West Linn City Council Business Meeting - August 18, 2026

The West Linn City Council met on August 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. for a business meeting covering routine approvals, public testimony, and major decisions including adoption of a code of conduct ordinance, approval of infrastructure contracts, and extensive discussion of ODOT construction impacts on residents. The meeting was held in a hybrid format in Council Chambers and virtually.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved with one removal: item 4B (City Manager Evaluation Process) was removed to allow more time to improve the evaluation process, to be brought back at a future special meeting.
• The consent agenda, including the July 14, 2026 meeting minutes, was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Roger Woehl (West Linn resident) presented a proposal to incorporate public art into the Vision 43 mixed-use corridor zone, recommending adding art to the purpose statement, requiring designated art locations in pedestrian amenity spaces, and ensuring major developments create public art opportunities. He emphasized creating a distinctive sense of place.
• Larry Didway (Superintendent, Clackamas Education Service District) announced the relocation of the Heron Creek Therapeutic Program to the former Bolton Primary School, serving about 100 students and 100 staff. He invited the council to a community open house on September 4th and noted the program will join the Bolton Neighborhood Association meeting on September 15th.
• Rachel Esterline (West Linn resident) testified about severe impacts from the Abernathy Bridge construction project, including constant noise, light trespass, vibrations shaking her house, and potential property damage. She described ODOT's lack of responsiveness and called for enforcement of noise ordinances, environmental studies, and compensation for affected residents.

Discussion Items

• ODOT Construction Impacts (Mayor & Council Reports): The council engaged in extensive discussion following public testimony. Councilor Bonington reported visible damage to the historic McLean House (cracked windows, walls, chimney issues) and noted that at least 26 homes are considering a class action lawsuit. City Attorney Kaylee Klein outlined legal tools: the current noise code has an exemption for ODOT construction, but the council can remove it; existing light trespass and nuisance codes may be enforceable. City Manager John Williams reported that ODOT has not responded satisfactorily to complaints and recommended using legal tools, including enforcing the light trespass ordinance. Council President Baumgartner expressed frustration that neighbors are being treated as "canaries in the coal mine." The council agreed to pursue a noise ordinance amendment, draft a letter to ODOT and state officials, and invite ODOT representatives to the September 1st meeting. Councilor Grohner suggested inviting ODOT to appear before council.
• Ordinance 1773 & Resolution 2026-06 – Code of Conduct on City Property: The city attorney presented a two-part approach: a slim ordinance granting authority to issue civil exclusions for disruptive behavior, and a detailed policy adopted by resolution. The ordinance focuses on disruptive behavior that prevents government function, balancing First Amendment rights. Civil exclusions are for 30, 60, or 90 days with appeal to municipal court. A verbal warning is required before exclusion. The policy will be posted at city buildings. Both items were adopted unanimously.
• Marylhurst Sanitary Pump Station Rehabilitation (Agenda Bill 2026-08-18-04): Public Works Director Matt Katz presented a contract to Colton Construction for $407,000 to rehabilitate the 1970s-era pump station, which has required increasing maintenance. The project was re-bid after initial bids exceeded estimates; the second round attracted six bids and came in under the engineer's estimate. The contract was approved unanimously.
• Operations Complex Final Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment (Agenda Bill 2026-08-18-05): Project Manager Morgan presented the final GMP amendment of $38,227,250 (inclusive of the earlier $17 million early work package) for the Operations Complex project with Scanska USA. The project is 1.8 million below the 50% design forecast. Site work has begun; tree removal started July 29, building permits received July 31. Council expressed excitement and approved the amendment unanimously.
• Water System Development Charges Rate Update (Agenda Bill 2026-08-18-06): Consultants from FCS Group presented an updated methodology, proposing a reduction from the current $12,871 to $2,644 per equivalent residential unit (for a 5/8-inch meter) due to recalculated capacity and growth projections. The new charge includes a compliance fee. Council directed staff to initiate the public notification process for a future adoption hearing. Councilor Bright noted the importance of clear communication distinguishing SDCs from maintenance needs.
• Other Reports: Council reports included updates on the audit committee kickoff, attendance at community events (Dinner with a Purpose, Willamette Falls Trust tour), ODOT presentations at other meetings, and an upcoming community survey on service priorities.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 1773 was approved on first and second reading, adopting a code of conduct on city property (effective in 30 days).
• Resolution 2026-06 was adopted, implementing the code of conduct policy and delegating authority to the city manager.
• Marylhurst Pump Station Rehabilitation Contract awarded to Colton Construction for $407,000; city manager authorized to execute documents.
• Operations Complex GMP Amendment approved for $38,227,250 with Scanska USA; city manager authorized to execute documents.
• Water SDC Rate Update – council directed staff to begin public notification for an adoption hearing at a future meeting.
• ODOT Construction Issues – council directed staff to: (1) prepare a noise ordinance amendment to remove the ODOT exemption, (2) enforce existing light trespass and nuisance codes, (3) document damages to properties, (4) draft a letter from council to ODOT and state elected officials, and (5) schedule ODOT representatives to appear at the September 1st council meeting.
• City Manager Evaluation Process – removed from agenda; to be rescheduled after further discussions.
• Legislative Priorities – council will submit individual ranked preferences by September 12th, with discussion at the September 15th work session.
• Community Poll – a statistically valid and opt-in online survey on service priorities will be distributed in the coming weeks.