City Council Adopts Urban Forest Management Plan, Approves Debt Financing to Expand Water Treatment Plant Capacity
December 7, 2021 — At the December 6, 2021, meeting of the Wilsonville City Council, the Council adopted the City’s first Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). The plan articulates the City’s strategies to protect, maintain and enhance Wilsonville tree canopy. The UFMP guides staff and community members in the effective management of tree growth, maintenance and preservation, and includes strategies specific to Charbonneau and the Wilsonville Town Center.
The Council also authorized the debt refinancing of $7.2 million to support the expansion at the Willamette River Water Treatment Plant. This action allows the City to maintain resources earmarked for water-related capital project needs while advancing a $25 million collaboration with the City of Sherwood to increase the facility’s water intake by 5 million gallons per day. The project accommodates future growth in both cities.
On first reading, the Council approved a zone map amendment at the Boeckman Rd. property owned by Meridian United Church of Christ (Frog Pond Church). The amendment rezones the 2.4-acre property to enable its division into three parcels and facilitate the eventual sale of the unused southernmost parcel.
During Communications, City staff discussed the opening of a new Pollinator Demonstration Garden near the Murase Plaza playground at Memorial Park. The Garden, designed with easy-to-replicate layouts using native plants that are readily available, is to incentivize residents to develop sustainable habitats in home gardens. This project was funded by the annual Community Enhancement Program, which provides funding for projects that enhance the Wilsonville Community.
At the work session held prior to the meeting, City Planning staff sought the Council’s direction to identify policy objectives, priorities and concerns as they relate to the Aurora Aiprort. Staff intends to define clear objectives that advance the City’s interests, and include these in the City’s next Comprehensive Plan update.
Planning staff also sought the Council’s direction to inform the City’s feedback to Department of Land and Conservation and Development (DLCD) regarding rules being developed by DLCD to yield Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities in Oregon. Stronger administrative rules related to transportation and housing planning are being designed to eliminate greenhouse gasses and increase housing choice, potentially impacting State planning regulations pertaining to parking and transportation.
Human Resources staff shared an update on a process now beginning to recruit and select a new City Attorney to succeed Barbara Jacobson, who is retiring in March 2022.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is to be held on Monday, Dec. 20, at 7 pm; a pre-meeting work session is scheduled at 5 pm.
Community members can watch all City Council meetings on cable (Xfinity Ch. 30, Ziply Ch. 32) or on the City’s YouTube channel: ci.wilsonville.or.us/WilsonvilleTV.
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