Public Meetings - West Linn, Oregon

The West Linn Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a quasi-judicial public hearing for a Class II Variance (VAR-24-18) to reduce the rear-yard setback for a swimming pool, followed by the election of a new Chair and Vice-Chair, and updates on future work sessions and projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of Meeting Notes (December 4, 2024): The minutes were approved with a minor date correction (changed from January 18 to January 15). Motion by Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Watton, passed unanimously (6-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Stephen Miller (1344 Trune Drive): Raised concerns about slope instability and noise from the proposed pool. After staff explained that engineering and city noise ordinances would address those issues, he expressed satisfaction. - Elena Cuccini (1493 Sky Parkway): Testified in favor of the pool, stating it would enhance property values and provide a usable backyard for the applicant's four children. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Variance VAR-24-18 (1490 Sky Parkway): The applicant requested a Class II Variance to place a 741-square-foot (38' x 18') in-ground swimming pool 8 feet from the rear property line, instead of the required 20 feet. Staff presentation noted the pool is considered an accessory structure; normally accessory structures under 500 square feet can be placed within 3 feet of the property line, but this pool exceeds that size, requiring a variance. The applicant cited site constraints (a 40-inch diameter Douglas fir tree to preserve, irregular lot shape, and 6-foot grade change) and the need for water therapy as reasons. No testimony was received from the local fire district. During deliberation, Commissioner Jones moved for a continuance to obtain medical documentation related to the water therapy claim, but the motion lacked a second and failed. The commission then voted to approve the variance. - Election of Chair and Vice-Chair: Vice Chair Metlin was nominated and elected as Chair (unanimous). Commissioner Watney was nominated and elected as Vice-Chair (5-0-1, with Watney abstaining). - Staff Announcements: Upcoming meetings include a work session on the planning docket (February 5), a joint meeting with City Council on the Housing Production Strategy (February 18, Tuesday), and cancellation of the February 19 meeting. Staff also noted a new commissioner appointed by City Council will join in February, and a quasi-judicial training session is being planned. Updates were provided on the waterfront vision plan and the Highway 43 vision survey. Key Outcomes - Variance Approval: Motion by Commissioner Evans, seconded by Commissioner Watton, to approve VAR-24-18 as presented, directing staff to prepare a final decision and order. Passed 6-0. - Chair Election: Commissioner Metlin elected Chair (6-0). - Vice-Chair Election: Commissioner Watney elected Vice-Chair (5-0-1). - Next Steps: The applicant must file any appeal within 14 days of the signed decision. Future meeting dates: February 5 (work session), February 18 (joint council meeting), with training and additional hearings scheduled for March.

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM on January 15, 2025. However, due to a technical issue with screen sharing, the meeting could not proceed with its intended agenda. The only recorded remarks indicate difficulty in displaying content to participants. No other substantive business was conducted, and no decisions were made.

