I don't think people have not buckled up yet.

You know, um I these are wonderful comments, and I agree with everything that's been said uh because we absolutely want to get upstream to address these issues.

I I do want to emphasize, and I just want to raise a little bit of an alarm bell.

Um, our public safety system in Washington County is not doing very well right now.

Um, and so to give you an example, there have been over 2,000 people this year so far released from the jail due to overcrowding.

There's not enough room.

These are 2,000 people charged with crimes who a judge has determined should be in the jail.

The the law presumes they should remain in the jail.

You would want them to be in the jail.

I get an email every Sunday telling me who's getting released, and uh it's sobering to see that.

Um that's just one data point.

Um, the prosecutors in my office, we get about 12,000 criminal cases that come to us every year from throughout the county, including Twalton.

Our caseloads are about double the caseloads of our counterparts in Multnomah County.

We only have 47 attorneys positions.

We should have somewhere closer to 60 to 70.

Umy to put it in perspective has somewhere in the high 90s.

Um our caseloads are very comparable to Multnomah County in terms of total volume of cases, but we have about half the personnel to process it.

And those are just a couple data points to to mention to you.

So as much as we want to try and be upstream and preventative and want to do that when we were constructing this levy, every cent we were thinking, okay, how much more can we get to do all the good work, but then how much more can of a burden can we put on the taxpayers because we know times are tough.

It's a balance and it's such a difficult balance.

We didn't start off at 66.

I forget where we started off.

Um, and so I I struggle with what's the right amount.

Boy, if we had 67 cents instead of 66, we could do a little bit more, more prevention, and be amazing.

But um, every bit more we we ask, we're pulling money away from taxpayers, and that's food on the table for a lot of families and tough times.

So that's the balance we tried to strike, and I I hope to God we got the right balance.

Um, but um just wanted to give you that perspective that the system is not doing very well right now.

It's a struggle.

We made an adjustment right at the to be honest, uh, right at the tail end.

We were we were gonna move forward with 65 cents, and there were some critical services that were sort of more in the in I would say the um not direct in the you know arrest and prosecute space, and we made the decision to, and I actually I think it was all uh a little surprising to some members of the levy uh leadership team.

We made the decision to go one extra cent so that we didn't have to make that choice because we didn't like that choice.

Um but where do you draw the line?

There's always that question.

You all struggle with that with your own decision making, and and we felt like this was the place to draw the line for now, try to shore up what we have.

Okay, I um I appreciate that, and uh, there's nothing in me that says that we shouldn't have a strong um levy that works.

So I am asking these questions out of curiosity because I don't know a lot about how this is designed, and when I have that, that doesn't give me a lot of information about where those percentages are going.

So I think I would like to know more about that.

Um I did hear that ask.

So we'll get you you want the breakdown of the of the 16%.

You want to know how much of it is being used in each of those or what what is programmed for each of those sections on the right?

Is that the ask?

Yeah.

Okay.

And then the the history of the community corrections center and population and how much it's grown or shrunk and over maybe 10 years.

And then um just so we can see what's going on over there and understand it better.

Um, and I've worked in that correction center as a great correction center.

Um, and I know a lot about how things operate.

Um I know a lot of the really great strengths about it, and also some of the things that aren't as strong.

So I just always like to have a lot of information because it helps me better be supportive of levies such as this.

Thank you.

And please know that we appreciate all of your questions and all of your perspectives and even the pushback, because we need to be held to account on how we got here and what we plan to do in the future.

Yeah, I just think we're deeply concerned, and we've seen a change in our own community right now.

And um, to support this, and want to be able to answer questions from all the segments.

So I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Other questions or comments?

That's right.

Yeah, I agree with the uh counselors, my federal counselors, because I see that 60 percent, it makes me think you're only investing 60 percent out of 80, you know, like into these programs, and then if you're asking us to support at $6 per month or 21 dollars per month this levy for five years, there's gotta be some more explanation than oh, 60% goes to a list of these programs, but like what is the percentage or like why shouldn't I just give it to a local program here of nonprofit that needs the six dollars a month that are doing prevention, domestic violence uh uh support that are sheltering that are you know educating?

So there those those are the conversations that I think I have.

I have that with my family, but I'm thinking people is like, why should I give or six twenty dollars a month or three hundred two hundred and thirty dollars a year to the county as a levy, and it's the problem's still there, there's no change.

It's not even invested in my community because the majority of the money is like in Hillsborough for some other part of the county, not so much here in Twilighton.

So I mean, these are things that I feel like they were unclear when I was when I'm looking at that, it's like you're putting us together with the entire county, but you know, I feel like I need to know why shouldn't I why should I give you the money, government, and I give it to a nonprofit that is actually helping here in my community.

I would argue you should probably advocating for both.

Um the the public safety system though, really is a system, and uh the you know, coming from a local city near to Walleton in my background, um all of the cities in the county are more reliant on the public safety resources that are provided for in this levy than you may realize.

Um, and particularly around uh the jail community corrections and the district attorney's office, and then the specialty services that the sheriff's office provides.

Um or two members of, for example, the the some of the specialty team, sometimes none, um, but the cities all benefit from those things when you need when you have a uh very specialized need in your city, that's who you call.

And this is this is likely common knowledge, but I'll just say uh wherever you live in the county, we serve you, and an example of that is uh Chief Pickering is an exceptional chief over an incredibly professional police department, but they do not have enough resources to have a SWAT team, for instance.

And so instead of that, we have an interagency tactical team that they will provide resources to Sherwood, Tiger, Beaverton, Hillsborough, and the sheriff's office.

And while we are the we provide most of the leadership and resources for it, all of the cities combine and they all go wherever the greatest need is.

And so during a critical incident in the city, they're gonna be right there.

Um, and we have a lot of interagency teams that work like that.

It's just an example of um just to let you know that we are committed to the city of Twalton.

Yeah, I agree.

Thank you.

No, I might the I just are questions that people out there in the who are listening to us are.

You have to you have to ask them, and I appreciate it because it gives me an opportunity to, you know, share some information that might not be widely known.

I'll make a confession.

This is the first city council we've spoken to about the levy.

So you're getting our first run through.

Yeah, so Sheriff and I were like, do you want to go for you?

Is Commissioner Snyder going to talk or just answer questions?

So this is so now I understand the assignment and what to go do.

Well, you're helping us out because when we go meet with Tiger, we're gonna have it dialed in for sure.

Really?

Well, you know.

Thank you.

Other questions, comments.

Right.

Uh I only I have two.

Uh one is I have the same feelings, similar to Council President Pratt about the county's budget condition.

Um I was very concerned with Bow of you know that sheriff had vacant positions eliminated, then had additional positions taken away, both in sheriff, sworn sheriffs, and technical folks.

Um I know there was just there was a change to GA's Barton's office where a bunch of people got transferred from the county to the state.

Um so I'd hate to do two steps forward, get the levy you know approved.

Everybody was like, oh, okay, you know, the the jail be fully staffed, all three pods are going chugging away in the next year.

Sheriff Massey takes another four million dollar hit.

Um so that's that's my concern.

Uh I know you can't predict the future as far as tax revenue coming in, uh, but it's gonna be similar to the library levy where uh what's looming over the accountant in our group is you know the physical condition of the county and approving these levies, but then in a year or two, um Kevin and Caprice are in the same boat they're in now.

I mean, they both know I'm fully supportive of public safety here.

I have always been.

Commissioner Snyder, I know as a mayor he was, he is now.

It's just that budget condition looming over our heads is what's is hurting us.

And you know, telling the public that you know, supporting this levy, and you know, the jails can be fully staffed, three pods open, the DAE's office has what he mostly what he needs.

You know, I know you're still fighting that fight uh to get where they want to be.

So that's where we look forward to working with you folks over the coming few weeks uh to get that message out and get people supportive of it, and just uh those folks who are you know super geeks in the county's budget condition, can be rest assured that you know the jail's running fine, the sheriff is doing fine, and I'm corporate Washington County, the tactical teams are there, and the DA has the resources he needs to prosecute those crimes that need to be prosecuted.

So that was that's my ask.

My second one is the much easier question.

Is a certain person still going to the FBI Cammy and when?

Oh he's standing back there.

He uh he uh John Cook is going, and he will be leaving right around the 25th, I think, of September.

Okay.

All right, so John's going, all right.

He's going.

All right.

I'm kicking him out.

Yeah, but I know there's a deal part of that.

There sure is.

He has to come back.

Yes.

Well, congratulations to John.

All right, thank you for the three of you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you so much.

Have a good evening.

All right.

So we probably scared Lisa and Commissioner Trees.

Welcome, Lisa, Commissioner Tries.

This is Lisa Tatasall from Washington County.

Good evening.

I'm PM Trace Commissioner for Washington County and District 2.

And before I do want to, I do want to give you just a little bit of background here.

Uh there are we have the two levies, and uh four of the commissioners split up the two levies.

So Commissioner Willie and I have been working on the library levy, and Commissioner Fye and Commissioner Snyder have been working on the public safety levy.

So that's that's why you're seeing who you're seeing tonight.

So I just wanted to make that clear.

