Public Meetings - Tualatin, Oregon

The Tualatin City Council held a work session on September 8, 2025, to discuss the Neighborhood Transportation Safety Program (NTSP) update, preparation of the 2026 state and federal legislative agendas, allocation of $50,000 in outside agency funds, and a request to review tow ordinance rates. The meeting also included a manager's report and council round table. Neighborhood Transportation Safety Program (NTSP) Update - Presented by Engineering Associate Abby McFetcher and City Engineer Mike McCarthy. - Completed projects: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at IBOC and Columbia, and signal upgrades at Boons Ferry that changed driver-facing indications to reduce pedestrian conflicts. A second RRFB was installed to connect the high school to a safer crossing. - Ongoing project: RRFB on Hazelbrook linking the newly completed trail under Highway 99 to existing sidewalk, improving safety for Hazelbrook Middle School students. - Program budget: $150,000 per fiscal year covering design, construction, and data collection. The 2025-2026 cycle is in the advertising phase (September 2025); submissions are accepted year-round but the cutoff for the current cycle is October 1, 2025. - Project selection criteria: safety, equity, feasibility, and impact. The city uses crash data, speed counts, and equity maps to evaluate submissions. - Councilors asked about outreach for residents without internet access; staff noted phone calls can be directed to the program manager. Councilor Brooks requested sidewalk gap maps and ADA compliance maps, which staff indicated are available via GIS. - Council President Pratt praised the program and asked about handling projects that exceed the budget; staff noted such projects are brought to a steering committee for awareness and potential future funding. Legislative Agenda Preparation – State & Federal - Presented by Deputy City Manager Megan George and Policy Analyst Cody Field. - State: Recap of the 2025 legislative agenda – received $1.75 million for seismic valves (kickoff call held), funded a Veterans Plaza shade structure, and had a back-pocket transportation project that was not pursued. The 2026 short session is expected to address: transportation funding (unfinished package from 2025), state budget pressures (revenue forecast worsened by federal policy), transient lodging tax reform (bill to shift tourism allocation from 70% to 40% for more flexibility), rent assistance/eviction prevention, economy stimulants, and an Oregon Government Ethics Commission advisory on food for council/staff. - Councilors discussed what keeps them up at night: housing affordability and home rule (measures 550 and 47), business retention and economic downturn, social service gaps, emergency preparedness and FEMA cuts, youth and senior mental health, and fear of government overreach. Some supported the existing policy themes; others stressed the need for downtown revitalization, job creation, and protecting local control. - Federal: Previous priorities included CDBG funding, community fueling infrastructure, and railroad crossing elimination. The 2025 project request for 65th/Borland Sagert received $250,000 of the $3 million asked. Council discussed whether to accept the award (which would federalize the project and cause delays) or decline and resubmit or fund locally. Councillors generally leaned toward declining and identifying a different project that fits a smaller funding level. Councilor Brooks noted the impact of federal cuts on education, health, and community safety. Councilor Hillier asked about shifting the Veterans Plaza project to the federal side, but staff noted poor programmatic fit. - Council asked staff to bring a draft legislative agenda for adoption between December 2025 and January 2026. Allocation of Funds for Outside Agencies - Councilor Hillier recused herself due to a conflict of interest. The council reviewed applications totaling over $100,000 against a $50,000 budget. - Using prior year awards as a starting point, council negotiated allocations via round-robin discussion. The final tentative allocations (to be placed on the consent agenda): - Borland Free Clinic: $4,000 - Community Partners for Affordable Housing: $2,000 - Community Warehouse: $500 - Domestic Violence Resource Center: $2,250 - Family Peace Center (formerly Family Justice Center of Washington County): $4,500 - Family Promise of Tualatin Valley: $5,250 - Just Compassion: $1,000 - Love Inc.: $500 - Neighbors Nourishing Communities: $500 - The Peley Group: $2,000 - Ride Connection: $2,000 - Sexual Assault Resource Center: $2,500 - SMART Reading: $4,500 - The Foundation for Tigard-Tualatin Schools: $2,500 - Tigard-Tualatin Family Resource Center: $4,000 - Tualatin Food Pantry: $5,000 - Tualatin River Keepers: $3,500 - Tualatin Together: $3,100 - Tualatin Valley Pride: $400 - Agencies receiving $0: Fast Pitch Softball Association, Good Neighbor Center, and others that did not reapply or were not prioritized. - Council emphasized support for new applicants (Ride Connection, Just Compassion) and food-related programs. Some existing agencies were reduced to accommodate new requests. Request for Review of Tow Ordinance Rates - Assistant City Manager Don Hudson presented a letter from