[0:04] and the council
action. The topic of tonight's work
[0:08] session is on the Force Grove Senior and
Community Center. And I'm going to turn
[0:12] it over to our city manager, Jesse
Vander.
[0:18] » Thank you, mayor, members of the
council. I have here with me this
[0:21] evening Ann Lane, director of parks and
recreation. Thanks, Ann, for joining us.
[0:25] Um, I know we have limited time and so
we'll try to get through this as soon as
[0:29] we can. If you could go to the next
slide, please, Mariah. Next slide,
[0:33] please. So, everything that we do here
at the city connects back somehow to our
[0:38] vision 2040 plan. There's two areas in
which this work session will connect
[0:42] back. The first goal statement is a
healthy and active community. I'm not
[0:45] going to go through all of these, but
the outcome is to increase recreation
[0:48] opportunities for all. And if you look
down in actions 3.3, 3.6, six and 3.7.
[0:54] All of those have to do with reducing
barriers to participation and trying to
[0:58] increase opportunities for our
community. Next slide.
[1:01] So this goal statement is community
connection. This one actually has a
[1:05] action specific to the senior and
community center. If you look at 4.4
[1:10] increase and enhance opportunities at
the senior and community center and then
[1:13] if you look at 4.6 increase the number
of volunteers and volunteer programs and
[1:18] improve the culture of volunteerism. 4.2
2 is about exploring opportunities to
[1:23] create a central community gathering
space. The Forest Grove Senior Community
[1:26] Center has served as a central gathering
space in the community for many, many
[1:30] years that is welcoming for all ages.
Next slide, please.
[1:35] So, there's really kind of two options
that we're going to cover tonight. As
[1:39] the community uh may know, we received a
letter from Central Cultural. um they
[1:45] will no longer be able to operate and
manage the senior center after December
[1:48] 31st of 2026.
Um and so they have asked the city to
[1:54] consider this issue and what some of the
options might be moving forward after
[1:57] that date. And there's really kind of
two options that are out there. One is
[2:00] nonprofit operated and managed. That's
the way that it has been done since the
[2:04] inception of the senior center. The
other one is B a city operated and
[2:08] managed in partnership with nonprofits
or what we are characterizing as kind of
[2:11] the hybrid option. Next slide. We're
going to talk about each of these in
[2:14] just a minute. So, the senior center is
composed of two separate tax slots. Uh
[2:19] they were donated to the city in 1972.
They were deed in 1993, and that's how
[2:24] they are currently recorded with the
county today. Next slide. A little bit
[2:29] about uh the facility itself. It was
built with what's called community
[2:33] development block grant funds. That's a
federal funding program that was
[2:36] constructed in 1978. There's a number of
agreements that go with it. And what an
[2:41] agreement is, the CDBG agreement is when
you receive federal money, you agree to
[2:46] use the money in the fashion in which it
was granted to you for a period of 20
[2:50] years. So if you look at the third
bullet, encumbered until 2038, that's
[2:54] based on the kitchen remodel in 2018. So
for 20 years, that is a publicly
[2:59] accessible kitchen that needs to be used
in accordance with the program
[3:02] requirements for the federal funding
that we received. The facility is
[3:05] approximately 9600 square ft. And some
of the recent improvements has received
[3:10] quite a bit of improvements over the
years, but most recently within the last
[3:13] decade, it's had a re- roof, a kitchen
remodel, and ARPA stands for American
[3:18] Rescue Plan Act improvements. So, we had
alarm system, floor, windows, doors,
[3:22] paint, HVAC, and restrooms. If you
haven't been to the Forest Grove Senior
[3:24] Community Center, it's it's looking
good. Next slide.
[3:29] So, the current city budget, uh, this is
what's built and programmed into the
[3:33] city budget as of today. This will be
contrasted later with what some of what
[3:37] Ann will go over in terms of a pro for a
budget about what it might look like. Is
[3:41] currently the city pays all of the
utility bills except for the natural
[3:44] gas. That expense is borne by the
nonprofit, in this particular case,
[3:47] central. Um, and the operating expenses,
it costs for for all the utility bills,
[3:53] it costs approximately $25,000 a year,
and that's funded out of the city's
[3:57] general fund. In terms of capital, the
city is responsible for all the
[4:01] structural maintenance and repairs.
That's approximately $15,000 a year, and
[4:05] that's built into the budget for a total
of 40. Next slide.
[4:10] So, it's been governed by an operating
agreement since 1972.
[4:14] Forest Grove Senior Community Center
nonprofit ran it for 1972 to 24. Centro
[4:20] has been doing it for the past couple
years. And basically that operating
[4:23] agreement when we have a nonprofit
that's running it is it defines a
[4:26] primary purpose. We have a council
leaison. It grants what's called an
[4:30] exclusive operating license. And what
that means is the nonprofit has the
[4:33] ability to operate it to program it to
management and to receive and collect
[4:37] and keep the revenues that are generated
from the facility. And then it defines
[4:40] the obligations of each of the parties.
I've already covered some of that. So,
[4:44] next slide.
[4:47] I'm going to turn it over to Matrix. And
is Matrix online? So,
[4:53] if you could promote her to a panelist,
please. Matrix is going to go through a
[4:58] little bit of some demographics, some of
the use patterns, and then also make a
[5:02] recommendation about a potential path
forward for the city. And then Ann will
[5:05] follow after Matrix and talk about some
of the items that what that might look
[5:09] like putting it into practice.
[5:22] All right, you have me now on your end,
Jesse and Ann.
[5:25] » Yep. Hi, Megan. Can you hear us?
>> Hey. Yes. Can you hear me? Okay.
[5:29] » Yes, we can.
>> Excellent. Um, so I have a number of
[5:33] slides here with lots of data. We're
going to go through them um quickly just
[5:36] because I I recognize that there is a a
time crunch on this, but um we're
[5:42] available for questions or additional
conversation as needed. Um we can go to
[5:46] the next slide.
So our team is working on the parks,
[5:50] recreation, open space, and trails
master plan. So working closely with Ann
[5:54] and her team. Um but you know, today we
really want to talk about the senior and
[5:58] community center and how we make that
decision on what the next best step is.
[6:02] So, we won't dig into the small text on
all this, but essentially, you know, how
[6:07] do we help make a defensible decision?
And it really comes down to what is the
[6:11] service model going to be? Um, what's
that perform going to look like? What's
[6:16] the condition of the facility? And then
recognizing that there are some
[6:19] unknowns. So, who's going to utilize?
Um, is there a demand that's unmet? And
[6:24] some of those questions that, you know,
we'll get into a little later on what we
[6:28] think might be the best next steps. So,
next slide.
[6:33] um documented programs. So, currently
there is a strong backbone um of
[6:38] programming at the at the center.
There's health and wellness, there's
[6:41] some nutrition and food programming. Um
there are quads and social events that
[6:45] are held there, events and fundraisers,
rentals, and then there's some day
[6:50] trips, education and skill support,
wellness services, sort of a
[6:54] well-rounded um uh backbone of
programming. We go to the next slide.
[7:00] Um, so in terms of demographics,
obviously you all are very aware that
[7:04] Forest Grove has a unique and diverse
population and it continues to shift and
[7:08] broaden. Um, and so these are one of
the, you know, this is one of the things
[7:13] we're going to look at when we start
thinking about what's the right program
[7:15] mix for the facility long term. Um,
recognizing that about 40% of the
[7:20] population falls in that 25 to 64 year
old range, which is working adults. Um
[7:27] obviously you guys have a pretty strong
18 to 24
[7:32] um percentage of your population through
Pacific University and then you know
[7:36] there's that 65 plus that's a smaller
but strong portion of of the population
[7:41] as well. Next slide. Um another
important part of this whole
[7:47] conversation is not just um age in the
population but also ethnicity. So
[7:52] understanding that um 31% of the
community is Hispanic and Latino and
[7:58] that we want to make sure that you know
whatever the next step is in this
[8:01] process that we ensure we meet every
need in the community and how the
[8:06] residents um view the center.
Go to the next slide.
[8:12] So this is just a snapshot of some
statewide recreation trends. Um the
[8:17] point here really being that across all
sort of of the the considerations at the
[8:24] top there of ethnicity, households with
disabilities, statewide, urban versus
[8:29] rural. Um there's, you know, top three
things across the board are a desire for
[8:35] clean and well-maintained facilities, um
access to restrooms, and then free of
[8:41] charge or lowcost recreation
opportunities.
[8:47] Um, next slide.
[8:51] So, part of our process, and we're early
in this and still growing through um
[8:56] some of our community engagement, but
our team is um working on a series of
[9:02] many polls. They just closed. So, each
of them were um targeted to certain
[9:07] topics. So, current conditions, park
usage, recreational programming,
[9:11] recreational improvements, and then this
most recent being the aquatics and
[9:15] community center. Um, the aquatics and
senior center, I'm sorry. And we had a
[9:19] team on site dur um couple weeks ago,
little bit of impact from some smoke and
[9:25] some weather, but they were able to get
out in the community and have a few
[9:28] conversations that are going to help us
define what our next step in the
[9:32] community engagement process is.
You'll go to the next slide. Um so these
[9:38] responses are to the series of five mini
polls. This data is about two weeks old.
[9:43] So um as of today when we closed the
last mini poll we have about 3,000 views
[9:50] um 2200 visits about 820 contributors.
And I think an important piece is that
[9:56] last aquatics and senior center poll
that just closed um had 260 responses.
[10:01] So one of the highest of the five across
the board.
[10:06] We go to the next slide. Um, as I said,
we were on site in August. Um, a little
[10:12] impacted by weather. We intended to be
at National Night Out, and a couple
[10:17] other events that were cancelled, but we
were able to go out and talk to some
[10:21] folks at these places. We were at the
senior and community center. We were at
[10:24] the library, the aquatic center. Um, we
met some folks in Lincoln Park. and then
[10:29] um obviously got a heavy um voting at
Pink Spoon.
[10:37] We'll go to the next one. Um so when we
look at the results so far of the
[10:44] engagement that we've seen, there's a
couple things that stand out. Um one of
[10:48] which is just representation across the
board. So, we recognize that, you know,
[10:52] through the many poll responses about
84% of respondents were identified as
[10:57] Caucasian or white, which means that's a
a demographic and a target community
[11:02] that we have not reached through the
many poll responses. And that'll be um
[11:06] something that we intend to go out into
the community and sort of broaden how we
[11:10] address that. Um the same with youth.
It's hard to expect a a youth or a
[11:16] 12-year-old or a 10-year-old to, you
know, take a mini poll online, but it is
[11:20] something that we intend to be out in
the community and talk to kids because
[11:23] it's important to understand um what
they want through a lot of these
[11:27] processes.
Again, the aquatics and senior center
[11:30] when we developed this presentation, it
was still a little early to know what
[11:34] the poll was going to indicate. Um but
now we do know a little bit more. and um
[11:41] that statement that a need for increased
communication and unmet demand kind of
[11:45] persisted throughout even even after the
260 responses. So there's definitely an
[11:51] unmet demand for um some aquatics
programming and then also some
[11:55] recreation programming that we've seen
through this community engagement
[11:58] exercise. And the last piece is um there
were 330 written comments that we
[12:04] received as part of the many poll
responses. um we will spend some time
[12:08] aggregating and going through those and
creating themes. We haven't done that
[12:11] yet because they just closed yesterday.
Um but those often give us a little more
[12:16] insight into the specifics rather than
just the broad questions.
[12:22] So we can go to the next slide. Um so
what improvements would you most like to
[12:26] see? This question was offered both in
the on-site engagement and through the
[12:31] many polls. Um and just high level
you'll see here um walking and biking
[12:35] trails was far and above the most cited
thing that we heard um in addition to
[12:41] more sports and fitness facilities and
upgraded playgrounds. So across the
[12:46] board those rode to the top rose to the
top and the improvements um that folks
[12:50] wanted to see both through voting in
on-site engagement and then also through
[12:55] the many polls.
Next slide.
[13:01] Um so the second question was um what
major investment over the next 10 years
[13:07] would respondents like to see? Um so
interestingly only 60% of many poll
[13:13] respondents said that their programming
needs were being met. Um with 50 cents
[13:19] 56% of them indicating that there was a
need for indoor recreation space. Um and
[13:25] children and teens were most frequently
referenced for the focus of programming.
