City Council

^&s <.&S:%S£r ^ Mayor Council President Councilors &M"; Jairo Rios-Campos Dara Tan John C. Miner Patricia Smith Charlene Gothard CTTY.OTWood ige WOOD VILLAGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES October 14, 2025-6:00 PM PRESENT MayorJairoRios-Campos,CouncilPresidentDaraTan, CouncilorsPatriciaSmithandCharleneGothard, PublicWorksOperationsManagerErikaBronson, PublicWorksProjects ManagerBeckyGallien, Director of Finance Seth Reeser, City Attorney JeffCondit, and interested parties. ABSENT Councilor John C. Miner NEWCOUNCILORSWEAR.IN Hinders swore in Gothard. CITIZEN COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA ITEMS) LynneaAmend, 112 Elm, remarked sheis proud ofthe Councilandthe Mayor'sactionsdisapprovingofthe federal presence in the area. Amend mentioned the Portland Immigration Resource Center (PIRC) is hosting neighborhood watch trainings, so she wanted to share it as a resource. Amend statedthe McMenanim'sbusstop is dangerousforthosewaitingforthe busand noted peopleare parking on the dead end street by the park, which causes tension. Amend remarked it has been about two years since the Hamas attack at Israeli music festival on October 7th, expressingshewishesshehad been more vocal duringhertime on Councilaboutissuesimportantto her. Shestated, sincethen, the UShasgivenover$40 billionto Israelforarmssale. Sheprovided statistics of those killed, injured, displaced, and property damaged and noted her oerceived similarity between the City's land acknowledgementandthedisplacementin Gazaas comparisonsofsettler colonialviolence, Amend stated that the Council shows what the local governments can do and expressed her concern for community members in Wood Village. She thanked the Council for their time and stated that the Council has her email if they want any of the PIRC information. Rios-Campos stated his appreciation for Amend's comments and remarked on his appreciation for MCSO's community support and protection against federal efforts. He stated City representatives will continue to do what they can. Dirks remarked that the City prioritized the prioritized the Edgefield section as part ofthe Main Streets on Halsey project in addition to the County Transportation SafetyAction Plan. Rios-Campos stated he could elevate to our County Commissioner too since he is an EastCounty advocate, notingthe more voicesthatcanelevatethe issuesthe better. PUBLICSAFETYREPORT Lt. Howell presented the monthly safety report for September: two robberies at the beginning ofthe month; shooting at the Byway Marketplace resulted in two arrests, the single victim is still recovering, and a robbery at the Plaid Pantry on 242nd; shoplifting at Walmart, suspect produced a knife before running away, still being investigated; 12 crashes, almost half hit and runs in parking lots and other halfon 238th, which is consistent with other months, luckily, no serious injuries; plan for an enhanced mission in Wood Village in December looking at traffic complaints and livability issues, exact date will be shared with the City. Smith stated she likes to see MCSO around Wood Village. Rios-Campos stated his appreciation for MCSO joining the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in September, which had lower attendance but noted the community's comfort around MCSO. CONSENTCALENDAR A. OLCC Liquor Licenses . Diamond Darcys . Yazzi's Bar and Grill Upon motion by Smith seconded by Tan and passing 4-0, the Consent Calendar was approved. PGEUPDATE Larry Bekkedahl, Senior VPfor Advanced Energy Delivery, introduced himself and Preston Korst, the new WoodVillagePGErepresentative. Bekkedahlstated a tenth of PGE'sworkforcelives inthis area, highlightinga 67%growth in population since 1990 in Wood Village. He provided a historical look at the region's industry, which combined with population growth, has increased service demand here. Bekkedahl mentioned the former greyhound park and asked the Cityto keep PGE in mind asthe site is considered for development. Bekkedahl reviewed the