Beaverton Towing requesting rate increases, as the current rates were set in 2013. Proposed changes included: after-hours release from $25 to $55, hookup fee from $55 to $85, and increases in mileage, release-at-scene, and storage fees. - Councilors expressed concerns about regressive impacts on low-income residents and the lack of comparative data. Councilor Gonzalez stated a "solid no" to any increase without further research. Councilor Brooks requested benchmarking against other cities and verification of which of the 10 licensed tow companies are still active. Councilor Hillier considered the proposed rates unreasonable. - Council directed staff to research rates in comparable jurisdictions and report back before any ordinance amendment. No immediate action was taken. Key Outcomes - The NTSP update was received as information; the program continues with the current cycle. - Legislative agenda: Staff will return in November with a draft for adoption in December/January. Council consensus is to decline the $250,000 federal grant for the 65th/Borland Sagert project and explore alternative small-scale projects. - Outside agency allocations were tentatively agreed upon and will be included on the consent agenda at the next regular council meeting. - Tow ordinance: No changes adopted; staff will research and present comparative rate information at a future meeting. - The next city council meeting will include proclamations for National Preparedness Month (Council President Pratt), 9/11 (Councilor Hillier), and Hispanic Heritage Month (Councilors Reyes and Gonzalez), as well as a resolution accepting a $125,000 state homeland security grant for badge access.

The Tualatin City Council held a regular meeting on September 8, 2025, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting featured three proclamations, public comments regarding tree preservation, a special report from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), adoption of a resolution supporting a library services levy, and a council discussion on liquor license application processes. Consent Calendar - Approved the work session and regular meeting minutes of August 25, 2025. - Adopted Resolution Nos. 5908-25, 5909-25, and 5910-25, accepting grant funds for traffic safety enforcement from the Oregon Department of Transportation. - All consent items were adopted unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Danny O'Neill spoke about tree preservation on Norwood Road. He cited an email from the city’s principal engineer to the developer of Norwood Townhomes (Horizon Partition Project) indicating that a proposed planter strip did not meet the minimum six-foot requirement. O'Neill argued that the developer’s latest submission better protects mature trees and urged the city to take responsibility for protecting trees. - Ken Allen (property owner at 9300 SW Norwood Road) expressed frustration that the city’s engineering staff is not accepting his plans to preserve trees, despite community development director Mike McCarthy’s earlier statement that the city aims to preserve trees. Allen asked the council to give clear direction to staff to authorize preservation-oriented designs. - Mayor responded that staff already knows the council’s priority to save trees, referencing lessons from the Autumn Sunrise project. Discussion Items - CERT 2024-2025 Annual Report – Kathy Holland (CERT President) and other team members presented the report. Key highlights: 195 members (125 active), 83 licensed ham operators, 64 GMRS licensees, expansion into FRS (family radio service) for neighborhood nets, and completion of solar power installation on the mobile communications unit (total cost $13,000 vs. comparable units costing $500,000–$1,000,000). The team hosts a preparedness fair (third annual) on Saturday, September 13, at the library, offering free go‑bags and exhibitors. New projects include a countywide CERT training day on October 25 and CPR training classes starting in October. Council members asked about integrating FRS radios and city emergency plans; CERT noted that full integration with the city’s emergency plan is pending staff capacity. - Liquor License Application Process – Councilor Hillier raised concerns that some businesses (e.g., nail salons) with liquor licenses are not following OLCC rules on food service hours, server training, and ID checks. She proposed adding questions to the city’s liquor license application, increasing fees, and ensuring annual renewals address compliance. Councilor Brooks requested more information on license types and the city’s role. City Attorney Kevin will prepare a basic training summary for the council on the approval process, license types, and potential financial impacts. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda adopted unanimously. - Resolution No. 5911-25 supporting the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) local option levy (Ballot Measure 34-345) was adopted unanimously by roll call vote. - CERT report received; council expressed appreciation. - Council directed the City Attorney to research and provide information on the liquor license application process, including possible amendments to the application, fee structures, and financial implications. No immediate changes were made.

