City Council

^ Mayor Council President Councilors Jairo Rios-Campos DaraTan John C. Miner Patricia Smith Charlene Gothard CTIY.OTWood WOODVILLAGECITYCOUNCIL MEETING MINUTES September 23, 2025 - 6:00 PM PRESENT Mayor Jairo Rios-Campos, Council President Dara Tan, Councilor John C. Miner, Public Works Operations Manager Erika Bronson, Public Works Projects Manager Becky Gallien, Director of Finance Seth Reeser, Attorney ChristiTaylor, and interested parties. ABSENT CouncilorPatriciaSmithandCityAttorneyJeffCondit CITIZEN COMMENTS (NON. AGENDA ITEMS) None. CONSENTCALENDAR A. City Council Minutes . September 9, 2025 Upon motion by Tan, seconded by Miner and passing 3-0, the Consent Calendar was approved. CITYCOUNCILINTERVIEW Dirksreviewedthe interviewandappointmentprocessforCityCouncil members, stating thereare two applicantinterviewsfortonight, CharleneGothard andT. Scott Harden. Dirksremindedthe Councilthatthescoring matrixis forguidanceand not requiredto be used in the interviewprocess. Dirks restated the Council's options for deliberation and appointment, noting the swearing in will happen at the October14thmeeting. Rios-Campos asked if there was a preference on asking questions. Tan suggested having Councilor Miner go first, followed by her, and then the Mayor and repeat as needed. Minerexplainedthathe is very opento being involved in thequestion anddiscussionprocess. Rios-Camposconfirmed Minerwouldgofirst, then Tan, then himself,followed byrotationfollowing. Mineraskedwhothe Councilwould be interviewingfirst. Tan invited Gothard forward for her interview. Dirks instructed both applicants on use of the microphone. Rios-CamposwelcomedGothardto provideanybriefopening remarksaboutherself. Gothard stated she is a life-long resident ofWood Village, having moved here with her parents inthe 50s. She has a vested interest in the community and appreciates the Council's work. MineraskedGothardwhatin herbackground,personalor professional,drives herto wantto serve asa city councilor? Gothard stated she grew up next door to Kay Powers, the City Recorder for 30 years, and has volunteered in the past. Her dad served on the Council at one point. Miner stated he was having technical difficulties. Rios-Campos and Dirks instructed him to turn off his camera, Miner stated he did not hear Gothard's response. Gothard explained she used to help out with the Easter egg hunt as a child. Shewasa credit manager for Land 0' Lakesand Purina Feed and managed about $12 million a month in sales, served as national chairmanforthecreditgroup. Tan asked Gothard about her definition of leadership and how she would show her leadership style on the council? Gothardexplainedleadershipmeansguidingand helping notdemandingor interrogating. Listen, learn, participate, encourage, and promote growth. Knowledge is power, and kindness goes a long way. Much easierto workwiththem than against,whichis hermotto. Rios-Camposasked Gothardwhatsheconsidersimportantfactors inthegroupdecision-makingprocess? Gothard respondedwith knowledge, listening,discussion,goalsdesiredoutcomeforthegoodofthe citizens, respect, open-mindedness,keepingcalm, respectingthosewithdifferentoptions. Rios-Camposstated Minerturned off his mic, not camera. Minerasked Gothardaboutin instancesofdisagreement, howsheapproachesresolvingdifferences, objectives, andapproacheswhilefosteringcollaboration? Gothard respondedwithlistening, findingcompromise, askingfor more informationor assistance,and working with not against. TanaskedGothardwhatshe believesarethe most importantissuesfacingthecommunityatthistime? Gothard mentionedlackofcommunity, neighborsknowingneighbors,watchingoutforeachother, talking with each other, mediating differences, keeping issues atfederal level out ofthe local level. She stated it is alright to have different opinions, Rios-Campos asked Gothard what else she would like to tell the Council about how and why she would serve the community? Gothardstated WoodVillagehasbeengoodto herandwould liketo give backnowthatshehasthetime sinceshe retired. Shealso knowsthecity's historyandwantsto showan exampleofcivicdutyto herkids andgrandkids. Rios-Campos thanked Gothard for her time and then invited Harden to come forward. Rios-Campos invited Harden to make a one-minute opening statement. Harden stated he has lived in Wood Village since 2005 in Treehill Park and believed he served the City well in