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Overview

The Newberg City Council kicked off the new year with a packed agenda on January 6, 2025. From welcoming new council members to debating the fate of a controversial downtown structure, the meeting covered plenty of ground.

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Attendance

  • Mayor Bill Rosacker
  • Councilor Derek Carmon
  • Councilor Elise Yarnell-Hollamon
  • Councilor Jeri Turgesen
  • Councilor Mike McBride
  • Councilor Robyn Wheatley

Absent

  • Councilor Peggy Kilburg

City Councilors’ Oath of Office

It was a night of fresh and returning starts as three councilors took their oaths of office:

  • Elise Yarnell-Hollamon (District 1)
  • Jeri Turgesen (District 3)
  • Mike McBride (District 5)

City Manager’s Report

Newberg City Manager Will Worthey provided a rundown of December’s government departmental events, highlighting key activities across departments. Among the notable updates:

  • The police department wrapped up a successful holiday safety campaign.
  • Public works crews kept busy managing winter weather impacts.
  • Community engagement efforts saw strong participation in local events, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

Worthey noted that while challenges remain, the city is well-positioned for growth and development in 2025.

Street Seats Pilot Program

Councilors discussed the fate of the Street Seats Pilot Program, particularly a lingering structure outside the now-shuttered Ruddick/Wood restaurant. The program, utilizing a structure built in parking spaces supporting outdoor dining, became a point of contention now that the business is no longer in operation.

Community Development Director Scot Siegel explained the situation, noting complaints from residents and business owners. The former owner requested an extension to see if a future tenant might use the structure before its torn down, but councilors were divided on whether to allow that.

  • Councilor Wheatley argued for immediate or swift removal, citing the increased presence of abandoned items and
  • Councilor Yarnell-Hollamon favored a grace period, noting the difficulties local businesses face—especially one that is in the process of closing.

Maryl Kunkle, Director of Operation at the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, appeared before council to express the Chamber’s support of the Street Seats Pilot Program, saying the outdoor seat program could help attract businesses in the future.

After some back-and-forth and a failed amendment to shorten the deadline, the council voted 5-1 (Wheatley against, Kilburg absent) to allow 60 more days for the former owner to either remove the structure or find a new tenant before the city steps in to remove the structure.

Craft Industrial Zoning District

The council moved forward with plans to rezone a section of Newberg to create a Craft Industrial District, aimed at fostering artist live-work spaces in Newberg’s northwest industrial neighborhood. The initiative, championed by Associate City Planner Jeremiah Cromie, seeks to capitalize on the neighborhood’s industrial charm.

Public support was strong, with Kunkel from the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce voicing enthusiasm for the potential economic boost.

With little debate, the council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-2930, paving the way for a more creative, mixed-use district.

Council Business

Council President Election

A brief but important vote resulted in Councilor Elise Yarnell-Hollamon being elected Council President.

Committee Appointments

Subcommittee assignments were reshuffled:

  • Councilor Carmon stepped down from the Wine Industry ad hoc committee but took on a new role with the Newberg Downtown Coalition.
  • Councilor Wheatley retained her seat on the Historic Preservation Commission.

Historical Preservation Grant Opportunity

A discussion on historic preservation led to unanimous approval for a $16,000 grant application that could support local preservation efforts.

Veterans Issues

Councilor McBride brought forward concerns from local veterans’ groups, particularly:

  • Interest in installing tribute banners on downtown light poles.
  • The potential need for a veterans resource officer, similar to a program in McMinnville.

While no immediate action was taken, Public Works Director Russ Thomas outlined the permitting requirements for banners, and council members agreed to explore options further.

For more details, visit Newberg City Council’s website.