And yes, this is our first time.

At least you got a preview.

Aren't you glad I called you second?

Yeah.

Maybe.

Welcome.

Good evening.

Thank you.

Yeah, thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, counselors.

Um, my name's Lisa Tattersall.

I'm with Washington County Cooperative Library Services, here to share educational information about a proposed local option levy for libraries, measure 34345.

I should add that as a public employee, unlike the um three folks that were here before, um, I am subject to political restrictions under Oregon law, so I'm sharing neutral and non-advocacy information only.

Commissioner Fees can say whatever she wants.

And I hope I got this right.

Yeah.

So in this presentation, I'll be covering how public library service is delivered in the county and the current funding.

I'll also talk about what the proposed levy would fund, how much it would cost, and what would happen if the levy did not pass.

Here in Washington County, library service is provided through a partnership between WCCLS and nine cities and three nonprofit associations that all operate local libraries.

WCCLS is the primary source of funding for local libraries and also provides central support services that efficiently link these independently operated libraries together, creating a countywide system that is available to about 600,000 people.

There are 16 full service locations in the county from banks in the northwest corner of the county all the way down to Twalton and Sherwood here in the south.

In addition, our digital library is available 24-7 at WCCLS.org.

In fiscal year 24-25, the local option represents the local option levy represents 45% of WCCLS revenue.

The remaining 55% is a transfer from the county's general fund.

The majority of WCCLS total funding is directed towards library funding allocations at 67%.

The remaining 33% of WCCLS expenses are for the central services that link libraries together.

The levy would fund programs, resources, and materials that are designed to support student success with reading and learning.

Some of the events and resources available to kids and teens include book clubs, Oregon Battle of the Books or OBOB events, makerspaces, STEAM programs.

Libraries also offer resources for parents and caregivers, kindergarten readiness, test prep tools, and free access to fast and reliable internet.

Over 10,000 students participated in library programs designed to support reading, learning, and student success last year.

WCCLS has issued over 83,000 library cards to public school students since 2019.

The levy would also fund the central services that efficiently link libraries together.

Library users can use the shared online catalog to access over 1.5 million library items, reserving them for pickup at any of the 16 locations across the system.

WCCLS courier trucks delivered 2.5 million books and other items to libraries in fiscal year 2324.

In addition, WCCLS provides online learning tools such as job hunting resources, downloadable e-books and audiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines, as well as streaming video, all available 24-7 to library users.

The levy would fund open hours at 16 full service public library locations across the county.

Most libraries in the system are open at least six days a week and provide access to one and a half million items in the shared collection.

Last year there were over 2.4 million visits to WCCLS libraries, and total checkouts exceeded 7.2 million.

By borrowing items rather than purchasing them, library users saved 140 million dollars last year.

In addition to providing books and other materials, library buildings serve as cooling spaces for the community or warming spaces in the wintertime.

Users do not need a library card to access public computers and Wi-Fi, study rooms and meeting rooms.

The levy would also fund children's reading events, including story times, some of which are offered in multiple languages, including Spanish and Chinese.

All WCCLS libraries offer regular events and programs for kids as well as an annual summer reading program.

Many libraries also offer interactive play areas that promote learning and social interaction.

In fiscal year 23-24, WCCLS libraries hosted over 200,000 participants at 6,000 in-person events for kids and teens.

Okay, so if passed, measure 34345 would replace a 22 cent levy that is expiring in June of 2026.

The proposed replacement levy would be a fixed rate of 37 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, and that levy would run from July 2026 to June 2031.

In 2026, typical homeowners with an assessed value, that's not market value, of 348,600 would pay an estimated total of 129 annually or $10.75 per month.

If you look at it as an annual increase over the current levy rate, for the typical owner, the uh annual increase would be $54 per year or $4.55 per month more than the current levy.

If the levy did not pass, reductions in library services would occur.

These reductions would include reduced open hours, fewer book purchases, less reading events, and a reduced level of services that link libraries together.

Some of these services that would be reduced include um fewer e-books, uh less robust online catalog, less frequent deliveries between libraries and disrupted access to technology.

Thank you.

And we have more information on our website at WCCless.org/slash levy.

I'm I'm here for questions, but I do want to before before we get to that.

By the way, thank you for Mayor and all of the council for having us here tonight.

I appreciate it.

And I think it's really important to have the time where electeds can talk to electeds.

That's that's really key to me.

Um you're right about our budget.

You are you are right about the fragility of that budget, and where we're that's not going to go away.

We are looking closely at what our revenue options are.

Commissioner Snyder alluded to that is going to be staff driven with electeds working as well.

So we are trying to solve this problem, but I'm not going to pretend that it won't be a problem moving forward.

I would say that it's my goal to make sure that we are engaging our cities in the process when we are budgeting, so that we can we can look to where we can help one another through this process because you all live in the county too.

And you I recognize that you are as uh interested in having a healthy county as you are in having a healthy city.

We we can't neither one can exist without the other, and so I am committed to looking into the future and how we can work more closely to solve these problems.

But you're right, it is it is an issue, and our general fund is is suffering, but and we do have to look at new revenue options.

So questions.

Questions for the commissioner or Lisa.

Council Brooks.

Councillor Hill, Council President Hillier.

You got promoted.

Council President Pratt.

I'm having trouble.

Thank you for the presentation and um for all the the detailed information is very helpful.

Um one thing that I don't want to lose in the conversation, especially just we were talking about that public safety.

Part of public safety in my mind is this library in our community.

Um while we face while we're sitting here in a hundred degree day and face these extreme heat days, we are also discussing the benefits, the costs and benefits of eviction prevention versus having people live in their cars for six to eight months on average when they're evicted, um, and in parking lots instead of homes.

And so, you know, the the place that we have our cooling center is our library, and as these conditions become more concerning, um, we're going to be facing um reductions in services.

So this is part of our web too, and I just want um you'd think about that when we're moving through.

And I also want to mention that um, like the presentation, the details.

We have professional um librarians with expertise that we very very much value.

That's not the same as somebody that knows how to read books.

So um preserving um our expertise and our professionalism while we uh surf very turbulent times that are coming is something that um I don't want to lose uh prioritization of.

And so those are my big concerns in this moment, especially as we're facing um deep reductions in health care social services and the rest, which affects people's basic needs.

Thank you, Counselor Brooks.

And I I will I will tell you that I'm co-chair of our advisory council on racial equity, and we had one of our meetings.

Lisa came and did a presentation on a survey that went out to different communities.

One member of that group got a little little sideways, I think might be fair to say, and because her comment was I know that you did not reach into my the people that I represent.

These individuals are uh living on the edge, and and I don't believe that they were represented in your survey.

And the next words out of her mouth was for the people that I work with, the libraries are more trusted than the food bank.

That's right.

And I frankly, that statement has stuck with me for a very long time, and and I and I use that comment because it to your point, our library when people are in need, they go to the library, they go to the library for resources.

They may be asking where do I go for food?

Where do I go for help with my child?

May I use where where is the computer that I can use?

Where can I get cool?

Where can I get warm?

So you're absolutely right, right.

The library is part of our safety net in this community.

I am an avid user of Libby.

I love Libby, and I love the the opportunity to read as much as I want to.

And that's that's one level of use, but it's really important that all of us as electeds remember what that what that entire web looks like.

So thank you.

Thank you.

And I just also want to remind people too that as these stressors increase, it's harder for kids to learn.

So these supplemental learning and um hands-on opportunities that we have at the library is currently are so fundamental, and also language, citizenship, etc.

etc.

etc.

are so fundamental to our community, especially with Hillsborough being so far away.

So I appreciate you coming tonight, and I appreciate that we that we looked re-looked at this budget after Commissioner Snyder came as well, and put in better numbers that we can deal with and not taking losses as a community, which is very important to us.

Thank you.

I will pass your I will pass that along to Commissioner Willie because I'm afraid we will we were probably the biggest pests to to Lisa in this process.

Thank you.

Yeah, I totally understand.

Thank you, Pam.

Commissioner.

I like it.

Alrighty.

So this is really a nitpicky one, but is the levy going from 22 cents a thousand to 47?

37.

Oh, 37.

That's why I have the voting number.

Thank you.

That makes sense then.

I'm not so picky.

Okay, so Commissioner Therese, I have to ask this question that I've I should ask a year ago.

Okay.

So this life, the library, and I'll stay off transportation tonight, but this was a serial levy back in the 70s.

It went into your general fund, I think with about measure 50, and you guys have always honored that money that these voters voted for going to the libraries.

Well, we're talking about the libraries, not MISTIP, right?

Yes, yes, libraries.

Yeah, we get on the two of us.

But anyway, I'm talking about the library levy from I think 76.

Okay.

That ended up in the general fund, and you guys have always honored that and given the money to WCCLS, and now this year you pulled out the 3.9 million dollars of that money, and I'm just wondering this one bothers me just because I feel like it's money people specifically voted for for specific purpose.

So I'm just trying to understand why you did that at the county level.

And and I think we Lisa could probably give us the exact numbers, but and I'm I'm maybe shooting myself in the foot, but you will always get honesty from me, and that is this is not the first year.

