West Linn City Council Work Session - September 2, 2025

The West Linn City Council held a work session on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including public comments on golf cart regulations, a proclamation for National Preparedness Month, a presentation from Clackamas Water Environment Services, a technical review of the Community Tree Ordinance and Tree Manual, an update on the Sewer System Development Charge, and a discussion on next steps for the city's General Fund budget needs. Notable decisions included consensus on changes to heritage tree maintenance responsibilities and approval of a reduced sewer SDC fee schedule.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously by the council members present (Mayor Bielasky, Councilors Bonington, Bright, and Council President Baumgardner; Councilor Growner was excused but joined later via phone).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Monica Dinard (Minneapolis resident who spends significant time in West Linn, husband is a resident) expressed support for allowing golf carts in the Willamette neighborhood. She described personal enjoyment and community benefits but noted a recent crackdown on golf cart use. She requested the city adapt ordinances to accommodate golf carts.
• Steve Fearing (representing neighbors in the Willamette community, 15-year resident, retired teacher and veteran) spoke in support of creating a golf cart ordinance. He highlighted benefits such as reduced traffic and parking congestion, lower exhaust and noise, and improved accessibility for those with walking challenges. He submitted a draft ordinance and noted that many other Oregon cities allow golf carts.
• The Mayor acknowledged the comments and stated the council would take the issue under advisement for potential future work session discussion.

Proclamation

• Mayor Bielasky read a proclamation declaring September 2025 as National Preparedness Month in West Linn, encouraging residents to prepare for disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. The proclamation was accepted by the council.

Discussion Items

• Water Environment Services (WES) State of the District Presentation (Greg Geist, Director) provided an overview of WES services, capital projects, and financial outlook. Key points:

  • WES serves 190,000 residents across six cities and Clackamas County, treating over 7 billion gallons of wastewater annually.
  • For West Linn, the proposed rate increase for 2025-26 is 4.9% ($1.45/month, ~$18/year).
  • Major projects: the Clackamole outfall project (on time and on budget at $58 million, serving through ~2080), the Willamette Pump Station and Force Main replacement (design phase, with a neighborhood meeting on September 10).
  • WES won the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies Member Agency of the Year Award for 2025.
  • Council members expressed appreciation for the partnership and the presentation.

• Community Tree Ordinance and Tree Manual Technical Review (Megan Big John, City Attorney Kaylee, arborist Todd Prager, interim arborist Mike Perkins)

  • The proposed amendments focus on technical clarifications, consistency, and state law compliance.
  • Heritage tree maintenance responsibility: Current code requires the city to maintain heritage trees on private property (9 trees). The proposed change shifts maintenance responsibility to private property owners for future designations, while grandfathering existing trees. City Attorney Kaylee suggested an opt-in provision for current owners. Council expressed consensus on this approach.
  • Additional discussion on emerald ash borer and Mediterranean oak borer preparedness, which may require future code adjustments.
  • City Manager noted that broader tree protections related to development are a separate planning process and remain on the department's long-term docket.
  • The amendments are scheduled for adoption at the September 8 business meeting.

• Sewer System Development Charge (SDC) Update (Eric (City Engineer), Doug Gabbard of FCS Group)

  • The proposed SDC methodology update results in a significant reduction from the current fee (approximately $5,000 to $1,094 per meter capacity equivalent).
  • The reduction is driven by analysis showing limited capacity needs: only $3.6 million of a $35.7 million project list is eligible for SDCs, and recent SDC expenditures already collected $1.5 million for future projects.
  • The fee schedule will be indexed for inflation; the city plans to revisit the SDC every five years or upon major planning changes.
  • Council members asked about flexibility for future growth (e.g., Stafford area). Staff responded that future master plan updates or rezonings would trigger a recalculation.
  • The new fee schedule is scheduled for adoption on September 8.

• Next Steps on City General Fund Budget Needs & Opportunities (City Manager John Williams)

  • City Manager proposed a dedicated half-day retreat-style work session later in September, facilitated by a professional consultant, to prioritize the many unfunded capital and service needs (e.g., recreation center, operations center, water infrastructure, bike/pedestrian safety, police patrol).
  • Council members (Bonnington, Bright, and Baumgardner) expressed strong support for the idea, noting the complexity of the issues and the need for focused discussion and public input.
  • The Mayor confirmed consensus to proceed with scheduling the session.

• City Manager Report (John Williams)

  • Noted the art display by former resident Marlana Stoddard Hayes (passed away in January 2025) in council chambers.
  • Upcoming meetings: September 8 business meeting (adoption of tree code and sewer SDC, discussion on Oppenlander property), September 15 work session (planning items, legislative update, Lady Bee tugboat agreement).
  • Staff are researching state law on golf carts in response to public comments.
  • Construction updates: water line projects nearly complete, annual road paving beginning (Rosemont, Santa Anita, Hidden Springs), ongoing ODOT project on Highway 43, and challenges with the AT Creek road project due to the school district contractor issues.
  • New city honors attorney Kristen James was introduced (joined the legal department).

Key Outcomes

• Consensus on Heritage Tree Policy: Council agreed with staff's proposal to shift maintenance responsibility for future heritage trees to private property owners, with an opt-in option for existing owners. City Attorney will incorporate changes into the code for adoption on September 8.
• Sewer SDC Reduction Endorsed: Council expressed support for the proposed SDC fee reduction from ~$5,000 to $1,094 per MCE (with indexing). Adoption scheduled for September 8.
• Budget Retreat Planned: Council directed staff to schedule a facilitated work session later in September to prioritize General Fund budget needs and funding options.
• Golf Cart Ordinance Under Review: City Manager will research Oregon law and report back to council on the feasibility of regulating golf carts.
• Meeting Night Change: Council President raised the possibility of permanently moving council meetings to Tuesdays; Mayor indicated he would discuss the process with the City Manager for future consideration.