[13:30] Um but you'll see here that recreation
programming was last on the list of
[13:33] desired investment. So I think that
divergent uh that divergence needs um to
[13:40] be studied a little more on our end to
just understand is it an education piece
[13:44] or is it you know having conversations
with the community on what's possible?
[13:49] Um and that's really something we hope
to dig into through our next phases of
[13:52] community engagement.
[13:56] Next steps. So what does all that mean
in terms of what um what might be next
[14:01] for the senior and community center? So
this is sort of how we think that those
[14:06] trends and demographic themes might be
um applicable to to today. So first, you
[14:14] know, repositioning from a true senior
center to an all ages community wellness
[14:18] hub fits with the vision 2040 plan and
it serves as much of your population as
[14:23] possible. um really leading with social
connection to ensure that the community
[14:28] feels connected to the space and to one
another. Um there's definitely a
[14:32] loneliness epidemic that's being studied
as a trend throughout the country and
[14:36] this is an opportunity to address that.
Um the operating model though has to be
[14:41] built on partnerships. The city can't do
it alone and so building on that
[14:44] programming partnership and service
delivery partnership is going to be very
[14:48] important. Um the space is great. Um, it
offers multiple rooms, lots of
[14:54] opportunities to be flexible in what
you're scheduling and who's in the
[14:57] building at any given time, but also
throughout the day. Um, funding
[15:01] resources and cost recovery is going to
be a key to success. I think Ann's going
[15:05] to touch on that in a few minutes, so
she'll sort of talk through what that
[15:09] cost recovery might look like. Um, and
then across, you know, the United
[15:14] States, we're seeing a trend in more
intergenerational programming. So,
[15:17] really being able to lean into that in
this facility. And then ensuring that
[15:22] access in the programming mix and the
service delivery model is there. So
[15:26] including language, transportation,
programs offered, affordability is all
[15:30] going to be important through the next
steps.
[15:34] Go next slide.
So all that to say, um there's a couple
[15:40] of things we would recommend in terms of
what do we continue, what do we expand,
[15:44] and then what do we develop. This is
sort of an outline of those things. Um,
[15:48] we continue the health and wellness
programming. There's an opportunity to
[15:52] expand meals and nutrition, expand the
social and recreation programming. Um,
[15:58] develop some lifelong learning
opportunities, specifically utilizing
[16:02] Pacific University and other
partnerships. Um, there's an opportunity
[16:06] to expand rentals and event space use
and then to develop some support
[16:10] services
um through partnerships with the county
[16:14] and other players.
[16:18] go to the next slide. Um, so this is
just a snapshot of what's currently
[16:22] offered. Um, you know, just a a sort of
an average of a a couple of calendars
[16:28] put together. Um, there's a strong
backbone as we said earlier, but with
[16:33] the right op with the right resources
and operational model, there's
[16:36] definitely an opportunity to expand and
to meet a broader segment of the
[16:40] community. So, if we flip to the next
slide, you'll see
[16:45] um so again, this is what a fully built
out potential could look like. Um still
[16:50] really focusing on that older adults and
senior programming, but also able to tap
[16:55] into youth, teen, and family. But the
other piece of this is being able to
[17:00] understand what rentals and partnerships
could look like in terms of a revenue
[17:04] generator. What you'll see here is some
grayed out areas. that would be what
[17:09] staff likely can't cover currently. So
that's when we're looking at additional
[17:14] costs potentially for personnel and
could come later in the process when we
[17:18] understand what the rental um market
looks like and how many you know people
[17:22] want to be in the space at that time.
But um the point here would be we don't
[17:27] want to get rid of any current
programming but there's certainly an
[17:29] opportunity to expand um availability.
We'll go to the next slide. So, um, city
[17:38] manager covered this a minute ago. You
currently provide, um, some funding
[17:43] through utility and operating. Um,
you've contributed significantly to
[17:47] capital through grant funding and the
overall facility structure. um positions
[17:53] are currently funded in the general fund
and some of those could shift to provide
[17:56] coverage at the center in addition to
some of those volunteer and intern
[18:00] opportunities to cover gaps utilizing
partnerships program agreements um and
[18:06] really defining what that looks like
over time. And that last piece is sort
[18:10] of what I just mentioned that additional
personnel could be added over time when
[18:14] programming and rental capacity exceeds
what your current staff is able to do.
[18:21] and go to the next slide. So, the
facility um is in good condition. We had
[18:25] architect and um a an MEP contractor
come out and take a look. Um it's in
[18:32] good condition. Primary issue is lack of
storage and some spaces that no longer
[18:37] really align with their original
intended use. That's a relatively easy
[18:41] thing to overcome. Um mechanical,
electrical, and plumbing, a lot of it's
[18:46] been upgraded. It's certainly been
maintained well. So, there's a couple of
[18:50] things like any building that may need
to be addressed, but there are no um no
[18:55] big expenses that we anticipate will be
upcoming um for the facility.
[19:02] So, to get back to the the main question
here is sort of what's the potential
[19:07] operating model for the future of the
facility. Um the city manager alluded
[19:12] to, you know, the nonprofit model versus
the hybrid and some of the benefits of
[19:16] each. So, in the nonprofit model, which
is what we've seen historically, um you
[19:21] know, that organization would staff the
building. They provide the services, but
[19:25] they also are keeping the revenue and
they have exclusive use of the building.
[19:30] Um so, that really limits the city's
ability to expand the programs and
[19:34] services that they can offer. with a
hybrid model. Um we would, you know,
[19:40] expect that those nonprofits and
partners are still in the mix and that
[19:44] they're still assisting with the
programs and services um and helping
[19:48] with fundraising and event management.
But the city would be the day-to-day
[19:53] operator of the facility and then
continue current programming as it
[19:57] exists today, but also be able to expand
offerings like we just showed in that
[20:01] schedule where maybe there's an
opportunity to reach a broader segment
[20:05] of the community.
[20:08] Um so through just the demographics and
some of the um preliminary public
[20:14] engagement that we've received, we feel
like the recommended model based on a
[20:19] couple different things would be the
hybrid model. Um really an opportunity
[20:23] to position the building as a a flexible
all ages hub still anchored by some of
[20:28] those programs that you see today. Um
but also understanding that you know it
[20:34] relies on very successful partnerships
and um support through the nonprofit and
[20:39] partners that you already have and who
are already in the facility.
[20:47] » Thank you very much Megan for that. Uh
so the last part of this evening's
[20:50] presentation provides for a more
detailed look at each of the operational
[20:54] and management frameworks.
Next slide.
[20:58] Option A is the nonprofit operated and
managed model.
[21:04] The transition plan for this option is
estimated to take approximately four
[21:08] months and would follow a RFP process, a
request for proposals process much like
[21:14] last time. That would kick off in
September and be wrapped up by the end
[21:18] of the year. Uh as of current, the city
has not been approached by any entity
[21:23] expressing interest in operating and
managing the facility.
[21:29] Option B is the cons, as the consultant
recommended, the hybrid model where the
[21:34] city operates and manages the facility
in partnership with nonprofits.
[21:39] The transition plan for this option
includes staff development of approaches
[21:43] to address operations, staffing, budget,
programming, and partner development.
[21:51] Components of the transition plan will
be broken down in the following slides.
[21:56] Uh first for the first year the city
would take a do no harm approach to the
[22:01] operational structure of the facility.
Existing programs would continue to be
[22:06] supported while also exploring
opportunities to expand into
[22:10] multi-generational programs.
Facility hours would be maintained at a
[22:14] minimum of Monday through Friday 8:00
a.m. to 400 p.m. Current leases and
[22:19] rental agreements would be honored.
Communications associated with the
[22:24] operations of the facility would be
folded into the city's existing
[22:28] structures such as website, social
media, newsletters, etc. And as the city
[22:35] develops a communications and branding
plan, the facility would be considered
[22:39] for subbranding to create a unique
identity within the city. Throughout the
[22:45] first year, staff will be taking the
time to conduct a thorough assessment of
[22:50] the complete operation and develop
opportunities that will help enhance and
[22:54] optimize the asset for the community.
[23:02] Parks [clears throat] and recreation
department is uniquely skilled and
[23:04] positioned to assume operational and
management responsibility of the
[23:08] facility. The existing full-time
recreation coordinator would be
[23:12] reclassified to recreation supervisor
and be the on-site staff in charge of
[23:18] day-to-day operations of the facility.
The existing full-time administrative
[23:23] specialist currently housed at the
aquatic center would split time between
[23:27] both facilities.
The existing cashier team would be
[23:31] cross-trained to work at both
facilities, filling staffing gaps and
[23:36] providing necessary customer service
coverage.
[23:39] In time, this team will need to expand
to ensure adequate coverage is met at
[23:43] both facilities.
The additional facility would require
[23:47] additional custodial and landscaping
maintenance. Internal and external
[23:51] options would be explored to meet this
need appropriately.
[23:56] Volunteers would hold a significant role
in operations of the facility and for
[24:00] the department through the creation of a
staffmanaged volunteer program.
[24:09] Financial assumptions made by staff
during review of this opportunity are
[24:13] based on current known conditions. An
understanding that these conditions may
[24:18] change upon assuming full operational
and management responsibility will be
[24:22] necessary.
The initial budget developed for this
[24:26] opportunity assumes that the existing
level of city budget allocation will
[24:30] continue that the recreation coordinator
and recreation program funding from the
[24:36] levy will also continue. It is also
assumed that the administrative
[24:40] specialist and cashiers will continue as
budgeted. As mentioned earlier, assuming
[24:47] responsibility for the facility will
require additional personnel to maintain
[24:51] coverage.
Should the city operate and manage the
[24:55] facility, all revenues generated by the
city will be retained by the city.
[25:00] Revenue generation would be dependent on
programming and nonprofit participation.
[25:06] The city would seek to continue andor
reinstate programs and events that have
[25:12] and or can generate revenue. Working
with nonprofits on potential fundraising
[25:17] opportunities for the facility will also
be an avenue of re revenue generation.
[25:24] By adding the facility to the inventory
of assets, it can be assumed that
[25:28] staffing expenses will increase as well
as custodial and landscaping expenses
[25:33] and ongoing operational expenses. It can
also be assumed that there will be an
[25:38] increase in one-time equipment expenses.
[25:45] With all the financial assumptions made,
the table shown is a representation of
[25:49] year 1 operations and management of the
facility and associated budget impacts.
[25:55] Staff is estimating that rents and
leases will increase revenue by $25,000
[26:00] and it is reflective of new and/or
expanded rents and leases and not a
[26:07] change to any existing rents or leases.
With the addition of indoor programmable
[26:13] recreation space, it is estimated that
programs and events will increase
[26:18] revenue by $10,000
and increase expenses by $5,000,
[26:24] resulting in a net revenue gain of
$5,000.
[26:28] Personnel expenses are estimated to
increase by 21,200
[26:32] and reflects the status change of the
recreation coordinator advancing to
[26:37] recreation supervisor and additional
cashier hours. Custodial expenses are
[26:43] estimated to increase by 15,200 and
landscaping expenses to increase by
[26:49] 7,800.
Facility maintenance is estimated to
[26:53] increase by 10,000, materials, supplies,
and services by 5,000, and utilities and
[26:59] insurance by 1,000. The net result is an
increase in expenses totaling $30,200.
[27:09] Another component staff has reviewed as
it would relate to the city assuming
[27:14] operations and management of the
facility is programming.
[27:18] The first year of operations will
consist of assessment of existing
[27:22] programs and services held at the
facility. Dependent upon findings,
[27:26] adjustments may be made to optimize
participation, access, and facility
[27:32] optimization.
Existing parks and recreation department
[27:36] programs will also be assessed for
expansion into yearround indoor
[27:40] opportunities.
New programming opportunities would
[27:44] would exist with the addition of indoor
space that could accommodate year-round
[27:49] special interest programs, services, and
events that yield high participation.
[27:55] Revenue generation, maximizes facility
use, and serves multiple generations in
[28:02] a goal is a goal for the department.
[28:08] Much like the approach that would be
taken with programming, the first year
[28:12] of operations will consist of assessment
of existing part partnerships associated
[28:17] with the facility as well as with the
parks and recreation department. This
[28:22] would include an assessment of the
partners' role, their alignment with the
[28:26] city's purpose, and the service or
services they provide. Along the way,
[28:32] new partnership opportunities would be
explored and all partnerships would have
[28:37] to have an assurance of mutual benefit
to be considered viable.
