Overview
The Newberg City Council met at 6 p.m., June 2nd, to discuss grant funding for the Transportation System Plan, adoption of Newberg’s first biennial budget, recommended development code amendments to the vacation rental home regulations, results of the 2025 library community survey, and discussion of council roles.
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In Attendance:
- Mayor Bill Rosacker
- Councilor Mike McBride
- Councilor Robyn Wheatley
- Councilor Elise Yarnell-Hollamon
- Councilor Peggy Kilburg
- Councilor Jeri Turgesen
- Councilor Derek Carmon
City Manager’s Report
The meeting began with the May narrative report from City Manager Will Worthey. Worthey discussed community development efforts, including new housing projects pending approval, and the hiring of a new commercial plumbing inspector. Worthey also explained finances for the month of March, in which the budget committee meetings for the city approved a new budget and submitted budget publications. Additionally, Worthey discussed the Newberg Library’s summer reading program activities, the City Recorder’s record number of public information requests, and many Newberg public works projects.
Resolution for Grant Funding for Transportation System Plan Update
A motion to move Resolution 2025-3971, an application for the State of Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Grant Program to fund a Transportation System Plan (TPS) update, to the consent calendar, was unanimously approved. This update would allow Newberg’s TSP to accommodate changes caused by ODOT’s Newberg-Dundee bypass.
Administrative Public Hearing
Kady Strode presented the staff report for Resolution 2025-3972, adopting the biennial budget of $224,810,200 for 2025- 2027.
The motion passed unanimously.
You can read about the FY 2025-27 biennial budget here.
Kady Strode also presented Resolution 2025-3973, providing recommendations for the allotment of state shared revenues.
This motion passed unanimously.
Continued Business
Work Session for Review of Recommended Development Code Amendments to Vacation Rental Home Regulations
Assistant Planner James Dingwall presented the proposed development code amendments relating to vacation home and rental regulations. These changes addressed agents, zoning, parking requirements, and property rights. The scope of these amendments would range from the construction of rental units to the future management practices of these units. Changes would be made in order to encourage responsible tourism and cultivate uniformity and efficiency.
The council will conduct a public hearing on July 7 to consider the code changes recommended by the planning commission.
New Business
Library 2025 Customer Service Survey Results
Library Director Korie Buerkle-Jones presented the results of the 2025 Library Customer Service Survey. Overall ratings were positive, out of over 250 responses. The library’s self-check app had fairly mixed usage and awareness, and the digital collection received mixed reviews due to the expenses of maintenance. Buerkle-Jones also shared comparative state report data, showing how the Newberg Public Library compares to other Oregon libraries with staffing, circulation, collection expenses per capita, and program attendance, for which Newberg ranks particularly high.
Discussion of Council Rules
In 2024, the Council directed staff to begin updates to the Council Rules. City Recorder Rachel Thomas presented the Council with a new draft, which attempts to streamline and simplify the document. She explained some of the changes and asked the Councillors to review and provide suggestions before the document is finalized.
The council agreed to review the document and provide feedback for the next session.
Before adjourning. Mayor Rosacker proposed a discussion with Mayor Ford about potentially banning through trucks on First Street and diverting them to the bypass.
The session then adjourned at 8:11pm.
Correction 6/10/25 at 11:09 a.m.: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified City Attorney James Walker as the presenter for the work session titled “Review of Recommended Development Code Amendments to Vacation Rental Home Regulations.” The presenter was Assistant Planner James Dingwall. The article also misstated the council’s decision; rather than requesting more time to review, the council decided to hold a public hearing on July 7. Newsberg regrets the error.
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