Okay.

So just just saying why was it done?

Thank you for the buy, but I'm gonna say no, it wasn't it wasn't the the first year.

And the the issue is not frankly dissimilar to MISTIP.

And that's and it is it is in the same, I it is I would put it into the same category of commitment in the I believe it was the 90s when measure five and measure 50 came forward, and what we have not been able to do is to balance our budget without looking at reductions across the board.

And council president, yes, it's it's it's dramatic, and yes, it's um it was a commitment that we made back then, but I will also say that commitment was a very such a different time too.

We didn't have seven, eight percent inflation rates.

We didn't have we none of us were facing the budget issues that we face today.

So it's it's my belief that we should be looking at well, I believe that we should be looking at tax reform across across the universe of tax year, and I don't think anybody here would disagree with that.

So and to hold and while I respect and frankly frankly, in my very first race, I campaigned on keeping those promises, and it wasn't until I got into the job six years later, five years later, that I realized that those promises were for that time, and it's hard to keep those same promises in those same ratios in today's world.

So I'm not I'm I am I understand what you're saying, and I agree with you, but I would say that we need we need a new system as we move forward, and that's true for all of us.

Okay.

And now I'll go into another tough question, Ali B.

Please.

Okay.

Um our library, like a council books alluded to, we we don't have a community service center, we don't have a lot of social services, hint hint in East Washington County, and um so our library serves a lot more purposes of living than maybe Beavertons library does or Hillsborough.

So um, and we have a lot of people that use it here because of the hours.

So now with this new allocation, um you know, we don't we don't know what the end result will be, but we we've heard that we might have limited service hours, and that um some of the autonomy of the book selection is possibly going to be taken away, so that takes away our uniqueness.

So we're actually getting possibly less service, but we're asking people to pay more money.

So, and I fully support this, I'll just let you know in advance.

But I want to know what what we how do we say this?

How do we tell people that it's worth the extra money when they it appears we might be getting less?

So um there were a couple questions in there, a couple comments in there, and I think that uh the first one might have been related to the new allocation process, and by the way, Commissioner Willie and myself, we have been involved with the team through this process as well.

So I I it's so complex.

I think I understand most of it, but there is there has been a pretty dramatic change, and Lisa, please correct me if I'm not not right here.

When we previously, when we looked at usage patterns for the library, we looked at our circulation rates.

Well, circulation rates, because things so much has changed in the library world.

I mentioned earlier using Libby, you know, it's it's it's a whole it's a whole different world.

That was not uh a really appropriate indicator for usage patterns.

So we're trying something new as uh as a result.

We're looking at our geographic service population.

It may not work out either, frankly, and I'm I'm uh this is what we're we're hoping that it does, but I think it's incumbent upon the county.

I think it's incumbent upon our WCCLS to make sure we're watching those pieces to make sure it is reflective and the allocation process as a result is also is also in the correct uh framework.

As far as the collections and moving collections from decentralized to centralized, what we'll end up doing is saving about four million a year.

That correctly, yeah, yes, okay.

I can add more flavor on it.

And and I understand the concern about losing the autonomy and losing that piece, but I think that if we can work, we are a cooperative library service.

We are we from the very get-go, we are designed to work together to meet everybody's needs.

Uh and I think that the collection process is going to have to be informed by all of our local libraries to be successful and to get the services to the people that you serve in your community.

Totally.

So and the only thing I would add is that um thank you.

And and I think is that we're working with all of the library directors across the system to develop the process for what the centralization looks like.

And so starting uh next month in uh September, we'll be working um with all of the library directors on the RFP to bring in the consulting firm um and guide the staff engagement process and the technical advice as we build the new centralized system.

Um so it's really important that we do it together.

And I think one of the cool things about our system is that each library has their own strength that they've cultivated over the years.

Um, and as you've talked about, you know, not everyone always travels all over the county to access all of the different services, and so one of the interesting opportunities with this is that if one library has really cultivated a particular specialty, that is something that we can learn from and then hopefully replicate across the system.

And so we hope to like share our strengths across the system to benefit more folks.

Um the allocation amount for to Walton for all the libraries would be increased.

Um yet your cost to deliver service would go down because your cost to provide centralization uh collections would be something that the county would take on, and so um there is a net uh benefit in in the ability to um direct resources to other local priorities.

Uh I I've just got to follow up with one last question.

Sorry, but the um so the people in Tualetin will end up paying more if this levy passes.

So what will they get in return at our library?

Will we get more or are we getting less?

First of all, we're surviving.

Well, yes.

I and I'm sorry, I you know, I'm gonna be honest.

I I'm just I hate to say it like that, but that's really true.

And uh, but at the same time, they will be getting more.

We're gonna ensure our basic services.

We've got other components that are the growth aspect, but this is this is we're facing new issues now.

And I'm just gonna be straight.

I know that I make I make that phase two.

So would you like to add to that?

What no library will be getting less revenue.

Yeah.

And every library will be seeing an increase.

But we're looking, this is a five-year levy, too.

So we're looking to what the future will hold, and that's really important as well.

So I think that that's something that we have to hold on to.

And I'm sorry, Counselor Hillier for she made a face over here, and I had to agree.

Okay.

Well, thank you so much.

Thank you for your questions.

Uh Council Reyes and Councillor Gonzalez.

You say you say you're facing, I'm sorry, I just sometimes when they say we're facing different issues.

What are those different issues?

Well, I the I don't think that they're you mean different issues for you just mentioned right now and a couple seconds ago we're facing different issues.

We're facing increased costs.

That's what I that's what I meant to say.

It's different and what we were whether they're labor costs.

Cost is an issue, uh labor.

Like I guess elaborate a little bit on what are those issues.

I can speak to the increasing demandly services.

So I think that yeah, like the costs in general are increased, as you all are well aware, um, costs for everything are are more, but I think the complexity of the needs that our libraries are serving have increased as well.

And I'm sure you you were talking earlier about you know, libraries are acting as cooling centers, your library has a wonderful maker space.

You know, all of our libraries are acting to fill in a lot of the gaps for other social services that don't exist, and we're also at the same time still doing story time and providing books and doing all of those traditional services.

We're also helping people navigate all of the new technology that comes out, which but we're it feels like we're never letting any old services go.

Do you know what I mean?

So as our world gets more complicated and the challenges that we're dealing with as a society continue to evolve and get more complex, we're not really dropping any of our core services, we just continue to look at how else can we help serve the community.

Also, we've had community growth as well, just the population has grown.

So I think just the complexity of services that library are providing and the challenges continue to one interesting example of that to me is is the use of electronic books and how people might read on their Kindle or you you you uh borrow a library book and it can go to your Kindle and you can use it there.

That cost of borrowing the book, what is the differential between it's it's it's unbelievable.

It's like we budget about four million dollars for our ebook collection centrally, um, which is more than all of the libraries combined spend on their print books.

And so you think like we're still buying print books, people still want those, and people all still want digital content, so we're basically doubled our collection, you know, how much we're providing and how much we're spending.

So we're basically doubled our collection, you know, how much we're providing and how much we're spending.

And so one print book, um don't quote me on this because it's it's a little rusty, but it's something like you know, $15 or something like that.

A digital book um can cost anywhere from $60 to $80 to like almost $200 per copy.

Isn't that uh that it and it's counterintuitive?

I wouldn't I I before I came into this, I would have thought it was less expensive, but the contracts to provide those books are very high.

So there is there's a key example of differences.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Council Gonzalez.

In your presentation, you had listed.

I'm just curious, what do you think the average uh home value is into Walleton?

Just curious.

What do you think?

Well, we have the assessed value.

Yeah.

Do you know?

I I'm just curious.

This might be a trick question.

It kind of is a little bit because the sample that you use in this presentation, though I'm I'm in support of this levy, but I know we want to get it through the finished line with some but you list a value assessed of 348,000, which is which is not anywhere near to present 129 per year value, which is it makes it sound like it's a lower cost.

But our average houses in Towelleton, they're almost 600,000.

You know, thereabouts.

So let's just go 500.

But they're this is a really low example that you're using, you know, to make it sound lower.

It's assessed, but it's that's what the RV value.

Yes.

Yeah.

So the other question I have for you is um what steps will you will be taken to make sure that the funds aren't diverted to unrelated projects.

By law, like if the levy funds uh we have to spend them on what's in the ballot title.

Yeah, the ballot title is king.

All right, thank you.

And and that that's in any situation.

Yeah, we're facing property taxes.

They know the Twalton Valley Fire happened, school bond, the library levy, the public safety levy, and then um it's just it's coming at everywhere.

Yeah.

I agree.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Council Hyper.

One last thing.

I know my daughter who lives in Washington, DC, goes to school, appreciates the Libby books.

So I'll tell her how much value she's getting.

But I I will share with you what our funders have said to us from the federal government right now.

You need to start doing bake sales.

So if that's of any help, I don't know.

It was really helpful for me.

So I'm sure it's equally recipe.

Yeah.

Damn good.

Counselor Sako.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Um I would love just a little bit more information about this centralized collection, and I understand how it's going to save money.