The West Linn City Council met on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of the agenda (with removal of one consent item), public comments on pedestrian safety and a community belonging proclamation, appointments to advisory groups and council liaisons, two proclamations, and a city manager report. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Consent Calendar - Agenda Bill 2025-01-13-01: Owner's Representative & Construction Management Services Contract — This item was removed from the agenda by motion due to unresolved contract language issues. It will be brought back at a future meeting in February. Public Comments & Testimony - Michelle Bombet Minch (West Linn resident, on behalf of Jewish Federation of Greater Portland) — Spoke in support of the Community Belonging Proclamation, citing a 63% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023 per FBI data, and 450 calls to Oregon DOJ. She shared personal experiences of anti-Semitism in West Linn schools and urged the city to use the State Department's "A Mayor's Guide to Countering Anti-Semitism." - Michael Selvaggio (Willamette neighborhood resident, parent at Atlas Academy) — Presented a petition with over 100 signatures requesting improved pedestrian safety at the crosswalk on Willamette Falls Drive near West A Street. Highlighted unsafe conditions for parents, teachers, and students due to high speeds, lack of lighting, and poor visibility. - Christine Lewis (West Linn resident, also Metro Councilor) — Supported pedestrian safety improvements, noting recent pedestrian deaths in West Linn and the need for immediate temporary measures alongside long-term planning. - Maria Isabel Morales (West Linn resident) — Attended to support the pedestrian safety request. - Wendy Blodgett (staff member at Atlas Immersion Academy) — Read a letter from a colleague describing near-miss incidents and asking for flashing lights at the existing crosswalk. She noted that staff must park across the street due to insufficient parking. Council acknowledged the concerns, noting the Transportation Advisory Board is reviewing funding options. Councilor Bonnington suggested exploring parking at historic city hall as a temporary solution. Discussion Items - Community Advisory Group Appointments — Mayor Bialostosky placed before the council a slate of appointments to various boards (Arts & Culture, Committee for Community Involvement, Historic Review Board, Library Advisory Board, Parks & Recreation, Planning Commission, Sustainability, Transportation). Two vacancies on the Utilities Advisory Board (no applicants). Council praised the high number of qualified applicants. Motion to approve carried 5-0. - Council Liaison Appointments — The council discussed retaining the same liaison assignments from 2024. Council President Baumgardner noted potential scheduling conflicts; Councilor Bonnington confirmed the Economic Development Committee would adjust its meeting time. Motion to retain carried 5-0. - Reports from Community Advisory Groups — Councilor Groner reported a clean audit from the Audit Committee; Arts & Culture committee received council approval; Parks & Recreation board planned the year's meetings; Economic Development Committee discussed Vision43 and requested direction. Mayor Bialostosky reported a tour of the Abernathy Bridge with ODOT on January 8 to discuss water line removal; City Manager Williams noted progress on financial aspects. - Proclamations - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — Mayor Bialostosky read the proclamation declaring January 20, 2025 as Martin Luther King Day, encouraging community participation. - Community Belonging — Councilor Groner prefaced the reading with personal remarks about anti-Semitism, including a recent incident in West Linn (swastikas on a mailbox) and the murder of family members in the Holocaust. The proclamation condemns bias and hate in all forms and reaffirms commitment to inclusivity. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved (5-0) with removal of item 6a (construction contract). - Community Advisory Group Appointments approved 5-0. - Council Liaison Appointments retained from 2024 (motion carried 5-0). - Proclamations read and adopted; documents signed by the Mayor. - Next steps: Pedestrian safety concerns will be reviewed by the Transportation Advisory Board; staff will explore parking options at historic city hall. The delayed contract will return in February. City Manager noted upcoming budget discussions in March, and the Oregon legislative session begins January 21.

The West Linn City Council held a special meeting on January 6, 2025, starting at 6:00 pm. The meeting included a swearing-in ceremony, election of Council President, a clean audit report, approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on a land use appeal that was continued, and authorization to negotiate a contract for public art for the Willamette Main Street bicycle kiosk. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 pm. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: Approved minutes for December 9 and 16, 2024. - Arts and Culture Commission Process: Approved the process and recommendations for acquisition of public art under the Percentage for the Arts Program. Public Comments & Testimony - Teresa Coughenaur (West Linn resident) expressed concern about the increasing frequency and noise of gas-powered leaf blowers in her neighborhood. She noted Portland has banned them and asked West Linn to consider a similar phase-out. The Mayor responded that the Sustainability Advisory Board has discussed the issue and has it on their goals list to work on phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers equitably. Discussion Items - Election of Council President: Councilor Carol Bryck nominated Mary Baumgardner for Council President. The motion was seconded and carried 5-0, continuing Baumgardner in the role. - Audit Report: Finance Director Lauren Breithaupt and external auditor Tonya Moffitt (Merina+Co) presented the Fiscal Year 2024 audit. The city received a clean, unmodified opinion with no findings, the highest level of financial statement opinion. The city is in full compliance with Oregon’s minimum requirements and is expected to receive the 'gold standard' ACFAR award again for 2024. Councilors expressed appreciation for the finance team’s work. - Public Hearing – Appeal of Planning Commission Decision (AP-24-02): The appeal concerned a 3-parcel minor partition and Class II variance at 2830 Coeur D'Alene Drive to allow five single-family homes access from a 20-foot shared private driveway. Mayor Bialostosky recused himself due to personal relationships with involved parties. Council President Baumgardner presided. The appellant’s attorney, Kevin Hart, requested a 120-day continuance to explore a judicial determination or withdrawal and resubmission. The Council voted 4-0 to continue the hearing to April 14, 2025, at 6:00 pm, leaving the record open for written testimony until noon that day. - Arts and Culture Commission Recommendation: Library Director Doug Erickson and co-chairs Shatrine Krake and Charity Hudnut presented the process for selecting an artist for the Willamette Main Street bicycle kiosk. The call for artists closed September 20, 2024, with six applications. Two finalists were interviewed. The Commission recommended artist Travis Pond, who will create a metal sculpture incorporating bicycle parts and West Linn imagery. A QR code will provide information. Jody Carson, representing the Historic Willamette Main Street group, expressed strong support. Councilor Bryck praised the design. The Council authorized staff to negotiate a contract with Travis Pond. - City Manager Report: John Williams reviewed upcoming meetings (January 13 regular meeting, January 21 work session), highlighted productive Council retreat outcomes (focus on infrastructure, traffic safety, community engagement, partnerships), and noted ongoing outreach (Highway 43 open house). He also mentioned library programs (Reading Resolution with goal of 2,000 pages or 25 hours in January; Glove Monsters craft project). Key Outcomes - Council President Elected: Mary Baumgardner re-elected as Council President (5-0). - Consent Agenda Approved: Minutes and Arts Commission process adopted (5-0). - Hearing Continued: Appeal of Planning Commission decision continued to April 14, 2025, at 6:00 pm; record open for written testimony until noon that day (4-0, Mayor recused). - Artist Negotiation Authorized: Staff authorized to negotiate a contract with Travis Pond for public art at the Willamette Main Street bicycle kiosk (5-0). - Next Steps: City Manager to draft revised Council priorities for discussion at a future meeting.

The West Linn City Council held its annual goal-setting retreat on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in a hybrid format from Council Chambers and online. Council reviewed 2024 priorities, took public testimony, heard community advisory group and neighborhood association reports, received partner agency and legislative updates, began the 2026-2027 budget conversation, and agreed to develop a draft 2025/30-month priority list for adoption at an upcoming meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda lists the first public commenter as Beau J. Genot; the transcript audio refers to him as Bo Janel. He expressed concern about the health and future of West Linn neighborhood associations, noting that a plurality are dormant and that more may become inactive, and urged a proactive education and outreach campaign to show residents the benefits of participation. He offered to be part of the solution rather than just raising the problem. - Later in the day, CJ Cole, president of the neighborhood association presidents group, gave public comment during the neighborhood association discussion. He said NAs are willing to collaborate with council and the city, offered NA help with legislative outreach, and asked that neighborhood associations be explicitly included in council goals. 2024 Priority Review and Directions for 2025/30 Months - I-205 tolling: Council called the anti-tolling work a win but not finished and agreed to fold it into a broader transportation and legislative advocacy goal. City Manager John Williams noted ODOT recently pushed the Abernathy Bridge project timeline and cost to up to $700 million and indicated costs would keep growing; he suggested treating it as a billion-dollar project. - Indoor recreation and civic center: Council thanked Parks and Recreation Director Megan Big John for reaching roughly 10 percent of the city population during outreach. Public support shifted from about 30 percent in favor / 70 percent against initially to closer to 45 percent / 55 percent later, but project funding was still seen as too costly. Council agreed to keep the priority, reworded toward pursuing partnerships and funding options, including with the Y, and to continue refuting misconceptions that the project was only an aquatic center. - Police Review and Recommend Committee: Council described the committee as a success and said