This work session covered two major presentations: a legislative update from the city's government relations firm, Thorn Run Partners, and the annual report from the Community Involvement Organizations (CIOs). The council also discussed its support for the upcoming Washington County Cooperative Library System levy and heard several staff and council announcements. Thorn Run Partners – 2025 State & Federal Legislative Update - The 2025 long legislative session (January–June) saw over 4,000 bills introduced, a record for Oregon’s part-time legislature. Budget constraints were tight due to the first quarterly revenue decrease since 2011. Transportation, behavioral health, K-12, and wildfire funding dominated the session. - Significant bills included Senate Bill 916 (strike pay, amended with a waiting period and benefit cap), a property tax study bill (SB 949) that now includes Association of Oregon Counties and League of Oregon Cities seats, and permanent recreational immunity protections for activities like walking, running, and equestrian use. - A special transportation session is underway. The current LC2 version proposes a 6-cent gas tax increase, higher title and registration fees, a push for road user charges on EVs/hybrids, and preserves the 50/30/20 state-local revenue split. The City of Tualatin was awarded $1.75 million in general fund dollars (House Bill 5006) for seismic valving, with sponsorship from Senator Wagner and Representative Walters. - Looking ahead to the 2026 short session (February 2 – March 9, 2026), major challenges include a projected $15 billion federal Medicaid and SNAP budget hole over 10 years due to HR1 reconciliation and new work requirements. - On the federal side, uncertainty persists around appropriations. A short-term continuing resolution (CR) is expected by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown. Representative Salinas secured $250,000 for the Borland/65th Avenue project in the House THUD bill (the city had requested $3 million). The team will begin FY27 project requests. - Other federal wins: CDBG funding was preserved in both House and Senate bills; municipal tax-exempt bonds were protected; and the city continues to advocate for the railroad crossing elimination program. Community Involvement Organizations (CIOs) – Annual Report - Seven CIOs (volunteer-led, 44 leadership members) provided updates on community engagement, events, and development challenges. Events included the Midwest CIO’s National Night Out ice cream social (with CERT, library, police) and Byrum CIO’s holiday light parade watch party. - Key development issues: - IBAC CIO: A proposed development at 103rd & IBAC (1.76 acres, HB 2001 allows 25 townhomes/acre) generated over 100 angry residents at meetings. The developer agreed to four key concessions: no dump/recycling station, buildings inward-facing, single access point, and no building taller than two stories. Parking remains a major concern due to HB 2001’s lack of parking requirements. - Byrum CIO: The Basalt Creek Living development has involved transparent, frequent community meetings (every 1–2 months). The developer (Doe) listened to concerns on traffic, tree preservation, and unit count. The Norwood project tree-save effort is still a work in progress. - River Park CIO: The LAM development has been less transparent, with no meaningful community engagement and litigation ongoing. The Planning Commission recently moved the project to Architectural Review (scheduled September 10). The intersection at 115th was relocated but not eliminated. - CIO Boundary Expansion Options: Currently, residents in downtown and Bridgeport areas are unrepresented. Three main options plus a fourth are under review: 1. Expand Byrum south to include Autumn Sunrise and Plambeck Gardens. 2. Split downtown/Bridgeport between River Park and East Tualatin. 3. Extend Martinazzi Woods north to cover downtown/Bridgeport. 4. Create a new seventh CIO specifically for the downtown/Bridgeport corridor (this option may reduce household counts in River Park and East Tualatin). - Other CIO updates: The grant limit was increased from $1,500 to $2,500, now covering event insurance. Four CIOs declined nonprofit incorporation; three are still considering. No formal training exists for new CIO board members—discussion arose about restarting volunteer training post-COVID. Key Outcomes - Library Levy Support: The council unanimously expressed support for the Washington County Cooperative Library System levy. A formal resolution of support will be brought to the next council meeting. Council members may sign on to voters’ pamphlet arguments as requested by the foundation. - CIO Boundary Process: The council encouraged inclusion of all Tualatin residents, noted the value of transparent developer communication, and acknowledged the legal constraints preventing council members from participating in neighborhood meetings due to ex parte rules. Staff will consider developing a fact sheet or community advocate to help residents understand the land-use process. - Staff Announcements: Climate Action Program Manager position is open (closes November 14; 9 candidates already); Street/Sewer/Storm Manager Bert Olheiser is retiring after 35 years; Deputy City Manager Megan George was appointed to the Oregon City County Managers Association board; and the city received a notice to proceed with CDBG-funded poll center improvements. - Upcoming Events: Emergency Preparedness Fair (September 13 at the library); Labor Day closures (city facilities closed Monday, library closed Tuesday–Friday).