the pastduring histime on the Council. Hardenstated his beliefthatthe Councilcould not pickwrong given the earlier responses from Gothard. Minerasked Hardenwhatin hisbackground,personalor professional,drives himto wantto serve asa city councilor? Harden quoted Dr. King regarding providing service, mentioned his master's in management and organizationalleadershipandhisworkas a careerdevelopmentdirectorand nowprogramdirectorof Gresham Senior Center. Harden noted he served as Mayor and on Council from 2011 until January 2023, heserves on the MHCRC, Planning, Budget, and LIRA, previously served on the PlayEast board, and once was chair of the Four City Fire User Board. Tan asked Harden about his definition of leadership and how he would show his leadership style on the council? Hardenrespondedwithservant leadership,first, putting other's needsbeforehisown, and laissez-fairein a citywherethere is a strong City Manager,followingthe staffs lead. Rios-Camposasked Hardenwhatheconsidersimportantfactors in the groupdecision-makingprocess? Hardenstatedsettingground rules, includingaccountability,consensusis notas importantasa good idea, don'tgetparalyzed byanalysis,doingnothing issometimesnecessaryand nota loss. Listenand understand, take the time to hear other's perspectives, show respect, separate ideas from people, focus on sharedgoals, respondthoughtfullynot reactively, prioritizeinfluenceoverwinning,maintaincredibility, preserve relationships, andcreatespacefor progress, collective responsibilityfortheoutcome. Harden stated he neverwroteop-edsdisparagingthe Councilor theirdecisionsifhedisagreedwiththem. Miner asked Harden about in instances ofdisagreement, how he approaches resolving differences, objectives, and approaches while fostering collaboration? Harden stated this was the hardest one for him to answer, noting in his past disagreement has led to frustration on his part. He responded with focus on shared goals, actively listen, be openminded, manage emotions, focus on relationshipsandhavecheck-ins,considerwhatkindofconflictistakingplace, limit bringingup task conflictsin publicandsavevaluesor relationshipconflictsfor privatediscussions. Tan asked Hardenwhathe believesarethe most important issuesfacingthecommunityatthistime? Harden answered fire service, noting he participated in the dot exercise at Nite Out and attended a previous meeting discussion fire topics; during his time on Council, a district wasthe second-best option a decade ago, explaining he would agree withthe current Council that a district is the best solution nowat the very least to free up general fund dollars; manage and eventually close out the LIRAbond; responsible growth and attracting businesses for the community; bring back the beautification program for 238th entry to the City that was postponed during COVIDto fund the utility relief program; improving homeless services. Rios-Campos asked Harden whatelse he would like to tell the Council about howand whyhe would serve thecommunity? Harden explained that he is experienced, thoughtful, and reiterated that both choices aregood. His experience lessens the learning curve, and despite prior disagreements, he believes he still hasgood relationships with staff and politicians, Dirks stated he does not envy the Council's decision right nowand reminded them of next steps, including discussion and nominations. Rios-Campos asked Dirks to stop the screen share so Miner could be seen. Rios-Camposaskedfor initialcommentsor preferenceon nominees. Tan stated each candidate brings something different to the table, noting she has been where Gothard has beenas a newperspectiveandthatHardenbringsexperience.Tanexplainedherconsiderationis whois a bettersuitforthe Counciland reachingCitygoals. Minerstated bothcandidateswouldbringvalueto the Council. Oneofthe Council'sefforts is to broaden participation and to find waysfor people to get involved, in his view, this is an important goal oftonight's appointment. Minerthanked Harden for his candidness, previous efforts, and his current work in the region. Miner stated he thinks it's a question offit nowthan anything else. Rios-Campos agreed both candidates bring a unique perspective. The Council continues to work so that the community isthe driving force behind theirdecision making and goal setting. Whatwill serve the community best, A unique opportunity to provide opportunities