West Linn City Council Work Session Highlights: October 6, 2026

The West Linn City Council held a work session on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm. The meeting included public testimony on a proposed flavored tobacco sales ban, proclamations for Indigenous Peoples' Day and Water Professionals Appreciation Week, a legislative strategy update from contract lobbyist Doug Riggs, a comprehensive review of council priorities by City Manager John Williams, and a presentation on the city manager evaluation process by Eric Jensen of Jensen Strategies. The meeting concluded with a report from the city manager on operations center construction, the noise ordinance permitting process for the Abernathy Bridge project, and upcoming agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Birch (West Linn resident, representing West Linn Community Task Force and Community Living Above) urged support for a ban on flavored tobacco sales, citing youth protection. He read a written statement from Pam Pearson (Community Living Above) that emphasized the need for countywide restrictions, noting Washington and Multnomah counties have enacted bans and Wilsonville has voted support. The statement called for policies that reinforce prevention efforts.
• Joe Ferroni (West Linn resident) expressed agreement, highlighting that over 15,000 flavors exist with candy-like names (e.g., gummy worm, mango, bubblegum) designed to appeal to youth, arguing the tobacco industry uses flavors to mask harshness and create addiction. He urged the council to protect the community.
• Council President Baumgartner voiced support for restricting youth access but expressed concern about unintended consequences of a blanket ban on adults. Councilor Bonnington questioned where youth actually obtain products and whether a ban addresses root causes, calling for more research on enforcement and retailer responsibility.

Proclamations

• Council President Baumgartner read a proclamation declaring Monday, October 12, 2026, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in West Linn, recognizing the city’s location on ancestral lands of indigenous peoples, affirming support for tribal nations, and acknowledging historic injustices.
• Councilor Gorner read a proclamation declaring October 3–11, 2026, as Water Professionals Appreciation Week, honoring the city’s water and public works employees for their essential services.

Legislative Update & Advocacy Strategy

• Contract lobbyist Doug Riggs (Northwest Policy Advocates) presented a strategic plan for the 2027 legislative session. He discussed the political landscape (upcoming election, potential loss of Senate supermajority), key issues (transportation funding, healthcare, housing, water infrastructure, and the Willamette Falls Locks funding request for $11.49 million), and six strategic objectives: build legislative relationships, coordinate with regional cities (Lake Oswego, Tualatin, etc.), advocate for Highway 43 maintenance/jurisdictional transfer, pursue riverfront and locks funding, defend local control against state preemption (e.g., Oregon Homes rules), and improve information sharing.
• Council discussed ODOT accountability, the Abernathy Bridge noise and tolling impacts, and support for the locks project. Mayor suggested hosting a legislative breakfast at Historic City Hall to build regional alignment. Council supported the plan.

Council Priorities Update

• City Manager John Williams provided a quarterly update on the 2026-28 priorities. Key points:
  • Financial Strategic Planning: “Framing Our Future” community survey results show high satisfaction but a knowledge gap about service funding. Budget process to start soon.
  • Transportation Safety & Funding: Proposed sub-regional transit study with Lake Oswego, Sherwood, and Tualatin to address transit service cuts.
  • Community Gathering Spaces: Redevelopment Agency to consider property purchase on Willamette Falls Drive at October 13 meeting.
  • Drinking Water: Significant capital needs at South Fork and city system; water rate discussions forthcoming.
  • Waterfront Vision: Metro awarded nearly $400,000 for updated zoning and development standards.
  • Vision 43: Online open house had 117 visitors; planning commission work sessions on code review this fall.
  • Environmental Protection: Emerald ash borer response, LED upgrades, HVAC replacement, regional coordination on gas-powered equipment.
  • DEIB: Internal committee working on proclamation policy; council visit to Grand Ronde scheduled for November 6.
  • New Operations Facility: Construction underway; future disposition of old site to be considered.
• Councilor Bonnington requested closing the loop on cannabis dispensaries and flock camera topics via public communication.

City Manager Evaluation Process

• Eric Jensen (Jensen Strategies) outlined the evaluation process: 16 interviews (council, direct reports, others), online surveys for community and staff (launch October 12–26), draft report, two executive sessions (November 2 with council only, November 16 with city manager present), and goal-setting. Evaluation criteria are 12 ICMA core competencies (integrity, community engagement, equity, staff effectiveness, resiliency, strategic leadership, policy facilitation, service delivery, technological literacy, financial planning, HR management, communication) plus five goals set for City Manager Williams. Council approved the criteria and a 1–5 rating scale. City Manager Williams expressed comfort with the process.

City Manager Report

• Williams acknowledged art installation by artist Lindsay Boyer (origami paper sculptures).
• Upcoming meetings: October 13 (business meeting with chamber update, annexation, transit study IGA, Cedar Oak property designation, redevelopment agency meeting) and October 20 (joint meeting with planning commission on public use zoning).
• Noise ordinance update: Administrative rules completed; pre-application meeting with ODOT next week for noise mitigation plan; next noisy phase is “translation” of bridge components. City demanding specifics on timing, sound monitoring, reporting, and enforcement.

Key Outcomes

• Council directed the city manager to draft a letter supporting Clackamas County flavored tobacco sales ban, incorporating council discussion (including concerns about enforcement and adult access), and return with further research.
• Council approved the city manager evaluation criteria and process as presented.
• City will proceed with legislative advocacy plan, including coordinating with regional cities and hosting a legislative breakfast.
• Council will receive Framing Our Future survey results in November.
• City will close the loop on cannabis and flock camera topics through public communication.
• Next regular meeting: October 13, 2026, at 6:00 pm (evening business meeting).