On August 25, 2025, the Tualatin City Council held a regular meeting that included a proclamation for Constitution Week, introduction of new police K9 Drea, a presentation from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, approval of a School Resource Officer intergovernmental agreement, advisory committee appointments, and consideration of two liquor license applications. The meeting also featured council discussion on potential housing and homelessness solutions. Proclamations and Introductions - Constitution Week Proclamation: Cameron and Jordan, representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presented a proclamation recognizing September 17–23, 2025, as Constitution Week, marking the 238th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. - New Employee Introduction: Chief Pickering introduced K9 Drea, a new canine officer from Golden Gate Kennels. Drea, who turned one on August 20, 2025, had already seized 135 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately $60,000 in cash. She was certified through the Oregon Police K9 Officers Association on July 31, 2025. Consent Calendar The consent agenda, approved by a unanimous voice vote, included the following items: - Approval of the August 11, 2025, work session and regular meeting minutes. - Approval of a new liquor license application for RECS (removed and heard separately). - Approval of a new liquor license application for Glow Gifts and Candle Studio (removed and heard separately). - Resolution 5902-25 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Clean Water Services for the design phase of the Martinazzi sewer trunk upsizing project. - Resolution 5904-25 authorizing amendment one to the contract with OTEC for design of the 65th/Borough/Sagert Improvements Project. - Resolution 5905-25 awarding a contract to McDonald and Weddell for construction of the Tualatin Police Department roof replacement. - Resolution 5906-25 authorizing staff to submit an application for the 2025 Housing Planning Assistance Grant. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public provided comments. Special Reports: Washington County Sheriff's Update Sheriff Massey and Chief Deputy Errol McCray provided an update on the Sheriff's Office, including: - Jail Operations: The county jail is undergoing critical infrastructure repairs (roof, piping, fire suppression, HVAC) and currently operates at approximately 380 beds (down from 572 capacity). The jail is the second smallest per capita in Oregon. A $750,000 grant will expand the pretrial release program, bringing electronic monitoring in-house 24/7 (previously vendor monitored only weekday business hours). A jail capacity study projects a need for over 1,000 beds by 2055. - Interagency Teams: The Community Violence Reduction Team (CVRT), formed in October 2024, has executed 68 search warrants, made 49 arrests, and seized 282 firearms. A NIBIN terminal (funded via grant) analyzes shell casings to link weapons to crimes. - Search and Rescue: The cadet program (ages 14–17) responded to 60 time-sensitive cases. Project Lifesaver and Help Me Home tracking programs assist in locating missing persons with dementia or mental health conditions. One recent rescue involved locating a missing endangered person 30 feet down a ravine with serious head injuries. - Drone Program: The ROVT team includes 14 deputies and officers from multiple agencies, all FAA-licensed. Drones are used for crash scene diagrams, SWAT support, and search and rescue, with strict privacy guidelines. - Council Conversation: Councilor Brooks asked about representation of Tualatin in the cadet program (Sheriff Massey will follow up). Councilor Brooks also raised concerns about massage parlors and sex trafficking; the Sheriff confirmed detectives investigate such complaints. Sheriff Massey noted that the Sheriff's Office is statutorily required to provide a jail, search and rescue, marine patrol, concealed handgun licensing, and civil services, but patrol is optional. Discussion Items - School Resource Officer (SRO) IGA (Resolution 5907-25): Chief Pickering and Officer Brian Miller presented updates on the SRO program. Officer Miller reported 47 offense reports, 10 arrests, 33 supplemental reports, and 2 juvenile referrals in the 2024–2025 school year. Drug crimes typically result in education and social work referral rather than enforcement. The five-year trend shows a decrease in juvenile arrests. The