City Council

^ awoF.Wood Mayor Council President Councilors John C. Miner Jairo Rios-Cam os Mark dark Dara Tan Patricia Smith WOODVILLAGECITYCOUNCILMEETING MINUTES September 24, 2024-6:00 PM PRESENT Mayor John C. Miner, Council President Jairo Rios-Campos, Councilors Mark dark, Dara Tan, and Patricia Smith, City ManagerGreg Dirks, PublicWorks Projects ManagerBeckyGallien, Directorof FinanceSeth Reeser, City Attorney JeffCondit, and interested parties. ABSENT Public Works Operations Manager Erika Normine CITIZEN COMMENTS (NON. AGENDA ITEMS) Dirks stated a community member contacted the City with concern over the vacant lot owned by the ConfederatedTribesoftheGrand Rondeand mentioned Gallien respondedto thecommunitymemberto let them know it was private property and the City did not have control over its development. Dirks noted the City has a good relationship with the Grand Ronde and stated the property is maintained well by them. Miner reiterated that the Grand Ronde is responsive to inquiries about the property and any reported issues there. NWNATURAL Amy Rathfelder, Communityand GovernmentAffairsManager, and MaryMoerlins, Directorof Environmental Policy & Corporate Responsibility, from NW Natural introduced themselves. Rathfelderprovideda briefoverviewofNWNatural'smission, history, andemissionreductiongoals. Rathfelder noted 615 homes and 137 commercial buildings in Wood Village are current NW Natural customers and mentionedthe availableincome-qualifiedbill discountprogram. Moerlins discussed the ongoing and upcoming state carbon regulatory landscape and developments, including the Oregon Climate Protection Program (CCP) 2, 0, emission reduction goals, and how regulation would work. Moerlins covered current cost projections for the CCP that would include a 17% cost increase for residential customers and 21% cost increase for commercial customers by year four of the program based on current draft rules. CityCouncil MinutesSeptember24, 2024 | Page 1 Moerlins stated NWNatural is committed to helping customers reduce emissions and supports carbon regulationthatdeliversverifiablecarbonemission reductionasaffordablyandequitablyaspossible. Moerlins reviewedthe DestinationZero infographicand photographsthathighlightNWNatural'spathwayto their carbon neutral vision. Moerlins discussed the Methane Pyrolisis pilot project, Carbin X pilot project, the Therman Energy (TENS) site pilot, and a dualfuel/capacitytariffpilot project. Rathfelder invited the Council to tour any of NW Natural's facilities if interested and to reach out anytime with questions. darkasked ifthe Statewasincludingthe TENSprogram andthe naturalgas-poweredelectricitywithin these regulations or if it would be exempt. Moerlins clarified that NW Natural's TENS program does not use natural gas-powered electricity and stated it would not be exempt. Rios-Campos asked if community members could explore converting their homes into a dual fuel system or if there was an existing program to do so. Moerlinsstated notyet as it is still in a pilot project phase, butthe Oregon EnergyTrust is currently modeling howto roll this out. Moerlins clarified community members could benefit from the dual fuel system by having a home with a ground source heat pump with a furnace used as a backup heat source. Rios-Camposasked ifall kindsofhomeswould be capableofdoing something likethis conversion, such as older homes or mobile homes, Moerlin stated any home that has both gas and electricity access would be capable but emphasized weatherization measures were the first and foremost steps to conserve energy, reduce costs, and increase health and safety. Miner asked about the projected cost increases and if NW Natural could share information about eligible WoodVillagecommunity memberswhowouldqualifyfordiscountprograms. Moerlins agreed that usage would drive cost savings and noted NW Natural could look into what information could be shared regarding cost savings for eligible community members. Smith asked iftwenty-five years was a reasonable and achievable goal for the reduction effort without driving costs sky high. Moerlins stated NW Natural is concerned about the fast timeline and what it would do