its second annual report will come to council on January 21. Council agreed this work can be folded into a broader community advisory group goal rather than remain a standalone priority. - Drinking water capital needs: Council noted the water system capital plan was adopted on June 17 and that the next step is financing and rate analysis. Council agreed to change the goal from defining needs to funding drinking water system capital needs. Staff also updated council on lingering grant compliance and ODOT billing issues related to the water line project. - West Linn Waterfront Vision and Vision 43: Council confirmed both planning efforts remain priorities. Near-term work includes adoption of the waterfront vision and zoning code updates for the historic city hall district and Vision 43 corridor. Council discussed possible future steps such as tax increment financing feasibility work, the Bolton Fire Station property, and a Highway 43 jurisdictional transfer study, while acknowledging public confusion about the two parallel planning efforts. - Transit and transportation: Council celebrated new regional bus connections, including the 153 line and the 76 line, and heard that TriMet is proposing to extend the 153 from the Willamette District to the Oregon City Transit Center and back to Lake Oswego. Council agreed to keep transit and transportation as a priority with stronger emphasis on traffic safety, pedestrian infrastructure, crosswalks, safe routes to schools, and developing a dedicated funding source for small safety projects. - Environmental protection and sustainability: Council heard from Councilor Williams and staff about sustainability advisory work, including a sustainability consultant list of high-impact actions such as electric vehicle charging, LED upgrades, HVAC upgrades, solar installations, and fleet transition planning. Council agreed to keep sustainability as a goal and discussed the future public works/parks operations center as a possible new priority. - Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: Staff reported that over 20 percent of city staff have completed cultural competency training, a DEIB specialist has been designated, and the DEIB task force has become a standing committee. Council expressed continued support for the DEIB work and for developing tribal engagement, particularly related to the waterfront. Community Advisory Group Reports - Arts and Culture Commission: Reported strong engagement, a full membership, and ideas for more public art and community involvement. A bike kiosk and percent-for-art guidelines were noted as coming to council on the next agenda. - Committee for Community Involvement: Requested that council assign it to work with staff on a citywide engagement plan and provide budget funding for a consultant. - Economic Development Committee: Council liaisons reported the group feels listless and lacks a clear mission, and that members are asking council for direction and a concrete work plan. - Historic Review Board: Active and engaged; proposed work on a mission statement, community development code chapter 58, and a CLG grant application. - Library Advisory Board: Described as productive and well integrated with library staff and the library foundation, with no current censorship challenges facing the city. - Parks Advisory Board: Delivered a detailed annual report, praised parks staff and Councilor Bonnington, and asked council to be mindful of the strain on the parks department. Their priorities included GoBond completion, Willamette/waterfront park planning, and broader parks asset utilization. - Planning Commission: Had a very busy 2024 and wants council direction on implementing the housing production strategy, affordable housing opportunities, waterfront and Vision 43 adoption, zoning changes, community development code improvements, and increasing community engagement. - Sustainability Advisory Board: Provided a set of high-impact sustainability priorities and was complimented for staff liaison Dylan Digby's support. - Transportation Advisory Board: Has membership and quorum challenges, wants clearer public understanding of its advisory role, and emphasizes the need for a funding source for pedestrian and safety projects. - Youth Advisory Council: Met with council liaisons, wants to be actively engaged and receive direction; meeting schedule conflicts are being addressed. - Utility Advisory Board: Did not submit a report. Council liaison Carol Bright noted quorum issues, a need for clearer scope, and a coming challenge from the charter's 5 percent utility rate increase cap if South Fork Water Board capital costs require larger increases. - Public Safety Advisory Board: Currently inactive. Council discussed whether it could be restructured or possibly merged with the Police Review and Recommend Committee, while acknowledging privacy and legal constraints. Partner Agency Updates - Willamette Falls Locks Authority: Council liaison Council President Baumgartner reported a legislative bill sponsored by Representative Walters requesting $11.4 million to complete capital repairs needed for safe lock operations, in addition to $7 million already pledged in 2021. Army Corps seismic upgrades are finished, real estate transfer is expected within the next 24 months, and reopening is estimated in three to five years. - Willamette Falls Trust: Kate Brown is the newly hired president. The trust's main goal is site control, including exploring PGE's 64 acres not needed for power production. The trust wants to work with the city and is tribal-led, though