West Linn City Council Work Session - March 3, 2025

The West Linn City Council held a work session on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM. The meeting covered several topics including proclamations, a stormwater management manual, a proposal to preserve the Lady B tugboat, and an update on state housing legislation. No formal votes were taken aside from approving the agenda.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the agenda for the March 3, 2025 work session (motion by Councilor Bonnington, second by Councilor Groner).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Mayor and Council Reports: Council President Baumgartner reported on the Willamette Falls Locks Authority meeting, noting progress toward requesting state financial support to reopen the locks. Mayor Bielostowski provided an update on the ODOT Jurisdictional Transfer Advisory Committee, explaining the process for cities to transfer state highway ownership (e.g., Highway 43) with state funding for repairs. He highlighted the City of Tigard's successful application for a $50 million transfer of Highway 141, requiring a 20% local match (which Tigard met with maintenance credits). The mayor suggested West Linn could explore a similar transfer for Highway 43. Councilor Groner reported attending the Riverside High School science fair as a physics judge and a tour of the historic city hall renovation.
• Proclamations: Council President Baumgartner read a proclamation declaring March 2025 Women's History Month. Mayor Bielostowski read a proclamation declaring March 17–23, 2025 as National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week.
• Stormwater Management Manual: City Engineer Clark Eid and Jameson Lumpkin presented a proposed new Stormwater Management Manual to replace the current reference to Portland's manual. The manual aims to address gaps identified in a consultant's analysis, streamline submittal requirements, tailor rules to West Linn's terrain and infrastructure, and meet DEQ permit requirements. The city attorney noted the accompanying ordinance would adopt the manual and delegate authority to the city engineer. The council reached consensus to: (1) move forward with adoption of the ordinance at the March 17 special meeting, (2) post the manual for public comment, and (3) adopt the manual via resolution at the April 14 business meeting.
• Lady B Tugboat Discussion: Jim Edwards, representing the Advocates for Willamette Falls Heritage, presented a proposal for the city to accept ownership and display the historic 77-year-old Lady B tugboat at Willamette Park. He explained that the owner (Wilsonville Concrete) has agreed to store the boat until April 2026, allowing time for site preparation. Edwards presented a budget of $200,000 to construct a display facility and cover maintenance for 20 years, including two paint jobs. The advocates have raised $25,000 from two grants, contingent on city ownership. Council members expressed general support and interest in a partnership, but raised concerns about site location (parks board opposition to Willamette Park) and long-term maintenance costs. The council directed staff to work with the advocates and prepare a revised analysis and potential letter of understanding, with a follow-up discussion expected at the March 17 or April 14 meeting.
• City Manager Report: City Manager John Williams reported on upcoming meetings (March 17 special meeting with items on right-of-way vacation, finance policies, city operations facility), budget timelines (first meetings in late May), and legislative updates. He highlighted Senate Bill 49 and House Bill 2138, which propose to standardize zoning codes statewide and streamline housing processes. Council members expressed a preference to retain local control while supporting housing production. The mayor requested staff prepare testimony letters reflecting the council's nuanced position.

Key Outcomes

• Stormwater ordinance to be adopted on March 17; manual to be adopted on April 14 after public comment.
• Council directed staff to work toward a partnership with Advocates for Willamette Falls Heritage on the Lady B tugboat, with further analysis and legal agreement to be prepared.
• Council confirmed its position to oppose preemptive state housing mandates while supporting local housing efforts; staff to draft testimony.
• Mayor noted the application deadline for jurisdictional transfer of Highway 43 is November 2025, and asked staff to explore feasibility in coordination with Vision 43 planning.