for newvoices on the Council, which was one reason he ran a few years ago. Rios-Campos asked for a preference on waiting to hearfrom Smith or should the three make a decision tonight. Tanstated Smith'sopinion is important, butshebelieves Smithwould be alignedwiththeirdecision. A decision sooner than later. Miner agreed with Tan, stating he does not think they're moving too fast to make the nomination tonight. Rios-Campos asked for clarification on next steps. Dirks stated if a vote and consensus is reached tonight to serve until December 31, 2026 but would not being until sworn in on October 14th. Dirksexplained they could invite the appointed member to join them at the daisfor the rest oftonight's meeting to allowthem to see what isforthcoming. Rios-Campos asked for a motion. Tan nominated Charlene Gothard to serve on Council Position 1, Miner seconded, voting 3-0, Gothard was appointed to the Council. Rios-CamposexplainedGothard hasnowbeenappointedto thevacantposition andthanked Hardenfor hiscontinuousserviceto thecommunity. Rios-Camposcongratulated Gothard. Dirks mentioned the City would reach out to Gothard about next steps. Rios-Camposinvited Gothardtojoin them fortonight'smeeting. Gothard declined. Rios-Camposexplainedtheywould hold herswearingin on October14ththen and againthankedbothfor applying for the position. DISCUSSION:WETLANDPARKPROJECTUPDATE Dirksasked ifMinerwouldcontinuetojoin the meeting. Minerstated hewantedto hearthewetlandandfire updates. Dirks explained it is not the update he was hopeful for but prefaced it was better to find out certain things earlierthan later. Dirksprovidedbackgroundonthe wetland parkprojectfrom 2018-2021 andsteps in theearlyworkonthe project. Dirks presented an aerial photo of the site and reviewed the design plan set. Dirksmentionedthe City hadto updatethe delineationreport as it wasoutdated, sotookthetimeto update the plant list in partnership with CTGR and Wisdom ofthe Elders before starting work on the State permit process with NV5. Dirksmentionedit wasduringthe permit processthatstaffran into issueswhen NV5pointedoutthe design planset is onlyabout30%complete anddid not includegrading, irrigation, or boardwalkdesign. NV5told the City bids would not come in or be very high or require lots of change orders. Dirksexplainedstaffare nowreworkingnextsteps: NV5quotedthe City$90,000to updatethe plans;the Cityis reachingoutforadditionalquotes butis likelyto come backaroundat least$50,000-$60,000. Most likely won't be able to submit to State for permits until January which would push construction window until 2027, Dirks apologized to the Council and mentioned staff did not anticipate these issues but wanted to address before construction phase Tan asked ifwedidn'tknowthe detailsofthingslikethe boardwalkpaving. Gallienexplainedit is in the plan butonly in the footnotes. The Citydid not receivethefull setofCADfiles, whichis whatwould needto be recreated, andthe CADfilesthe Citydid receive had issues. Gallien mentioned the grants forthis project are good for a couple ofyears, noting stafflearned not to go out to bid unless you know your plans are good. The construction manual wasgeneric, aswell. Dirks explained NV5stated this type of project would not even need a construction manual but the details would need to be included in the plan set. Gallien mentionedcontractorsmaynot bidon theproject. The lackofdetailsinthedesignplanand construction manualwouldforcethe contractorto makea lot ofthedecisions,whichmakesit higherrisk. Tanasked ifthe Citywould not receiveanybids. Dirks confirmed due to potential risks and lots of unknowns. Gallienstatedwe may receivea bidbutthen haveto dealwitha lot ofchangeorders. Tan asked about the original timeline. Dirks stated originally wanted to be in permitting nowso bid in winter to construct in dry season, but now may not be able to make that window especially given the unpredictability ofthe State permitting process. Rios-Camposstatedthe biggestfactoristhe needto updatetheseplans, Dirks stated it's also the money required to update the plans but also the time. The City has money to do thework, butit wouldnot be possiblein theoriginaltimeline. Rios-Campos stated that, since the grants are forextended periods, it seems like a good ideato halt and updatethe plansfirst. Dirks agreed and that the City could still put out the bid and the Council could still decide