the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is not currently participating. - Willamette Falls and Landings Heritage Area Coalition: Led by former mayor Russ Axelrod. The coalition wants to partner with the city on Historic City Hall and other regional heritage funding efforts. - South Fork Water Board: West Linn co-owns the board with Oregon City. South Fork is updating its capital plan, system development charges, and rates. Potential large capital projects could require rate increases above West Linn's 5 percent charter cap, which would need voter approval; Oregon City has a 3 percent cap. - Water Environmental Services: The county wastewater agency is reviewing system development charges and offers grant funding, including a 30 percent contribution for infiltration and inflow improvements that reduce treatment costs. 2025 Legislative Session - The legislative session convenes January 21, 2025. Contract lobbyist Doug Riggs was out of town but provided a memo. Staff summarized that ODOT says it needs an additional $1.8 billion just to maintain current work, and there is new legislative leadership with many new members. - Doug Riggs recommended a focused West Linn agenda on tolling, Highway 43, and the Willamette Falls Locks Authority bill. Council also discussed supporting Highway 43 jurisdictional transfer legislation, partnering with other cities to make the case, and watching housing bills that could create one-size-fits-all density mandates difficult for West Linn's topography. - Council President Baumgartner noted League of Oregon Cities City Day at the Capitol is January 28 and offered to carpool. Neighborhood Associations - Neighborhood association annual reports showed common challenges: maintaining quorums, recruiting officers, and sustaining engagement. Sunset Neighborhood Association was highlighted for restarting and increasing participation. - Council discussed ways to improve collaboration, including a potential joint meeting with neighborhood association presidents, an NA open house, a city-produced video explaining what NAs do, and more consistent council and staff attendance at NA meetings. - CJ Cole noted there are 11 neighborhood associations, two currently inactive, and that grants are distributed by population rather than per association. He supported developing succession and capacity-building training and said NAs want to be aligned with council vision. - Councilor and staff plan to attend the next Neighborhood Association Presidents meeting and report back on how the city can support the groups. 2026-2027 Budget: Timeline, Issues, and Opportunities - Finance Director Lauren Breihof presented the budget timeline. Preliminary work is underway now; department budget drafts are expected in February/March, final review in April, budget committee meetings in May, and council adoption in June. City Manager Williams noted adoption is roughly six regular council meetings away. - Major budget changes include consolidating parks, public safety, library, and planning funds into the general fund, moving the West Linn Redevelopment Agency budget to a biennial cycle aligned with the city, updating performance measures, and revising the city's investment policy for the first time since 2009 because the city has reached the LGIP investment maximum. - Known cost pressures include PERS rate increases of 2.91 to 4.3 percentage points depending on employee group, with the largest employee group seeing a percentage increase above 20 percent; property and liability insurance increases of roughly 15 to 22 percent; and medical/dental premium increases of roughly 5.5 to 9.2 percent. - Revenue options discussed included repealing the marijuana ban, a local option operating levy, a public safety fee, and fee schedule updates. Marijuana repeal was estimated to generate about $40,000 per year plus $50,000 to $60,000 per distributor. Council expressed interest in first gauging public sentiment through outreach and engagement. - Budget requests noted for council awareness included Main Street requesting $70,000 per year after receiving $60,000 and then $40,000 in the current biennium, Columbia Land Trust Backyard Habitat asking for about $15,000 per year, community grants at $25,000 per year, neighborhood association stipends at $20,000 per year, and continued funding for the Willamette Falls Locks Authority. - Council floated new budget-related ideas including a public works operations center, a Highway 43 TIF feasibility study, a land acquisition strategy, and a transportation safety funding study. Key Outcomes - Council reached consensus to use a 30-month planning horizon tied to the biennial budget and agreed to keep, reword, or fold most 2024 priorities into a draft 2025/30-month priority list. - No formal votes were taken. The City Manager will compile the day's notes, circulate a draft for individual council review, and bring a consolidated draft back for discussion in late January or early February. - Council will work to assign specific 2025 projects or work products to each community advisory group and to the neighborhood associations as part of the final priority-setting process. - Additional new priority ideas raised for further consideration included tribal engagement, more informal public engagement/town halls, operations center funding, Highway 43 jurisdictional transfer work, land acquisition strategy, traffic safety funding, and utility rate analysis coordination. - The retreat adjourned around 3:30 p.m., with council business continuing at the next regular meeting.

