West Linn City Council Meeting - April 14, 2026

This was a regular business meeting of the West Linn City Council on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM and adjourning around 8:10 PM. The council addressed three major items: delegating appellate authority for the Operations Complex land use appeal to a hearings officer, approving an early work package contract for the Operations Complex, and considering a donation of the Lady B tugboat. The meeting included public testimony on each item, staff reports, expert presentations, and final votes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting minutes of March 10, 2026.
• Approved a contract amendment for the Operations Complex Owner's Representative extension and additional budget (unanimous 5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Operations Complex Appeal Delegation (Resolution 2026-03): Multiple residents and former council members urged the council to hear the appeal itself rather than delegate to a hearings officer. Speakers included Ed Schwarz, Roberta Schwarz (individual and representing Savanna Oaks Neighborhood Association), Bill Relyea, Teri Cummings, Patricia Foster, and Michael Kapigian. They argued that delegating would abdicate responsibility, was procedurally improper, and could undermine public trust. Some cited the city's code and historical removal of the hearings officer role.
• Operations Complex Early Work Package: Several speakers raised concerns about the safety of the site (landslide and earthquake hazards), the lack of alternative site analysis, and the timing of approving expenditures while an appeal was pending. Speakers: Teri Cummings, Paul Olenginski, and Michael Kapigian. Luke Borland (AFSME Local 350-1) expressed the union's support for the project, trusting the professional studies and the council's decisions.
• Lady B Tugboat Donation: Supporters Sandy Carter and Alma Coston spoke in favor, highlighting the historical value of the tugboat and the advocates' commitment to funding all costs. They noted the city would not assume ownership until $250,000 is raised.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2026-03 – Delegating Appellate Jurisdiction: City Manager John Williams and Special Attorney Ashleigh Dougill presented legal options. Attorney Dougill explained that the council could either hear the appeal itself or delegate to a hearings officer. She noted that delegation avoids potential conflicts of interest since the city is the applicant, and that hearings officers are increasingly common in Oregon for land use cases. Council members expressed support for delegation to ensure impartiality and public confidence. After public comment and legal clarification, the council adopted the resolution 5-0.
• Operations Complex Early Work Package Contract Amendment: Public Works Director Erich Lais and Support Services Supervisor Morgan Lovell presented. They addressed public concerns about site safety by introducing geotechnical engineer Nagib Callis from Columbia West Engineering. Callis detailed extensive site investigations (2002–2025), including borings, seismic testing, and historical analysis. He concluded the site is suitable for development with engineered foundation on basalt. The early work package (up to $17 million) includes site preparation, utility work, and procurement of long-lead materials. City Attorney Kaylie Klein confirmed it is legally permissible during the appeal. Council recognized that proceeding now saves over $1 million by capturing the dry weather season. They approved the amendment 5-0.
• Lady B Tugboat Donation Proposal: City Manager Williams summarized the proposal from the advocates. Key terms: the city would not take ownership until the full $250,000 is raised; the advocates cover all remediation, site preparation, and 15 years of maintenance funding (intended but not yet formalized). Insurance underwriting confirmed no coverage limitations but recommended design features to mitigate liability. Councilor Carol Bryck opposed city ownership due to staff resource and liability concerns. Other councilors supported preserving local history and allowing fundraising to proceed. Motion to direct staff to return with final agreement documents passed 4-1 (Councilor Bryck dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-03 Adopted: The council delegated its appellate jurisdiction over the Planning Commission's decision on Project ID: CUP-25-02/DR-25-02/WAP-25-01 to a hearings officer. Vote: 5-0.
• Early Work Package Approved: The council approved the contract amendment for Skanska USA to perform early work on the Operations Complex, authorizing the City Manager to execute documents. Vote: 5-0.
• Lady B Tugboat Donation – Direction Given: The council directed staff to finalize agreement documents for the donation, consistent with the memorandum of understanding. Vote: 4-1.
• Next Steps: The council cancelled the next work session (April 21, 2026) due to lack of agenda. The next meeting will be a daytime work session on May 5, 2026. The City Manager will provide a summary of the hearings officer process to interested parties.

City Manager Report

• Framing Our Future initiative: The OWL (city newsletter) was mailed to approximately 100,000 addresses. The initiative aims to foster community discussion about the city's identity and challenges.
• Federal grant update: Congresswoman Bynum submitted a stormwater infrastructure project in the Bolton neighborhood for federal funding; approval could take 6–12 months.