West Linn City Council Work Session - September 15, 2025

The West Linn City Council held a work session on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The agenda included a code cleanup amendment package, an update on the Operations Complex Phase 1 pre-construction services and design, and consideration of a tugboat agreement. Council President Baumgartner was excused from the meeting. The meeting concluded with a City Manager report and adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Councilor Bonnington, seconded by Councilor Bright, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously (4-0, with Council President Baumgartner absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Mayor and Council Reports

• Councilor Gruner reported attending the Police Review and Recommend Committee meeting that afternoon, where the committee discussed their process and a report due early next year.
• Councilor Bonnington reported attending the Parks Board meeting on Thursday, where feedback was received about the Oppenlander project ahead of planned public engagement. Bonnington noted that the public has questions about continued support.
• Councilor Bright reported attending the Water Environment Services Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, which provided an update on their capital program that will need approval before forwarding to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.
• Mayor Bielostowski had no additional reports.

Discussion Items

• 2025 CDC Code Cleanup Amendment Package (6:30 PM, 30 min) Principal Planner Darren Wise presented the proposed code amendments addressing three topics: minimum and maximum density calculations, partition minimum density exemptions, and shape of newly created lots. The Planning Commission held two work sessions and a public hearing, recommending adoption with a minor addition from the City Attorney’s office regarding heritage and significant tree area measurement. No public comments were received during the process. Council expressed support for the clear and objective standards and directed staff to bring the ordinance to a public hearing on October 14, 2025, for final adoption.

• CM/GC Services for Operations Complex, Phase 1, Preconstruction Services and Design Update (7:00 PM, 30 min) The project team (Klosh Group, Scott Edwards Architecture, Skanska) presented an update on the value engineering (VE) exercise. The team is evaluating design refinements, site constraints (e.g., basalt layer, wetlands), and potential cost savings, including starting construction in a dry season to reduce costs. The design is not yet at 100% completion; the VE process is ongoing, and a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) will be brought back once design is finalized. Council emphasized the importance of maintaining functionality and utility for public works and parks departments. Councilor Bonnington offered to serve on a committee to assist, and the team noted that further updates will be provided. The current facility was described as aging, undersized, and inefficient, with critical needs for emergency response and employee workspaces.

• Consideration of Lady B Tugboat Agreement (7:30 PM, 15 min) City Manager John Williams and Parks Director Megan Big John presented a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Willamette Falls Heritage Advocates to preserve and display the 75-year-old Lady B tugboat at Willamette Park near the boat launch. The MOU outlines that the advocates would bear all hard costs (estimated $200,000 total), while the city would manage design, permitting, and installation. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PREB) expressed concerns about staff capacity, park congestion, and long-term maintenance. Advocates’ representative Jim Edwards noted that a project manager could be hired from raised funds to minimize city staff time. Council members expressed general support for the MOU but raised concerns about staff time, site selection, and future obligations. The MOU allows for alternative locations if needed. Council directed staff to check with the Historic Review Board and bring the MOU to a future business meeting for formal consideration.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Agenda: Unanimously approved.
• Code Cleanup: Directed to proceed to a public hearing on October 14, 2025, for adoption.
• Operations Complex: Update received; no formal action taken. Council expects continued updates and a GMP proposal in the future.
• Tugboat Agreement: Council leaning toward supporting the MOU, with concerns noted. Staff will conduct additional consultations and return with a final MOU for a vote at a business meeting.
• City Manager Report: Upcoming meetings noted: a daytime work session on October 7 (joint with council rules and legislative update) and a business meeting on October 14. The city manager’s evaluation process is ongoing, with an executive session to be scheduled.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:50 PM.