NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg City Council met Monday, Sept. 15, for its regularly scheduled meeting.
Councilors Elise Yarnell Hollamon, Peggy Kilburg, Mike McBride, Derek Carmon, Jeri Turgesen, Robyn Wheatley, and Mayor Bill Roscker were present, with Councilor Carmon attending remotely.
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Mayoral Proclamation — First Amendment and Charlie Kirk
Mayor Rosacker opened the meeting by proclaiming the council’s “unwavering support” for the First Amendment and acknowledging the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as “a grievous assault on free expression in a civil society.” He condemned political violence in all its forms.
“We affirm that the strength of our community lies in its ability to disagree without dehumanizing, to debate without destroying, and to uphold the dignity of every person’s right to speak,” Rosacker said. “Let this proclamation serve as both a tribute and a call to action: in Newberg we will protect the freedoms that define us, honor those who lost their lives in their defense, and foster a culture where ideas are met with dialogue, not violence.”
City Manager Update
City Manager Will Worthey gave his monthly update for August. He highlighted several construction projects underway, including Springbrook Meadows at Crestview, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s new station redesign, and progress at Collina at Springbrook Phase 1.
He also noted the trial closure of East Illinois Street’s access to Main Street. The city will monitor the intersection to determine if traffic safety improves. If not, Worthey said, other solutions will be explored.
Additional updates came from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, Engineering, Public Works, the City Recorder’s Office, and Finance.
Public Comments
Anne Mildenberger urged councilors to address growing political division and violence and invited them to attend the Oregon Peacefest.
Sonda Martin raised concerns about national government policies affecting locally. She asked councilors to commit to representing all Newberg residents.
Presentations
Juliette’s House
Colman Crocker shared an overview of Juliette’s House, a child abuse intervention center in McMinnville. He explained its work with both children and adults and addressed challenges related to federal budget cuts. Crocker said the organization has leaned on major donors to fill funding gaps and is working to expand resources and programming for victimized young girls.
Housing Authority of Yamhill County
The Yamhill County Affordable Housing Corporation, the nonprofit arm of the Housing Authority, updated the council on the City of Newberg Housing Rehabilitation Grant program, funded through the Construction Excise Tax (CET).
Nine projects have been completed, totaling more than $100,000. Fourteen families are currently seeking eligibility, with $162,000 remaining for rehabilitation projects.
Rosacker asked how the organization will ensure affordability for 60 years, as required under CET criteria. The presenter said they plan to offer education programs on saving and home maintenance but could not guarantee recipients spend less than 30% of their income on housing.
Consent Calendar
The consent calendar was approved unanimously.
Continued Business
SPARK Newberg CET Grant Contract
City Attorney James Walker reviewed the SPARK Newberg grant contract, as required by council in June. He said the use of CET funds for SPARK Newberg is defensible, though questions remain about eligibility for planning and design costs.
Walker emphasized that CET funds must be used as both a developer incentive and for affordable housing. While state law leaves room for interpretation, he said eligibility could be supported if costs such as utilities keep rents affordable for earners at or below 80% of the area median income.
Councilor Turgesen asked whether SPARK’s programmatic tenant agreements conflict with legal protections of traditional rental agreements. Walker said the key is ensuring tenants spend no more than 30% of income while SPARK manages operations independently.
Rosacker recused himself before deliberations. Councilors said they want to ensure SPARK maintains nonprofit status and spends the grant within three years. Walker was asked to add language requiring a contingency plan if SPARK dissolves.
The discussion will continue at a future meeting, when SPARK presents a revised budget, a contingency plan, and proof of meeting affordability requirements.
Public Hearing
Repealing Outdated Code Sections
Council repealed several outdated ordinances related to public dancing permits, cigarette vending machines, and the Cable Communications Commission.
Nuisance Ordinance — Construction Hours
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-2939, limiting noisy construction to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sundays. Emergency projects are exempt. The city may issue renewable three-day permits for work outside these hours if public health and safety are not affected and delays would cause significant inconvenience.
New Business
Proposed Street Tree Code Revisions
Associate Planner Leanne Wagener presented revisions requiring property owners to maintain or replace street trees — those planted between the sidewalk and street under city-approved plans.
Removing or severely pruning trees larger than two inches in diameter in the public right of way generally requires a permit, with stricter rules for trees over eight inches. Permits are usually denied unless the tree is diseased, hazardous, or obstructive. Arborist reports may be required. Exceptions apply for emergencies, city projects, or utility clearance work.
Resident Robert Soppe said the code places an undue burden on homeowners who may not realize they must replace removed trees with more expensive species.
Wagener clarified that the code allows 50-foot spacing, meaning some trees can be removed without replacement if spacing requirements are met.
Council directed staff to consider the discussion when drafting a street tree maintenance code with built-in allowances and clearer language.
Watch full meeting at the City of Newberg YouTube channel.
