West Linn City Council Work Session and Redevelopment Agency Meeting - July 21, 2026

The meeting began with a City Council work session that included public comments about the George Abernathy Bridge construction, presentations on water management and public use zoning, and reports from the mayor and council. Following the work session, the West Linn Redevelopment Agency convened to discuss updates to the Willamette Riverfront Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Area Plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amber Springberg (Grove Street resident) spoke on behalf of her neighborhood, describing four years of nighttime noise from the George Abernathy Bridge project (by contractor Kiwit and ODOT). She reported property damage, loss of property values, and sleep deprivation. She questioned whether ODOT had obtained a noise permit and urged the city to deny permits for nighttime demolition. She expressed disappointment that the city had not proactively protected residents.
• Brian Springberg (disabled veteran, former firefighter) corroborated noise levels exceeding OSHA thresholds, structural damage to his home ($20,000), and a neighbor forced to lower her home price by $150,000. He noted verbal abuse from workers and said a city police officer told him the noise ordinance could not be enforced because the project was not on city property. He asked the council to take action.
• Rachel Estherline (neighbor living 100 yards from the site) described her elderly mother's suffering, late-night construction until 3 a.m., bright spotlights shining into their home, and dismissive responses from the noise hotline. She called for a neighborhood impact assessment and better treatment.
• Council members expressed sympathy and directed the city manager and attorney to investigate the noise ordinance and related issues. Council President Baumgartner said she would contact Kiwit and ODOT directly. Councilor Bonington suggested bringing ODOT to a meeting and noted that Oregon City had received compensation for commercial properties. Councilors also discussed contacting state legislators. The city manager confirmed that West Linn's noise code contains a blanket exemption for ODOT operations but noted other nuisance code sections (e.g., light trespass, odor) may apply.

Discussion Items

• South Fork Water Management and Conservation Plan Presentation: Chief Executive Wyatt Parno presented the draft Water Management and Conservation Plan (WMCP), required by state law. He outlined four elements: system evaluation, conservation opportunities, curtailment stages, and long-term supply projections. Key points included distinguishing between ongoing conservation (e.g., efficient watering, leak repair) and staged curtailment (from voluntary to mandatory, triggered by storage levels or fish persistence thresholds). Current river conditions showed low snowpack and reduced flows, with a possible Stage 2 curtailment (limiting outdoor watering to 8 p.m.–8 a.m.) later in the summer. The plan is expected to be approved by the Oregon Water Resources Department by end of summer. Council members praised South Fork's management and suggested public outreach. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational.
• Public Use Zoning Discussion: Community Development staff (Aaron and Steve) presented three options for handling public uses (e.g., schools, fire stations, parks) in residential zones: (A) create a new public use zone, allowing outright permits with conditional use for high-intensity uses; (B) increase the threshold for minor modifications to conditional use permits, allowing administrative review; or (C) maintain the current system. Council discussed the pros and cons, with Councilor Bright favoring adding the topic to the planning docket for further study rather than immediate creation of a district. Councilor Groner questioned the advantage of a one-size-fits-all zone versus existing flexibility. Councilor Bonington supported further exploration but cautioned against allowing nuisance impacts. The council reached consensus to place the issue on the planning docket for a future mini work session. No formal vote was taken.
• City Manager Report: John Williams announced that the next City Council business meeting is August 18, 2026, with a full agenda including the code of conduct, city manager evaluation, guaranteed maximum price for the operations center, and water SDCs. The work session was then adjourned.

West Linn Redevelopment Agency Meeting

• Willamette Riverfront TIF Area Plan Update: Community Development Director Steve Coper presented an overview of the 2023 TIF Area Plan (333 acres), including its goal to stimulate investment and grow taxable value. He explained the minor amendment process (by resolution) and the option to add property as a target for acquisition. Staff were approached by the owner of 1793 8th Street (between Willamette Falls Drive and 8th Avenue). Coper presented examples of public plazas funded by TIF districts in Silverton, Sherwood, The Dalles, and Oregon City (OwI Plaza), with costs ranging from $1.6 million to $15 million. He noted that the TIF district currently has modest increment but potential for a modest bond. Historic Willamette Main Street representative Rebecca Hollenbeck expressed support for acquiring the property for community use and offered ideas developed through strategic planning.
• Councilor Groner questioned whether converting a taxable property to city-owned non-taxable use aligns with the TIF goal of increasing tax revenues. Councilor Bonington and Council President Baumgartner argued that the plaza would be a fundamental improvement for the area, that it is a missing community hub, and that the property offers a rare opportunity. Councilor Bright noted the site could serve immediate use for events like the Wednesday market and tree lighting. Mayor Bielostowski supported the proposal as a cost-effective first project to demonstrate urban renewal benefits.
• Vote: A motion to direct staff to develop and provide notice of a proposed minor amendment to the TIF Area Plan—identifying property for acquisition, including a disposition plan, and updating guiding principles and projects—was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously (5-0). The agency meeting was adjourned.

Key Outcomes

• Noise Ordinance Investigation: Council directed the city manager and attorney to review the noise ordinance and other nuisance code sections related to the George Abernathy Bridge project. Council members will individually contact ODOT, Kiwit, state legislators, and the Oregon Transportation Commission. A letter elevating resident concerns may be drafted.
• South Fork Water: No action taken; presentation received as information.
• Public Use Zoning: Council agreed to add the topic to the planning docket for further exploration (option A). No formal motion was made.
• TIF Area Plan Amendment: The Redevelopment Agency voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare a minor amendment that identifies property at 1793 8th Street for acquisition, outlines a disposition plan, and updates the plan accordingly. Next steps include appraisal, financial analysis, and public outreach.