However, I'm just concerned about when we say that we're not gonna have reduced services, it does seem like that that this point is taking away some of the um maybe the accessibility to certain resources that our community that our unique community member makeup has today because our librarians understand what our community needs are, and the folks coming in there asking for certain books.

I'm sure you heard this isn't the first time you're hearing any of this.

So can you just talk a little bit about um exactly how that's all gonna work?

I just really don't fully understand that and how we can make sure that we're still supporting our community members' needs.

Absolutely.

It's a great question, and it's I think the number one question that folks are asking across the system.

Um I think that uh, and I don't have all the immediate answers to say it's gonna be this, this, and this, because we need to co-create that with our library staff partners as we work on the process.

So I think um it is really um this is like a standard operating procedure for any sort of standard county library system of our size.

So the model we're moving to is definitely not um really radical or cutting edge or anything.

Um it's it's a pretty normal practice.

I think we're a little unusual in that we've persisted in this model for this long.

Um, and so there's a lot of models we can look at in terms of how a larger system will make sure they get that unique input from each building because we need that because the library there's like 500 library staff across the county that work in these 16 buildings, they are the main interface with our community, and it is so critical that we have ways to hear from them about what they need.

Um I just haven't like thinking about when I used to be a reference librarian like a long time ago back in the day, and I had um the example I always think of is I had a veteran come in and he said to me, Every time I come in, you don't have any PTSD books on the shelf.

And he said, I just I can't wait, like I just need one, but I come in, and that it always that that um I'll never forget that moment.

And I just picked up the phone and I called the person who orders those books, and I was like, you need to order some freaking PTSD books.

We need a lot of copies of this.

And so it's just that I don't know.

That that's just an example of like it's really important that that staff at the library have the ability to let us know what they need because we know that like A, it feels really bad to not be able to offer your community what they want, and B, that's how we are sure we do a good job is if we hear from the staff.

So, but we'll we'll develop those systems and we're happy to come back and share more information along the way if that's helpful too.

And and I think through the librarians and our communities, it's an iterative process.

We're gonna have to work to get good at it.

But I think that it it I have faith that it will work council Brooks.

Um I appreciate the conversation around the uh reframing of the um counts.

And I'm just curious, kind of you know, we're our library's close to the freeway, is has a lot of different things.

So if you're counting from the population of the city, are you counting from the users that go in and out of the library?

Are you counting from the books that are taken out?

That's not what that's what it was, and now it's just a general count.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but it's an estimate of a 10-minute radius from the library and what that's I know what that service population would look like.

It would be um your entire city's population is assigned to your library, plus then it would look at who uses the library around you, and then each of those precincts are I'm happy to come back and provide if that would be helpful some more information.

Um, because it would be that um, yeah, it's your your base is your your city's population, and then we looked at library usage and then assigned precincts based on that.

So if it was outside of your city, um, like in unincorporated areas, um, those would get assigned to you based on library usage.

If there was a conflict where it looked like people would go either way, um, then we looked at the travel time.

But again, I'm happy to come back.

That's why it wasn't stepped in with the the loans instead of having it 100% changing from one measurement to another to have it stepping into a new system to make sure that it's correlating properly with the actual um materials lended, and because we have over our population just coming in to the city of Twalton to work.

I 30,000 people one of the things that I've asked for, and we're we're in a really early stages of seeing how how this will play out.

But what I've asked for is there is there a way to continue to watch what our circulation rates were while we look at this new allocation process so that we can balance and see where where the disparities are and adjust as we move forward.

It seems to me that we'll again this is a this is a big change.

Yeah, and I believe strongly that we're gonna have to keep our eyes on it closely and make sure that the allocation process holds up to scrutiny.

Yeah, I just for me, especially with the increases in technology and data collecting, um, that to just move so quickly from one to the other doesn't make a lot of sense to me when I think that we're gonna be able to have a richer way of counting in about five minutes.

I know I agree with you.

Yeah, and we did look at usage, and I think that's uh it it's a it's something that we'll keep an eye on, absolutely.

And then I guess I guess my other question too is just around um getting more information about the numbers, like when you said like the four million, or what was it for million?

I mean for on savings on savings, yes.

To br have a breakdown of what that means.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

We're saving the best for last, I think.

Well, they've they've asked the tough questions.

I'm actually gonna do the the nice thing here, and uh thank you and Commissioner Snyder and your fellow commissioners for listening to us.

Uh Commissioner Snyder last time we were here, he got beat up hard about the funding mechanism.

Um so we're in my mind 99% of the way.

There's still food a few things that you know certain three cities are concerned about, but tremendous stride was made.

So I want to thank very much for that.

Um, you know, there's one of those where I think we get a nice thank you pat in the back.

Thank you.

Well, I think that um I think we were trying to listen and staff was trying to listen.

And it took several runs at getting the information and getting it into our brains and and working together.

So, but um I do believe that we can do this into the future together as well.

Okay.

And then the other thank you is to uh Sherlon and Jerry Ann.

Uh Sherlin and Juri Ann have been representing Twalton at these meetings and advocating fiercely, uh listening to city councils, and the residents and passing on our feelings and advocating tremendously for us.

So I just want to thank both of you for that.

Um, they've been our funnel of information, and I very much appreciated all the updates you've given us over the last few weeks.

Um they covered all the things I had in my mind.

Just want to again thank you for listening.

Um I'm looking forward to I think the next funding meetings August 19th.

Okay.

Uh, because that's uh a critical part in my mind and whether you know we're full, you know, on board.

Let's go do this.

And uh also want to know you know how we're gonna get that message out as Councillor Gonzalez and other uh other counselors mentioned how to get the message out that we fully support uh and that we can all rally behind.

So I'm looking forward to that in the coming weeks.

Great.

Thank you for your time tonight, and thank you for your questions.

Thank you for pushing because we all get better when we when we all push.

So it is appreciated.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

All right, so that brings us to public hearings.

I'm just gonna do a potty check, if you will.

Does anyone do people want to howl through and you want to take a five-minute break?

Keep going.

Yeah, just give it a brings us to a public hearing.

Sure, just want to make sure.

Uh ordinance 1451-25 adopting the 2045 uh transportation system plan.

Uh, this is a public hearing for the I was gonna slow down here.

This is a public hearing for the city council to consider ordinance number one four five one-25 adopting the 2045 transportation system plan and related amendments to the Tualton Comprehensive Plan and Development Code.

This is a public hearing, so I have to I'm reading as uh the rules of the game here.

First, the public hearing will be opened by city staff, and they will make a presentation.

Next, the council will hear from members of the public who wish to testify in favor of the ordinance, followed by members of the public who wish to testify against the ordinance, followed by anyone else who would like would wish to testify.

Upon conclusion of the public testimony, individual counselors may ask questions of city staff and any person who provided testimony.

After council questions, the council will close the public portion meeting, public portion of the hearing to consider the resolution.

Upon conclusion of deliberations, the council consider whether or not to adopt resolution number five.

No what it's an ordinance, isn't it?

Resolution.

Yeah, because okay, the lingo here is a little messed up.

We've got to consider the ordinance number one four-five-one-25.

Does any member city council wish to abstain from participating in this hearing?

All right.

I'll now go ahead and open this public hearing on ordinance number one four five one-25.

And I invite Erin and Mike already up there to start city staff presentation.

Welcome.

Thank you for being patient.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and Councillors.

As you mentioned, this is a legislative public hearing to consider adoption of the 2045 transportation system plan and supporting amendments to the comprehensive plan and development code.

Um our technical expert is here tonight from Fair and Pierce.

I just want to give a huge thank you to Brianna Calhoun for leading this effort.

Um I'm also joined, like you said, by Mike McCarthy, our city engineer.

And uh looking at the time, I will minimize my part of the presentation.

So go for it.

But we are more than willing to answer any questions you or anyone else might have.

So to set the stage, I wanted to share an introductory statement from our TSP, which is by 2045, Twalton will have a modern inclusive transportation system designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Initiated in 2024, the TSP is a roadmap for creating a walkable, healthy, and sustainable city.

It ensures that as Twaleton grows, the city's transportation opt-ins will remain accessible, safe, and connected for all users.

So the first part of tonight's agenda serves as a summary of the TSP process.

That will be followed by an overview of the supporting amendments and the legislative approval criteria for the TSP adoption.

We will then review public comments submitted for the TSP update.

And we will close with the planning commission recommendation and council's consideration of ordinance 1451-25.

A transportation system plan brings together community members, staff, and council to establish a shared understanding of how the transportation system operates today, identifies needed improvements, and creates a vision for enhancing community mobility.

It also provides a realistic understanding of what projects can be implemented and funded over the next 20 years.

Twiliton's current TSP was last updated.

Well, was drafted in 2012.

Excuse me, was adopted in 2012, then later updated in 2014 and had some small minor updates in 2019 and 2021.

A key theme of the 2045 TSP is recognizing that our streets host more than just cars, which means completing the system for everyone.

The 2045 TSP includes an update to our previous transportation goals and policies in the comprehensive plan to reflect new statewide legislation to address carbon emissions from transportation, as well as our changing community priorities.