not to award. Rios-Campos reiterated he still thinks it's better to update the plans first. Miner agreed thatwe should not go out to bid without specific details and updated plans. Dirksstatedthat isthe hopeafterthe learning processofotherprojectsearlierthis year. Rios-Campos stated the Citydid not recently receive a grant award and maybe this time could also be used to reapply. Dirksexplained that specific grant typically awards playground projects, so maybe some General Funds could be diverted from that project to the wetland ifthe City receives a grant forthe playground project instead. Rios-Campos stated that makes sense and noted other organizations also have grants that may be applicable. Dirksexplained staffthink the State sawthe wetland park as restoration first and not recreation. DISCUSSION:FIREUPDATE Dirks stated the Council will likely get updates on the fire through the end ofthe yearor longer, noting this is kind of a quick update. Dirksprovidedan updateon the EastCountyTask Forcethatwouldtrack and report backprogress towards a regional fire district. Dirksstated all fourcitieswould be represented on thetaskforce: Mayor, Council rep, City Manager,and also includes Fire Chief, Union Rep, and a Rep from District 10, who is a current stakeholder in the system. Dirks reviewed the monthly meeting structure and cost share for the task force. Dirks mentioned the probable need to hire a project manager. Dirksasked aboutthe CityCouncilrepresentative, mentioningdiscussionshave been hadwithCouncilor Tan already and explained why. No decision is needed tonight on the representative. Rios-CamposexplainedinvitingTanto participatewould bringa differentperspectiveon thefinancialside given hercareerexperienceand bring newerconversationsto thetable. Rios-Camposstated hebrought the idea to Dirks. Minerstated hiscomplete support in appointingTan asthe Councilrepresentativeon thetaskforcealso mentioning her networking and outreach in Gresham. Tan stated shewouldbe happyto representthe City. Dirksexplainedhewould relaythe Council'ssupportofthetaskforce andthe recommendationforthe representative. Minerstated his hopeforthetaskforceto considerparallel approachesor conversationsaround howa levy would be needed after the end of a two- or three-year contract. Dirksstated Gresham'spublicsafetylevygoesthrough2028andTroutdale/Fairviewissuedpublicsafety utilityfees. WoodVillagedid notdothatforthisfiscalyearbecausewewantedto talkwiththecommunity first as the direction of the four cities was decided. Dirks stated work is already being done with Praxis to talk about howwe afford fire service and community town hallswill be held in the upcoming monthsto dothis notasa sales pitch butto keepthem informed. Dirks mentioned a more detailed outline of the town hall sessions would hopefully be ready for the next Council meeting, noting hope to be wrapped up around Thanksgiving given the holiday season. Dirksexpressed interestin usingthe CouncilandtheotherCitycommissionsand boardsasa betateston the town hall presentation before moving to broader community stakeholders. Dirksreviewedthetimelinefor immediatenextsteps leading upto thesetown halls, includingupdatingthe website to be more future-looking. Dirks presented a larger drafttimeline of next steps on fire service overall, working towards drafting and then submittinga ballotmeasure byMarch 19, 2026. Rios-Camposmentionedthis is a normal conversationduring hisweeklymeetingswith Dirks, butthistime is alsoan importantopportunityforthe restofCouncilto stay informedand reachoutto Dirkswith any questions. Dirksreiteratedtheneedto revampthewebsiteto pivotfroma districtsolutionsoonerthan laterto now focuson a four-cityregionaldistrictsolution and howthatcould befinanced.Communitymemberswill also be informed through the newsletter and town halls. Rios-Camposstatedthegoal is to provideall the informationto community membersto allowthem to make theirbest-informeddecisions. It is a communitydecisionnota Councildecision,andthegoatofthetown hall isto answercommunityquestions. Tansuggestedthe languageon thewebsiteandsupporting materialsreflectthosewhodo not havethe same backgroundor understandingas stafforthe Council, whoregularlyworkon this issue. Dirksstatedthe Citylearnedatthe NiteOutthatcommunitymembersprioritizeservicequalityforfireand emergency medical, so good messaging and community interest already exists. This