West Linn City Council Meeting - May 12, 2026

The West Linn City Council met on May 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for a business meeting, preceded by a pre-meeting. The meeting included approval of the agenda with removal of the Water System Development Charge Methodology Update, adoption of multiple proclamations, receipt of the League of Oregon Cities Good Governance Award, consent agenda approval, award of a Safe Routes to School construction contract, and a city manager report covering Framing Our Future outreach, upcoming meetings, and the Abernathy Bridge waterline funding.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: Approved the April 14, 2026 Council meeting minutes.
• Resolution 2026-04: Approved the acquisition of real property, Tax Lot 21 E26D 00907.
• Both items were approved unanimously (5-0) without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak or provided written comments.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Modification: Council President Mary Baumgardner moved to remove the Water System Development Charge Methodology Update (Agenda Bill 2026-05-12-04) from the agenda and move the 2026 Safe Routes to School Construction Contract (Agenda Bill 2026-05-12-02) from the consent agenda to the business meeting. The motion passed 5-0.
• Mayor and Council Reports: Councilors reported on attendance at various advisory group meetings, including Planning Commission, South Fork Water Board, C4, Willamette Falls Locks Authority, and neighborhood associations. Councilor Kevin Bonnington noted a 33% cancellation rate for Community Advisory Group meetings year-to-date (45% since March 1) due to quorum issues, sparking discussion on possibly restructuring these groups. Mayor Bialostosky reported on the swearing-in of officers and attendance at the Meet the Mayors event.
• Community Advisory Group Appointments: Mayor Bialostosky appointed Kevin Segura to the Budget Committee, Jim Edwards to the Historic Review Board, and Dan Saltee to the Planning Commission. The appointments were approved unanimously (5-0).
• League of Oregon Cities 2026 Good Governance Award: Principal Planner Darren Wyss presented the award, recognizing the city's comprehensive and community-driven approach to the Waterfront Community Vision Plan. He noted that the council met 18 times over 10 years on the project, with 70 open houses, 700 attendees, engagement with 18 property owners, 40 civic group meetings, and about 3,200 website visits in 2024. Council members expressed pride and appreciation for the collaborative effort.
• Proclamations: Five proclamations were read and adopted:
  • Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation Awareness Day (May 16, 2026) – read by Councilor Bonnington.
  • Jewish American Heritage Month (May 2026) – read by Councilor Groner.
  • Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2026) – read by Council President Baumgardner.
  • National Police Week (May 10–16, 2026) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) – read by Mayor Bialostosky.
  • National Public Works Week (May 17–23, 2026) – read by Councilor Bryck.
• Safe Routes to School Construction Contract: Assistant City Engineer Clark Ide presented the project, which includes sidewalk infill on Bittner and Long Streets in the Sunset School neighborhood, funded by the 2018 Go Bond. The city received eight bids; the low bid from D&D Concrete & Utilities, Inc. was $576,967, substantially below the engineer's estimate. Community input shaped the design, including an added connection between Bittner and Exeter. Councilor Bryck noted that D&D did excellent work on the previous Cedar Oak project. Council President Baumgardner appreciated the contractor's collaboration. The contract was awarded unanimously (5-0).
• City Manager Report and Framing Our Future Discussion: City Manager John Williams reported on upcoming meetings, progress on the tugboat donation, and the Framing Our Future outreach initiative, which includes vehicle magnets, banners, A-frames, QR codes, business window displays, department videos, and city participation at the Wednesday market. Councilor Bonnington stated that community feedback is insufficient (only 33 comments on the site) and proposed an informal meeting with interested residents to increase engagement. Councilor Groner offered to speak to the Lions and Rotary clubs. Council President Baumgardner suggested ensuring presentations at every neighborhood association and linked the discussion to broader participation issues with advisory groups and neighborhood associations. Councilor Bryck emphasized the need to educate the public about less visible services like water, sewer, and streets. Mayor Bialostosky supported eventually forming an ad hoc task force. City Manager Williams noted that community participation will be essential if the city considers a financial request.
• Other Items Raised: Council President Baumgardner requested adding the Love a Lamprey Proclamation to the June 2 work session and discussing the renaming of Willamette Park to Toalamet Park to avoid confusion with Portland's Willamette Park. Councilor Bryck asked for an agenda item on public use zoning. City Manager Williams added that the Abernathy Bridge waterline replacement project has received the first $2.5 million of the $5 million state allocation, with invoices signed that day. Costs have increased; a full report will be provided.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous (5-0) approval of April 14 minutes and Resolution 2026-04 for property acquisition.
• Advisory Group Appointments: Kevin Segura, Jim Edwards, and Dan Saltee appointed unanimously (5-0).
• Five Proclamations Adopted: Unanimous approval.
• Safe Routes to School Contract Awarded: Motion to award contract to D&D Concrete & Utilities, Inc. for $576,967 and authorize the city manager to sign documents passed 5-0.
• Water SDC Update Tabled: Item removed from agenda; will return at a future meeting.
• Framing Our Future: Informal small-group meetings with interested community members will be arranged; further council discussion on advisory group and neighborhood association participation is expected in summer 2026.
• Future Agenda Items: June 2 work session will include the Love a Lamprey Proclamation, discussion of Willamette Park renaming, and possibly a report on Abernathy Bridge waterline costs. Public use zoning and Cedar Oak property designation will be scheduled.