[28:44] At this time, we welcome questions and
discussion regarding the preferred
[28:48] operating model of the existing Forest
Grove Senior and Community Center.
[28:53] » Thank you, Director Lane. I'm going to
go with Council President Valenuela and
[28:57] then Councelor Falconer.
Thank you, mayor, and thank you for this
[29:01] beautiful job, the presentation,
everything very clear.
[29:06] Um, so thank you for all the hard work
that was put into this presentation.
[29:11] That being said,
it's always amazing to me that we have a
[29:17] certain percentage of Latino population
that for some reason is very difficult
[29:22] to reach out to.
So again I will give my advice when we
[29:28] have consultant for example
we have central cultural we have muheres
[29:36] they can certainly provide a lot of
support in terms of outreach
[29:41] so can teachers
at the schools so I ask you that I ask
[29:47] you to please take that into
consideration because we get 6% 13%
[29:53] response out you know, a population of
31 Latinos that we have. Okay? And I'm
[29:58] just saying this for future practice
because it's not the first time that I
[30:02] say it
and um it's 31%. So, you know, I would
[30:10] appreciate the effort to bring up this
number for participation because these
[30:16] things are important for the entire
community. Okay. So that being said, if
[30:24] I may,
um, in terms of volunteers, you know, a
[30:29] lot of things come to my mind. you have
a Pacific University,
[30:34] you know that you can connect with
professors, with faculty that can
[30:39] certainly um make something happen in
terms of volunt volunteerism uh from
[30:45] their students, you know, uh to do
something good uh for for the
[30:51] surrounding community. Um, also the high
school,
[30:56] the high school, uh, you have teachers
that are looking for opportunities also
[31:01] to connect their students with some type
of volunteer work in the community. And
[31:07] I think having generations, the youth
and the elderly is such an important uh
[31:13] component of growing up and you know
giving them these opportunities. I think
[31:20] it would be really really great. H so
those are um those are my comments and
[31:27] my suggestions uh to make this beautiful
work happen. Thank you. Thank you very
[31:32] much. Um I know that uh Megan shared
briefly about the the result of the
[31:38] polls and the outreach that they've done
so far. Um I just want to reiterate that
[31:42] they really are just getting started and
these are preliminary results on sort of
[31:46] the first run. Um but they've got many
more months ahead of them of of outreach
[31:51] and you know fine-tuning um to to make
sure that we really are reaching the the
[31:56] whole community as best we can.
>> And you can always call on me to to
[32:00] help.
>> You got it. And [laughter]
[32:03] thank you and I agree. Thank you council
president for your comments. And I would
[32:05] just like to say that there might be an
opportunity in September with back to
[32:10] school nights.
Yeah. Right. Yeah. I mean, I just think
[32:16] that that I think that we have
struggled. I think and I've heard
[32:19] council president, I mean, we've some of
us have said this, like we know that we
[32:24] need to do more to engage with all of
our community members and especially our
[32:29] Latinx community. And so, um, maybe it's
through the schools. Uh, I think back
[32:35] like every single school will have a
back to school night in September. And I
[32:38] think that, you know, since they're
early in the process, you know, SEMA
[32:42] will be there. We'll have translation
services. And I think, you know, when
[32:46] you're I think it's a twofold because
those partnerships, you know, could also
[32:50] be with the school the school district
resource office, the CLC, you know, when
[32:56] all of these things are that's that's
the way we, you know, I'm know I'm
[33:00] speaking to the choir, but that's how we
get things done in Force Grove is that
[33:04] we all come together um
>> you know, and work together. Okay.
[33:07] Sorry, councelor Falconer, your updates.
>> Thank you. Um, Megan and Director Lane.
[33:15] Well, I thank you so much for sort of
calling out the discrepancy between, you
[33:20] know, some of that some of those
demographic data points and the
[33:24] preliminary outreach results.
um a question that I have about you know
[33:29] sort of tracking you know those are
those are two data you know I think you
[33:32] you know you sort of you know you've
kind of focused on like age and race um
[33:36] as data points um I would if if it
aren't already so maybe this is a
[33:40] question and a and a comment if we
aren't already you know I think it's
[33:44] really important in particular for
recreation and programming at a site
[33:48] like this um you know if we're not
already asking for demographic
[33:52] information about income as well as
housing housing status. I think housing
[33:57] status in particular gets sort of lost
as one of those demographic stat you
[34:01] know data points that we that people
don't tend to think to collect. Um but I
[34:06] think for things like transportation for
recreational opportunities folks who
[34:10] rent are at a very clear disadvantage
and disparity when it comes to
[34:13] opportunities um and access to to these
types of services. So, I would hope and
[34:18] and if we, you know, if we're not
already, um, if we can please start
[34:22] asking for that information when we're
collecting this data, um, I really
[34:26] really want us to start as sort of like
a practice um, to do that because I
[34:31] think, you know, we get really skewed
results um, from homeowners um, and from
[34:36] folks with higher incomes. And that is
um you know that can really sort of
[34:40] influence the kind of pro recreational
programming that you know that we sort
[34:44] of hear from the community that they
want and there again maybe we're not
[34:47] meeting the needs of of you know the
most vulnerable vulnerable people in our
[34:51] community.
>> Thank you. Thank you, councelor
[34:55] Falconer, and I second that statement
and so does other your colleagues here
[35:00] too are nodding their head. Yes,
councelor Shiml,
[35:04] » I also echo the the presentation. Thanks
for for bringing this to us.
[35:11] So I you know two um two thoughts that
that intersect. One is the the re uh
[35:19] involving asurances. One is the
assurance of your your staff and the
[35:23] facilities you have and ability to
maintain them. And then there's the
[35:27] assurance to the the seniors and
programming that exists there and being
[35:32] able to retain them in that first year.
And and uh correct me or clarify the
[35:39] we're we're bringing our current staff
and and stretching them across this
[35:42] facility. So there's that. if you could
speak to that and and then Jesse on the
[35:48] budget piece is can we anticipate a a
budget adjustment decision or does our
[35:55] current budget give you enough latitude
and covering this this 30,000 and
[36:01] possibly
uh contracting with an existing staff in
[36:06] the facility today to help that first
year?
[36:10] So, so the staffing shift that you're
asking about, [clears throat] the
[36:15] current recreation coordinator that will
be uh reclassified to recreation
[36:20] supervisor uh is currently housed
upstairs at city hall. Um placing that
[36:27] person over in a facility where the
public can actually access them uh
[36:32] easily is a huge benefit.
>> Yeah, huge benefit.
[36:38] um and [clears throat] that person will
be present uh public facing and engaging
[36:44] directly with people that are coming
into the facility. So I think that right
[36:49] there is a barrier eliminator for a lot
of people. They just, you know, they
[36:54] have questions, they need to talk to
people. Um so [clears throat] and then
[36:58] also uh shifting that expertise of
existing
[37:03] admin staff over there to assist with
and building the structure of customer
[37:08] service um and making sure that people
that come into the facility get the
[37:14] experience that they're looking for. Um
we have that existing uh we we do need
[37:21] to backfill um with cashiers that are uh
under the direction of the
[37:27] administrative specialist uh that are
are trained customer service support
[37:31] staff.
>> How about your current facilities?
[37:36] Are are you saying that in this plan
there's no compromise to maintaining
[37:40] your the facilities you already have
across your portfolio? So the the only
[37:46] other customer service point facility we
have is the aquatic center. Um I think
[37:52] there will be great benefit in being
able to cross trainin those cashiers. Um
[37:56] with at the senior and community center
as well as the aquatic center they
[38:01] become much more versed in the total
operation of what parks and recreation
[38:05] has become for Forest Grove. Um and th
those folks already exist. Uh yes, there
[38:11] will be need to be some back fill with
cashiers, but we expect that with year
[38:15] one, it's going to it's going to be a
kind of a slow ramp up. Um at least
[38:19] that's kind of what we're hoping for is
a bit of a slow ramp up while we get our
[38:24] feet under us and and we can figure out
what the rhythm of the building is and
[38:29] where the needs really are greater. So
[38:36] » any other or did you have more to say? I
was going to say with regard to the
[38:39] budget, I was going to uh ask Kim Eel,
our assistant city manager, to respond
[38:43] to the budget question.
>> Hi, Kim Eel, assistant city manager. Um,
[38:47] we do believe that the budget will be
able to absorb the current budget will
[38:51] be able to absorb um this additional
cost as uh Ann Lane has put it so well.
[38:55] We will slowly be ramping up and if
there is any change that we need to make
[38:59] to the budget, we'll be monitoring that
closely. Can always bring that u forward
[39:02] to the council. It'll also be part of
the budget discussions for the next
[39:05] bienium going into next spring.
[39:10] Okay, any further questions?
I'm seeing none. So, let's get let's
[39:16] come to consensus on the models. So, the
two operating models we could choose
[39:20] from was model one, which was nonprofit.
Wait, I want to say something before we
[39:26] get to this. Um, you know, for very many
years, longer, more years than I've been
[39:32] alive, we've had nonprofits helping the
city provide the service. And, you know,
[39:37] I want to take the opportunity to say we
really do appreciate that. Both the
[39:41] Forest Grove Senior Center board and
Central Cultural have done a wonderful
[39:45] job in partnering with the city to
provide services for seniors. Um, so I
[39:51] say that now and I want to be really
clear that the the decision this council
[39:55] makes as a governing body has nothing to
do with the quality of work that these
[40:00] groups have done for the city and the
respect and value that we have for them.
[40:05] So now I'll go back. Thanks. Um, so we
can either do option one which is a
[40:10] nonprofit model and an RFP process or we
can start building out a hybrid model. I
[40:16] guess that's we switch from one to A and
B. Okay. So, either we can choose. So,
[40:22] is there anyone that would like to do
the nonprofit RFP model?
[40:27] Is there consensus to do the hybrid
model? Just thumbs up or head nods,
[40:32] hands raised. Okay, we're going to move
forward with the hybrid model, please.
[40:38] » Just one addition. Will there be a
period of transition where central will
[40:42] be there and then city will be there?
I think so.
[40:47] » Thank you very much for asking that
question. I I did intend to mention that
[40:51] along the way. Um, we really hope that
once we we get through the the
[40:56] formalities here that we will start this
conversation with Centro ASAP and uh we
[41:02] hope to have staff placed even just
part-time over there uh as soon as
[41:08] October so we can start to learn the
function of the building, get to know
[41:12] the patrons, get to know the people that
um are leasing space in there,
[41:17] understand the relationships and
commitments uh and just again the rhythm
[41:21] and the flow. of the building. You got
you have to be there to to know it. So,
[41:27] uh in hopes that when December 31st
rolls around and then we move to January
[41:32] 1, it it won't feel too different is the
hope.
[41:36] Okay, great. Thank you. I'm going to
adjourn this work session. We're going
[41:40] to take about a 10-minute bio break and
then reconvene for our meeting. And I'm
[41:44] sorry to everyone
[43:58] Good evening. Welcome back after our
summer hiatus. I would like to call to
[44:03] order this meeting of the Forest Grove
City Council on Monday, August 24th at
[44:08] 7:23 p.m. Will our city recorder please
call roll.
[44:13] » Council President Venuela
>> here. [music] Councelor Shiml
[44:17] » here. Councelor Falconer
>> here.
[44:20] » Councelor Martinez
>> here. Councelor Marshall
[44:23] » here.
>> Mayor Wenszel
[44:24] » here.
I'm having difficulties with my Okay. Uh
[44:29] we acknowledge the land on which Forest
Grove is located rest on the traditional
[44:34] village sites of the Atalotti, a tribe
of the Calapoua who originally inhabited
[44:38] the Twolitan Plains, including Forest
Grove. They are now part of the
[44:42] Confederate tribes of Grand Ron. For
more information on the atlotti, visit
[44:46] the Pacific University libraries. Will
the council in the audience please join
[44:51] me in the pledge of allegiance.
[44:55] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the
[45:01] republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and
[45:08] justice for all.
[45:22] Okay, I remembered my glasses today. I'm
like [clears throat] a newly
[45:27] reader person and it worked. I just
can't see out there now. I'm not really
[45:31] used to it. Okay, so bear with me and I
apologize.
[45:34] Okay, so I would like to start with
National Day of Service and Remembrance.