Largely these goals were identified by input from the community advisory committee, also known as our CAC, City Council, and the public outreach efforts.

They also tie in seamlessly with council's 2030 vision for an efficient, accessible, innovative, sustainable, and connected transportation system that effectively and safely meets the needs of our entire community.

As such, these goals were used to develop a project priority prioritization framework for the types of investments that this plan recommends over the 20-year horizon.

The city conducted extensive public engagement for the TSP, which was broken down into the four phases that you see here.

And this was achieved through focus group sessions with Spanish speaking and BIPOC communities.

Through this process, we heard that residents value a balanced transportation system that supports multiple modes of transportation.

Community members showed strong enthusiasm for active transportation options like walking and biking while also prioritizing driving as an option.

Additional concerns were voiced regarding increased traffic congestion.

These community perspectives were used to shape the TSP goals and project recommendations.

As you can see on this slide, there were numerous events held throughout the city.

And we also engaged the community brushly through an online survey.

At this point, I wish to recognize our dedicated community advisory committee that consisted of 13 community members and two counselors.

This group met five times to review and provide feedback on the development of the TSP.

They were instrumental in providing local context to the transportation goals that we just discussed.

And they also helped to identify key destinations, critical gaps in our transportation system, and potential projects.

Tonight we are joined by two of those members and the two from our council.

So thank you for being a part of this project and for your contributions.

But I know it's getting late.

Well, uh, I've got certificates for you, so does that like uh motivate you to say something, Nancy?

How do I say something?

I was gonna say during the public hearing, but uh we'll say that part too, but about the committee though.

You gotta come up with a mic.

Surprise.

Just talk about the committee part, not the uh ordinance itself.

Whatever you want.

Oh, okay.

What was it like being on the committee?

Why did I want to be on the committee?

Why did you want to be on it and how was it?

Oh, because I um a very passionate transportation engineer, and uh I love my city, and I feel felt like I had something to offer in getting making it better to get around in the city.

And um, I'm um avid walker, I'm an avid cyclist, I also drive a car, and sometimes I ride a bus, not very often.

So um, I will say that the committee members were pretty diverse.

We had, you know, as well as we could do, I think, and um the staff and the consultant were really great in engaging the committee.

We had some really good meetings and activities, and um, what we said was heard, and um the committee went great.

It was great.

Thank you.

Is that enough?

That was great.

Okay.

Thank you.

Well, I'm gonna so Nancy, on behalf of the city Walton or presentary certificate appreciation.

And then like I have a whole bunch here.

Let's see.

We also have Justin Linley here tonight.

Justin.

Yes.

You want to say anything or just take your certificate?

I will just add she did a phenomenal job and talking about everything.

Um I would just add that the staff and the consultants did a fantastic job with that throughout the entire process.

It was one of the the better committees that I've been on.

And then on the other side of it, she's the engineer.

Uh I do planning.

And so I thought the consultant was really great, so good pick on that one and the work the staff did again.

Phenomenal job.

Well, thank you for uh spending time over a year participating in the process.

My pleasure.

Thank you.

Thanks, Justin.

Thank you.

That's a big lesson.

Sorry.

Would you do my different bottles?

I need to get a little bit of the mayor, I should say.

You actually are almost the same height.

Cool.

Thank you.

All right, thank you.

Thank you.

All right, you said you want to say something.

Oh, yeah, just really quick.

I I was on that 2012.

I can't believe it's how long ago committee.

And anyway, I have to say this was so well run by the consultants, the staff, and you're right.

We have a super diverse group of people there, and I would every every meeting, everybody was so engaged and you know, really cared about our community.

So just thank you to everybody.

All right, and as mentioned, we did have two city counselors who representing council on the committee, so I want to give you your certificate also here, Council President Pratt.

Can we get a picture with you?

No.

And Councillor Gonzalez, thank you.

And it will say it was just a wonderful group to work with, and I want to thank each person for donating their time and their expertise to help us with this.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councillor Reyes, as an alternate.

Thank you, everyone.

That's fun.

Switching gears back to the planning context.

Um TSP is required for all cities and counties in Oregon to ensure compliance with state rules and regulations.

This is a requirement that is included under Oregon Planning Rule 12, which is implemented through the transportation planning rule and the Oregon administrative rules.

On top of that, regional rulemaking and guidance found in the Oregon Transportation Plan, ODOT's TSP guidelines, and Metro's transportation plan also contribute to the TSP process.

Locally, the TSP serves as the transportation component of our comprehensive plan and includes a thorough review of local plans and policies that shape land use and transportation in Twalleton.

That would include things like the climate action plan and the parks and recreation master plan.

Once the TSP is adopted, identified projects can be considered in the city's capital improvement plan for funding.

On this slide, it's kind of a visual about how the TSP project list is created.

Basically, preliminary work for the TSP included an inventory of our multimodal network to study gaps in the network and the level of service being provided by each transportation element.

We then identified potential projects that were adopted under previous plans, were needed for safety, or address some of the community's desires.

This generated a large list of identified projects that were filtered through a few different lenses to fulfill both state roles, local priorities, and funding constraints, which we'll walk through on the following slides.

Largely projects were prioritized based off of how well they address the TSP goals that we previously mentioned.

The transportation planning role also requires the prioritization of projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled and will benefit underserved populations.

These projects were then further refined into a financially constrained project list.

This was achieved by identifying available funding and project cost estimating.

This resulted in a list of projects that can be reasonably funded during the planning horizon.

The state sets that bar at 125% of projected revenues for transportation.

The end goal is a list that is balanced to cover a range of transportation modes, geographic areas, and costs to take advantage of these funding opportunities.

So in the end, we identified 113 projects.

You'll see that a large percentage support active transportation projects.

The TSP also identify transit projects to improve service reliability and amenities for the network and complete street projects to address bottleneck and safety concerns.

Do you want to add anything about our project list?

I think the complete street projects are the biggest ones that get to some of the bigger problems.

The active transportation tended to be smaller ones in the transit or things that we would be doing on a road system.

This also includes an element of pushing for transit from other providers, like say TriMed.

And then we just highlight some elements here too.

That the constraint list doesn't necessarily guarantee that a project will be built or funded, and they don't have to be built in a specific order.

Outcomes of the project list have been vetted by the community, will result in a balanced multimodal system that meets the needs of all of our users, aligns with the city and state climate goals, and can be used to build the city's capital improvement plan and align with funding opportunities as they arise.

It's kind of my summary slide.

And then I just wanted to highlight an example of what that looks like using our pedestrian network.

On the left-hand side, you see the existing inventory, which calls out gaps in purple, and then in orange, you see partial gaps where there's sidewalks on only one side.

On the right, we evaluated level of stress that these users of the system would feel.

Anything to add.

Okay.

Through this evaluation, we found that our pedestrian network could be improved by filling the identified gaps and increasing the number of safe crossings along collectors and arterials and also providing recreational walking paths to connect to regional trails throughout the area.

Now we'll switch gears to talk about the supporting amendments.

Most amendments are minor in nature.

However, we are proposing more extensive updates to comprehensive plan chapter 8 and development code chapters 74 and 75.

Those serve as the transportation chapters in our Twalet and Development Code.

To tease out a few examples, we talked about updating the transportation goals in our comprehensive plan.

Those are to reflect the changing community values and statewide legislation.

We are also updating some of our comprehensive plan maps related to transportation in accordance with the 2045 TSP.

The most notable of these amendments is map 81 to update the functional classification of our road network to better align with how the roadways are operating and how they have been functioning.

And I'll show you that in a few slides.

And then some amendments will better organize our code, like relocating the application requirements for a driveway approach permit from our public improvement chapter 74 to our applications chapter 33 for consistency throughout the development code.

The amendments also expand our land use application requirements to include a street plan that will demonstrate how proposed development will reasonab reasonably connect to the adjacent transportation network.

And then I also wanted to dive a little deeper into chapters 74 and 75 since we did some work on those.

Chapter 74 provides standards for a public and private transportation facilities and utilities.

It has been updated to establish street standards in compliance with the 2045 TSP and provides for an exceptions process to those standards.

Street connectivity standards, maximum block length standards, and mid-block access way standards have been incorporated to address state rulemaking for walkable communities under CFEC.

We've added standards for private streets and alleys that can be applied to residential or mixed-use development.

And requirements that apply to easements, utilities, or street trees have been clarified and streamlined.

Then moving on to Chapter 75, that establishes standards for access management.

Under the ordinance, driveway approach requirements have been reorganized, and access spacing standards have been added in compliance with the 2045 TSP.

These standards will apply to new access points that connect to the public street network.

Not at this point.

So this is a preview of our map 8.1, which I mentioned.

It's our functional classification map, and it also includes our proposed traffic signal plan.

And so this includes some of the changes in response to some of the comments received.

For example, changing Twalton Road to an arterial and making Leviton a collector.

And then in a number of places where it says traffic signal, what we're actually including in the project list is signal or roundabout, or in some places intersection improvements, parentheses, such as a traffic signal or roundabout.

To with the understanding that when we start doing something there, we'd first take a look at what's the best form for the intersection.