current number of residential and commercial customers and mentioned the peak load here is8 megawatts, explaining one megawatt is about 350 homes. Bekkedahl mentioned the franchise agreement that was negotiated last yearand the continue partnership with the City. Bekkedahl described PGE's resiliency efforts against increased threats, including extreme weather and cybersecurity. Bekkedahlstated the new200-megawattbatterystoragefacilityhas nowopened nearthe river, which should serve the area well given peak numbers in Wood Village and neighboring cities. Bekkedahl stated old, outdated equipment, tike poles, are also being replaced. Bekkedahlstated PGEiscutting operatingcoststo keepcustomercostsdownand maximizingexternal fundingsources butthree DOEgrantswere lostthisyear, Bekkedahldiscussedassistanceprograms, noting355WoodVillagehouseholdsenrolled inthe Income QualifiedBill Discount(IQBD) program. Heaskedthe Cityto contact PGEifweknowofpeoplewhoneed help. Bekkedahlmentionedwildfirepreventionworkcontinues, noting onlytwoshutoffssince2020andonly2% of PGEcustomers live in high-riskfirezones. Bekkedahldiscussed PGE'sworktowardscleanenergy. Tan asked howthebatterystorage is fueled. Bekkedahlstate) howeverPGEcanfuel them, mostcommonlywindfromthe Gorge, butalsogeothermal fromthedesertsouthwestto help during peak hours.Whateveris availableatthe lowestcost. Tan asked about the location. Bekkedahl stated in Troutdale down by the river. Tanaskedaboutthecustomerassitanceprogramand howto accessit. Bekkedahlexplainedit can bedonefromthewebsiteor overa phonecall. Dirksstated ifyou log intoyour PGEaccountthere areoptionsto applythere. Rios-Camposexplainedthe City is49% Hispanicand52%speaka differentlanguageandaskedabout multi-language support. Bekkedahland Korststated, yes, estimatingthatPGEsupports200 languages. Rios-Camposasked if PGEwould havea presenceat Cityevents to helpspreadawareness. Bekkedahlstated yes, absolutely. Korst agreed and mentioned different types of materials that could be distributed at events. Rios-Camposaskedabouttradeopportunitiesforstudentsand individualsinthe region. Bekkedahlasked if ReynoldsHighSchoolstill hada trade program. Dirksstated some, buttheyare trying to build it back, noting MHCCstill hasone. Dirksexpressed interest in workingto buildpartnershipswiththe rightpeopleto bring backthesetypes ofopportunities. Bekkedahl stated he would like to move back toward that kind of partnership, noting they need the workforce. Korst mentionedthe Lineman'sRodeoin Greshamwould bea greatopportunityto promotethis. Rios-Camposasked if Korstcould sharethatinformation. Korst confirmed and stated it usually takes place in July. Rios-Campos thanked Bekkedahl and Korst fortheir presentation. RESOLUTION24-2025: MASTER FEESCHEDULEUPDATE- UTILITYRATE UPDATE Reeserstatedthe presentationis on a cost-of-livingadjustmentfor utilityrates. Reeser explained a newutility rate methodology wasadopted last Octoberthat allowed reduced costs if usage dropped, utilized winter averaging for sewer usage, and consolidated the Utility Assistance and Senior Discount. Reeser provided an update on howthe newmethodology hasworked over the last year, noting a considerablecostsavingifyou'reusing halfas muchwaternowversustheold methodology. Reeserstatedwaterandsewerrevenuesarewithin1%ofold methodologythroughthefirst ninemonthsof the newversion; sevenformerSeniorDiscountparticipantshaveappliedforadditionalutilityassistance;an increasein leakdetection program usage,whichwentlargelyunnoticed undertheold methodology. Reesernoted boththe revenueandcustomersatisfactionseemto begoingwell. Reeser explained the City has been using a cost of living adjustment forthe utility rates, noting this year is 3. 0% which would result in a 3. 