West Linn City Council Work Session - September 15, 2026

The West Linn City Council held a work session on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting covered public comments on the Oppenlander development and Bolton School parking issues, a detailed discussion on repealing the noise exemption for ODOT's Abernethy Bridge project, and consideration of the League of Oregon Cities legislative priorities. Council took steps to repeal the blanket noise exemption and scheduled a special meeting for September 22, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dean Sir (Miles Drive resident, representing neighbors and the RSNA) expressed frustration over lack of progress on the Oppenlander development, specifically regarding the Miles Gate question, the stub street design, wetland studies, and SDC (System Development Charges) funding. He requested city council instruct staff to open discussions for community engagement. City Manager Williams noted that Friends of Oppenlander had requested a work session, and council agreed to add it to an upcoming agenda. Dean Sir also thanked the city for its September 11 event and corrected the spelling of “Abernethy.”
• Wendy Gorski (Buck Street, Bolton neighborhood resident) reported that the Clackamas ESD program now occupying the former Bolton Primary School has 97 staff members but only 42 approved parking spots, causing overflow into Hammerley Park and adjacent streets, creating traffic hazards and trapping residents for up to 40 minutes. She stated the Bolton Neighborhood Association filed code enforcement case LP 26042037 and requested the city clear Hammerley Park parking, stop traffic on Parent Street, and conduct a change of use review. Council committed to investigate conditional use requirements and follow up with school district leaders.
• Jonathan Barton (neighborhood resident) thanked the council for its advocacy on the ODOT nighttime noise issue, noting the city's responsiveness and transparency. He urged repeal of the noise exemption and a comprehensive overhaul of the noise ordinance, having reviewed codes of other cities. He asked council to make this a priority.
• Rachel (resident) reiterated gratitude for the council's work but reported that when neighbors called the ODOT hotline the night before, they were told the neighborhood had agreed to work until 12 a.m., which was false.
• Josh (Bolton neighborhood resident, living directly under the bridge) described light trespass from bright stadium-style lights pointed at his home after midnight, which were turned off following complaints but then turned back on 30 minutes later. He reported loud scraping and banging noise at 1 a.m., causing his house to shake, and that work continued until 4:30 a.m. He questioned why work could not be done during the day when the site was often empty. Council expressed sympathy and concern.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 1775 – Noise Exemption: Mayor Rory read a statement recounting the history of the Abernethy Bridge project, ODOT's failure to adhere to its own commitments (e.g., promising loud work would stop by midnight but continuing after midnight on September 11), and the need for accountability. He noted that ODOT had that day offered to reimburse affected residents for hotel accommodations and attempt 24-hour notice, but called for a reliable system rather than attempts. Council members (Groner, Bonnington, Bright) expressed strong frustration with ODOT's actions and supported repealing the blanket exemption. City Manager Williams and City Attorney Kaylee presented a draft ordinance that removes the blanket exemption and establishes a special permit process, with the city manager as the deciding authority. Key points: adding a provision allowing citation of entities authorizing noise violations; a six-month exemption for state agency construction projects (though Councilor Groner questioned the need for a time limit); a 30-business-day timeline for city manager decisions on permits; and an emergency effective date. Council agreed to the ordinance changes and scheduled a special meeting on September 22 for first and second readings and a vote. Chief Rollins expressed sympathy for residents and noted the police department would support enforcement but preferred an organizational solution.
• League of Oregon Cities Priorities & Legislative Strategy Session: City Manager Williams explained that the deadline for LOC priority submissions is September 25, and council had previously asked for more time. He suggested council members send their top five priorities individually, then finalize at the September 22 special meeting. A draft legislative advocacy plan (by city lobbyist Doug Riggs, who could not attend) was included in the packet, proposing an outreach strategy including legislative breakfasts and coordination with Clackamas County. Council agreed to revisit last year's priorities and provide input. Councilor Binner noted that the LOC fall meeting will require a voting representative; Councilor Groner was the only one signed up to attend.
• City Manager Report: City Manager Williams briefly reviewed upcoming meetings: a special meeting on September 22 (with consent IGA item and noise ordinance), a work session on October 6 (council priorities update, possibly with Doug Riggs), and a business meeting in October featuring an annexation on Killarney Drive and a sub-regional transit study update. Councilor Bonnington and the mayor highlighted the quick replacement of a downed stop sign at Lancaster and Cornwall, noting excellent staff response.

Key Outcomes

• Council directed staff to proceed with repealing the blanket noise exemption for ODOT and creating a special permit process. First and second readings of Ordinance 1775 are scheduled for the special meeting on September 22, 2026, with an intended immediate emergency effective date.
• Council agreed to add a work session on Oppenlander development (including SDC funding for a potential park) to a future agenda; City Manager Williams will coordinate with Dean Sir.
• Council will follow up on the Bolton School parking and traffic issues, including reviewing the conditional use waiver and working with school district and ESD leaders.
• Council members will submit their top five legislative priorities to the city manager by September 25 for finalization at the September 22 special meeting.
• Mayor announced that ODOT has agreed to reimburse affected residents for hotel accommodations during nighttime work and will attempt to provide 24-hour notice; further details will be communicated to neighbors.