[45:39] Whereas on September 11th, 2001, nearly
3,000 men, women, and children who were
[45:46] going about their normal routines were
taken from us, depriving families and
[45:52] loved ones of a lifetime of precious
moments. And whereas in response to this
[45:57] tragedy, Americans across the country
came together in a remarkable spirit of
[46:02] unity and carried out countless acts of
kindness, generosity, and compassion.
[46:09] And whereas community organizations and
family members of 9/11 victims began
[46:15] observing the anniversary of September
11th as a charitable service day to
[46:21] honor the memory of those who were lost
and those who united in response to the
[46:26] tragedy,
including first responders and
[46:30] volunteers.
And whereas on September 11th, 2026 and
[46:36] on the days leading up to the and
following this day, citizens of Forest
[46:40] Grove have an opportunity to participate
in activities that honor 911 victims and
[46:46] heroes by joining together in service
projects to meet community needs. And
[46:52] whereas on Friday, September 11th, 2026
at 900 a.m., the public is invited to
[47:00] attend a remembrance ceremony at the Big
Flag to reflect on the 25th anniversary
[47:07] of the attacks, the lives lost, and pay
tribute to the families who still live
[47:12] with extraordinary pain. Now therefore,
the city council of the city of Forest
[47:17] Grove does hereby proclaim September
11th as National Day of Service and
[47:22] Remembrance in Forest Grove, Oregon and
encourages all residents of Forest Grove
[47:27] to honor the lives of those lost through
participation in community service and
[47:32] remembrance ceremonies on this day and
throughout the year. Thank you.
[47:42] Proclamation
consider
[47:55] No,
[48:11] extraordinary.
[48:24] Victim
[48:43] personel.
[48:58] Forest. grow.
[49:25] Reflection. Reflection. Extraordinary
[49:43] Forest Grove
[49:51] in Forest Grove.
[50:22] That's it. Thank you, Council President
Valenuela. We are now going to move on
[50:26] to item B on the agenda, which is public
comment. Time provided for anyone
[50:32] wishing to speak to the council on any
item not scheduled for a public hearing.
[50:36] Comments are limited to 2 minutes unless
additional time is granted by the
[50:40] presiding officer. The public comment
period shall not exceed 30 minutes
[50:44] unless extended by the council. Zoom
attendees may use the raise hand option
[50:48] to be called on. And we have two people
signed up for public comment. We'll
[50:53] start with Mr. Dale FE.
[51:15] » Good evening, Mr. FE.
>> Good evening, Mayor Winsel and Council
[51:20] President Valuelia and Council
B.
[51:26] I had when I do public comment to the
county commissioners, this falls back.
[51:30] So I just have to check I don't fall
back. Hurt myself. Sorry.
[51:36] May I have three minutes?
>> You may.
[51:38] » Thank you. I sent you two emails. I'm
going to talk about those two emails.
[51:43] One has to do with others have a right
to expect from us and what we have a
[51:46] right expect from others. that has to do
with Merkeley and wildfires.
[51:53] I ended I went to the Chamber of
Commerce uh meeting today in which the
[52:00] pres the two talkers were uh Mlan
Representative Mlan and Senator
[52:07] Sman
uh and they they spoke I asked a
[52:11] question and they both spoke about the
incident that happened to Senator Mlan
[52:15] out at the sewage and treatment plant in
Forest Grove. She was verbally ousted.
[52:21] She her glasses were taken off of her
and thrown and she the sheriff or police
[52:26] department came and they arrest him and
he has a court date. Uh it was very
[52:30] clear for both of our representatives
that that's inappropriate behavior and
[52:35] that people need to act civily even
though they disagree with each other.
[52:41] And it's very important that that occur.
I think before I did talk with you the
[52:46] email I sent you about what others have
a right to expect from us. what we have
[52:49] a right to expect from them
and in particular there are aid of them
[52:55] that we do not steal what belongs to
them. We do not injure their health,
[52:58] damage their bodies or kill them. That
we do not interfere with their freedom
[53:03] of action when their conduct in no way
injures us and that we do not make false
[53:07] statements that would injure their
reputation or give them a bad name. I
[53:11] just hope you, I'm sure you do, and
everybody else involved in the political
[53:16] system, in the governmental system
adheres to good ethics and behavior.
[53:24] Just hope that
I made a presentation to the Hillsboro
[53:29] City Council. You know, when I send my
emails, I send it usually to four mayors
[53:33] and I usually make comment here, but
also I made comment at the Hillsboro
[53:38] city council meeting in the last meeting
they had. I shared this with them. Uh
[53:43] they agreed with me. The city manager of
Hillsboro came up to me later and said,
[53:47] "Thank you, Dale, for your comments and
we read your emails." So, I much
[53:51] appreciate them doing that and taking
seriously what I send to them. the
[53:58] wildfire. Uh I live in a wildfire zone
in Forest Grove. I'm real concerned. I
[54:03] even had some uh arbivide cut down
because we're in a fire wild wildfire
[54:09] area and you really have to be careful
in doing that. But that's just local.
[54:12] We're talking about forest broke figure.
We're talking about the county. We're
[54:17] talking about the state. And so Senator
Mkeley introduced the wildfire smoke
[54:22] emergency declaration act. And in my
email to you, I ask each of you to take
[54:27] a look at that and really support his
bill. We need all the help we can get.
[54:33] So if you haven't looked at it, please
take a look at it. It's very important.
[54:36] Thank you.
>> Great. Thank you, Mr. V. Our second
[54:40] public comment is Miss Carol Allery.
[54:53] Hello. Good evening.
>> Hey, I'm glad you guys all had a
[54:56] vacation. We all needed it. There's a
lot been going on this last year.
[55:00] Anyway, uh and thank you for the
information on uh what you're doing with
[55:05] the 9/11. I think that's an awesome
thing that we're doing here. What I just
[55:09] have to share is I always come and I
share the word of God with you guys
[55:12] because I think you need to be blessed
by what he has to say. 1 Corinthians
[55:16] 2:6:10 says, "We teach wisdom to people
who are mature, but the wise we teach uh
[55:23] not from this world. It is not the
wisdom of the rulers of this world, nor
[55:28] are losing who are losing their powers,
but we speak God's secret wisdom that
[55:33] has been hidden from everyone until now.
God has planned this wisdom for your
[55:38] glory. He planned it before the world
began. None of the rulers of this world
[55:43] understood this wisdom. If they had
understood it, they would have not
[55:47] killed our great and gracious Lorden on
a cross. But scriptures say, "No one has
[55:52] ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one
can ever imagine what God has prepared
[55:57] for those who love him." Perfect love
casts out all fear. And our Lord Jesus
[56:02] Christ offers that to anyone who loves
him. May that bless you today. And may
[56:06] you have a wonderful evening.
>> Thank you, Miss Allerie.
[56:11] There are no other individuals signed up
for public comment. Is there anyone in
[56:15] the audience who would like to give
public comment?
[56:21] Maybe a hesitation in the back. We're
very kind up here.
[56:31] While you're decided, I'll ask, is there
anyone on Zoom who would like to give
[56:34] public comment?
Anybody on Zoom, please use the raise
[56:39] hand feature if you would like to give
public comment.
[56:43] I'm not seeing anybody, so I'm going to
ask again. In the audience, would you
[56:46] like to give public comment? No. Okay.
Yes.
[56:52] Okay. Sounds good. Uh for those watching
or maybe councelor Falconer, they're
[56:57] going to speak with Director Lane later.
Um I I would believe probably about the
[57:01] senior center work session. Thank you
for attending. Um okay, we're going to
[57:05] move on to our consent agenda. Consent
agenda items considered routine that are
[57:09] adopted with a single motion without
discussion. Councilors may remove items
[57:13] prior to the motion to adopt. Any
removed items are discussed and acted
[57:17] upon following the approval of the
remaining items. What is the wish of the
[57:22] council?
>> Move.
[57:25] » Second.
>> Councelor Marshall made the motion and
[57:29] councelor Martinez seconded the consent
agenda. All those in favor, please say
[57:33] I. I.
>> I. I. All those opposed hearing none.
[57:37] The consent agenda is approved in a 6 to
zero vote. Thank you. Additions and
[57:44] deletions. City manager, do you have any
additions or deletions?
[57:48] » No additions or deletions. Thank you,
mayor.
[57:50] » Thank you. Any proposed by counselors
seeing or hearing? None. We will now
[57:56] Nope. We will not. We will move on to
item F, which is public hearings,
[58:01] ordinances, and resolutions. And our
first resolution is from is resolution
[58:08] 202635.
And I'm going to ask that our parks and
[58:12] rec director, Lane, come up to the
microphone.
[58:19] I'm going to make sure I don't have any
scripts.
[58:27] Sorry. I'm just making sure I don't have
There's no public hearings on this,
[58:30] right? Nothing. No. Okay, cool.
[58:40] Seems like a whole lot of
[58:59] the first slide.
[59:04] Just very briefly, um, back on July
14th, the city was notified of an
[59:09] opportunity of two or actually rather
three parcels of land that were coming
[59:14] for auction on July 16th. Uh, city
expressed an interest in uh, being a
[59:21] bidder on those parcels as they are
adjacent to uh, Kyle Park, the future
[59:27] future park to be developed down along
Gails Creek. Um so after review um and
[59:35] great discussion we decided that we
would go ahead and p pursue this. Um and
[59:41] it was [clears throat] the city did end
up being the the winning bidder on two
[59:46] parcels. Uh it was very exciting. It was
a mad dash and it was a little stressful
[59:52] but we got in and we made it happen. So,
I just want to go through um these
[59:58] couple parcels with you. Slide.
[1:00:04] Uh the two parcels that we were winning
bidder on were number 400 and 401 that
[1:00:08] are circled on the map there. Uh lot 203
that's in the square. That's the
[1:00:14] existing Kyle Park property. Um the
third parcel that was up for auction
[1:00:20] that we did not bid on was lot 500.
that's in blue directly north of 401.
[1:00:28] So, if you back up just briefly one
time, uh the green highlight that's
[1:00:32] across there, that is the future route
of the Forest Grove Loop Trail.
[1:00:38] » All right. Can Can I ask a question?
Yeah. um lot 401 like that's not going
[1:00:44] to impede like not getting that lot has
nothing to do with us being able to
[1:00:49] develop the the loop trail and that's
correct
[1:00:52] » access it because we have access points
at 203 is that right or
[1:00:57] » so we have access points at 203 but the
trail actually runs on top of an
[1:01:03] existing utility easement
>> okay
[1:01:05] » uh so we'll develop that surface uh into
a a drivable surface that um will be
[1:01:11] reinforced for large.
Got it.
[1:01:16] » Okay.
>> You guys the other day.
[1:01:20] » Um so, first brief look at lot 400. This
was the first property that was on the
[1:01:26] auction block. Uh it was also our top
priority lot to acquire. 4.97 acres.
[1:01:32] Shares uh its east property line with
Kyle Park and its north property line
[1:01:38] with the Forest Grove Loop Trail. Uh
there is also a certificate of water
[1:01:43] rights with this parcel uh to Gail's
Creek. Uh benefit is of course direct
[1:01:49] connection to Kyle Park and opportunity
for future park expansion. This parcel
[1:01:55] is uh largely in flood plane but uh is a
terrific opportunity for nature park
[1:02:00] experience.
Next
[1:02:05] lot 401. This was the third property on
the auction block. Uh but it was our
[1:02:10] second priority lot to acquire. Uh this
totals 14.76 acres on this lot. Shares a
[1:02:17] property line to the north with the
future Forest Grove Loop Trail. It too
[1:02:21] has a certificate of water rights. Uh
water rights are um a big deal. Let's
[1:02:27] just say that. Uh benefit of this parcel
is uh just its size in general, but a
[1:02:34] lot of creek frontage and its close
proximity to Kyle Park. Uh there's also
[1:02:40] terrific opportunity although a lot of
it is in flood plane for uh again nature
[1:02:45] park uh experience
[1:02:49] » and that is it. So we were the
successful bidder. Um those two parcels
[1:02:55] uh [laughter] we were high bid total
came to $217,800.
[1:03:01] um purchase of that came from or would
come from the parks systems development
[1:03:06] charges.
Well, any questions from council for
[1:03:11] director Lane? Yes, I see councelor
Shiml. Well, just to confirm my
[1:03:17] understanding and maybe the right
language to describe the funds used to
[1:03:21] purchase this as well as the metro funds
used to reimburse it.
