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City Council Meeting

The North Plains City Council convened on May 19th, 2025, with six councilors present and the mayor excused. The meeting covered several key topics including approval of prior meeting minutes, proclamations, public comments, staff reports, unfinished and new business, and council reports. The session focused heavily on community growth issues, public safety, infrastructure concerns, and city administrative matters.

Highlights

  • 🛠️ National Public Works Week proclaimed, recognizing vital city infrastructure efforts.
  • 🌾 East Side property owners’ coalition voices frustration over prolonged land-use restrictions impacting farming viability.
  • 🚦 Community concern raised over high-speed traffic and lack of stop signs on Brenhill Road.
  • đź“š Library reports elevated summer programming supported by community donations.
  • đźš“ Police urge public vigilance amid suspicious activity involving individuals posing as delivery drivers.
  • âś… New nonprofit fee waiver application policy passed to streamline approvals and ensure equitable access.
  • 🏆 City awarded $1 million EPA brownfield grant to facilitate contaminated soil cleanup at Blinko Opportunity Area.

Key Meeting Outcomes and Discussions

  • The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting (May 5th) and consent agenda without objection.

2. National Public Works Week Proclamation

  • The council officially proclaimed May 18-24, 2025, as National Public Works Week.
  • Acknowledgment was given to the city’s public works professionals for their vital role in maintaining infrastructure, water systems, and other essential services.
  • The proclamation highlighted the appreciation for the unseen work done by employees such as street maintenance, park upkeep, and waste management.
  • Named public works employees were publicly recognized to increase community awareness of their contribution.

3. Public Comments

Multiple community members provided testimony on significant local issues, mainly focusing on development, safety concerns, and city governance:

  • Chris Edmonds, representing the East Side Property Owners Coalition:

    • Raised concerns about ongoing land-use and development delays affecting nearly 100 clients.
    • Criticized the council’s handling of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) designation process, emphasizing that land has been in limbo for years, preventing productive use or development.
    • Expressed frustration with perceived political roadblocks that prolong uncertainty and impose financial burdens on property owners.

  • Doug F., Bren Hill Resident:

    • Highlighted traffic safety issues on Timber Road, one of the longest roads without a stop sign.
    • Raised concerns about excessive speeding (up to 50 mph) near a community park with heavy pedestrian use.
    • Requested the installation of stop signs or other traffic calming measures to improve safety.
    • Council acknowledged the issue and clarified it would be addressed in future discussions.

  • Jacqueline Hunt, Fourth-Generation Local Farmer:

    • Spoke on behalf of her farming family regarding thoughtful growth around North Plains.
    • Acknowledged community fears related to sprawl and loss of rural character.
    • Advocated for intentional growth that preserves agricultural heritage while meeting community needs.
    • Shared ideas to enhance local public spaces, specifically the Lind Reservoir, suggesting improvements like walking trails and sports fields that preserve its historical and recreational importance.
    • Presented a documented model (“egg” document) highlighting how growth can coexist with agriculture.

  • Emily Waldron, Resident and Re-User of UGB Process:

    • Expressed concern over pressure to make premature growth decisions regarding UGB expansion.
    • Suggested following recommendations from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to delay decisions until the housing needs system updates are available.
    • Recommended increasing community involvement through events like city festivals to better engage citizens on growth planning.

  • Linda Gallas Martin, representing Strong Towns North Plains:

    • Raised an administrative compliance issue regarding the City Manager’s failure to secure a mandatory surety (performance) bond, which has been outstanding for over six months.
    • Stressed urgency in resolving this to protect the city’s legal and administrative integrity.
    • The council sought clarification on representation within Strong Towns but was deferred.

Staff Reports and Presentations

  • Library Report:

    • Celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, highlighting its local significance given the diverse demographic makeup.
    • Announced the summer reading program themed “Level Up Your Library,” supported by a donation of $2,000 from the Friends of the North Plains Library.
    • Highlighted ongoing efforts such as hygiene/toiletry drives benefiting vulnerable student populations.
    • Detailed public access statistics showing nearly 971 hours of public internet and computer use in April.

  • Police Department Update:

    • Addressed recent suspicious “door-knocking” activities described as “the buzz,” involving individuals posing as delivery drivers.
    • Urged citizens to promptly report suspicious activity to law enforcement rather than relying on social media.
    • Emphasized proactive engagement to prevent crime in the community.

  • Public Works Update:

    • Provided a status on emergency management coordination, noting potential development of a volunteer database to support disaster response.
    • Highlighted the challenge of aligning emergency volunteer efforts with existing county and state systems.
    • Discussed collaboration with Washington County’s search program and plans for future drills and exercises.