Just uh can you put the folks that are still watching define what a arterial and a the different levels here?

The art what's an arterial, what's a circulator, just to think what what are those?

What's the difference between those kinds of streets?

Sure.

So uh principal arterial is our biggest busy streets.

That's like Towalton Sherwood Road.

Um I-5 is kind of off the scale on classification, but that's the highest level.

Uh and arterial is the next highest level, and that's roads like Boones Ferry that carry a lot of traffic, uh, really a lot of focus on moving traffic safely and efficiently, uh, also providing good walking and cycling routes, but they prioritize moving traffic quite a bit more than um accessing adjacent properties.

And then collector is the next step down, so it's sort of in between arterial and local, and that really balances moving traffic with access to adjacent properties, and then local streets focus primarily on local access and not so much on moving traffic.

So, what's an example of a collector?

Uh collector, um let's see.

Uh so Levitton, uh, IBEC, um, Avery East of Boone's Ferry, and um like 50th and Nyberg Lane, Hazelbrook uh 105th, Blake 108, for example.

I just want to so people know what they meant.

For sure.

And then uh new state rules require that roads be more equitably distributed amongst users, which is reflected in our updated cross sections.

These updated designs provide for slightly wider sidewalks, planter strips, and bike lanes, and slightly narrower vehicular lanes.

I don't know.

Um so the wider planter strips is in accordance with the climate action plan of making sure plant ships are wide enough for trees to really actually grow in.

Uh the narrower travel lanes are designed to provide adequate width, but also kind of visually slow traffic by making a road look a little smaller, people had to drive it a little slower.

And those do include flexibility to adjust, say planter strip widths to avoid wetlands or mature trees, for example.

Um this includes a pretty big change in our local street section, and it's actually provides three options for local streets.

Um current standard is 32 feet wide with parking on both sides, and then five foot planter strip, five-foot sidewalk.

Um most developers don't want to use that much space for road right-of-way.

And also in newer developments, the driveways are so close together that there really isn't space to park cars.

So then we're building these streets at 32 feet wide, but people can't park along them.

But because they're really wide, people drive fast.

So then we start getting more speeding complaints, and we're building more asphalt, which contrary to our global warming goals, and also a lot more impervious area for stormwater.

So, along with the 32-foot section, we have an option for 28 feet with parking on one side, or a 20-foot wide road with no parking, and then five foot planter strip five-foot sidewalk.

And the developers we've been talking with really appreciate that kind of flexibility.

Thanks, Mike.

Um the 2045 TSP and supporting amendments comply with the legislative approval criteria provided in the statewide planning goals, Oregon administrative rules, including the transportation planning rule, the Oregon Highway Plan Metro Code, and the Twalton Development Code.

Detailed findings are included in exhibit four in the adoption packet.

In addition to criteria listed on the previous slide, the findings demonstrate compliance with other relevant plans adopted by the city, including the Basalt Creek Concept Plan and the Parks Master Plan.

Um we now wish to address some of the public comments that we received.

And those have been included in your packet materials as exhibit five.

Um public comment expressed interest in maintaining local vehicular access in the basalt creek area.

In response, staff notes that the city has a local street plan, which has been adopted under comprehensive plan map 83.

This plan illustrates minimum local street connectivity in the Basalt Creek area, as shown in the top right corner.

And we are not proposing any updates to this map under the TSP amendments.

This comment also expressed concerns over the location of trails in the Basalt Creek area.

Staff notes that adopted map 84, which serves as our bicycle and pedestrian plan, and map 72-2, which serves as our greenway development plan.

There are no substantiative updates proposed to trails or pathways located in the Basalt Creek under this TSP amendment.

Sorry, I just need to move down through my notes.

There were also concerns regarding the specific policies and criteria used to evaluate the 2045 TSP.

And as mentioned on the previous slide, this TSP was evaluated for conformance against all applicable state, regional, and local criteria, and we have presented those findings to you in exhibit four.

That has been changed to an intersection improvement parentheses, such as a traffic signal or roundabout to preserve that option.

It also has been moved off of the financially constrained lists as discussed at the work session a few weeks ago and onto the financially unconstrained list.

So it could still be built if a need arises, like some sort of a safety issue, or if development happens like something building to the north of Twalton Road that could cause a lot more traffic coming out of there.

It could still be required.

But it's off the list of projects that the city would fund.

And our next step after adopting this is to get into more of a detailed prioritization process of really which projects should we be building next.

And start getting a little more of an order in the plan for the next few years based on the big list included in this plan.

And that leads us to our planning commission recommendation.

I'm not sure if we have any commissioners online with us tonight.

I know it's getting late.

Okay.

Well, I'll deliver that they unanimously unanimously voted for approval of the 2045 TSP amendments as proposed in the packet before you.

So at this point, uh, are there any members of the public who wish to testify in favor of this proposal?

I have one setup right now.

Nancy.

Welcome back.

Good evening, Mayor and Counselors.

Um I mentioned earlier, but I want to commend the staff again on the TSP, their efforts to be inclusive and responsive to all the public outreach they had and the committee.

There was really good communication with our advisory committee.

And you know, Twalton Shroud Road probably is the worst culprit we have.

And it is what it is, but I feel like we had some good discussions about it.

It's a very difficult something to fix.

Um the one project leading into this that I have some a major concern about the potential grade separation of Twalton Sherwood Road, Boone's Ferry Road, and the railroad.

Um it's project CS1.

If you want to look at find it later.

They end up whatever end up being the goals for an ultimate project would be.

I feel like that could just provide an incredible barrier for our local community.

Um I mean, think grade separation of I-5 and Nyberg Road, right?

It's like how do you get across when you've got one going under, one going over, and maybe we could get the railroad to go under or over.

But you know, that's maybe you can always think positively about these things.

So anyway, um, I feel like when we get to that point, we need to really prioritize local traffic, active transportation, vulnerable populations rather than maybe commuters wanting to get through town quickly and not have to wait for the railroad.

Um I realize though, in reading and being in discussion with staff and the consultant that this project likely would be phased and maybe completely redefined or um very much refined as they did more analysis and we set our priorities for that area.

Um therefore I do support leaving the project in, not modifying it, recognize recognize that the onerous results would re could result, should should result, could result from grade separation if that was the end product of the project.

Um I want to recognize the importance of adding more greenways to the community, extending trails, um, the importance of that Tonquin Trail uh is really good for the South Side.

Can I do like 30 seconds?

Okay.

Um the existing greenways we have are great.

I think we always need to remember to try to get them into uh master plan and into development plans before the neighborhood is built, as we know a lot of people don't want to put them in after the neighborhood is built.

Um but I do feel like um pathways are an essential ingredient of livable, healthy, happy, happy um community.

And then finally, I want to tell you to keep up the good work.

Um the recent transportation improvements all over town have been great and are definitely a result of your leadership and good staff work.

So thank you for allowing me to comment.

Thanks, Nancy.

Are there any other members of the public who wish to uh testify in favor of this proposal ordinance?

Okay, come on up.

Uh, I share the same as Nancy um with the uh the projects on the list.

Uh also same concerns with the grade separation.

Um I do think the the feasibility of that is really limits that project uh anyhow with uh everything involved or the costs that would go with that.

Um but what I do think that is uh something else to address the the traffic that will be coming down to Walton Sherwood Road once that project's finished um connecting surewood and bringing all that flow in.

We don't have a lot of development in Towalton that's gonna continue, but sure would and all those communities do, and that's gonna push a lot of traffic our way.

Uh and I think something that can be very beneficial, and it is kind of mentioned in the plan is investments and technology with the signals and prior priority big word, prioritization of flow.

Um, and talking with the the city engineers on that, they we do have those that technology out there that can be updated and upgraded.

I think the the more control that we have on that uh within Towalton to kind of have a uh especially with AI coming out uh with things to uh change the lights or change the timing and address traffic concerns as they come up and um make changes with that.

If anybody's been stuck on that road and uh or at that intersection and you don't get that arrow all the time or super short or trying to work around the train when it comes through, it seems a little complicated, or it seems like somebody out there that's flagging traffic could do it a little bit better than then how the current light is working.

So I think just investing in technology on the lights.

Um as we were talking about the uh roundabouts or improvement intersections.

I personally am not a fan of roundabouts in school, they were pushed really hard uh in planning.

Um but I think in reality, uh especially experiencing the the ones in Bend, at least when I've been running out there, I call them kind of like uh pedestrian danger zones.

So when we're talking about like multimodal transportation and safety improvements, I think that the roundabout um can sometimes be effective way in certain areas or small neighborhoods, but when you get to larger streets, the difference of a a roundabout or a a signalized intersection, I think a signalized intersection is a better route to go through.

I think it's safer for pedestrians, um less investment that's needed or less ride-of-way acquisition needed for that, and then you can also control it from an engineering standpoint versus a roundabout's kind of left for the uh traffic to do its own thing.

And I think we'll see that play out really well at the uh Abernathy Bridge uh improvements there with that roundabout connecting Oregon City and that how that uh yeah, it's already got some issues there.