[1:03:26] So, also on the agenda coming up next
will be um discussion about the
[1:03:31] acquisition reimbursement from Metro.
But even if that reimbursement wasn't
[1:03:36] available, the the money that uh would
be used to to make this purchase comes
[1:03:42] from what's called parks systems
development charges. Those are fees that
[1:03:46] are charged to developers when they
construct things in town. And it's a per
[1:03:50] door charge that goes into a special
account that we use um to expand
[1:03:55] recreational opportunity.
[1:04:00] Perfect. Okay. What is the wish of the
council?
[1:04:06] » So move
2026-35.
[1:04:10] Move to adopt.
>> Okay. Perfect. So, resolution 2026-35
[1:04:16] was moved by councelor Shiml and
seconded by councelor Martinez. Any
[1:04:20] discussion?
[1:04:24] Seeing no discussion, want to make sure
I'm looking at councelor Falconer.
[1:04:28] Um, no discussion. Okay. Uh, because it
has to do with land acquisition, we're
[1:04:33] going to do a roll call vote.
[1:04:38] » Oh, wait. Can you read it by Listen,
it's my first meeting back after a
[1:04:41] month. Give me a break. I caught myself
like Jesse's looking. Will the city
[1:04:46] manager please read the resolution by
title only?
[1:04:48] » Resolution 2026-35
authorizing the purchase of property
[1:04:52] identified as tack lot tax lots 1
s41000-00400
[1:04:58] and 1-0041
[1:05:03] for the expansion of adjacent city park
property and authorizing city manager to
[1:05:07] complete the purchase.
>> Okay, great. And now, will the city
[1:05:11] recorder please call for the vote?
>> Councelor Martinez,
[1:05:14] » yes.
>> Councelor Marshall,
[1:05:16] » yes.
>> Council President Valenzuela,
[1:05:18] » yes.
>> Councelor Shimo,
[1:05:20] » yes.
>> Councelor Falconer,
[1:05:22] » yes.
>> Mayor Wel,
[1:05:23] » yes. The Forest Grove City Council
approves resolution 2026-35
[1:05:29] with a 6 to0 vote. Before we move on, I
just would like to say that prior to
[1:05:35] being mayor, when my predecessor, Mayor
Traxx, did this and would mess up in my
[1:05:39] brain, I was like, "Come on, this is not
that difficult. Get it together." And
[1:05:42] now I seem to mess up all the [laughter]
time. So, just a little reflection of
[1:05:48] maybe I should be a little bit more
graceful. Okay. Anyways, uh we're going
[1:05:53] to move on to resolution 2026-36.
And I'm going to continue to let
[1:05:59] Director Lane. All right. Very good.
Thank you. Um
[1:06:04] before we went to bid on the two parcels
um down on Gails Creek, I approached
[1:06:10] Metro. Uh as previous conversations with
them, they had indicated to me that they
[1:06:15] had the ability to help with land
acquisition should an opportunity arise.
[1:06:19] I reached out to them. Uh they said, "We
can't move that quickly. Hopefully you
[1:06:23] can. Uh and if you can, we'll help you
out." So they they are helping us out
[1:06:28] significantly by reimbursing the
purchase of the two parcels um at a
[1:06:34] total of $200,000.
So uh net cost to the city is 17,800 for
[1:06:40] those two parcels.
>> Is how much? Can you say that again?
[1:06:43] » 17,800.
That's
[1:06:47] that's so nice.
>> I'm telling you partners are partners.
[1:06:52] It's where it's where the magic happens.
Metro. Thank you, Metro.
[1:06:57] Cool. Any Is that the end of your staff
report? I don't want to cut you off.
[1:07:00] » Yeah, that's it. Okay. So, are there any
questions for Director Lane? Yeah, I
[1:07:04] think you know I would like to just say
yes. Partnerships. It's where the the
[1:07:09] secret sauce is at, right? Um is working
together. So, are there no other
[1:07:15] questions? Will the city m
Oh, I need a motion. Jeez Louise.
[1:07:24] Okay. Can I please get a motion?
>> I move that we approve.
[1:07:29] » Jeez Louise.
>> Man, I'm struggling. Okay. Councelor
[1:07:34] Martinez made the motion and councelor
Shiml seconded resolution 2026-36.
[1:07:40] And now I should ask for discussion.
Seeing no discussion, will the city
[1:07:46] manager please read the resolution by
title only?
[1:07:50] » Resolution 2026-36.
authorizing the city manager to enter
[1:07:54] into an intergovernmental agreement with
Metro to receive acquisition funding.
[1:07:59] » Okay, great. And
all those in favor, please say I.
[1:08:05] » I. All opposed?
>> Hearing none. Resolution 2026-36
[1:08:10] is approved by the Force City Council in
a six to zero vote.
[1:08:15] » Thank you, Director Lane. On a side
note, I want to give her and props for
[1:08:19] moving on this so fast and seeing the
seeing the value in this land because
[1:08:24] that was a huge purchase in a short
amount of time and I know it took a a
[1:08:28] lot of like a lot of getting everything
lined up really fast and you did a great
[1:08:33] job with that.
>> Thank you very much for being nimble and
[1:08:36] working with me. So [laughter] yeah,
>> thank you. Thanks so much. Thank you,
[1:08:40] Councelor Marshall. Next up is
resolution 20226-37
[1:08:45] and I'm this has to do with an IGA with
clean water services and I will have our
[1:08:50] assistant city manager Kim Eel present.
[1:08:56] Thank you and good evening mayor and
council. The resolution before you this
[1:09:00] evening authorizes the city manager to
execute an intergovernmental agreement
[1:09:04] with clean water services that
delineates specific responsibilities of
[1:09:07] each party for storm water and sewer
services. The original IGA was adopted
[1:09:11] in 2005 and has been amended
subsequently. All cities within
[1:09:15] Washington County have an IGA with clean
water services. Beginning in early 2025,
[1:09:20] CWS undertook a process to update their
IGAs with all partner cities with the
[1:09:24] intention of seeking consistency among
cities in operating and managing program
[1:09:27] responsibilities. The city and CWS staff
have met several times and have reached
[1:09:32] consensus on the IGA before you for
consideration this evening. While many
[1:09:36] core elements of the 2005 IGA remain in
place, the proposed IGA updates and
[1:09:40] modernizes the previous agreement. Two
notable changes to the IGA are one, the
[1:09:45] addition of language that allows cities
to bill CWS for billing, collecting, and
[1:09:50] remitting sewer and storm water revenues
to CWS. The cities are collaborating
[1:09:54] with each other and CWS on a consistent
billing approach and are expected to
[1:09:58] have a process in place soon. This
proposal will result in increased
[1:10:02] revenue to the city of Forest Grove to
pay for a portion of the city's utility
[1:10:05] billing expenses.
The second notable change is changes the
[1:10:10] sanitary sewer SDC allocation from 80%
CWS and 20% city to 96% CWS and 4% city
[1:10:20] effective July 1st, 2027, so next fiscal
year. Coupled with the change in the SEC
[1:10:26] allocations is an increase in cost
sharing eligibility for the city of
[1:10:29] Forest Grove for replacement sewer pipes
12 in and greater. This means a city can
[1:10:34] now split replacement costs 50/50 with
CWS for 48,000 linear feet of pipe
[1:10:40] instead of bearing the entire cost.
Based on the new cost sharing formula,
[1:10:44] the city estimates 10 to 16 million in
savings and replacement costs, far
[1:10:48] exceeding what would have been collected
in SDC revenues under the previous
[1:10:51] allocation methodology. This SEC
allocation change makes Forest Grove
[1:10:55] consistent with all other cities in
Washington County and will lead to
[1:10:58] significantly reduced future capital
expenses. Thank you and happy to answer
[1:11:02] any questions. Thank you. Any questions
for assistant city manager?
[1:11:09] » Okay, hearing no questions. What's the
wish of the council?
[1:11:15] Move that we approve resolution 202637.
[1:11:20] » Second.
Thank you. Resolution 2026-37
[1:11:25] was moved by councelor Martinez and
seconded by councelor Marshall. Any
[1:11:29] discussion?
Well, I'm excited about the billing
[1:11:34] thing. I mean, I know that seems pretty
pretty small, but I think that's really
[1:11:39] important and I Anyways, I'm pretty
excited to hear that that's getting done
[1:11:42] and the future. I mean, at first I was
like, wait, what are we getting out of
[1:11:46] this? But the infrastructure costs are
going to be yeah I think the I mean
[1:11:51] again what Ann said right partners
secret sauce
[1:11:56] » okay so that's my discussion I don't see
any other discussion um will the city
[1:12:01] manager please read the resolution by
title only
[1:12:04] » resolution 2026-37
authorizing the city manager to execute
[1:12:08] an intergovernmental agreement with
clean water services regarding
[1:12:11] cooperative management. [clears throat]
>> Thank you very much. All those in favor,
[1:12:15] please say I.
>> I.
[1:12:17] » I.
>> I.
[1:12:18] » All those opposed. Hearing none.
Resolution 2026-37
[1:12:24] is approved by the Force City Council in
a 6 to zero vote.
[1:12:28] Okay. And next up is our assistant or
nope. Next up is our city manager Jesse
[1:12:33] Vanderan talking about our legislative
priorities to the League of Oregon
[1:12:39] Cities.
>> Thank you, mayor, members of the
[1:12:41] council. Um, each even-numbered year,
the League of Oregon Cities, of which
[1:12:45] the city is a member, asks each city to
submit their top five legislative
[1:12:50] priorities that they would like the
League of Oregon Cities to focus on
[1:12:54] during the legislative cycle. The League
of Oregon Cities has several lobbyists
[1:12:57] that go down and represent their city
members, of which we are one. Once all
[1:13:01] the city's votes are tallied, the LC
board of directors will review and
[1:13:05] approve a final set of legislative
priorities at exo at its October
[1:13:10] meeting. The city council met in a work
session on July 13th and arrived at a
[1:13:14] consensus to submit the following
overall top five priorities not
[1:13:18] necessarily in priority order. The
priorities are public meetings law
[1:13:22] clarity, infrastructure funding, land
availability and land use streamlining,
[1:13:28] 2027 transportation package, and full
funding and streamlining for housing
[1:13:33] production. I'd be happy to answer any
questions that the council may have.
[1:13:37] Okay,
>> any questions for Jesse? Hearing
[1:13:43] none. What is the wish of the council?
[1:13:48] Move that we pass resolution 2026-38.
[1:13:53] Thank you. Second.
>> Thank you.
[1:13:57] Resolution 2026-38
was moved by councelor Martinez and
[1:14:01] seconded by council president Valenuela.
Any discussion?
[1:14:10] Just for the audience, just update. We
had a work session about this a month
[1:14:14] ago. It's like I just wanted we're not
just like picking and choosing. It's not
[1:14:18] a multiple choice like state test. Okay.
I guess I don't need to say that. But
[1:14:24] anyways, let's say Andrew, please read
this by title only.
[1:14:28] » Resolution 2026-38
authorizing the city manager to submit
[1:14:32] city council legislative priorities to
the League of Oregon Cities.
[1:14:36] » Thank you. All those in favor, please
say I. I.
[1:14:40] » All those opposed. Hearing none.
Resolution 2026-38
[1:14:44] is approved by the Force City Council in
a 6 to zero vote. Next up on the agenda,
[1:14:51] I believe is hang on. I guess I have to
turn my page. I think it's our labor
[1:14:56] agreement,
but I can't turn my agenda. All right.
[1:15:00] Resolution 20-2639
authorizing
[1:15:04] execution of a labor agreement. And I'm
gonna turn it over to our human resource
[1:15:09] director, Brenda Camele, and then also
Emily. I don't know your last name by
[1:15:15] heart, but
>> Gmont.
[1:15:16] » Gmont. That's right. Emily Gmont, um,
our city attorney.
[1:15:22] » All right. Well, good evening, council.
Um, we are here today with the good news
[1:15:26] that through bargaining, we have reached
tentative agreement on a new collective
[1:15:30] bargaining agreement with ASME. Um this
as we know the CDA uh we're currently
[1:15:36] under expired on June 30. So we're in a
holdover period right now. Um ask me has
[1:15:41] already ratified the CBA. It was a
unanimous vote which is always
[1:15:46] encouraging and we are here to advocate
that council also ratify the CBA. Um
[1:15:52] I'll quickly go through some highlights.
