West Linn City Council Work Session - February 3, 2026

The West Linn City Council held a work session on February 3, 2026, addressing a range of topics including a proclamation for Black History Month, the 2025 Police Review and Recommend Committee annual report, water system development charges and rate studies, and continued discussion of the city's general fund and parks utility service fee. The meeting also included public comment on potential marijuana dispensaries and council reports on community engagement.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the agenda for the work session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Gardner, a 22-year West Linn resident, expressed opposition to allowing marijuana dispensaries in the city, calling it a quality-of-life issue. He noted that dispensaries are not allowed in Wilsonville and are available in Oregon City, and argued that marginal revenue would not be material. He suggested that if the city moves forward, the issue should be placed on a ballot for voters to decide.

Proclamations

Black History Month Proclamation (February 2026)

• Mayor Bielist read the proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month, recognizing the 100th anniversary of Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initial observance in 1926. The council encouraged community participation in Black History Month activities.

Reports and Presentations

Police Review and Recommend Committee Annual Report

• Committee members Sarah Werbaff and Mary Carlson presented the 2025 annual report. The committee reviewed 11 complaints against police officers out of approximately 13,000 calls for service and 4,800 traffic stops. No complaints were deemed serious enough to warrant further investigation. The committee noted improvements in customer service following training (e.g., de-escalation training) and implemented process improvements, including a rotating point person and regular meetings. Staff from the police department and city administration expressed strong support for the committee's work and the value of community perspectives.
• Council members praised the committee's dedication and suggested sharing the model with other cities via the League of Oregon Cities.

Discussion Items

Joint Meeting with Utility Advisory Board – Water SDCs and Water Rates

• Water System Development Charges (SDCs): City Engineer Eric Layers presented a proposed reduction in water SDCs due to West Linn being largely built-out. The current charge per meter (5/8-inch) is $13,205; the maximum allowable fee under the new methodology is significantly lower (e.g., $2,644 per equivalent unit). The reduction is driven by limited growth and a small percentage of capacity-expanding projects in the master plan (12%). Staff recommended proceeding to an adoption hearing. Council requested additional information on how future densification (e.g., Vision 43, Tamwada Village) might affect the calculation.
• Water Rates Discussion: Consultant Amanda presented a revenue requirement analysis showing that fully funding all capital projects from the water system master plan (total $73.5 million through 2035) would require a 25% rate increase in fiscal year 2027 and another 25% in 2028, followed by 5% increases. This assumes receipt of a $6.25 million grant; without it, the increases would be 10% higher. The city charter caps annual rate increases at 5% without voter approval. Council and UAB members discussed the need for communication with the public, potential revision of the charter's 5% cap, and equity considerations in rate design (e.g., the first seven CCF included in the base charge). No immediate action was taken; the discussion was for information.

Continued Discussion – City General Fund and Parks Utility Service Fee

• City Manager John Williams proposed a roadmap for community engagement on the city's financial needs, starting with a one-month listening session to gather resident expectations and priorities, followed by council synthesis in April. Council members expressed support for moving forward with the proposed $5.20/month increase to the parks utility service fee to fund the city's operations center project (estimated $45 million). Councilor Groner favored implementing the full $5.20 as soon as possible (effective March or April) rather than phasing it. Parks Director Megan Bingham clarified that additional general fund needs beyond the $5.20 are for maintaining existing assets, not new services. The council directed staff to bring back the fee increase for adoption at the next or March business meeting. The broader financial strategy will be discussed further at the upcoming council retreat.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved unanimously at 6:05 pm.
• Black History Month Proclamation adopted for February 2026.
• Police Review and Recommend Committee's 2025 report accepted with appreciation; staff to explore sharing the model with other cities.
• Water SDCs: Council directed staff to bring back additional information on growth assumptions from Vision 43 and other redevelopment plans before proceeding to an adoption hearing.
• Water Rates: No action taken; the discussion served as a baseline for future policy decisions.
• Parks Utility Service Fee: Council reached consensus to approve a $5.20/month increase to fund the operations center, effective in March or April 2026. Staff will prepare an ordinance for adoption at a future meeting.
• Financial Roadmap: Council agreed to use the city retreat to further develop a community engagement plan for addressing the city's overall financial needs.