IGA with the Tiger-Tualatin School District increases the district's contribution from 50% to 75% of the top-paid officer this year, with a goal of 100% in future years. Council members praised the positive relationships built by Officers Miller and Hernandez. The resolution was approved unanimously. - Advisory Committee Appointments: The Council Committee on Advisory Appointments recommended reappointments and new appointments. Approved unanimously: - Architectural Review Board: Skip Stanaway (reappointment) - Library Advisory Committee: Emily Lanson (new appointment) - Planning Commission: Justin Lindley and Alan Pericini (new appointments) - Liquor License Applications (Items Removed from Consent): - RECS: Councilor Hillier expressed opposition, stating that providing liquor at recreational venues is harmful to the community. The motion to approve passed 5–1, with Councilor Hillier voting no. - Glow Gifts and Candle Studio: Councilor Hillier similarly opposed, questioning the norm of serving alcohol at a candle-making studio. The motion passed 5–1, with Councilor Hillier voting no. Council Communications - Councilor Brooks raised a desire for further council discussion on the safe parking program and the use of city funds to support housing solutions. She noted that after the previous informational presentation, some community members believed a decision had been made, but she felt no decision had been reached. Councilor Pratt suggested that eviction prevention might be more effective and that the issue could be revisited during the next budget cycle. Councilor Reyes and Councilor Brooks agreed that more information and a transparent conversation are needed. Mayor noted that the budget is set for this year and suggested waiting for a future work session, possibly after the grant cycle. No formal action was taken.

The Tualatin City Council met on August 11, 2025, to introduce new city staff, hear public comments primarily concerning the preservation of mature trees along Norwood Road, receive presentations on two Washington County ballot measures (public safety and library levies), and hold a public hearing and vote on the adoption of the 2045 Transportation System Plan (TSP). The meeting also included a consent agenda and council communications. New Employee Introductions - Water Division welcomed Mason Williams (started March 10, 2025) and Levi Weldon (started March 20, 2025) as water technicians. - Police Department introduced Officers Chase Charbonneau and Matthew Vorberg (both started July 21, 2025). Both will attend the basic police academy beginning August 25, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Norwood Road Trees (multiple speakers): Community members (including Danny O’Neill, Julie Hieronymous, M. Roberts – ISA certified arborist, Brent Baby, Dan Cobb, Carly Case, Tim Neary of Byrom CIO, Dave Tully, developer Ken Allen, and others) urged the council to reject the city’s standard sidewalk/utility plan and instead adopt the developer’s plan that keeps a 13‑foot tree protection zone. Many cited the failure of the previous Autumn Sunrise development where trees were lost after construction. Ken Allen offered to install decorative safety railings and accept SDC credits to preserve the trees. City Engineer Mike McCarthy stated the city is committed to preserving the trees and is working with Mr. Allen on a revised plan. - Ducks (Kevin Mulvaney): Requested the city code be amended to allow flightless ducks as backyard pets under rules similar to chickens, noting they are companion animals, not food sources. - Library Levy (Rob Drake): As chair of People for Libraries, urged council to pass a resolution supporting Measure 34345, a replacement levy for Washington County Cooperative Library Services. - General comment on poultry: One speaker opposed allowing chickens/ducks, citing rodent problems and noise. Consent Calendar - Items 1–5 were approved unanimously by voice vote: (1) work session and regular meeting minutes of July 14, 2025; (2) resolution 5898-25 awarding contract for Nyberg Creek Trail construction to Nutter Corporation; (3) resolution 5899-25 second amendment for Basalt Creek Parkland management; (4) resolution 5900-25 first amendment for riverfront parkland management; (5) resolution 5901-25 first amendment for riverfront parkland management. - Item 6 (resolution 5903-25 amending city fee schedule) was pulled from consent by Councilor Gonzalez and