NEWBERG, Ore. — Newberg City Councilors met Oct. 6 to discuss urban growth boundary development, appoint new members to various committees, approve the city manager’s employment contract, and more.
Councilors Mike McBride, Robyn Wheatley, Elise Yarnell Hollamon, Derek Carmon, Jeri Turgesen, and Mayor Rosacker were present. Councilor Peggy Kilburg was absent.
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City Manager’s Report
City Manager Will Worthey presented his September report, highlighting how city staff are focused on community engagement, recruiting volunteers for committees, replacing street signs, and improving sidewalks throughout downtown.
Councilor McBride asked follow-up questions about the city’s well system and the pipe repair process.
Public Comments
Sonda Martin addressed the council to express ongoing concerns about the SPARK Newberg program. She questioned Mayor Rosacker’s line of questioning toward the Housing Authority of Yamhill County during the previous meeting, describing it as a potential conflict of interest. She also raised concerns about waiving reporting and criteria guardrails for the project.
Consent Calendar
After a motion by Councilor Yarnell Hollamon, seconded by Councilor Carmon, councilors unanimously approved the consent calendar, authorizing the purchase of a new bucket truck.
Continued Business
SB 1537: Urban Growth Boundary Expansion
Associate Planner James Dingwall presented information on SB 1537, the Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Solicitation Process. He recommended that the council direct staff to conduct a formal solicitation for SB 1537 “one-time” UGB expansion sites.
The initiative aligns with City Council Goal 2, which emphasizes careful and prudent fiscal policy, and Goal E, which directs the council to pursue strategic planning and growth in collaboration with local taxing districts.
This discussion continued from August, when the council directed staff to prepare a solicitation of applications for “one-time” UGB expansions under SB 1537 after receiving interest from potentially eligible properties. The bill provides minimum requirements but flexibility for cities to review and select UGB sites.
Dingwall also outlined the process and timeline for the expansion.
Councilor Carmon moved to direct staff to conduct a formal solicitation for SB 1537, seconded by Councilor Yarnell Hollamon. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Council Appointments
Councilors approved new committee appointments following a motion by Councilor Carmon, seconded by Councilor McBride.
City Manager Employment Contract
City Manager Worthey presented his proposed employment contract with the city. His current contract is set to expire next year, but he said he initiated renewal discussions early to ensure longevity in the role, which he hopes to continue until retirement.
The proposed contract includes a raise, which Worthey said is justified based on cost savings and average compensation for city managers in comparable Oregon cities. It also provides 10 months of severance pay and extends his employment through 2034.
Mayor Rosacker said the council had discussed the terms in executive session but had not seen the final compensation details until they were released in the public agenda packet.
Councilors and staff expressed unanimous support for Worthey’s contract, praising his leadership since taking on the role in 2021.
“Newberg is a better place because of you,” Wheatley said. “Every day we hear about city managers getting fired or quitting—several nearby cities are in turmoil, facing budget deficits—and Newberg has none of those. We are doing great, and that’s thanks to you and all the other employees and council.”
Mayor Rosacker echoed the praise.
“The last council, nor this council, wanted to give you a long-term contract because we’ve been through a lot of city managers who left with big, fat severance checks,” he said. “Will, you’ve earned this long-term contract. Without you, there’s no telling exactly where the city would be—and it wouldn’t be in as good a place as it is, and we probably wouldn’t enjoy being city councilors under someone else the way that we do right now. I feel that the city is working well, and you’re about 95% of the reason why that’s taking place. I couldn’t be any happier to give you this long-term contract, and I hope we continue to work together for a long time.”
Council President Yarnell Hollamon recalled that one of her first executive sessions was about appointing an interim city manager, a role that went to Worthey. She said his commitment to bridging political divides has helped Newberg continue to move forward.
“This is representative of what nonpartisan leadership looks like, and I really believe that’s a reflection of you,” Yarnell Hollamon said.
Councilor Carmon moved to approve Worthey’s proposed employment contract, seconded by Councilor McBride. The motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Review Process
Worthey requested that the city adopt a formal structure for the city manager’s performance review, including a timeline and process for obtaining input from department heads.
Councilor Carmon moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilor Wheatley. The motion passed unanimously.
City Manager Succession Planning
Worthey requested that the council establish a succession plan for the city manager position for when he retires in 2034.
Councilor Carmon moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilor Turgesen. The motion passed unanimously.
Library Surveillance Policy
Library Director Korie Buerkle appeared before the council to present an updated library surveillance policy, which had been reviewed by legal counsel and approved by the Library Advisory Board in August 2025.
The policy aims to deter unsafe behavior in the library, Buerkle said.
Councilor Carmon asked whether public safety departments would need a search warrant to access surveillance footage. Buerkle said the library works closely with the Newberg-Dundee Police Department (NDPD), and Worthey and NDPD Chief Kosmecki said they could not envision a scenario requiring a warrant.
Carmon noted that while relations between the library and police are good now, policies should include clear guidance to avoid potential future access issues. City Attorney James Walker said he could provide a legal overview of how such language could be included without creating loopholes.
Records Policy
City Recorder Rachel Thomas presented an overview of a new digital records storage policy aimed at creating a more organized and searchable system.
Councilor Carmon moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilor Wheatley. The motion passed unanimously.
Closing Remarks
Councilor Yarnell Hollamon concluded the meeting by thanking councilors for their nonpartisan representation during a polarized time. She said she would not engage with political rhetoric on social media and encouraged others to do the same.
