Newberg City Council | April 1

Overview

City Council and Newberg’s Mayor declared March 29 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran’s Day and acknowledged six citizens’ heroic actions to save a member of the Newberg community. Also, public comments surrounding the removal of the Memorial Park Redwood tree, resolution to increase the Utility Billing Assistance Program for Veterans, and a presentation from the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R).

Attendance

• Mayor Bill Rosacker
• Councilor Mike McBride
• Councilor Elise Yarnell Hollamon
• Councilor Peggy Kilburg
• Councilor Molly Olson
• Councilor Robyn Wheatley
• Councilor Derek Carmon

Proclamations

Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran’s Day

Newberg Mayor Bill Rosacker, in front of a collection of Newberg Veterans, declared March 29, 2024 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran’s Day” to honor the courage and sacrifice of our local veterans who served in the Vietnam War.

Hometown Heroes

City Manager Will Worthey then recognized six Hometown Heroes, who he said saved Robert Bass’s life:

• Sarah Larison
• Jacqueline Hanley
• Nicole Lewelling
• Sarah Pickell
• Rachele Lane

According to the city, on the morning of February 27, 2024, these six members of the community saved Bass, who had collapsed near the Chehalem Senior Center at 101 W Foothill Drive in Newberg.

The “six members of our community stepped up and came together to save the life of Mr. Robert Bass,” according to a proclamation from City Council. “In what was a series of coincidental actions, these six people happened to be at the same place at the same time. This meant the difference between life and death for one of our community’s beloved Newbergundians.”

City Council said they hope this situation not only acknowledges the brave and swift action of the six involved, but also raises awareness about the importance of knowing AED locations and CPR training.

Read the full report at the City of Newberg website.

City Manager’s Report

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City Manager Worthey provided an overview of the city as well as the city’s budget breakdown. He followed by showing how Newberg tax dollars are spent around town.

Worthey also provided updates on financial projects around the city government.

Worthey went into significant detail about the funding for the stormwater, sewer, and municipal water supply funding and the maintenance fees.

Public Comments

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Public comments surrounded the Memorial Park Redwood tree removal, some in favor of the city’s decision to remove the tree exercising fiscal responsibility, and others requesting more information and reasoning behind the tree and gazebo removal.

Catch up on this storyline at Newsberg

Reports and Presentations

Resolutions to Increase Utility Billing Assistance to Veterans and Military Families

City Manager Worthey provided a presentation to increase Municipal Services Assistance Program Military Assistance Allotment from $3,600 to $6,000. In 2023, Mayor Rosacker requested the Military Assistance Allotment be updated. Currently the budget includes 12 individuals. The increase would allow the program for 20 applicants to be in the assistance allocation.

Councilor Carmon moved to adopt resolution 2024-3919, seconded by Councilor McBride. Passed unanimously.

Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue State of the District Report

Representatives from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R) provided an update on the past year performance, major emergency operations, EMS updates, and provided endorsement of measure 34-332 where TVF&R is seeking a five-year levy for $.69 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to help fund growth of staff, purchase specialized medical equipment, purchase vehicles and more.