So thanks again for uh staff and the consultants all the work they did on this, and I look forward to seeing the projects um get prioritized on this and what comes out.

Thank you anyone else who would like to comment and support anyone in Zoom.

All right, so I'll go ahead and uh go over to members of public who wish to testify against the ordinance, either in the room or in Zoom.

Okay, seeing none.

Is there any member of the public who just wants to uh testify on this ordinance either way?

All right, seeing none, I'll go ahead and move on to uh council questions for Aaron and Mike.

Council Brooks.

Well, first of all, thank you so much for addressing all of the concerns and questions that we had in our last um meeting that you presented at.

Um I have just one question, and it comes from a conversation that I had at one point.

Um is there information on the transportation plan that indicates that it's in a residential or industrial area.

I think it really comes down to zoning.

So it does look at the land use context, which would include the difference between those two zoning efforts.

Um, but we don't have a map or anything that distinguishes those zones as it relates to the transportation system.

And I don't know if that gets to the heart of your question or yeah, um, and the only reason why is the context.

I think I was asking about Boone's Ferry when I first came on as a counselor, and there had been a lot of feedback because of the speed and how wide it should be because of the community and the houses that have been there and have been established there.

So I think that when people are looking at it and might not know.

I mean, I've been looking at these maps for a long time, and sometimes I don't know if we're in an industrial area or a residential area, if there could just be like a different color or um, and I think it would be helpful for contextualization if we're worried about sound, pollution, um you know, like if you're coming and going to work, migration type patterns and things like that, that might be helpful for people that are looking at the maps.

That's my only thoughts around it.

I appreciate that feedback.

I think one thing to share back out is our online mapping system, Tuala GIS does have the functionality where you can overlay zoning and our functional classifications of the roadway network.

Um, like I said, we don't really have that visually shown in the TSP, but we do have the online medium that we can use to display that.

And I don't know if you're asking for updates or just sharing feedback for maybe future operates.

Whatever works is what I'm saying.

Okay, yeah, thank you.

Thank you.

Other questions?

Council President Pratt?

Um, really quick.

That signal system is like one of my top priorities, and it's on the constraint list.

Just so you know.

Um it's in our capital improvement plan to start looking at it next year.

That that's one of the biggest complaints I hear from people about our transportation system.

So of course I have to manage expectations.

We get to the other.

Well, it does have a two million dollar uh price tag on it.

So um anyway, on the grade separation.

I'm sorry, I didn't bring my laptop, so I can't look it up.

So does it state that the road will go over or the train, or is it undefined?

So in the TSP, we have two projects listed at the Boons Ferry, Twalt and Sherwood Railroad intersection.

Um we have the larger project, which is some form of grade separation undefined at this point, but to be investigated.

Okay, uh, and then the smaller project is uh some combination of turn lanes or walking and biking improvements to basically make it work as well as it can at grade.

Okay, and then my last question is when um you were you listed next steps and coming up with a prioritization list, and I see Metro on there.

So, what role does Metro play in all this?

Um, we get to prioritize, you know, the city gets to prioritize what the city wants.

Um Metro gets involved with things like some allocation allocation of certain sources of federal funding and things like that.

Then they also manage the regional transportation plan, which projects of a certain size have to be in before uh they can be done, and then that's used for air quality modeling and so on.

Okay, but to Alton gets to prioritize what Towalta wants.

Great, thank you.

Other questions?

Okay.

See no other questions, I'll go ahead and close this hearing and we'll move on to deliberations.

I'm in support of this plan.

All right.

Do you have a motion?

And I'd like to motion.

Do we have to do the whole reading?

First and second, all that good stuff.

I'd like to motion for um first reading of ordinance number one four five one-25.

By title only.

Second.

I have a motion second uh requesting first reading by title only of ordinate.

Ordinance 1451-25.

Any discussions on those motions?

Councilor Sacco.

Aye.

Council Hillier.

Aye.

Councilor Reyes.

Yes.

Council Gonzalez.

Yes.

Council Brooks.

Aye.

Council President Pratt.

Aye.

Chair votes aye.

Ordinance number 1451-25, an ordinance related to land use, amending the toilet and comprehensive plan and development code PTA 25-001, PMA 25-0001.

I'd like to motion for a second reading of ordinance 1451-25 by title only.

Second.

I have a motion, a second for second motion, a second for second reading of ordinance 14051-25 by title only.

Any discussions on those motions.

Councilor Sacco.

Aye.

Council Hillier.

Aye.

Councilor Reyes.

Yes.

Council Brooks.

Aye.

Councilor Gonzalez.

Aye.

Council President Pratt.

Aye.

Chair votes aye.

Can I keep on copy on his feet?

Ordinance number one four five one-25 and ordinance related to land use, amending the toilet and comprehensive plan and development code, PTA 25-001, PMA 25-001.

Okay.

I motion that we adopt ordinance number 1451-25.

Second.

I have a motion and a second to adopt ordinance ordinance number 145 1451-25.

Any discussions on motions?

Counselor Gonzalez.

Aye.

Council Brooks.

Aye.

Councilor Sacco.

Aye.

Council Hillier.

Aye.

Council Reyes.

Before I say aye, I just want to say that I'm glad to see that something that we've accomplished from our goals.

That's it.

Adopting the transportation plan.

So aye.

Council President.

Council President Pratt.

Aye.

Chair votes aye.

The ordinance is adopted.

All right.

Oh, yes, it's a TSP.

You gotta do that.

All right.

Thank you, Aaron, and thank you, Mike.

All right.

Thank you.

Thank you, Nancy.

Thank you, Nancy.

All right.

So that brings us to I think items removed from consent.

We did have one item removed from consent.

Uh item number six.

Uh and that was uh councilman Gonzalez.

So I just wanted to vote no for the increases, so I did not want to lump this in with the other voting.

So all right, so we just need to vote on the resolution on its own, correct?

Kevin?

Yes.

All right.

That's a voice vote or a roll call voice vote.

The vote is it look this is a resolution on consent.

It's been moved, I believe, general business or roll call.

Roll call.

Okay.

Second.

I have a motion and a second to adopt resolution number five nine zero three-25.

Any discussions on those motions?

Seeing none, Councilor Sacco.

Aye.

Council Hillier.

Aye.

Councilor Reyes.

I'm gonna abstain from this because I need more information.

Councillor Gonzalez.

I'm gonna vote no.

Okay.

Council Brooks.

Aye.

Council President Pratt.

Aye.

Chair votes aye.

It passes.

All right.

Uh Council Communications.

Let's go ahead and we'll start to my left.

Councilor Gonzalez.

I have nothing to report on.

Thank you.

Council Brooks.

Um from what is it?

July 15th through the 18th.

I was at the National League of Cities Board and Leadership meeting.

And it was a very good experience.

I represent and participate with uh two councils, one committee, and one affinity group.

And have built relationships over the last six years.

And there's a couple highlights that I want to mention.

Anyone that wants to talk further or would like more information, I can send out.

But there the one thing I wanted to say was the community development block grant was moved forward at the time I was there.

So the advocacy that us and other cities around the country utilized helped.

So I think that we'll be looking at advocacy, hopefully in the future, to help protect that home grant.

And also hate crimes up being up 30%.

People of color that serve as city counselors being having their lives threatened.

All kinds of things that fortunately our council hasn't experienced, but it was a you know a very sobering conference.

And when I'm thinking through problem solving right now, I really am thinking to the future on those basic, not only food, clothing, shelter, but the very bottom two was safety and how do we promote those things in our community, which is a really um sad state of affairs when in my mind we don't need to be in this position.

Uh gentleman that I met at the conference named Matthew Halliday, who gave me a presentation on Indigo, which I am not prepared to really discuss too much yet, but it is a way of streamlining work, especially work from our emails.

And also attended the same day an MBC Leo general membership meeting where they discussed their summer conference on and on the um August 8th.

That's still in Macomb County.

It will be utilized for studying all different kinds of resiliency and preservation of trees and forests, and I think that's a relevant conversation, especially after tonight.

And there are also four riparian areas in that forest, and three of them are fish bearing and there's also a new institute that I've learned about that is free, and you can learn about best practices with trails.

I realize she's not usually like that.

Um, but she seems to get overstimulated, she's a puppy.

So I would want to say that I wish it was more strongly attended because it was an amazing event, and I have just some of the cards from the people that presented besides our some of our own counselors here.

Um there was a Rose City Delights and the Sustainable Refilly, Millior, and many others.

Hopefully, there's a place on our website that says all of the different people that were vendors there because there were some amazing arts and services and lovely people that aren't all from our area that learned more about Twilight and felt welcomed by our community, which made me feel um really good and really proud of the work that we've done, especially with the idea committee, which um I don't have to say much more about that.

And I think there's more, but I can't think any more tonight.

So that's enough on me.

Thank you.

Councillor Sacco.

Thank you.

Um I attended the core area community workshop.

Um it was great to hear all the community input.

Um, and I think Michelle and said are doing a great job.

I really love the way that Michelle sort of framed up the conversation because it gave me kind of tough to do that with so many people in the room, which made it very clear on what the objectives were.

Um it was really uh a fun event.