to costs. NW Natural is interested in exploring price caps and an extended timeline and has expressed this to DEQ. Dirks overviewed the Community Climate Investments (CCI) and asked if his interpretation was correct. Moerlins stated it is a very unique to Oregon program and noted Dirks captured it correctly. Dirksasked ifthe non-profitswhoareawardedCCIscouldthen redistributethefundsbackto projects created by the energy generation field, such as PGE or NW Natural. CityCouncil MinutesSeptember24, 20241 Page 2 Moerlinsexplainedthat NWNatural,along withotherenergyproviderswhoparticipatein or benefitfrom CCIs, would not be eligibleto receivethefunds. Dirksstated customers would be paying moreto no longerhaveenergyfield experts be ableto run pilotor proof of concept projects. Moerlins stated that was an accurate assessment. Dirksmentioned NWNatural'sincome-qualifieddiscountprogramcould be advertised in the upcoming November newsletter. UPRIVERVILLAGE JaneForeman,Chairofthe Steering Council, introduced herself, Vice-ChairDebSanchezandTreasurer LeslieLauderbachfrom UpRiverVillageandaskedthe Counciliftheyhad begunthinkingaboutimpactsof aging on their everyday lives. Foremanstated UpRiverVillage,a newnotfor profitnowserving WoodVillage,wouldofferin-home servicesto seniorsto help keepseniorsat home andengagedin theircommunity, Servicesinclude educational, cultural, transportation, social, and recreational opportunities in addition to home cleaning, yard work, home maintenance repairs, technology assistance, and running errands. Foreman mentioned membershipin UpRiverVillagewould remainaffordableand notedthetargetdateto provide services is July 1 , 2025, but is dependent on filling key volunteer roles. Foremanaskedthe CouncilandCityto help spreadthewordaboutUpRiverVillage. Tan asked how membership pricing is being determined. Foremanstated fundingcomesfrom membershipfees,grants, fundraisers,and individualdonationsand explained there would be three levels of membership: social, regular, and premium. The premium membership would be $480 a year or $40 a month, which in comparison to other providers which come in around $40 per hour. Miner asked how long the East Side Village had been operating. Foreman stated she believes around 20 years but explained Villages exist nationwide and that UpRiver would be oneofthirteen villages in the PortlandareawithVillagesNorthwestastheirfiscalsponsor. Rios-Campos stated he could ask the PlayEast Board to see if he could help promote UpRiver Village too, Miner agreed and said the City could advertise it in the newsletter, as well. Foreman mentioned UpRiver Village tabled at the City Nite Out and will be at Pumpkin Fest next month. Miner asked if they had a good turnout at their table in July. Foreman noted they spoke with a good number of people but acknowledged the challenge to connect with Spanishspeakersbasedon theirlackof Spanishspeakingvolunteers. Miner stated the City could help promote this need too and asked Foreman to periodically keep the Council up to date on their efforts. ORDINANCE4.2024: MASTERFEESCHEDULEBUILDINGFEES Reeser quickly reviewed the last few updates on the building fees given at recent Council meetings. City Council Minutes September 24, 2024 | Page 3 Miner asked if any substantial changes had been made since the last presentation. Reeserstated no, explainingthiswastheordinanceadoptingthe resolution presented atthe last Council meeting, whichwouldthen befollowed bya resolutionforthe publicworksfees. Upon motion byTan, secondedbySmithand passing5-0, Ordinance4-2024wasapproved. RESOLUTION24-2024:MASTERFEESCHEDULEPWFEES Reeser presented the suggested motion. Upon motion bydark, secondedbyTanand passing5-0, Resolution24-2024wasapproved. DIRECTOROF PUBLICWORKSREPORT Dirks presented on behalf of Normine. Dirksprovided an updateon PublicWorksprojects:the northgatewaysign iscomplete butgraphicsforthe EMC are still being fine-tuned for best quality; the 238th north median turf installation progress has been stalled due to staffing shortages with Stephen Katulak leaving the City and Kevin Holstad injured; work locatingand marking sewerlaterals is ongoing;the leadandcopperinventoryis nearlycomplete aheadof next month's deadline. Dirks mentioned building updates, including tenant improvements for a new Ukrainian restaurant, an Indian restaurant, and a massage business; Chik-Fil-A plans were submitted; Sushi Ninja & Fish4Ever plans were approved; BywayMarketfinalswereapproved; Ki Coffeeis waitingon a Fire LifeSafetyplan review. Miner asked about the new Ukrainian restaurant. Dirksclarified it is a separatebusinessfrom, butnextdoorto, the Russianbakery. Dirksand Council discussed the number of restaurants in Wood Village. Dirks reviewed water consumption for the last two months: July water loss was at 9. 