considered separately later. Discussion Items Washington County Public Safety Levy (Measure 34345) - Sheriff Caprice Massey, District Attorney Kevin Barton, and Commissioner Christian Snyder presented the replacement levy for the November 4, 2025 election. The levy rate is 66 cents per $1,000 assessed value (approx. $230/year for a $350,000 home, $6/month increase over current). It would raise an estimated $337 million over five years, funding 16% of the county’s public safety system (jail, patrol, DA’s office, community corrections, juvenile services, mental health response teams, and victim support). If it fails, Sheriff Massey warned of massive layoffs and service cuts. - Council members raised concerns about the county’s overall budget shortfall (having cut $7.1 million from the levy request) and the lack of upstream prevention. Councilor Hillier and Councilor Brooks stressed the need for more holistic investments in mental health, substance use prevention, and poverty alleviation. Councilor Reyes asked why voters should support the levy when it might not directly benefit Tualatin. - DA Barton noted the jail has released over 2,000 inmates early due to overcrowding in 2025, and his office handles about 12,000 cases annually with only 47 attorneys (half the staffing per case compared to Multnomah County). - No formal council action was taken on the levy; it was an informational presentation. Washington County Library Levy (Measure 34345) - Lisa Tattersall (WCCLS) and Commissioner Pam Tries presented a replacement library levy at 37 cents per $1,000 assessed value (replacing the expiring 22‑cent levy). The typical homeowner would pay $129/year ($10.75/month) – an increase of $54/year. The levy funds 45% of WCCLS revenue; without it, services would be reduced (hours, book purchases, events, interlibrary delivery). - Council members questioned the change from circulation‑based funding to geographic service population, and the move to centralize collection purchasing (saving $4 million annually). Councilor Brooks emphasized libraries are part of the safety net (cooling centers, community resources). Councilor Gonzalez noted the assessed value example ($348,600) was far below Tualatin’s average ($500,000–$600,000), making the cost seem lower. Commissioner Tries acknowledged the levy increase but said every library will receive more revenue, not less. - Council took no formal action; the presentation was informational. Public Hearing – Ordinance 1451-25 (2045 Transportation System Plan) - Staff (Erin, Mike McCarthy, and consultant Brianna Calhoun) presented the TSP, a 20‑year roadmap with 113 projects, focused on multimodal improvements, climate goals, and pedestrian/bicycle safety. The plan updates the 2012 TSP and includes new street cross-sections with wider sidewalks, planter strips, and bike lanes, and narrower vehicle lanes to slow traffic. Public engagement involved focus groups, an online survey, and a 13‑member Community Advisory Committee. - Public testimony: Two speakers (Nancy and another resident) spoke in favor, but raised concerns about the potential grade separation at Boone’s Ferry/Tualatin-Sherwood Road/railroad (project CS‑1), which they felt could create a barrier. The TSP includes a financially unconstrained grade separation project to be studied further. A speaker also urged investment in traffic signal technology rather than roundabouts, citing pedestrian safety. - Councilor Brooks asked whether the maps distinguish residential vs. industrial areas; staff noted the online GIS allows overlaying zoning. - Council then voted on the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (items 1‑5): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 5903-25 (Fee Schedule): Passed on a roll‑call vote 5‑1‑1 (Councilor Gonzalez voted no, Councilor Reyes abstained). - Ordinance 1451-25 (2045 TSP): Adopted unanimously after first and second readings. The plan’s financially constrained project list includes active transportation, transit, and complete street projects; the grade separation at Boone’s Ferry/Tualatin-Sherwood/railroad was moved to the unconstrained list but may be built if needed. - No formal action was taken on the public safety or library levy presentations; council will consider a resolution of support for the library levy at a future meeting. - City staff committed to continuing to work with developer Ken Allen and an arborist to preserve the Norwood Road tree grove.