0% increase on utilities effective January 1, 2026. Reeser mentioned not including a 4% sewer increase this next yearwhile we monitor the inflow and infiltration program before reassessing main sewertrunkline. The 4% increase forthe last two years helped cover Gresham Treatment cost increases and built Sewer fund balance. Tan asked about the different numbers from the presentation and the packet. Reeser explained the numbers in the staffreport are the newnumbers for next year and the ones in the presentationarethe numbersfrom 2025. Rios-Campos stated his appreciation forthe staffwho pointed out abnormal water usage even though it was due to lawn watering. Rios-Camposstated he is gratefulweare notdoingtheadditional4%thisyear. Upon motion by Tan seconded by Smith and passing 4-0, Resolution 24-2025 was approved. RESOLUTION25-2025:PERSONNELMANUALUPDATE Dirks stated this is an update to the personnel manual to reflect the Paid Leave Oregon program. Dirksexplainedthe Cityhasalwaysoffereda 12-weekpaid leaveoptiondespite Cityemployees not qualifyingfor FMLAor OFMLA.Dirksprovidedbackgroundon the PaidLeaveOregon program, whichwas approved in 2019, noting the City has always been following it despite not being officially in the personnel manual. Dirksstated CIS,the City'sinsuranceprovider, recommended updatingthecurrent manualto reflectthe Paid Leave Oregon to reduce confusion. DirksexplainedStatelawrequiresuseof PLOor an equivalentprogram, noting hedid notthinkthe City would want to create its own program, Tan asked ifemployeeswould notget additionalpaid leavewiththis update. Dirksstated employeescould useaccrued leavesto make upthedifferencenotcovered by PLO, noting it generally is just the 12-weeks of coverage but there are a fewaccommodations through the ADA Act. Tan explaineda fewofheremployees have utilized PLOand it seemsstreamlined now. Dirks agreed it seems to have approved from the first launch. Upon motion bySmithseconded byTan and passing4-0, Resolution 25-2025wasapproved. DISCUSSION:FIREUPDATE Dirks provided an update related to ongoings around fire and EMS discussions. Dirkspresented an updateonthe District 10financialanalysiscompleted byTiberiusSolutions, noting threescenarioswerepresented at a recentGreshamCouncil meeting. Dirksnoted thesescenariosused several assumptions and were possibly not based on actual reality, including District 10 using Gresham's currentexpenseallocationsandassumingall fourcitieswould reducetheirratesto offsettaxcollections. Dirks reviewed the three financial scenarios presented to the Gresham Council, explaining District 10 is not the immediate solution it was expected to be, and these numbers were based on current service models withsixand a thirdstations,whichis notthe agreed upon baselevel needforthe region. DirksdiscussedthefourcityTaskForcewhowill be holdingtheirfirst meeting on November6thto begin conversations about what is needed and who can provide it. Dirksmentionedthere is a standingofferfrom ClackamasFire District 1, so thatoptionshouldalso be examined by the Task Force, as well, including what is right or wrong with District 1. Dirks stated the timeline would ideally be over several years, but we do not have years to continue discussions. Dirksstatedtherewill beseveralcommunityengagementopportunities in the nearfutureto keepthe community informed, including in the newsletter, website, social media, and City events. Dirksreviewedwhatoutreachat Pumpkin Festwill look like and mentionedthe CommunityConversations scheduled for November 13th and November 17th, the latter of which will be in Spanish. Dirks noted the October 23rd meeting the Council was invited to is to get feedback from City representatives. Dirks reviewedwhatwould bediscussedattheseevents, includingan overviewoffireservice, propertytaxes, and nextstepswhichmay includea levy. Dirks explained the City received initial thoughts from Gresham on costs for the contract extension, including a 10% increase inYear 1 anda 7% increase inYears2-5. Dirksnoted insixyearstheCitywill be paying $600, 000 more than last year. Dirks stated there is not something wrong with Gresham numbers, but it may betime to look at howto change things as it quickly becomes unaffordable for everyone. Dirks stated his hope to present more information atthe next Council meeting and