NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 3, 2025, to hold a joint work session with the Planning Commission, heard proposed updates to the Library surveillance code, learned about the process for disposing of city vehicles and equipment, hired a subcontractor to help with making Newberg curbs ADA-compliant, and heard about proposed planning code development updates.

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Attendance

Present:
Councilor Mike McBride
Councilor Robyn Wheatley
Councilor Elise Yarnell Hollamon
Mayor Bill Rosacker
Councilor Derek Carmon
Councilor Jeri Turgesen

Absent:
Councilor Peggy Kilburg

City Manager’s Report — October

City Manager Will Worthey provided an overview of city operations, including the design review approved for the Northwest Christian Church daycare facility. He also outlined updates such as new signage in city buildings, fabrication of updated groundwater treatment plant filter covers, and various departmental reports.

Worthey announced that Public Works Director Russ Thomas will retire March 2, 2026.

“Russ has been a champion of the Newberg community since the first day he showed up for work, setting an example of the city’s STRIVE ethics standards in everything he does,” Worthey said. “Russ is quoted on the cover of the city’s customer service handbook to remind us all to ‘Treat people like they’re your own grandparents.’”

Public Comments

Jessy Farris Penningham, Newberg resident
Farris Penningham expressed concern about the council’s previous discussion regarding how public comments are read into the record. She cited portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and encouraged the council to consider residents with speech-related or neurodivergent disabilities when updating public comment policy.

Brandon Slyter, Newberg resident
Slyter spoke about the city’s sister city relationship with Poysdorf, Austria, and coordination for an upcoming delegation trip.

Combined Work Session with Planning Commission

The City Council and Planning Commission discussed whether to allow curb-tight sidewalk designs in future street cross sections. While not restricted by state law, staff noted that Oregon DEQ and city standards require stormwater to be treated on-site before reaching state waters, influencing how curb-tight sidewalks can be engineered.

Trevis Smith of Keller Engineering outlined potential design approaches and treatment options. No action was requested, though staff aimed to build consensus ahead of the Planning Commission’s Nov. 13 meeting. The discussion ties into the city’s ongoing Transportation System Plan update and broader goals of improving infrastructure and transparency.

The Planning Commission also discussed curb-tight sidewalks in new developments, the city’s street tree policy, and ensuring tree roots do not damage future sidewalks.

No votes or actions were taken.

Continued Business

Library Surveillance Policy

Library Director Korie Buerkle Jones provided a revised policy following consultation with Newberg-Dundee Police Chief Jeff Kosmicki, including updated language on complying with search warrants issued by internal versus external entities.

Councilor Carmon moved to approve Resolution 2025-3989, updating the library surveillance policy. Councilor Wheatley seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business

Disposal of Surplus Vehicles

Public Works Director Russ Thomas presented the city’s process for disposing of surplus vehicles and equipment. Options include selling to other cities, auctioning, liquidation sales, trade-ins, donations, or other cost-effective methods. Auctions are most common, Thomas said.

ADA Ramp and Sidewalk Work Contract

Worthey said the city expects more sidewalk and ramp repair work next year than current staffing can handle and hopes to contract with a local company. He said 60 ADA ramps still need to be completed.

Councilor Wheatley moved to approve Resolution 2025-4000, adding sidewalk and ADA repair capacity through a subcontractor agreement with Concrete Solutions Inc. Councilor McBride seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Annual Development Code Maintenance

Community Development Director Scot Siegel presented proposed Development Code maintenance updates, including changes to land-use laws, code definitions, and structural elements.

No action was taken.

Watch full video on the City of Newberg youtube channel.