City Council Says Goodbye to Two Outgoing Councilors, Adopts Neighborhood Master Plan
December 20, 2022 — At the December 19, 2022, meeting of the Wilsonville City Council, Mayor Julie Fitzgerald and the City Council recognized the governing body’s two outgoing City Councilors – Charlotte Lehan and Ben West – thanking them for their contributions to Wilsonville. Lehan is concluding three decades of public service since her appointment to the City Council in 1991. West is to join the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners after winning election in November.
The Council adopted a resolution adopting the canvass of votes of the Nov. 8, 2022, general election, affirming that Caroline Berry and Katie Dunwell have been elected as City Councilors for four-year terms. Berry and Dunwell are to be sworn in at the Jan. 5, 2023, meeting of the City Council.
On second reading, the City Council adopted the Frog Pond East & South Master Plan, as recommended by the Planning Commission. This long-term plan identifies types and locations of future homes, parks, streets, trails, and amenities to be built over the next 10-20 years. The plan also identifies water, sewer, storm water, and transportation infrastructure needs and funding sources.
Additionally, on second reading, the Council adopted an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan to include “Good Neighbor Policies” to guide future policy objectives and clarify the City’s interests related to the Aurora State Airport. The amendment identifies the impacts of current operations to Wilsonville and guides the City’s priorities if/when it participates in Airport planning efforts.
To meet the annual requirement of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Council adopted a Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) developed by South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART), the City’s transit agency. The plan allows SMART to continue to remain eligible for federal funding. To continue planning and scheduling software service for SMART, the Council also adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to renew an agreement With Optibus, Inc.
The Council adopted a supplemental budget agreement that makes funds available for several expenses unforeseen when the current fiscal year budget was adopted.
During Mayor’s Business, the City Council voted to approve a development partner, Palindrome Communities, with whom to pursue a transit-oriented development project at the Wilsonville Transit Center. The project includes $1.9 million in funds earmarked by State Rep. Courtney Neron for ground-floor amenities to support commuters.
The Mayor recommended nine individuals for appointment to several City Boards and Commissions. Each appointment was confirmed by City Council vote:
- Development Review Board: Megan Chuinard, Justin Brown (one-year terms):
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee: Erika Pham, Luis Gonzalez, Karla Brashear (three-year terms); George Luo, Aasha Patel (one-year terms)
- Parks & Rec. Advisory Board: Amanda Aird (four-year term)
- Planning Commission: Kathryn Neil (one-year term)
During Communications, Building Official Dan Carlson shared details of a new City archival project to preserve images of Wilsonville buildings before they are demolished. The project, which preserves local history, requires applicants to submit high-resolution photos that are representative of the property when filing demolition permits.
During Legal Business, the Council authorized the City Attorney to file an amicus brief in Court of Appeals cases regarding the Aurora State Airport master planning process.
At the work session held prior to the meeting, Engineering staff shared approximate costs and alternatives under consideration to improve the Canyon Creek Rd./Boeckman Rd. intersection in conjunction with the Boeckman Road Corridor Improvement Project. The project team was directed to proceed with a roundabout at this intersection to increase vehicle capacity and meet level of service standards.
SMART staff shared details from the agency’s annual passenger survey, an internal tool used to improve service levels, satisfy reporting requirements and inform future route adjustments.
Economic Development staff shared the results of a recent survey to assess the childcare needs of local families and the impact of the current childcare environment on the local labor force. More than two thirds of parents who responded said their current childcare needs were not being met. The data is informing Clackamas County’s “Clackamas Childcare for All” initiative to seek solutions to improve the cost and availability of childcare.
Because the City offices are closed in observance of New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 2, the next regular meeting of the City Council is to be held on Thursday, Jan. 5, 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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