On Monday, December 16, 2024, the West Linn City Council held a special meeting and work session beginning at 6:00 p.m. The council unanimously approved the agenda, renewed the City Manager's employment agreement for two years, and held a joint meeting with the Historic Review Board (HRB) to discuss three priorities. The council also discussed plans for a January 4, 2025 goal-setting retreat and received a city manager report. Business Meeting - Agenda Bill 2024-12-16-01: City Manager Employment Agreement – Deputy City Manager Elissa Preston presented the renewal for December 2024 to December 2026, which included an automatic one-year renewal clause and updated terms reviewed by attorneys. Council voted 5-0 to approve. Council members expressed appreciation for City Manager John Williams' leadership, his ICMA certification, and his community engagement (e.g., running every street in the city). Williams thanked staff and council, noting it is a team effort with the city's 140 employees. Joint Meeting with Historic Review Board - Mission Statement Adoption – The HRB requested council adoption of a mission statement: "to identify, preserve, and protect the integrity of West Linn's historic resources." The board explained it guides their land use decisions and helps them address neglect and demolition. - Community Development Code (CDC) Chapter 58 Update – The HRB requested prioritization of an update to the Willamette Falls Drive Commercial Design District code to remove ambiguities, clarify decision-making authority (advisory vs. decision-making), and modernize historic design standards for new buildings. They noted challenges from a recent project and the need to align with state laws on infill. - CLG Grant for Historic Inventory – The HRB requested council support for a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant (up to $15,000, with city match) to conduct a historic inventory of the Moores Island/Willamette Falls Drive area (from the new roundabout to the power substation) and possibly along Highway 43. Chairman James Manning emphasized the urgency due to potential mill closure and loss of historic structures. He noted mill management is open to inventory. The board also mentioned that property owners must agree to listing; the inventory would identify eligible properties. - Council took the three requests under advisement for discussion at the January goal-setting retreat, noting no decisions could be made at a work session. Discussion: January Goal Setting Retreat - Council discussed format and priorities for the January 4, 2025 retreat. Ideas included: longer-term goals (2-3 years) with measurable milestones; regional cooperation (e.g., pedestrian bike bridge to Oregon City, coordination on Highway 43); a 20-year community vision (revisiting "Imagine West Linn"); sustainability integration into budget and projects; and inviting state lobbyist Doug Riggs for a legislative update on Highway 43 funding and tolling. City Manager Williams will work with the mayor to draft an agenda, seek a facilitator, and consider having department heads present for a portion of the day. Council also suggested a public call for input via the city newsletter and making the retreat accessible on YouTube. City Manager Report - City Manager Williams thanked staff, especially those working during holidays, and noted city hall closure days (Christmas Day, December 27, and January 1). He highlighted the new bus line and encouraged council to promote ridership. He expressed optimism about waterfront and Highway 43 projects, stating adoption plans are imminent. Key Outcomes - Approval of Agenda – Motion carried 5-0. - City Manager Employment Agreement Approved – Motion carried 5-0 for December 2024 to December 2026. - HRB Requests – Taken under advisement for January 4 retreat; no formal action taken. - Goal Setting Retreat Planning – Directed staff to prepare a draft agenda, identify a facilitator, and consider public engagement. Council will provide topics for department head presentations.

