West Linn City Council Work Session - February 3, 2025

The West Linn City Council held a work session on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a Black History Month proclamation, a proposed ordinance on feeding wild animals, a presentation from Metro Councilor Christine Lewis, a discussion on Flock Safety cameras, the 2025 Public Works project calendar, and the council's 2025 priorities. The session was informational, with no formal votes taken on most items, but direction was given to move several items forward.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda for the February 3, 2025 work session passed unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beau J. Genot (West Linn resident) spoke against the proposed Flock Safety cameras, citing Fourth Amendment concerns and noting that 37% of ALPR hits from fixed readers were reported as wrong. He expressed strong opposition, stating the cameras represent an unreasonable invasion of privacy and disproportionately target minority communities.

Discussion Items

Black History Month Proclamation

• Council President Baumgartner read the proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month, with the theme "African Americans and Labor." The proclamation highlighted the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids and encouraged citizens to participate in activities.

Ordinance Related to Attracting & Feeding Wild Animals

• Chief Mahuna and Code Compliance Specialist Nicola Higby presented a revised ordinance to prohibit large-scale wildlife feeding. Higby described multiple complaints (10-15 over the last few years) about issues like skunks spraying pets, rodent infestations, and poison affecting non-target animals. Current code lacks specific enforcement tools. The proposed ordinance includes an exception for bird feeders as long as it doesn't create a public nuisance. Council discussed potential abuse and enforcement approach; staff emphasized education-first. Council unanimously indicated support to bring the ordinance back for adoption at a future meeting.

Metro Councilor Christine Lewis Presentation

• Metro Councilor Lewis updated the council on regional affordable housing and supportive housing services. Key statistics: The 2018 affordable housing bond is on track to exceed production targets (130% of target), but all funds are already committed. The 2020 supportive housing services tax has placed over 6,000 households into housing, prevented over 15,000 evictions, and created/kept open 1,890 shelter beds. However, polling shows declining public confidence. Lewis discussed a draft framework for a potential renewal of the tax and improved oversight. Council expressed interest in scheduling a future work session to provide input to Metro.

Flock Safety Cameras

• Chief Mahuna and Flock Safety representatives David Johnson, Ashley Hickman, and Kristen McLeod presented the ALPR camera system. The cameras capture rear license plates from fixed locations, with 30-day data retention, no facial recognition, and data owned by the city. Real-time alerts for stolen vehicles, amber alerts, etc. Council discussed privacy concerns, data security, false positives, potential abuse, and policy safeguards. Councilor Bonton noted concerns about government tracking and unintended consequences. Chief Mahuna recommended pausing to gather community input before proceeding. Council agreed to take a pause for internal conversations and community engagement, with a potential budget discussion.

Public Works 2025 Draft Project Calendar

• Public Works Director Eric Leus presented the 2025 project calendar, including: water line replacement (6,000 feet of new main), summer road program (focused on upper midhill area, Hidden Springs, Santa Anita, Rosemont), 9th Street sidewalk project, pedestrian priority re-evaluation, corridor studies (Oman and 19th Street, Sunset Primary area), safe routes to school (Bittner and Long), and the operations facility (geotechnical work, wetland study). Also discussed ODOT's Highway 43 project (tree removal and construction starting March). Council discussed communication with ODOT and safety issues in the Robinwood neighborhood following a pedestrian fatality.

City Council 2025 Priorities

• City Manager Williams presented draft priorities from the January 4 retreat, organized into 9 items with strategies, council roles, and community advisory group roles. Themes included transportation safety and funding, basic infrastructure, waterfront implementation, and diversity/equity/inclusion. Council members suggested additions: include jurisdictional transfer for Highway 43, add Sustainability Advisory Board to water and Vision 43 items, and consider goats for vegetation management (humorous but serious). Council agreed to schedule adoption at the February 10 meeting with amendments submitted in writing.

Key Outcomes

• Feeding Wildlife Ordinance: Unanimous thumbs-up to bring the ordinance back for adoption at a future meeting.
• Flock Safety Cameras: Council agreed to pause and gather community input before any decision, following the chief's recommendation.
• 2025 Priorities: Set for adoption on February 10 with amendments to be submitted in writing before then.
• Oppenlander Discussion: Scheduled as a special meeting on February 18, 2025, to discuss the school district's letter of intent and city's position.
• City Manager Report: Upcoming meetings include February 10 business meeting, February 18 special meeting (Oppenlander and stormwater manual), and a joint work session with planning commission. Also noted a productive meeting with neighborhood association presidents on January 30, focusing on communication and emergency readiness.