  • Engineering and Planning:

    • Discussed upcoming highway signage improvements to assist local businesses.
    • Addressed concerns about tree management in the city, including recent issues involving large pine trees dropping branches onto neighboring properties.
    • City staff proposed developing a tree policy requiring replacement of removed trees to maintain canopy coverage.

New Business

  • Fee Waiver Application Process Review:
    • The council reviewed and approved a revised fee waiver application framework aimed at establishing clearer criteria.
    • Emphasized that fee waivers should only be granted to nonprofits demonstrating genuine public benefit.
    • Deliberated on whether to include frequency limits on fee waivers per nonprofit; however, the group decided to proceed without hard limits but monitor for potential abuses and revisit if needed.
    • The process is designed to streamline staff evaluation and reduce council time spent on routine waiver requests while maintaining council oversight for appeals.

City Manager Report

  • Provided updates on budget processes, noting discovery of minor errors being corrected and invited public participation in upcoming budget hearings to allow citizen input.
  • Announced North Plains was awarded a highly competitive $1 million EPA Brownfield grant to address soil contamination at the Blinko Opportunity Area.
  • Explained the grant’s award was due in part to extensive prior planning work, making the project “shovel-ready.”
  • However, cautioned about securing final paperwork and potential challenges given the unpredictability of federal funding environments.
  • Acknowledged collaborative efforts from regional partners like Columbia Pacific Economic Development District, Stantec engineering firm, and Washington County officials in securing the grant.

Council Reports and Comments

  • Traffic and Safety Concerns:

    • Council members expressed strong interest in quickly addressing high-speed traffic issues in residential areas, including the potential for stop signs and speed bumps.
    • Recognized that long straight stretches of roadway encourage speeding and called for technical evaluations and safety measures on Bren Hill Road and others.

  • Congratulations on Brownfield Grant:

    • Councilors publicly praised the city’s success in securing the federal grant, recognizing the substantial behind-the-scenes work required.
    • Emphasized the potential positive impact on community redevelopment and environmental health.

  • Fire and Rescue Community Academy:

    • One councilor shared a personal experience completing the Twin Valley Fire & Rescue community academy, praising the professionalism and extensive training of responders.
    • Encouraged fellow council members and residents to participate to better understand fire service operations.

  • Economic Development and Business Engagement:

    • Discussed plans to establish a Gleno Opportunity Business Association to support local enterprises, potentially managing signage and promotional activities independently from the city.
    • Reported on pending Urban Renewal Agency (URA) board meetings to discuss potential URA extension and new business opportunities.
    • Mentioned ongoing public outreach surveys aimed at capturing more robust commercial data to inform future economic policies.

  • Parks and Recreation Updates:

    • Reported on recent park cleanup efforts and upcoming community events such as the June 5th Ice Cream Social.
    • Noted challenges regarding the lack of available land for new parks within the current Urban Growth Boundary.

Conclusions and Next Steps

The meeting underscored ongoing community challenges related to urban growth, land-use planning, safety, infrastructure maintenance, and administrative compliance. The council expressed commitment to addressing public concerns around speeding and stop signs in residential neighborhoods and actively supporting redevelopment efforts facilitated by the Brownfield grant.

The council decided on an improved, transparent process for fee waiver applications aiming to balance equitable access for nonprofits against financial stewardship. Public participation in the budget process is encouraged at the upcoming hearing on May 22nd.

Council members highlighted community engagement opportunities including participation in fire safety academies and upcoming cultural and recreational events to foster neighborhood connections.

Overall, the council is moving cautiously but proactively on growth management, infrastructure safety, and maintaining the city’s unique character, with planned follow-ups on tree policies, emergency volunteer coordination, and economic development partnerships.

Key Action Items

  • Schedule and address stop sign and speed management measures on Bren Hill and other affected roads.
  • Monitor and potentially tighten fee waiver application limits based on frequency and public benefit demonstrated.
  • Finalize budget corrections and encourage public input during May 22nd hearing.
  • Continue development and update of tree policy to include requirements for tree replacement and possible large tree safeguards.
  • Follow up on city manager surety bond compliance as per city code.
  • Proceed with Brownfield grant implementation, while maintaining vigilance on paperwork and funding assurance.
  • Enhance community outreach strategies to boost public participation in growth and development decisions.
  • Coordinate with local fire and emergency services to improve emergency management volunteer programs and planning.

Video Recording