The West Linn City Council met on December 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM, with Council President Mary Baumgardner presiding. Mayor Rory Bialostosky was excused. The meeting included public comments, consent agenda approvals, a public hearing for development code amendments, and approval of an intergovernmental agreement with Clackamas County for homelessness initiatives. All votes were unanimous (4-0). Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes of November 12, 2024. - Approved Resolution 2024-12 certifying the results of the November 5, 2024 General Election. - Motion carried 4-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Edwards (West Linn resident) spoke on behalf of the Lady B tugboat preservation advocates. He presented a proposal for the city to store or display the historic 77-year-old tugboat in Willamette Park, including a $200,000 budget for a permanent facility. He requested no city funds but sought city cooperation. Council thanked him for the effort. - Dean Suhr (West Linn resident) updated the council on the Oppenlander property. He announced the formalization of the Friends of Oppenlander, a public benefit charity, to raise money to fill any gap between the bond measure and the school district’s price. He also urged vigilance on tolling, stating it remains a threat despite recent comments from Senator Wagner. Discussion Items - Police Review & Recommend Committee Appointments: Council President Baumgardner placed before the council the reappointments of Keisha Omlid and Sara Werboff. No other applicants. Approved 4-0. - Public Hearing – Ordinance 1755: A legislative hearing on amendments to the West Linn Community Development Code Chapters 2, 37, 85, and 99. Planning Manager Darren Wyss presented the staff report. The amendments update language for home occupations, extensions of approval, appeals of development permits, expedited land divisions, and middle housing land divisions. No public testimony was received. Council approved first reading (motion by Councilor Groner, second by Councilor Bryck) and then second reading (same motion) adopting the ordinance with additional changes proposed by the City Attorney in Attachment 1. Both motions carried 4-0. - City-led Homelessness Initiatives Intergovernmental Agreement: City Manager John Williams presented the IGA with Clackamas County. The agreement allocates $100,000 over three years to the West Linn Food Pantry for food and operational costs, and $45,000 over three years to an Emergency Human Services Fund administered by the Police Department’s behavioral health staff for emergency assistance. Council discussed the need to ensure these funds do not reduce other donations and requested future reports on the behavioral health specialist’s work. Approved 4-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Police Review & Recommend Committee reappointments confirmed. - Ordinance 1755 adopted after two readings, enacting code amendments. - Intergovernmental Agreement with Clackamas County approved, authorizing $145,000 in total funding for food pantry and emergency human services. - City Manager announced upcoming traffic assessments on Sunset and 19th, Vision 43 and Waterfront Project updates in 2025, and continuing discussions on Lady B and Oppenlander topics. - Council President Baumgardner thanked staff and students in attendance.

The Planning Commission met on December 4, 2024, at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 6:37 PM. The meeting included discussions on the annual report to City Council and the appeal authority for Planning Director decisions, as well as approval of prior meeting minutes. Consent Calendar - Meeting minutes from October 2, October16, and November6,2024 were approved unanimously after minor amendments were incorporated. Discussion Items - Planning Commission Annual Report to City Council: The Commission reviewed the draft2024annual report and identified challenges for2024, priorities for2025, and goals for council direction. Key challenges included declining public engagement in legislative matters and the need for more meaningful community involvement. Priorities highlighted were the adoption of the Housing Production Strategy, the Waterfront Plan, and the Vision43 plan, as well as improvements to the Community Development Code. Commissioners also emphasized the importance of cultivating relationships with public partners and agencies. - Appeal Authority for Planning Director Decisions: The Commission discussed a request from City Council to consider whether the Planning Commission should serve as the appeal authority for staff-level land use decisions (Type I and Type II). Staff noted that only two such appeals have occurred in the past9.5 years. Commissioners generally agreed that the Planning Commission would be an appropriate body to hear these appeals, given its expertise and the clear-and-objective nature of staff decisions. The consensus was that the Commission is comfortable with this change if Council desires it. Staff Announcements - The community tree lighting will be held on Friday, December6, at6:00 PM. - The next regular Planning Commission meeting on December18,2024, was canceled due to lack of agenda items. - The January1,2025 meeting is also canceled for the holiday; the next meeting will be January15,2025, featuring a quasi-judicial variance application. - Vision43 will host an open house for businesses along Highway43 on January6,2025. - The final draft of the Waterfront Vision Plan is nearing completion and will be released for public comment via survey in January. Key Outcomes - Meeting minutes from three prior meetings were approved with amendments. - The Planning Commission expressed comfort with being designated as the appeal authority for Planning Director decisions; staff will report this to City Council. - The December18,2024 meeting was canceled.