then again after the first Task Force meeting. Dirksreiteratedtheupcoming importantmeetingdatesandaskedforquestions. Tan asked about times of the events. Dirksstated 6:00PMforthe 23rd, 13th, and 17thand3:30PMforthe 11/6meeting. The23rdand 13thwill be held at City Hall but still working on a location for the 17th. Rios-Campos stated this was not whatthe Council wasexpecting forthe contract extension, noting it is really eye-opening and his hope that our partners will recognize the need to move quickly towards the districtmodel. He mentionedthefirsttaskforce meeting andthe needto recognizethe Clackamas proposal. Gothard asked if the cities were all at different renewal times. Dirks stated no and provided a brief background on fire service in the four cities, highlighting the most recent work over the last year or two. Dirks agreed with Rios-Campos that while District 10 should not be explored, equally District 1 should not be ignored. Possibility of contracting before annexation vote, either with District 1 or District 10, noting the unfeasibility ofstarting up a newdistrict given the proposed contract extension cost. Gothard asked about the closest fire station under District 1 Dirks explained the current service model of 6. 33 stations places the nearest one in Troutdale. Both Gresham and Clackamas see value in adding a new station in the Wood Village/Fairview border. If contracted, District 1 would still have existing stations but would add at least a temporary station in that border region. Conversations with Gresham are still ongoing about this possibility. Dirks mentioned benefits to all by adding this new station. Dirks reiterated the need to continue exploring both District 1 and District 10. Rios-Campos mentioned his conversations with the other mayors highlights that another station is needed, and this is part ofthe reason why having highercosts for current service models no longer works for anyone. Dirks stated Gresham Mayor Stovall has also agreed thatthe 8-model station is theneeded service model, as well. Rios-Campos also explained that conversations should continue ifthe temporary station would then become permanent but reiterated that any further conversations should include this additional station. Dirksmentionedthefirefightersalso haveconsiderationsin thisconversationaswelloutsideofjust financials. Rios-Campos mentioned the 7. 3% annual expense growth from Gresham that District 10 utilized in its financial analysis, aswell, is unsustainable. Rios-Campos reiterated the need for urgency in these conversations. Dirksstated thegoodand honestconversationsregionallyhavebeena positive. Rios-Campos stated the upcoming meetings are very important to engage with the community since we will be seeking their support. Dirksrecappedall the upcomingoutreachand mentioned it does notfeelgoodto askthe communityfor more money, sothe hopeisto getthe most resourceforthatcostsincethe marginalcostdoes notexist anymore. DISCUSSION:COUNCILRETREATFACILITATION Dirksprovided backgroundontheannualCityCouncilretreatand its purpose, Dirks reviewed the items up for discussion tonight. Dirks stated the retreat will be at City Hall but asked about live streaming. Council expressed it is not practical to do so. Dirks confirmed with Condit that this fulfilled the requirement. Conditagreed. Dirkspresented a previewofthegeneralagenda, noting mostofthediscussionwill surroundfire and emergency services and a potential levy. Other items will include public works updates, a five-year financial project, and 2026/27APPdevelopment. Dirksstatedthethoughtwasto holdthe meetingfrom 8 AM- 2 PM, Smithexpressedthatthe importantthingsseemedto be covered inthe agenda. Tan agreed, mentioningthatmostoftheconversationwill be aroundfire. Dirksconfirmedsinceit is the biggestthingto impactourcommunityin recentyears. Rios-Camposstatedtheagendareminded himthefirediscussionalso includesEMSandthatwe should not forget about that aspect. Rios-Campos mentioned community feedback and progress from the Fire Taskwould bea