Newberg City Council Recap | November 4, 2024

Video Stream

Overview

A mayoral proclamation, road repairs near Edwards Elementary, a mandate for covers at the groundwater treatment plant, a correction of the record from J.T. Smith Companies, the annual report from Taste Newberg, the annexation of a Springbrook Road property, updates to the Utility Billing Policy, discussing the potential for a biennial budget, and more.

Attendance

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

Small Business Saturday Proclamation

Mayor Rosacker proclaimed November 30, 2024 as Small Business Saturday. He continued to express the importance of small business in Newberg, encouraged residents to pay with cash and not credit cards to help money circulate locally, and asked residents to consider supporting local businesses whenever possible.

City Manager’s Report

City Manager Will Worthey provided an update about road repairs near Edwards Elementary, installing 12 ADA ramps or driveways. They’re planning to meet again in December to discuss targeted streets for maintenance in 2025. 

He also addressed a letter from the Oregon Health Authority, which placed an unfunded mandate on the City to install new covers over the existing exposed filter and set basins at the groundwater treatment plant so that no pests or other items can enter the city’s drinking water. The cost of the work is anticipated at $95,000.

Next he addressed the Wynooski Storm Outfall Project, and the wastewater operations. The City of Newberg has also completed its first shutdown and cutover of the composter and solids handling control panel, which was completed two days ahead of schedule. 

Worthey continued to provide an overview of city operations, including pipe replacements, NDPD operations, committee meetings, the City Recorder’s office, Human Resources, and others.

Councilor Kilburg asked about the status of the red light cameras on Villa, to which Kady Strode said would be going live by Thursday, November 7. 

Public Comment

Brenden Sleider, Newberg Resident

Sleider appeared to speak about development at Friends Park. He expressed concern about removal of trees, as well as damage and lack of care from construction efforts around Hess Creek. He requested Newberg develop a tree protection ordinance. 

Jesse Nemec, J.T. Smith Companies

Nemec appeared before the council to clarify some statements made in the previous city council meeting. He said J.T. Smith Companies is not considering dropping the lawsuit in favor of arbitration. He also clarified the assertation by Mayor Rosacker that J.T. Smith Companies was quoted saying he would be open to arbitration, but City Council and City Manager Worthey were not in agreement. Nemec asserted the referenced point in the article was the author’s misunderstanding, not J.T. Smith Companies. 

Consent Calendar

2024-2025 Notice of Funding Availability for the Newberg Construction Excise Tax Fund

Motion to approve the consent calendar with changes to the date to April 2025 (mistyped information). Authorize staff to publish the FY2024-2025 Notice of Funding Availability for the Construction Excise Tax Fund for an amount of $1 million by Councilor McBride, seconded by Councilor Carmon, and passed unanimously. 

Taste Newberg Yearly Report

Taste Newberg, the city’s marketing agency, presented their annual performance report to City Council detailing the agency’s efforts to entice more tourism in the city limits. Executive Director Leigh Jensen provided an overview of Taste Newberg’s purpose and marketing activities, which include social media ads, public relations engagement, and influencer marketing. Deputy Director Katie McFall spoke on destination development, which aims to provide more activities and experiences for tourists. The agency is largely funded by Travel Lodging Tax (TLT) funds, collected by area hotels and furnished by the city.

Annexation of 3809 NE Springbrook Road

City of Newberg Assistant Planner James Dingwall provided an overview of plans to annex property at 3809 NE Springbrook Road in Newberg, recommending city council adopt Ordinance No. 2024-2931. Sam Huck from 3J Consulting appeared on behalf of the property owner and applicant to provide more information about the annexation. Newberg resident Tracey Wagner appeared in opposition, raising concerns about future infrastructure strain in the area. Councilor McBride said the applicant met all criteria to be eligible for annexation, and therefore the ordinance should be approved. Councilor Carmon moved to adopt ordinance No. 2024-2931 in title only, seconded by Councilor McBride. It passed unanimously. 

Utility Billing Policy Update

City of Newberg Finance Director Kady Strode appeared before the council to provide proposed updates to the city’s current utility billing policy. The first came as a result of a resident paying an $1,800 court fine in pennies, which moved the court to implement a rule that the court could accept no more than two dollars in change. 

Strode also requested approval on an interim billing clarification that would help bridge the gap between tenants for landlords. This change would ensure that landlords do not need to file the necessary paperwork while they’re between tenants, which would require access to utilities while cleaning and repairing properties. Councilor Wheatley motioned to approve resolution 2024-3591, and Mayor Rosacker seconded the motion. It passed unanimously. 

Biennial Budget Update

Strode continued to provide an overview of plans to move toward a biannual budget, which would set the City of Newberg’s budget every two years rather than one year, which is the current structure. She attested biannual budgets are better aligned with capital projects, outlook and planning processes, aligned with city official elected terms, and more. This resolution would allow for changes to the city code that would eventually permit the City of Newberg to set a biannual budget. Councilor Carmon motioned to approve Resolution No. 2024-3947, which was seconded by Councilor Yarnell Hollamon and passed unanimously. 

Council Business

Councilor Cloyd commended Newberg-Dundee Police Department offices for their handling of a situation in his neighborhood.