is now an opportunity to explain what additional investment buys the community. Rios-Campos stated it is a very strenuous timeline but has been for several months leading up to this, as well, noting much hasbeenaccomplishedin the lastsixweeks. He reiterated the hopefora draftofthe extendedcontractinthe nextfewweeksasthefirstpieceto moveforward. Dirksagreed, mentioning he and Reeserare meetingwithsome in Greshamtomorrowto articulategaps without disparaging anyone. Dirks stated there was never an issue with Gresham's service, Minerstatedthetimelinefor nextsteps is accurate, includinga full PRcampaignthatengagesat leastour community, so theyare notsurprisedbythis. Suggestionforothercitiesto mimicourstepsto ensurewe're all followingthesame path. MinerapplaudedtheworkbeingdonebyDirksand Rios-Camposthusfarand the work that will be done by Tan soon. Dirks thanked Miner for his comments. Rios-Camposstatedweare in a uniquepositionasall fourcitiesare moving inthe samedirectionnowand it is crucialto educatethecommunityto makean informeddecision. Dirksand Mineragreedthis is a hugeopportunity. Miner left the meeting at 7:15 PM, Dirks noted the end of the quorum with Miner's departure. DIRECTOROF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT Bronson presentedthe reportforAugust:catchbasincleaningstarted in partnershipwithMultnomah CountyTransportationandwillcontinueto shownewstaffexpectations;newcedarchipsinthe playground, especiallyaroundtheswingsandslides;fixedparkirrigationsystemthatcaused issuesoverthesummer; hydrantandcurbpaintingaroundthe City, includingin Riverwood,finishedthisweekexceptforthe Byway butwill becompleted this month; scopedandjetted the236thavenuestorm lineto identifypotential areaat Shamrockhillforfuturestreet projects inthe Spring;the Cityacquireda small strip ofroad byARCOand Yazzi's and put up cement barriers with reflectors to deter illegal parking; striped City Hall and park parking lots. Bronson statedtherewereonlythree utilityworkers in JulyandAugust, so it wasimpressiveso muchwas accomplished. Two new utility workers started over the last fewweeks to get through the project backlog. Bronson mentionedChin ChaBubbleTea& NoodleHousesubmitted plans. Dirksstatedthatit will beatthe Byway. Rios-Camposcongratulatedtheteamon accomplishingso much. Dirksstated there wereparkingconcernsaround intersectionsandcrosswalksin Riverwood,so staffhave addedmore enforcementwithinitialwarningtagswith repeatoffenderspotentiallybeingticketed bythe sheriffsoffice. He noted publicsafetytakes priorityover parkingconcerns. DIRECTOROFFINANCEREPORT Reeser stated the City is doing well, noting the packet includes updates on the first two months of the new fiscalyear. Reeserthanked Dirksforallowinghimto stay in the backofficeto continueworkingonthe auditas auditors will be here in three weeks. Rios-Campos thanked Reeser for his hard work. CITYMANAGERREPORT Dirksstatedthe big updateontheAPPis onfire andthewetlandproject, whichthe Councilhasalready heard about tonight. Rios-Camposstated hisappreciationofall thefire updates, noting the Councilwasawarethatwould bethe primaryfocusaftertheirretreatearlierthisyear. Dirks mentioned he is meeting with Commissioner Jones-Dixon's staffers tomorrow to talk about County opportunities, challenges around transportation, the ambulance service plan, and layoffs within the sustainability office. Rios-Camposnoted a pieceis alsohighlightingtheCity'sneedssinceJones-Dixonis relativelynew, including the Sustainability Office layoffs to ensure community needs continue to be met proactively rather than reactively. CITYATTORNEYREPORT Rios-Campos asked Taylor to introduce herself. Christi Taylor introduced herself as an attorney at Miller-Nash who works with the current City Attorney, Jeff Condit. Shestated shedoesa lot ofpublicentityworkand mentionedthe City mayalsomeetwith her colleagueJamesWalkerin thefutureastheymaybesplitting duties. Rios-Campos thanked Taylor for attending. DirksaskedforTaylor'sfirst impressionofthe CityCouncil. Taylorstated it is verywell runand verycollegial. MAYORANDCOUNCILCOMMENTS Rios-Camposstated he is attendinga town hall hosted bySenatorWydenthis Fridayandwill share anythingwithstaffif needed. PlayEastis havingtheCostumeDashon October4th hereat Donald L Robertson Park. ADJOURNMENT Withnofurtherbusiness,the Counciladjournedat7:30pm. Jairo ios-C os MAYOR AT ST: CITY RECORDER