Overview
The City Council met July 21 to discuss several city maintenance issues, including the purchase of a new street sweeper, replacement of the wastewater pipe inspection system, and the potential removal of rail spurs across Highway 99. The Council also authorized the community development department to apply for a housing planning assistance grant and approved an updated Street Trees list.
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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
Mayor Rosacker proclaimed it Old-Fashioned Festival Week and invited Old-Fashioned Festival Queen Annie Williamson, 16, to say a few words.
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Will Worthey presented the statistical report for May 2025. The city is seeing an uptick in planning-related activity but remains below average for this time of year. Public records requests have reached a four-year high, and the IT department is handling an unusually high number of service tickets. Public safety statistics remain steady. Worthey noted that building inspection work is currently slow but is expected to pick up soon.
Public Comments
Sonda Martin shared concerns about the Council’s decision to award CET funds to SPARK Newberg, despite the program not meeting the minimum criteria. She also criticized Mayor Rosacker for endorsing the program and its foundation.
Consent Calendar
The Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included a renewal of the Newberg-Dundee Police Department’s five-year contract with Axon Enterprises for body-worn cameras and the updated Street Trees list.
New Business
Purchase of Diesel-Powered Street Sweeper
Public Works Director Russ Thomas requested approval to purchase a diesel-powered street sweeper. He explained that the city benefits from operating two sweepers, especially in the fall, and one of the current machines has suffered a transmission failure.
The motion passed unanimously.
Purchase of CCTV Pipe Inspection System and Vehicle
Thomas also presented a request to replace the city’s 12-year-old pipe inspection system, which he described as technologically obsolete. The updated system would incorporate AI technology, increasing inspection capacity by four to eight times. Thomas suggested selling the current system to offset costs. The new system will cost $396,634.03.
The motion passed unanimously.
Resolution Authorizing Application for DLCD Housing Planning Assistance Grant
Community Development Director Scot Siegel and Associate Planner Leanne Wagener requested authorization to apply for a housing planning assistance grant from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. The application deadline aligns with the state’s 2025-27 funding cycle. Siegel said DLCD staff indicated Newberg was well-positioned to receive the grant.
The motion passed unanimously.
Rail Spur Removal Discussion
Worthey presented a discussion item regarding potential removal of a rail spur from CDC-owned property to the railroad crossing at Highway 99. Staff identified benefits to removal, including more cost-effective street repairs. The impacted street is not scheduled for repairs until 2027. Worthey noted the process would begin with ODOT Rail and could take up to a year for a response.
The Council authorized spending up to $5,000 for preliminary scoping and agreed to hold off on further action pending additional information.
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Correction July 29 at 8:37 a.m.: The original article stated council authorized the public works director to apply for a housing planning assistance grant. Council authorized the community development department to do so. Newsberg regrets the error.