So um you know the money is always the
[1:15:56] big part of a new contract. So through
your contract here are the wage
[1:16:00] increases. In year 1, employees will
receive a 2% market adjustment to bring
[1:16:05] them within competitive market range and
then a 4% cost of living adjustment.
[1:16:10] Year two is a 3.75 cost of living
adjustment and year three is a 3.25%
[1:16:16] cost of living adjustment. Um, one of uh
the city's goals and actually as goals
[1:16:22] too, a shared goal for this bargaining
session was to promote recruitment and
[1:16:26] retention of employees. um recruit new
employees, retain the employees that we
[1:16:31] currently have. So to that end, there
were some other changes we agreed to in
[1:16:35] the contract. Um we made some
adjustments to vacation so that
[1:16:38] employees acrew more vacation earlier in
their tenure with the city. Um we made
[1:16:44] some changes to some longevity
incentives. one in particular um when
[1:16:49] employees [clears throat] reach certain
yearly milestones of continuous
[1:16:53] employment in the city they get you know
cash sums added to their VA accounts. Um
[1:16:58] we did some work on the positions in the
public works department. Added some new
[1:17:03] positions so that employees have um
opportunities to move into um more
[1:17:08] advanced positions for professional
development, bringing a skill set to the
[1:17:12] city that the city would find very
valuable for operations and then made
[1:17:16] some spot adjustments to existing
positions um spots on the wage scale to
[1:17:20] stay competitive within the market. We
also um were protective of the city's
[1:17:25] financial position. One of the um things
we bargained for was is a CDL
[1:17:30] reimbursement program. So, city pays to
send employees to go get their
[1:17:34] commercial driver's license. Pays for
the employees time and training, pays
[1:17:37] for the cost of receiving that training,
which is a big investment for the city.
[1:17:41] Um and it's beneficial for both the city
and the employee. So, we have language
[1:17:45] now in the CBA that um would allow the
city to recoup some of those costs if
[1:17:51] the employee were to leave under certain
circumstances within 2 years following
[1:17:55] their date of getting that CDL. Um
insurance was another feature of
[1:17:59] bargaining. Um city's insurance
contributions remain at 95%. So, city
[1:18:04] pays 95% of the health insurance
premiums, employee pays 5%. That's a
[1:18:09] carryover from the contract language
we're currently under. Um, but I think a
[1:18:13] great thing that we have agreed to is
that upon ratification, if that's if
[1:18:17] that's the way council votes tonight,
um, the city and ASME are convening a
[1:18:21] task force to look into alternative
sources of health insurance coverage.
[1:18:27] You know, right now, um, for ASME, CIS
provides the policies. There have been
[1:18:32] pretty substantial increases in cost to
those. So, the point of this task force
[1:18:36] is to go out and see what other options
might be available so that employees
[1:18:40] have the insurance that they need at a
cost that makes sense for both the city
[1:18:45] and the employee. Um, Brenda, anything
you'd add?
[1:18:50] » No, I just want to quickly recognize our
bargaining team. That was excellent. Um
[1:18:54] besides Emily and myself, um our
assistant city manager was over there um
[1:18:59] she was on the bargaining team, very
helpful for us and great initiation for
[1:19:04] her into um the union side of things
here at the city. Um Greg Robertson,
[1:19:08] public works director and Colleen
Winters, library director. So very
[1:19:12] excellent team.
>> Yes, I will give another shout out to
[1:19:15] the basket of snacks that Kim brought to
every bargaining session. That was a
[1:19:19] very valuable member of the city's
bargaining team. And I'd also like to
[1:19:22] thank the ask me bargaining team. Um we
did a lot of good work at the table. Um
[1:19:26] really appreciate working with all of
your ask members who are on that
[1:19:29] bargaining team and then also the ask me
representative who joined us. But a
[1:19:34] quick question can you explain to I mean
maybe the people that aren't watching
[1:19:38] but people who are watching like the
difference the diverse job
[1:19:42] classifications in this labor
organization.
[1:19:45] » Yeah. Apps is our largest bargaining
unit. It encompasses everything from our
[1:19:49] janitors to our planners to
administrative staff to the employees
[1:19:54] who basically do everything that is not
covered by IBW, fire, police um or
[1:20:00] management. So it is our broadest most
diverse union um and has all levels of
[1:20:07] employees. So I think it's a a big
challenge for them to get their members
[1:20:11] together and on the same page and even
come up with bargaining priorities. So,
[1:20:14] I think that they had really good
leadership this year
[1:20:17] » and um what I'm hearing the employees
are very happy with with the contract
[1:20:22] and that the city has recognized them
for the work that they're doing.
[1:20:27] » Great. Thank you. Any other questions?
Okay. What is the wish of the council
[1:20:36] that we pass uh resolution
[clears throat] 2026
[1:20:41] 38?
Second.
[1:20:44] Yeah, you're good. Thank you. Resolution
202639,
[1:20:49] I think. 39. No, no, right. Yeah, 39 was
moved by councelor Martinez and seconded
[1:20:55] by councelor Shiml. Any discussion?
>> Yeah, I just think I think we all just
[1:21:02] think great work and then also great
work from as you said, ask me. I mean
[1:21:06] that that is a really large complex. I
mean everything that we have in the city
[1:21:11] is because of the employee. I mean, like
literally throughout the whole city, uh,
[1:21:16] they show up for us. So, thank you. It's
I think it's difficult to to negotiate
[1:21:22] all of those roles and make sure people
are happy and I think you all did a
[1:21:25] really good job. So, um, thank you. Any
other discussion?
[1:21:31] Seeing none, um, will the city manager
please read the resolution by title
[1:21:36] only? Resolution 2026-39
authorizing execution of a labor
[1:21:41] agreement between the city of Forest
Grove and the American Federation of
[1:21:44] State, County, and Municipal Employees
Local 3786
[1:21:49] Council 75 effective July 1st, 2006 26
and expiring June 30th, 2029.
[1:21:57] » Great. Thank you. Will the city recorder
please call roll?
[1:22:02] » Councelor Marshall,
>> yes. Council President Valenza,
[1:22:06] » yes.
>> Councelor Shimal,
[1:22:08] » yes.
>> Councelor Falconer,
[1:22:10] » yes.
>> Councelor Martinez,
[1:22:12] » yes.
>> Mayor Wzel,
[1:22:13] » yes. Resolution 2026-39
is approved by the Force Road City
[1:22:18] Council in a 6 to0 vote. Thank you very
much. Um, you're not off yet. So, we're
[1:22:23] going to move on to resolution 2026-40,
adopting city managers performance
[1:22:29] review.
>> I'm going to let Emily take this. She
[1:22:32] was directly involved.
>> All right. final step here. Um, so today
[1:22:37] is the day where the council makes the
official decision whether to adopt the
[1:22:41] performance review that has been
previously discussed with their city
[1:22:44] manager in executive session. I believe
that was back in June June 22nd.
[1:22:48] » Mhm. Correct.
So I mean is there any questions about
[1:22:55] Okay. What's the wish of the council?
>> So I move that we pass resolution
[1:22:59] 202640.
>> Thank you.
[1:23:03] Second.
>> Thank you. Resolution 2026-40
[1:23:06] was moved by councelor Martinez,
seconded by councelor Shiml. Any
[1:23:10] discussion?
I'm going to ask our assistency manager
[1:23:15] to read it by title only because Jesse
kind of gets weird about this stuff.
[1:23:20] Sorry, Kim, to put you on the spot. I
should have told you before.
[1:23:24] » That's okay. I found it. Uh, resolution
2026-40 adopting city manager
[1:23:28] performance review.
>> Okay. All those in favor, please say I.
[1:23:34] I. I..................... All. Those
opposed. Hearing none. Resolution
[1:23:37] 2026-40
is approved by the force grow city
[1:23:40] council in a 6 to0 vote. And then we're
going to move on to resolution 2026-41
[1:23:46] authorizing compensation for city
manager. I'm going to turn it over to
[1:23:49] Brenda to give us some information about
comparables and give us the the 411. So
[1:23:56] the final step then um the evaluation
has now been completed and adopted by
[1:24:00] council. So the final step is to set the
c the compensation for the city manager
[1:24:04] position for the upcoming year and it
will be retroactive to July 1st um and
[1:24:09] also the vehicle allowance for the city
manager position. Um last year you might
[1:24:14] remember that we found that our city
manager position was over 5% um more
[1:24:19] than that below the market for our peer
cities in our area. The council took two
[1:24:23] important steps at that point. They gave
the position not only a cost of living
[1:24:28] adjustment but also deferred
compensation which was something that we
[1:24:31] were seeing a lot of peer cities doing
with their city managers which so when
[1:24:35] you look at just base compensation
the position was already 5% below the
[1:24:41] market. When you look at total
compensation it was much more out of the
[1:24:44] market. So the council adopted last year
a 5% deferred compensation
[1:24:49] ongoing for the city manager as well. So
what we found this year which is good
[1:24:52] news is that I think that worked and
kept our position in the market. So on
[1:24:58] base compensation alone um with the 10
peers who I was able to get data from in
[1:25:04] our in our area it put the city
manager's position at 74% above market
[1:25:10] median which basically means it's at
median.
[1:25:12] » Yeah. with the total compensation,
including things like retirement,
[1:25:17] deferred comp, um, vehicle allowance,
FIBA contributions, those kind of
[1:25:22] things. The position is 1.79%
above market median, which, you know,
[1:25:27] with the comparables, I'm very pleased
with that. So, thank you for the work
[1:25:31] that you did [clears throat] last year
because no matter how Jesse feels about
[1:25:34] not wanting us to give him pay
increases, we need to stay competitive
[1:25:37] in the market um, for this position.
Mhm.
[1:25:40] » And so I wanted to bring to the council
um this evening just some information
[1:25:44] about so the market position is is good
in terms of our policies on
[1:25:49] compensation. The council then gets to
decide how much they want to provide for
[1:25:54] percentage increase and we always or
generally do the same percentage
[1:25:58] increase for the vehicle allowance that
we do for the
[1:26:02] uh for the cost of living increase. So I
put together some numbers um for three
[1:26:07] 3.2
3.25.
[1:26:11] Shouldn't have eaten those nuts before I
came. Um 3.5, four, and 5%. Just to have
[1:26:16] numbers available for the council. To
give you a little bit of context, um our
[1:26:19] unrepresented employees received 3.25%
cost of living increase on July 1st. Um
[1:26:26] as you saw, the um IBW got significantly
higher. Of course, each of these groups
[1:26:32] have different markets and different
factors that are considered and asked
[1:26:35] me, you know, just received a 6% but so
the UNREP um is 3.25%. If you want any
[1:26:41] more information I can provide, please
let me know. Yeah. So,
[1:26:48] I feel
well we I think I mean I I guess it's
[1:26:53] more for discussion. I don't have a
question for you. Sorry, I caught myself
[1:26:57] not doing the right process. Any
questions for Bren for Brenda?
[1:27:03] Um
if when we decide on the percent the
[1:27:07] cola increase, you'll help me fill out
the what that equals to per month and
[1:27:11] Okay, let's um so let's
can I have a process question? I don't
[1:27:16] know if it's maybe for Mariah. So, in
order to have I'm kind of like in my I'm
[1:27:21] already been really bad tonight about my
order of operations, but we can't really
[1:27:25] have a motion until we have the amount
and I can't. So, I want to discuss
[1:27:31] before the motion. Can I do that?
Usually, it's a motion, the discussion,
[1:27:36] the right
>> I I think you would still make a motion
[1:27:41] to adopt the resolution. So, you could
have the discussion and then you would
[1:27:44] then make a motion to amend the
resolution.
[1:27:47] Okay, let's do that then. Thank you. Is
there a motion to adopt
[1:27:55] resolution 202641
to discuss compensation?
[1:27:59] » A motion to approve resolution
202641.
[1:28:04] » Perfect.
>> Second.