76% and by August it was down to a 7. 85% loss, No source for the reduction in water loss has been identified, but the speculation is thatsomeone mayhavenon-purposivelystolen water. Gallien mentioned recently replaced meter registers may also be more accurately recording usage too. Dirksstated splashpad usagein Julyaveragedaround8 hours perdayand mentionedthe City needsto replace a part but will wait until the spring to do so. dark asked if it had been winterized yet, Dirks and Gallien stated it is scheduled to be winterized in October. Dirks reviewed different types of hydrant flushing and mentioned the City recently switched to unidirectional flushing (UDF) as a proactive measure. Dirkspresented photosfromthe recent UDFandstated he hasneverseenwaterthis clearin Wood Village.The Citywill perform UDFquarterly. dark mentioned the best way to clean lines is using a "pig" but is enthused about the results, CityCouncil MinutesSeptember24, 2024 | Page 4 Tan asked why UDF is more efficient. Dirksexplained UDFincreaseswatervelocitythroughthe linesandchangesthe flowto "againstthe grain" of buildupto betterclearthem. Conventionalflushingalso pushessedimentthroughthe system and UDF completely clears the sediment. dark mentioned cost savings on chlorine due to cleaner water. Dirksalso noted it will reducecommunitymemberconcernsoverdiscoloredwaterat homeas it improves overall waterquality. Dirks stated there was a recent Public Works hiring recruitment and ten candidates have been selected for interviews. DIRECTOROFFINANCEREPORT Reeser noted there was no expenditure report for August because a lot of expenses from July and August get journal entried back into the last fiscal year as part ofthe audit process. Reesermentionedthe Cityauditorwould be visiting in two and halfweeks,andstaffwere busy preparing for it. CITYMANAGERREPORT Dirks provided updates on the APP. DirksdiscussedCommunityEmergencyManagementResilience:thirty-sixhomes in WoodVillageGreen received ductless mini-split units in their homes for heating and cooling through a pilot program with the City, County, and Lideres Maturates; twenty-eight homes in Wood Village Green received a single portable A/C unit; in total, the program cost $334, 018. 00, and the City is working with the County to keep up the momentum andcommunicatingatthe State level to demonstratethe continuedcommunity need. Dirks discussed Fire Service: no bargaining letter for renewal from Gresham, but the City expects it will be comingsoon;thethree-cityfire studyheld a kick-offmeeting lastweek;a communitysurveyshould be availablebeforethe holidayseason;the study ison trackforan expectedfinishdateof February/March 2025. Minermentioned heaskedforthefire servicediscussionto betheonlytopicatthe nextfour-citymayors meeting. Dirks discussed the Utility Rate Open House: around eight community members attended, and a further update will be provided at next month's Council meeting. Minerstated Dirksdida goodjob attheopen houseexplainingproposedchanges. Dirks discussed the CDBG Park Project and the Wood Village Blvd RRFB Crosswalk: both projects are under design with a December 18th deadline. Dirksdiscussedthe Wetland GrantProject: finaltouchesunderwayto completethe delineationupdateand cultural assessment survey. CityCouncil MinutesSeptember24, 2024 | Page 5 Minerasked ifthe designforthecrosswalkwasthroughthe County. Dirks clarified the design for the crosswalk is through RH2. Miner asked if the County would then review. Gallien confirmed the RH2 design must undergo review by the County before the design is