The West Linn City Council held a work session on December 2, 2024, at 1:00 PM. No votes were taken during the session. Key topics included public comments on a proposed wildlife feeding ordinance, proclamations for Pearl Harbor Day and Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a discussion on the severely rent-burdened housing report, and a city manager update. Councilor Grohner also raised an incident of anti-Semitic symbolism in the community. Public Comments & Testimony - Gail Parnell (West Linn resident) asked the council to postpone the wildlife ordinance and questioned why the existing nuisance ordinance was insufficient. She requested an explanation of why a new ordinance was pursued instead of amending the nuisance code. - Aaron Ruff (West Linn resident, 25 years) urged the council to vote against or postpone the wildlife ordinance and instead invest in enforcement, remediation, and conflict resolution services. She recommended Clackamas County Resolution Services as a resource. Proclamations - Councilor Grohner read the Pearl Harbor Day Proclamation, designating December 7, 2024, as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in West Linn. - Councilor Bonnington read the Impaired Driving Prevention Month Proclamation, declaring December 2024 as Impaired Driving Prevention Month and urging community members to drive sober. Wildlife Ordinance Discussion - Code Enforcement Officer Nicola Higby presented the proposed ordinance, which would add a new public nuisance provision (Chapter 5.425) prohibiting intentional feeding of wildlife in extreme cases. She noted current code lacks enforceable provisions for this issue. The ordinance would be complaint-driven, with a presumptive fine of $440 for a Class A violation. She clarified that bird feeders and hummingbird feeders are excluded. - Council questions: Councilor Grohner confirmed the process is complaint-driven and bird feeders are allowed. Councilor Bonnington asked about enforcement escalation; Higby explained that each day is a separate violation and multiple citations can be issued. Councilor Bright asked about the scale of the problem; Higby reported two active skunk-feeding cases in the city, each attracting 10–20 skunks, causing nuisance to neighbors. Councilor Bright expressed that legislative action is needed because neighbor-to-neighbor resolution has failed. - City Attorney Katie Klein noted that a catch-all provision exists but is cumbersome, and she can refine the language to focus on public health impacts rather than listing specific animals. She suggested targeting the impacts of droppings and pests. - The council reached consensus to send the proposed ordinance to neighborhood associations for further input and to refine the language based on attorney feedback. The item is expected to return in January 2025. Severely Rent-Burdened Housing Meeting - City Manager Williams reported that Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) identified West Linn as one of about 35 cities where renters spend more than 50% of income on housing. The city is required to hold an annual public meeting on the issue. No members of the public signed up to speak. - Councilor Bonnington noted the statistic that 30% of renting households in West Linn spend more than half their income on housing, calling it concerning. He referenced Oregon City’s affordable housing project as a potential model. - Councilor Bright linked housing affordability to transportation access, noting that lack of public transit can exacerbate the burden. Councilor Baumgartner agreed and stressed the need for regional and state partnerships. - The city’s housing production strategy, developed by an advisory group, is expected to yield a final document in February 2025, with council and planning commission review in March and potential adoption in late spring. City Manager Report & Council Comments - City Manager Williams noted upcoming meetings: December 9 business meeting (code process amendments, election certification) and December 16 special meeting/work session (joint meeting with Historic Review Board). Council will reconvene in early January 2025 for swearing-in and priority setting. - Councilor Grohner reported a police report of an anti-Semitic symbol (swastika) on private property in West Linn. He proposed a future proclamation or resolution condemning hate speech and noted the police investigation is ongoing. The mayor and council expressed unanimous condemnation. Key Outcomes - The wildlife ordinance will be revised by staff to focus on public health impacts, then sent to neighborhood associations for comment, with a goal of council action in January 2025. - No action was taken on the rent-burdened housing item; the meeting fulfilled the state requirement for a public hearing. - Council will certify the 2024 election results at the December 9 meeting and hold a joint meeting with the Historic Review Board on December 16. - A proclamation or resolution condemning hate speech will be considered at a future meeting following the anti-Semitic incident.