Um attended the idea committee.

Um we uh the the committee talked about um their summer outreach strategy um and they they have been attending um events such as the concert on Friday, um, and I talked to um Chris, who I think uh manned the booth um the entire time and had some um great interactions with community members um coming over and um Chris having the chance to explain um the idea committee to our community.

Um the idea committee also adopted uh their work plan um last meeting, which is very exciting.

Um and then um we recently um had our CCAA meeting um and we always say this, but that is very, very true, can't say it enough.

Um we had lots of wonderful um applicants and more applicants than physicians, um, and you know, just really encourage people to continue to look for ways to volunteer um in our community.

We have the best volunteers um in the world.

Thank you.

Council Hillier.

Thank you.

I had one meeting, and it was actually earlier today.

Um there was a there's a lot of discussion on the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency.

I get to sit on the Board of Commissioners for that, and there are many conversations around the budget and potentially gaps of service and how much um cities pay into fire versus police uh or for the 911 um operations and such.

And so I think uh just for me, they held a a meeting today to help.

Well, there were a lot of people there, but to answer a whole bunch of questions, and um we're uh Don Hudson was also there to help really refine the questions, and so we're gonna have some better answers here in the next six months, probably, especially before we go into the budget session in uh January and February, and so we'll we'll be able to have some more information because there does seem to continue to be uh a lack of staffing, and um they're really looking for qualified people to um find jobs it as a 911 dispatch person, so I encourage you to consider that as a job option or to share with people for that.

So thank you.

Counselor R.

Um just uh the official meeting with the uh advisory committees uh interviews with candidates with the two fellow counselors that um joined me with that, counselor Pratt and Counselor Sacle.

As always, we always say this, but it is really hard to pick someone or just because there's just wonderful people in our community that just ready to serve and they have the heart, and I just sometimes it's hard to say no, but we can't, you know, we have to pick one, so that's always really difficult.

Um, but I've always enjoyed those meetings, and I enjoy meeting people in our community that I don't necessarily meet them anywhere else other than in those meetings, and then I start seeing them more and more.

Um, so I um it's always uh an honor and a pleasure to be in that committee.

The um I did attend the Latino Business Network um last Thursday, um, and it was I just sat there and uh um of our business presented, but I also was there uh to answer any questions about the city.

I try my best to um explain what's going on and how we're uh how we run do business and kind of like the the format and the structure of our city.

Um I realize that it's not the same in other countries or in other parts of the world or even in other states.

So even by saying here in Oregon and here in Tualetin, this is how we are structure, and it's these are the the steps you can take to reach out to certain um people in our city, and so even that it's a it's explaining that a little bit on why do I serve, why am I not a paid counselor versus other one?

Where's this other one?

So I I really literally have to explain the fundamentals very basic um structure so they can understand um and and actually have access to to the things that we can offer here for for that community and the businesses.

But um, it's it's always it's always good to sit there and they're they're always uh asking interesting questions.

Um that I sometimes think they don't they don't know, but I'm like, wow, okay, you do know about that.

So anyway, they're they're paying attention, they're looking, and um they know a lot about what's happening, the downtown development and all that planning, which I really am happy that they're getting in form.

So that's all right.

Council President Pratt.

Okay, um, I sended the C4 Metro meeting, and they talked about the um interstate bridge replacement, which is uh now up to 7.5 billion dollars.

And um ODOT's claiming that um once they put tolling in three to five percent of people only will divert to I205.

So good luck with that.

Um the mayor and I attended three different things with the Rwen Act.

We got a tour of the App Burnathie Bridge, which is pretty fascinating.

And what did they say?

They went down over 300 feet down with those 12 foot pilings.

So and then um we went to workshop that night where um we got it it was cathartic if nothing else, but we all got to say what we thought I ODOT should prioritize to ODOT directly.

So that was good, and then um we had a regular R1 act meeting.

Oh gosh, what did they talk about?

That um safety the safety that they have this goal of zero deaths or severe injuries by 2035.

Well, they give it was a very scant, I guess I put it.

It had very little data, but they're just they were trying to show us that they're going in the wrong direction.

So thank you, city staff, for all the work you put into giving us information so we can make a decision.

Anyway, um then I went to the C4 retreat.

The first day was on housing, that was kind of fascinating.

They um they had some people talk about um the differences between the rural and more suburban parts of Clackamas County, and then Happy Valley.

This is kind of a foreboding of what's coming, but um Clackamas County worked really hard to get a certain type of housing out of a certain area, and they did a lot of work around to make it work, and then um Governor Kotex bill undid all that, and now the state gets to decide things for us.

And then the second day was on transportation, and um there was a lot of asking ODOT and TriMet just to rethink their systems and processes and especially TriMet and their hub system, and not you know like they need to rethink the whole thing, I guess, and maybe work with others to provide transportation to little cities instead of these big buses going everywhere.

Um I went to the Clacus County Business Association um event where Mark Meeks spoke, and he mostly spoke about why he didn't vote for the transportation bill, which was mainly because it was dropped at the last minute, they weren't given information, and he felt there was a total lack of transparency.

Then I went to the community identity workshop, which was great.

Um I was at the booth for the um the community advisory committee on the downtown revitalization with Sheryl in at the Pride event, and we got input from different people.

And food cars was really popular, by the way.

So just thought I'd mention that.

And then um RCCAA meeting, and yeah, we're pretty fortunate that the people we have volunteering in our community.

That's it.

Uh quickly, uh I want to thank ODOT for the Abernathy Bridge tour.

You don't really see much going over the bridge.

It doesn't seem like to make any progress at all.

But once you go under the bridge, it's amazing to see what they've done, putting new pillars in, taking old pillars out.

The expanding of the lanes is already done.

They're it's just pretty cool to see what they've done.

Uh but there's what I say, another year and a half.

Yeah, it's still got a while to go.

Uh and one of the cool features that we never realized, you know, they talked about was the bridge the way it was built, has the ability to flex.

So what they're in the coming months, they're gonna flex the bridge up and slide things in and flex it down.

Just as an engineering marvel what they're doing there, and uh it was pretty cool to hear about it.

Uh on July 22nd, uh, Chair Roberts, the Clackonus County Chair, uh, had his first meeting with mayors.

Uh, he's just been you know working, you know, had a fire hose on him since he took over in January.

Uh, it was his checking with mayors to find out what was going on in each of our cities, and then he talked about uh you know the housing effort, transportation efforts, and the courthouse effort in Clackmas County.

Uh, and he was looking forward to the C4 retreat.

Um on the 24th, the SOL, the GPI Small Cities Consortium met, and it was one of the biggest meetings we've had.

It was a legislative update from the lens of economic development uh for the state and for its cities.

Uh incredible attendance, great speakers, and you know, you know, looking at what got done in the legislature and what needs to be done in terms of economic development in the region.

Um council president's Pratt perspective on the R1 Act meeting on the fourth about transportation safety, ODOT safety.

We're going backwards in terms of safety, and it wasn't one of the best presentations I've ever seen.

That just seemed to go on and on and on, and we're all looking at the numbers, going we're not we're never gonna make this goal.

We're going backwards in terms of safety on our interstates.

Um I want to thank Cindy and the safety town folks.

It was fun to pop in the lunch uh a couple of lunch times and chat with the kids going to Safety Town, and then the QA, as usual.

Very interesting questions every time.

Enjoyed that.

Uh again, and the downtown uh poll center meeting.

I was astounded by how many people showed up, and I agree with uh what uh counselor Saka was saying, Michelle was fantastic, and what she did with that.

Um National Night Out.

Thanks, Chief.

Uh that was a fun event.

One of our neighborhood had uh an event between the our residents and the Twalton Police Department.

Uh all the ribs I made got wiped out.

Six slabs of ribs gone.

And we got the you know, uh Tony was there, and the new police dog was there in addition to the motorcycle cops.

So thanks again for doing national eye out and doing the rounds.

Uh and today finally was um also wanted to thank the Twalton Valley Pride folks and city staff for putting the Pride event on.

Uh yeah, I would like to see more people.

I think it was just a timing issue.

Uh it started early, and I know Heidi and Julie mentioned about doing an after action and see what might be better next year.

And finally, today, uh Chair Harrington had her meeting with the mayors, and it was more discussions about the two Washington County levies, and she presented us with the new DEI um standards for Washington County.

Very, very interesting about the new plan, and you know what it's interesting.

They color-coded red, yellow, and green words that uh for any kind of federal grants for Washington County staffers.

Um, the red words can't be used, they have a list of words, there are substitutes for it.

It's just very interesting.

And you know, the gyrations the county had to do to continue to get the federal funding and revise their DE DEI policy.

I know they took a lot of heat uh from folks about it.

Um, and um Keith Wilson, the mayor of Portland's going through that same heat.

You know, when you're risking a couple hundred million dollars, um you you have to revise you know, you got to do what you got to do, or where you're gonna come up with those couple hundred million dollars.

Uh and that's it for me.

Anything else for the good of the order?

I moved to a journey.

All those in favor say aye.

It's unanimous.

Good night.

Have a very good evening.

Recording stopped.