finalized by the December 18th deadline. The City plans to go to bid the construction in January. Dirksdiscussedthe MainlineTrunk Design:theflowmonitoringgearwill be pulled this weeksothe data can be analyzed. Rios-Camposmentionedthe LideresNaturaleswill be meetingwiththe StateandOHArepresentatives, whoareworkingon a statewidecase study, to getcommunitytestimonyandphotosfrom recipientsofthe mini-splits.The hope isto demonstratethe successto increaseinvestmentinthe greaterEastCounty region. Dirks noted County staff were surprised at how quickly the project was completed, but Dirks stated he was not surprised since the outreach work was done by a trusted community partner. Dirksstated the City is workingto arrangea Council-to-Councilmeeting in Novemberwiththe Grand Ronde. Dirksmentioned he is meeting onsitewiththeirnewEconomicDevelopmentDirectorattheformer Greyhound Park to discuss potential development options. Dirks discussed the Arata bioswales, noting the County will periodically have a contractor restore the bioswales to maintain effectiveness and manageability, Miner asked if this includes the bioswales along 238th. Dirksstated onlyAratafor nowandthata hopefulfutureconversationwill beaddingtrees to Arata Road, as well. Minermentionedthedyingtrees on WoodVillageBlvd andstayingonthe Countyto maintainthem. Dirks reviewed the Metro Mixer that was held last week. Minerstated it wasa casualdrop-ineventfor localelected officialsto interactwith Metro leadersandfor Metro leaders to see the cities they serve and represent. Dirks mentioned Metro Councilor Simpson provides quarterly updates at Council meetings and Metro COO Madrigalstays in contactwiththe Cityfrequently. dark stated a FairviewCouncilorcriticized Metro to its Council PresidentLynn Peterson at the event, which he did not appreciate. Dirks mentioned feedback from Metro regarding the mixer was positive. Rios-Camposnoted it gave him theopportunityto talk abouthousingand theco-op modelwith Madrigal, whostatedshewould investigatebondfundingpossibilities. City Council Minutes September 24, 2024 | Page 6 Reesermentionedthere weremanycomments atthe UtilityRate Open Houseandthe Metro Mixerabout thecostofthe newCity Hall. Peoplewere happilysurprisedto findoutthe Citydid not haveanygeneral fund debt from the project. Dirks stated he is on the interview panel for Fairview's City Manager next week. Dirks presented a sponsorship opportunity and explained last year the Council supported el Programa's Dia de los Muertos celebration. Rios-Campos asked if the City had a connection to bring el Programa's services to Wood Village community members. Miner asked Rios-Campos if he was familiar with the organization. Rios-Campos stated he is familiar with it, and that the organization is not too far away from the city. Dirks and Rios-Campos discussed how el Programa could participate at City events. Minerasked for a motion to apDrovea $500donation. dark moved and Tan seconded the motion. The Council voted 5-0 to approve the sponsorship. CITYATTORNEYREPORT None. MAYORANDCOUNCILCOMMENTS Rios-Camposmentionedthe Costume Dashis nextweekendandthatcostumesare highlysuggested. Tan mentionedshe is covering atworkso theAssistantManagercan attendthedashwith herfamily. Miner instructed the Council to drive by Cook Plaza in Gresham since the County is proposing it as a new wraparound service site in East County for the houseless. Miner noted there may be pushback from neighborssincethere wasnot muchcommunityoutreachbutstatedthe resourcewasneeded in the area. Dirks explained it is primarily a day-use service site but will have twenty-four temporary shelter pods. Dirks noted partsofthe Countyfumbledthe outreachandcommunicationaroundthesite andconcernswith neighborsand community partners. Dirksmentionedtheexpected completion ofthe site is December 2025. Rios-Campos stated the other three cities in the area need access to these services and shelter spots despitethe site being located in Gresham. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the Council adjourned at 7:36 pm. City Council Minutes September 24, 2024 | Page 7  John C. Miner MAYOR ATTEST: CITY RECORDER CityCouncil MinutesSeptember24, 2024 | Page 8