West Linn City Council Work Session – May 5, 2025

The West Linn City Council convened on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. for a work session covering a wide range of topics including multiple proclamations for May, an update on the City Operations Complex design, technical amendments to the Tree Code, the VISION43 corridor project, and a framework for Community Advisory Group work plans. The meeting included public comments from one online participant and several reports from council members.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda for the May 5th work session was approved unanimously (5-0).
• All five proclamations were read and adopted by acclamation: Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2025), Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation Awareness Day (May 16, 2025), Jewish American Heritage Month (May 2025), National Police Week & Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 11–17, 2025, and May 15, 2025), and National Public Works Week (May 18–24, 2025).

Public Comments & Testimony

• One online participant, Mr. Barteroni, spoke in support of the Tree Code amendments, emphasizing the importance of tree preservation for the environment. No other public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• City Operations Complex Design Update (1:45 p.m.): Eric and the design team from Scott Edwards Architecture (SEA) presented a 70% design completion update. The project preserves a wetland and ravine on site, uses mass plywood (CLT) for structural systems, and includes 250 photovoltaic solar panels estimated to generate 133,000 kilowatt-hours per year. A LEED certification analysis suggests 21 assured points with up to 52 possible, but staff recommended not pursuing official certification due to ~$100,000 in administrative costs. The building is designed for resilience with a generator sized for three days of full operation and natural gas backup. Council questions addressed electric vehicle charging infrastructure (conduit for future expansion), a heated driveway idea, and potential geothermal options. No formal direction was requested; the next update will include a CMGC contractor award (~June 16, 2025).

• Tree Code, Technical Amendments (2:15 p.m.): Megan, Kaylee, and consulting arborist Todd Prager presented proposed technical updates focused on legal compliance, clarity, and administrative consistency. Key changes include: shifting burden of proof for tree removal from city arborist to applicant, clarifying permit approval criteria, updating definitions, and aligning fees with the city's master fee schedule. Policy considerations include revising heritage tree maintenance responsibilities (private vs. public), improving notification processes (online and email), and adopting a suggested street tree list. Council directed staff to bring the ordinance and manual back for adoption following a public comment period.

• VISION43 Project Update (2:45 p.m.): Associate Planner Chris Myers provided an update on the Highway 43 corridor project. Council gave consensus to remove focus area 2 (West Linn Lutheran Church) as changes to state law now allow low-income housing without code changes. The boundaries for focus areas 1, 3, and 4 were presented with minor additions from the working group and Planning Commission; council approved the boundaries. Three policy questions were introduced for future discussion: (1) whether new development should be required to include a housing component, (2) whether there should be a minimum two-story height requirement, and (3) whether buildings should step back when adjacent to residential zones. Council requested pros and cons for each question to be presented at the May 19th work session.

• Community Advisory Group Work Plans / Council Liaison Roles (3:15 p.m.): Staff presented a draft work plan template (using the Sustainability Advisory Board as an example) and a meeting report-back form for council liaisons. The work plans are designed to align CAG activities with council priorities and annual reports. Council supported the approach and directed staff to begin drafting work plans for each CAG, with approval anticipated in summer 2025. An annual CAG appreciation event was suggested.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved (5-0).
• All five proclamations adopted.
• City Operations Complex design update noted; CMGC contract award scheduled for June 16, 2025.
• Tree Code amendments to be brought back for adoption after a public comment period.
• VISION43 focus area boundaries approved; focus area 2 removed.
• Three VISION43 policy questions to be further discussed on May 19, 2025.
• Staff to draft community advisory group work plans and begin implementation of council liaison feedback forms.
• City Manager announced upcoming meetings: State of the City (May 6), business meeting (May 12), and possible budget discussions on May 19.