[1:28:05] » Great. Thank you. Resolution 2026-41
is moved by councelor Marshall and
[1:28:09] seconded by councelor Martinez. And now
let's start discussing the cola, the
[1:28:15] bargaining, right? the numbers. Um, so
what I was going to say is that,
[1:28:20] you know, the complexity of being a full
service city and having lots of unions
[1:28:26] and all these things going on is
constantly the balance game of like
[1:28:31] making sure we're doing what's fair to
the person in the moment, I think, and,
[1:28:37] you know, backing it up with data. And
we made our jump for Jesse last year,
[1:28:43] and I really, really appreciate it. I
think and I think we are all in
[1:28:47] agreement that we needed to correct that
and he's been doing a great job. I think
[1:28:52] where I'm at right now is that I would
like just to keep it at 3.25 as the
[1:28:58] unrepresented groups and have that be
the same. Um, and I think that
[1:29:05] just I just think that that's what I
would like to do stand alone. I think
[1:29:09] it's the best policy, but then also as
you're finishing up other negotiations
[1:29:13] like
just to make sure I don't know that's my
[1:29:17] I'm not going to say anything more about
it but that's my
[1:29:19] » I agree
I hear [clears throat] an agreement from
[1:29:23] and then
council uh councelor Falconer what do
[1:29:28] you think okay cool okay so if we do 325
so if I wrote it out
[1:29:37] well I got to we got to get the numbers
first let's try to do so with the
[1:29:40] amending motion I think do we need to
say like section one. Do I Okay, let me
[1:29:48] just ask. Right. So, can we do a motion
saying we want to have a bullet increase
[1:29:54] of 3.25%.
And that would be good enough or do we
[1:29:58] need to say the city manager's base
salary shall be as follows?
[1:30:02] This this blank per month this this
annually and then the car.
[1:30:08] » I think you would make a motion to
modify or to amend sections one and two.
[1:30:14] um or the exact amount 3.25% increase.
>> Um
[1:30:21] I'll chime in. Yes, you can just say
3.25% increase because we know what the
[1:30:26] amount is right now and the numbers will
follow from the percentage increase.
[1:30:29] » Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Go for it.
[1:30:32] » I'll make a motion uh to amend
resolution 2026-41
[1:30:38] to reflect a 3.25% 25% for section one
and 3.25 for section two.
[1:30:45] » Okay, I second.
>> So the amended motion with the 3.25%
[1:30:50] coal increase was moved by councelor
Shiml and seconded by councelor
[1:30:53] Martinez. Any discussion on that?
Okay. Now when we vote are we we're
[1:31:00] voting just on the amendment or can is
it just the vote now?
[1:31:02] » So you had an open motion on the table.
You move to amend the motion. You vote
[1:31:06] on the amendment and then the motion
becomes the amended motion and then you
[1:31:10] vote on the
>> We're going to vote twice.
[1:31:12] » Yeah. And then I have a suggestion at
some other point to streamline this for
[1:31:16] you in the future.
>> Amazing. Thank you.
[1:31:18] » But that's Yeah. Two votes. Here we go.
>> Okay. And thanks. I'll take that,
[1:31:23] you know, recommendation. Okay. So, uh,
do we have to read it by title
[1:31:30] assist manager? Can No, not the
amendment one. Okay. So, let's take a
[1:31:34] vote on the amend amended motion.
Uh, Mariah, can you please call for the
[1:31:41] vote on the amendment?
>> Council President Venuela,
[1:31:47] » yes.
>> Councelor Shimal,
[1:31:48] » yes.
>> Councelor Falconer,
[1:31:50] » yes.
>> Councelor Martinez,
[1:31:52] » yes.
>> Councelor Marshall,
[1:31:54] » yes.
>> Mayor Wel,
[1:31:55] » yes. So, the amended resolution
qualifying the same manager for a 3.25%
[1:32:01] 25% increase has been approved. Is there
any discussion on resolution 202641
[1:32:09] with the cola included?
>> I have a sorry quick question. Is that
[1:32:14] 3.25 you're carrying it through sections
one and two?
[1:32:17] » Yes.
>> Okay.
[1:32:19] » That was my understanding.
>> Yeah.
[1:32:22] » That was his motion.
>> Okay.
[1:32:24] » So, we're going to say yes. Okay. Um
Okay. Can we
[1:32:30] say city manager will you please read
the resolution by title only?
[1:32:35] » Absolutely. Resolution 2026-41
authorizing compensation for city
[1:32:41] manager for fiscal year 2026 to 27.
>> Thank you very much. Amai, will you
[1:32:46] please call for the vote?
>> Councelor Shimal,
[1:32:49] » yes.
>> Councelor Falconer,
[1:32:52] » yes.
>> Councelor Martinez,
[1:32:54] » yes.
>> Councelor Marshall,
[1:32:56] » yes. Council President Venuela,
>> yes.
[1:32:58] » Mayor Wel,
>> yes. Resolution 2026-41
[1:33:02] has been approved by the Force City
Council in a 6 to zero vote. Thank you
[1:33:06] very much for the work you all do and
thank you for helping me get through
[1:33:09] this. A little awkward dance.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Okay, now we're
[1:33:15] going to move on to item G, which is our
council communication.
[1:33:19] Uh, and I'm going to start with our
council president, Valenuela.
[1:33:24] Thank you, mayor.
So, um
[1:33:32] the there are three um activities that I
would like to highlight
[1:33:37] uh with the library uh commission
for which I am the leazison.
[1:33:44] Um, we were invited to a tour of our
police station
[1:33:52] and uh I had done that a few years ago
when I first came to council
[1:33:58] and uh
that was in 2019.
[1:34:04] So what I can say and ask
is for my community, our community,
[1:34:13] um to support our police department
um this November. Um the situation, the
[1:34:22] building, the need, it's just I found it
to be kind of precarious to be honest.
[1:34:29] like since 2019 until now.
Um it has deteriorated more.
[1:34:37] They need more space. We always want to
support our police force.
[1:34:45] There are a lot of community members
that are always advocating for the blue.
[1:34:52] Um
so let's show that uh this November
[1:34:56] because they really need our support.
Um I also attended the uh policy
[1:35:05] advisory board. This time we met in
person which we do only once a year
[1:35:10] during the month of August. We met in
Cornelius at the library and we were
[1:35:16] greeted by the city manager of
Cornelius, Peter Brandon. And uh thank
[1:35:22] you so much to him uh for his uh
hospitality, for having us there, giving
[1:35:28] us a a tour, a very quiet tour of the
library cuz you know how libraries are,
[1:35:32] right? So you can just walk around very
quietly. H but it was really great to
[1:35:38] see uh how the vision of that city when
they worked on the project to renew uh
[1:35:44] their downtown how it's becoming a
reality.
[1:35:49] uh already, you know, we having the
library built over there with affordable
[1:35:53] housing for seniors upstairs just above
the library.
[1:35:58] » Um and then um he took us on a tour to
what used to be Cornelius Elementary
[1:36:05] School
and it's going to become
[1:36:09] a the community center. They already
have the basketball courts. So it just
[1:36:15] really and a lot of space you know so it
used to be a school. So you know for us
[1:36:21] to build something like that it would be
a huge task but they already have this
[1:36:28] gift you know this school that they're
purchasing from the school district
[1:36:33] uh to make it their community center.
and uh he explained to us, we looked at
[1:36:39] the rooms, you know, and everything that
they were planning on doing in that
[1:36:44] space.
We also looked at some slides of the
[1:36:48] projects um that Cornelius has been able
to fund uh to improve their streets,
[1:36:55] especially sidewalks for people with
disabilities. Um there were no sidewalks
[1:37:00] in some streets there a few years ago.
Uh but it's amazing how you know with
[1:37:06] [clears throat] all the effort and uh uh
CDBG uh funding you know how how much it
[1:37:13] can help to change the community um just
you know to make it a better place and
[1:37:20] there I learned that their farmers
market is right there in the Cornelius
[1:37:25] parking lot.
>> Uh so they're really you know making
[1:37:29] their vision come true. So h it was a
really nice gathering you know it was um
[1:37:37] yes but sadly we also learned that
a few of the members of the policy
[1:37:47] advisory board are not going to run for
reelection this November.
[1:37:53] So you know counselors from other cities
have decided that their time has come
[1:37:59] you know to do other things. So um
[1:38:05] that was kind of sad because you work
with people for so many years. Um
[1:38:11] so [clears throat] there's always a
change in the dynamic of the whole thing
[1:38:14] when someone of the team you know
changes
[1:38:18] or [clears throat] goes you know. Um
so uh that's for that and uh the public
[1:38:24] uh arts commission is getting ready and
I suppose you did receive the the
[1:38:30] invitation to the event. Uh they are
working really hard to make that event
[1:38:35] great for the community. [clears throat]
is going to be at the library, our our
[1:38:39] public library
uh on September 26th.
[1:38:44] Uh I believe it's from
>> 4 to 6 or a couple of hours. Uh there
[1:38:52] will be a lot of history, you know, of
how art has become part of the city. Uh
[1:38:59] the different projects that have been
accomplished, different artists will be
[1:39:03] present as well.
And uh I invite the whole community um
[1:39:10] to come and be part of that
uh because you know that helps you see
[1:39:15] what a special town we live in. Um so
yeah those are those are the things I
[1:39:20] wanted to to highlight and um yeah
>> thank you council president. Those are
[1:39:28] good uplifting and it's the I looked it
up. It's on the 20th of
[1:39:33] » September. 26.
>> 20th. September 20th.
[1:39:40] No, 26.
>> That's what a
[1:39:44] » I don't know. That's
>> okay.
[1:39:45] » But maybe not. But 4 that's what I have
on my email.
[1:39:48] » So I will I will look it up because I
need to be sure.
[1:39:52] » Sunday. I have Sunday, September 20th, 4
to 6, the 20th anniversary celebration.
[1:39:57] It should be a good time. And yeah, if
we can all make it, it would be great.
[1:40:00] » Okay.
I'll probably mention it next time, a
[1:40:06] reminder.
>> Okay, perfect. Um, okay. Next up is
[1:40:10] Councelor Falconer.
[clears throat]
[1:40:15] » Um, thanks everyone. The, uh, just real
quick, I'm on East Coast time, so I'm
[1:40:20] going to keep my comments really short.
Uh, the, uh, chamber is hosting the
[1:40:25] cornrows fest is coming up, so September
19th. Please mark your calendar for
[1:40:29] that. Um, also, you know, I just wanted
to real quick, um, I know it's been
[1:40:35] quite, um, there's been a lot of
conversation online and in the news. Um,
[1:40:40] and I just, as I was reflecting on the
proclamation earlier tonight, uh, for
[1:40:45] first responders, I was, um, you know,
it's been really heavy on my heart. Um,
[1:40:49] what happened over the weekend outside
of city limits, my heart is just
[1:40:53] breaking for those fam for the families,
for those involved. Um, but also I've
[1:40:58] been thinking a lot about um our
firefighters and our um police officers
[1:41:02] and all of the first responders who have
been um who responded to the incident um
[1:41:08] and also are responsible for
investigating um the events. Um so just
[1:41:13] been thinking a lot about um everyone
who's who's been touched by that and
[1:41:18] just want to say um I've been thinking a
lot about that and I know all of
[1:41:23] everyone in the community really is as
well. So,
[1:41:27] thank you.
>> Thank you, Councelor Falconer.
[1:41:31] Councelor Marshall,
>> um Ann had gone over most of what I was
[1:41:36] going to discuss. That was uh the
majority of our meeting. Um do you want
[1:41:41] to give out a shout out to Cody for the
WCK program this summer uh for nothing
[1:41:47] but great things from from kids um along
with the staff that's worked with it. I
[1:41:52] know a handful of the kids that work
there and they said they had a awesome
[1:41:55] time and were sad to see it end. Um, one
thing um, Future X has stepped down as a
[1:42:01] leazison and it's now going to be Linda
Harrington has stepped in to take that
[1:42:06] place.
>> Um,
[1:42:08] that was um, mostly what I had actually
the other thing was is that um, the
[1:42:13] parks and recck board did agree with um,
the B option during our work session as
[1:42:18] well. I know they sent out that, but
that was um they were all pretty excited
[1:42:21] for that um that opportunity for that.
Um our next meeting we will be holding
[1:42:27] at the um police department as well to
kind of switch it up one and two give it
[1:42:32] a give everybody a kind of an idea of
what it looks like there, what what
[1:42:36] everything is there. Um and that is all
I have for that.
[1:42:40] » Okay, great. Thank you, Councelor
Marshall. Councilor Martinez
[1:42:46] had the sister city committee meeting
last week. Um we will have our student
[1:42:51] delegation here in Forest Grove October
20th to November 1st. We'll have 10
[1:42:58] students. They're around 13 12 to 13
years old. Um and also two men and a
[1:43:06] woman um teacher one who's uh I guess it
was two teachers and well someone from
[1:43:13] their welfare division.
