Newberg City Council Recap | April 21, 2025

NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg City Council met April 21 to proclaim a National Day of Prayer, provide an overview of city operations, review Taste Newberg’s midyear report, learn about the Oregon Main Street program, hear Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s annual report, and amend the city’s purchasing manual, and discuss strategies for improving downtown Newberg’s curb appeal.

The meeting agenda and minutes are available at the City of Newberg website. Video recording of the meeting is available on YouTube.

Attendance

Present: Councilors Mike McBride, Robyn Wheatley, Peggy Kilburg, Jeri Turgesen, and Derek Carmon; Mayor Bill Rosacker

Absent: Elise Yarnell Hollamon

Proclamations

National Day of Prayer

Mayor Rosacker read a proclamation declaring May 1, 2025, as National Day of Prayer in Newberg. The proclamation noted that the National Day of Prayer was established by Congress in 1952 and amended during the Reagan administration to designate the first Thursday of May annually as the observance.

City Manager Report

City Manager Will Worthey delivered his monthly operations report covering activity through February 2025. The report includes departmental statistics used as performance benchmarks.

Worthey noted a slowdown in local construction, with only one housing permit issued in February—down from 10 in February 2024. He projected permit activity to increase as the Collina at Springbrook housing project progresses.

Other highlights included a decrease in DUII citations, high winter wastewater production, increased IT activity related to the city’s migration to Windows 11, and a rise in public records requests, which increased administrative staff time.

Public Comments

Michael Rossman, Traffic Safety Commission

Rossman addressed the council to share concerns about low morale at the Traffic Safety Commission, citing a lack of resources and authority to serve residents effectively. He requested a dedicated budget to help prioritize traffic safety projects.

Continued Business

Taste Newberg Midyear Report

Executive Director Leigh Jensen and Deputy Director Katie McFall presented Taste Newberg’s 2024-25 midyear report. Jensen shared visitor origin data and outlined the organization’s long-term strategic plan. McFall discussed destination development efforts focused on branding Newberg as a unique tourism destination, including its “dark skies,” “recreation-ready,” and “Wheel the World” initiatives.

Jensen also announced the launch of Taste Newberg’s redesigned website and highlighted national public relations efforts.

New Business

Oregon Main Street Presentation

Sheri Stuart of the Oregon Main Street program gave a virtual presentation about the program’s goals and the impact it has had on communities with active downtown organizations.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Report

Deputy Chief Patrick Fale delivered the 2025 State of the District address, which included updates on wildfire deployments, emergency responses, medical services, levy updates, future capital projects, and recruitment challenges.

Purchasing Manual Amendment

Finance Director Kady Strode presented an amendment to the city’s purchasing manual to reflect a new invoicing procedure. The council approved the amendment unanimously.

Council Business

Downtown Beautification

City Manager Worthey shared updates on Operation Curb Appeal, the city’s effort to improve the appearance of downtown. He outlined completed and upcoming cleanup tasks being coordinated with Public Works and partner organizations.

Public Works Director Russ Thomas said trees encroaching on sidewalks will be addressed by the Oregon Department of Transportation in summer 2026. He also said his department has received all necessary lighting equipment and has begun installing three solar lights in the Second Street parking lot, and that project is queued for completion within the month.

Other Business

Mayor Rosacker encouraged councilors to visit the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Newberg, which was celebrating its ribbon-cutting ceremony during the meeting.