large partoftheconversationtoo. Rios-Camposand Dirksmentionedthe possibilityofotherprojects beingdelayedor reprioritized. Rios-Campos asked about a retreat facilitator. Dirksnoted staffrecommend bringingin Praxisforthefire and EMSdiscussionatthe retreat. Dirksaskedforinitialthoughtson datesforthe retreat, including 1/31, 2/7, or 2/21. Tan stated not February 21st. Smith stated February 7th works for her. Gothard also stated no to the 21st. Dirks asked for confirmation on February 7th. Rios-Campos explained it seems the Council agreed on February 7th but would need to hearfrom Miner Smith asked about the start time. Dirks explained that it would start at 8:00 AM with time in the morning for breakfast before kicking offthe agendaaround8:30AM. Dirks asked about childcare, refreshments, or other considerations. Tanaskedaboutdoing an ice breakerorteam buildingatthe retreat. Dirks stated staffcould look into it. DISCUSSION: UTILITYRELIEFPROGRAM Reeser provided background on the Utility Assistance program, which was started during the pandemic utilizing ARPA funds and ran from 11/21 - 6/22. 87 applicants and $109, 617 in funds. ARPA allowed the Cityto expand the UA program to private utilities, as well, to ease financial burdens. Reeser stated the City directly paid PGE, NW Natural, and Waste Management to ensure funds were being utilized on utilities. Reeserexplainedthatthe UA program is means-tested basedon enrollment in othermeans-testprograms. Reesermentionedthata private utilityassistanceprogramwasbroughtbackupthis yearaspartofthe discussionaround replacingthe City'sholidaymealdrives. Reesernoted45%ofthe pandemicUA program applicants had private utilities only. Reeser presented a $6, 600 estimate on the cost ofexpanding the current UA program to include private utilities. ReeserreviewedhowtheexpandedUA programwouldoperateutilizingthe holidaymeal drivefunds. Gothardaskedifthe$150capwasforthefull year. Reeserstated it is a cap perapplication,butyoucanapplyevery6 months. Tanaskedif it wasper household. Gallienand Reeserstated yes per household. Reesermentionedstaffverifytheaddresstoo. Tanasked iftherewould bea reevaluationifthe Citywentbeyond $10,000. Reeserstatedstaffwouldevaluate howthe programoperatesoverthe nextfewmonthsandthen project howmuchto budgetfor nextyear. Tan asked where the funds came from. Reeserexplained it is fromthe CouncilDiscretionaryfund, whichisthe same placethe meal programs came from. Dirks explained the City budgeted $2, 000 less this yeargiven unknowns around the meal program and could reevaluate the budget next year based on performance, Tan stated this is a great program. Reeser also explained this would free up stafftime. Rios-Campos asked about launching earlier than January 2026. Reeserstated staffcould explorelaunchingit earlier. Rios-Camposaskedaboutputting it in the Novembernewsletter. Dirks explained yes if the Council is requesting it be brought for adoption at the next meeting and gives the go ahead for adoption, Tanstatedthe soonerthe better, especiallywiththe holidayseasoncomingup. Rios-Campos agreed, noting it also correlates to when we used to hold the holiday meal programs. Smith suggested getting the word out now. Gothard asked about a motion tonight. Dirks asked about the effective date. Tan stated December 1st. Councilorsagreed. Dirksconfirmedstaffwouldadvertisein the Novembernewsletterand bring backa motionforadoptionat the next meeting. The Council confirmed. CITYATTORNEYREPORT None, MAYORANDCOUNCILCOMMENTS Rios-Camposstated Pumpkin Festis October25ftfrom 11 AM-1 PMat City Hall. Dirks stated Kevin Mansfield from the Parkinsons Resource group to continue use ofthe Council Chamber forthe next yearat no charge. Dirks explained this is out of staffs decision making and now before the Council. Dirksasked iftheCouncilwould like itto be broughtbackofficiallyatthe nextmeeting for consideration. The Council agreed. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the Council adjourned at 7:57 pm. Jairo i s-Campos MAYOR ST: CITY RECORDER