[1:43:17] Um you know the only thing other thing I
want to say is um with the rural board
[1:43:23] there's not a whole lot of information
to give except that every meeting um
[1:43:30] chief
uh is sharing about the exceptional work
[1:43:36] that we're able to do because of the
bond that was passed with the extra
[1:43:41] firefighters and we're able to most of
the time
[1:43:45] um staff to engines and so our um
capabilities to respond to emergencies
[1:43:52] is much better.
>> That is really good. Thank you
[1:43:57] » councelor Shamal.
>> Thank you mayor. Um EDC was on sobatical
[1:44:02] in August. Thank you Miles. Uh DV
highway transit uh committee uh will
[1:44:09] meet again at the end of uh September.
uh they rotate around to different
[1:44:14] municipal chambers uh and each time and
they'll be here uh for the next meeting
[1:44:21] on the 29th
and then uh CCe also met at the uh uh
[1:44:27] police station. So I it sounds like all
the different committees commissions are
[1:44:32] rotating in. Uh so especially for CC,
it's good good uh awareness and uh a few
[1:44:40] months ago an uh extended invitation to
join her on a trip around the Emerald
[1:44:46] Trail. So I I took her up on it and and
last week we or no, it was just Yeah,
[1:44:52] just last week.
>> Last week
[1:44:54] » um we took the gator, the city's gator
and we went just the entire uh city
[1:45:00] perimeter uh following the trail. We
even went down into the field and got
[1:45:04] different vantage points. So, I I
definitely encourage folks to to take
[1:45:08] advantage of of that if you're you're
okay in the open air um uh vehicle. U
[1:45:16] also introduce her to to uh our metro
counselor Miles Palasio. So, Miles is
[1:45:22] going to uh take uh go on a trip, too.
>> Yeah. I actually spotted counselor Shiml
[1:45:29] and Director Lane and Council Shiml was
having it was like he was like a
[1:45:32] four-year-old with his big tonking
trucks. I was like, "Wait, cuz I'm
[1:45:36] walking my dog doing my thing." And then
I see this gator coming. I'm like,
[1:45:38] "What, you know, the mayor's nosy. I'm
like, "What is this person doing? What
[1:45:42] is going on?" And then here's Brian with
like the biggest smile ever and had a
[1:45:48] great smile, too. So, highly recommend
it. I was like, "Oh, it looks like
[1:45:51] they're having all the fun."
>> Okay. Sorry to interrupt. My bad. My
[1:45:55] [clears throat] bad.
>> Okay. Thank you very much. And then
[1:45:57] we'll move to Jesse for his city manager
report.
[1:46:00] » Thank [snorts] you, mayor, members of
the council. Um, a big thanks to our
[1:46:04] communications staff who helped
coordinate a tour with Congresswoman
[1:46:08] Bonamichi's office. Mayor, I'm assuming
you'll probably give us more details on
[1:46:11] that. So, um, but a big thanks to the
comm staff for doing that on on short
[1:46:15] notice. Couple other updates. The
economic development strategic plan is
[1:46:20] being advertised. Um proposals are due
September 1st. Um our civics academy
[1:46:27] today is the last day to sign up. So if
we have any last minute signups, it does
[1:46:31] close at the end of the day today. Um
August 3rd through the 24th was the sign
[1:46:36] up period and the SE Academy starts on
September 2nd. So that will be coming up
[1:46:41] very soon. The annual community open
house. I know this is a long ways off,
[1:46:45] but just kind of telegraphing it now.
It's tenatively scheduled for Tuesday,
[1:46:49] October 27th. More details to follow on
that. Um, building on the commissions,
[1:46:54] boards and commissions having meetings
at the police facility. The chambers
[1:46:58] rise and shine will also be held at the
police facility on September 3rd at 8
[1:47:03] a.m. Um,
staff is finalizing a contract with
[1:47:08] David Evans and Associates. They're a
leading land use planning firm here in
[1:47:12] the state of Oregon. uh we are hiring
them to audit our comprehensive plan and
[1:47:17] propose an update process. So we are in
the final stages of that. More to follow
[1:47:21] later. Uh congratulations to Greg and
the public works team. The public works
[1:47:27] administrative building remodel and
expansion was opened and received their
[1:47:32] certificate of occupancy on August 7th.
So kudos to them. The project was a
[1:47:38] great success. We used a construction
manager general contractor method. It
[1:47:42] ended up saving us some money and um and
and uh improving the timeline by nearly
[1:47:47] a month. So, we did finish ahead of
schedule and actually under budget. I
[1:47:51] just I know I mentioned this last time,
but I just kind of want to reiterate it.
[1:47:54] We have received uh several positive
comments about adding some additional on
[1:47:59] street parking spaces in downtown by
restriping. So, again, kudos to Greg and
[1:48:04] Crystal and their team for doing that.
Um adding 20 spaces in the downtown. to
[1:48:09] build on what councelor Martinez was
mentioning earlier, the Steve, the chief
[1:48:13] has been keeping really good track about
kind of the impacts of the additional
[1:48:18] positions that were added as a result of
the levy. June, which is normally a very
[1:48:23] busy month, and we have quite a few
firefighters that take vacations during
[1:48:27] that month, uh we increased our response
uh units where we have two unit staff
[1:48:32] instead of just one. Previously, it was
37% of the time, but because of the levy
[1:48:38] in the month of June, it was 87% of the
time. So, a nominal 50% increase. So,
[1:48:43] kudos. 26 of 30 days, we had two
emergency response units out and able to
[1:48:48] respond to emergencies in our community.
And then last but not least, if you
[1:48:52] haven't had a chance to drive by the
East Side Park, please do so. It is on
[1:48:56] track. It's nearing completion. And uh
stay tuned for a ribbon cutting
[1:49:00] announcement. And that's all I have.
Thank you, Mayor.
[1:49:02] » Great. Thank you, Jesse. Um, yeah, I
guess I'll start with that. So, as Jesse
[1:49:08] mentioned in his report in July, we had
um I call it a field trip because I'm a
[1:49:13] teacher uh about our East Side Forest
Grove transportation projects and
[1:49:17] Congresswoman Bonamichi came out and of
course I took the opportunity Jesse like
[1:49:22] ran through like oh we'll go this way
and I was like well let's go down 19th
[1:49:25] so we can show them the park as well
because I think you know as we tell the
[1:49:29] stories you know when we talk about
community engagement and you know people
[1:49:33] like to say what the city isn't doing or
what we can do better. You know, we
[1:49:37] really have as a council and I think as
city staff invested in East Side Forest
[1:49:42] Grove, we were reflective. We knew we
needed a park there. We knew we needed
[1:49:46] to, you know, improve our
transportation, the walkability. Um, and
[1:49:51] so anyways, I thought thought that was a
great opportunity to show the
[1:49:55] congresswoman who just as a friendly
reminder, you know, gifted the city
[1:49:59] $850,000 and currently I think she has
another million trying to get to us.
[1:50:06] We'll see how that pans out. Um, but it
was wild because we lit I think
[1:50:12] sometimes the congresswoman thinks we
like plan things to look really bad
[1:50:16] there and I'm like, "Nope, that's just a
daily." So, she, you know, I felt bad
[1:50:21] for uh Director Robertson. Greg's trying
to explain this intersection at UT
[1:50:25] Street and what's going to happen and
she's just like keeps grabbing my arm.
[1:50:31] She's like, "Oh my god, someone's going
to cross that bus, that car." And
[1:50:36] because that
probably haven't been out there, but
[1:50:40] there's this intersection that's
really dangerous. Um, so anyways, that
[1:50:46] was I think a worthwhile
field trip. I still don't know. Jesse,
[1:50:51] do you know why the midblock crossing is
not going to be done till the end of the
[1:50:55] year?
>> It's something to do with hooking up to
[1:50:59] the electrical system. All the
infrastructure is put into place, but
[1:51:02] getting the electrical system and the
parts associated with a rapid flapping
[1:51:05] be rapid
flashing beacon has been the delay.
[1:51:10] » Yeah. So, ODOT's doing that and that's
again the midblock crossing at Rose
[1:51:14] Grove to the bus station kind of by Pink
Spoon. And then when ODOT's presenting
[1:51:18] on that before that's like sometimes
when you go on a field trip you're like
[1:51:22] wait I don't like that answer because it
was scheduled to be done by the end of
[1:51:26] summer. It was going to be done the same
time our park was done because I thought
[1:51:30] we had this synergy going on like kids
are going to walk from Rose. They're
[1:51:34] going to safely cross TV highway to get
to our new park. This is like in, you
[1:51:40] know, in my head what I'm seeing like,
hey, this is all going to work out
[1:51:43] really well. And now it's not going to
be done. It's going to be dark in
[1:51:48] October. Kids are going to be walking to
school in the dark. It's going to be no
[1:51:52] flashing light.
So anyways, ODOT, if you're listening,
[1:51:56] it' be great if you could hurry up on
that. But I think that overall we have
[1:52:00] lots of good projects and that's an
exciting time. Um that same day before
[1:52:04] that field trip, Habitat had a ribbon
cutting and two families got the keys to
[1:52:10] their house. So that was really good.
That's always a great, you know, as
[1:52:14] councelor council president Valeno was
talking about like those are
[1:52:17] heartfilling moments. Um I did attend
Toyama is a prefixure that our sister
[1:52:23] city new zen is part of and so they had
their 30th anniversary of state
[1:52:31] um sister sister statehood, I guess. Uh,
so that was at the Japanese gardens. I
[1:52:36] attended that. Um, I did forward him and
Jesse an email from the MMC wanting data
[1:52:45] on how much funding or how much money
the city has spent providing services
[1:52:51] addressing homelessness. Uh, because
there's going to be some SHS
[1:52:55] conversations and Metro conversations
coming up. and I'm going to be
[1:52:59] presenting at the Westside Economic
Alliance meeting on September 17th. So,
[1:53:05] I'm just putting that out there like I
would like to meet with him and Miles to
[1:53:09] kind of make sure we have a presentation
put together. Um, so I'm prepared for
[1:53:14] that. And then just a couple friendly
reminders, September is a really busy
[1:53:18] month in Forest Grove. So, the cornrows
chalk art, the 20th anniversary of the
[1:53:24] public arts commission. Um, those
calendars are going to fill up. And then
[1:53:28] also, you know, I, you know, shout out
to councelor Martinez and councelor
[1:53:32] Shimble for going to the market about
the police facility bond. Um, you know,
[1:53:39] just anything we can do to get that out
there. And by the way, another little
[1:53:42] scheduling thing is that I received an
email today from
[1:53:47] somebody and they want to have an
interview with the chief and I before
[1:53:51] Friday about the police bond. So if I
don't know we is that can I ask you guys
[1:53:56] to help me arrange that or do I need to
do that outside of staff time?
[1:53:59] » Yeah. No, we can certainly help arrange
that.
[1:54:01] » Okay, cool. And I think let's see. I
have a lot of stuff on here, but we
[1:54:06] still have another meeting after this.
Um, I would like to address similar to
[1:54:11] what councelor Falconer said, the
tragedy that happened this weekend
[1:54:16] outside of Forest Grove and the Gails
Creek community is heartbreaking. Um, I
[1:54:21] know it's probably frustrating to some
of our community member, we because we
[1:54:25] are a close-knit community, people
reaching out to all of us saying, "Hey,
[1:54:29] mayor, what's going on? Like, what can
you tell us?" Um,
[1:54:35] you know, and what I've been telling
people is like, I really can't tell you
[1:54:38] anything other than I feel terrible for
the family and friends of the victims.
[1:54:44] And then also, you know, the responders,
the first responders, the public safety,
[1:54:50] the police, the fire that come um those
rippling effects and with school
[1:54:55] starting, I don't know. I just have a
lot of concerns. But um I I just know
[1:55:00] too in our heart that force grow
community will come together to support
[1:55:04] that family. Um and so and our you know
and our police and fire. So with that
[1:55:10] I'm going to adjourn this meeting but
I'm going to ask you stay for our UR
[1:55:15] meeting. Okay. And with that oh but
except councelor Falconer you're on East
[1:55:19] Coast time. If you don't want to stay
it's your call.
[1:55:23] So meeting adjourned.