Council Adopts Revised Camping Code, Pursues Solution to TriMet Impasse
May 17, 2023 — At the May 15, 2023, meeting of the Wilsonville City Council, on second reading, the City Council adopted revisions to the City’s overnight camping Code. The legal review of Wilsonville camping code brings the City into compliance with State laws effective July 1 that prohibit Oregon cities from outright banning overnight camping.
In tandem with the adoption of this ordinance, the City Council adopted a set of administrative rules that further refine the ordinance by establishing the “reasonable time, place and manner regulations” that specify when, where and on what terms overnight camping for survival is permitted locally.
The Council conditionally approved an intergovernmental agreement with TriMet that would remove three property parcels within City limits from the TriMet district boundary. In exchange, the City would compensate TriMet $2.738 million for ten years of payroll-tax revenue it would no longer collect, and TriMet would agree to a Memo of Understanding on a process to additional parcels within Wilsonville’s Urbran Growth Boundary area from the TriMet boundary. This action would allow South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) to provide service within the entirety of Wilsonville’s boundary and to collect transit-tax payments currently collected by TriMet,
The Council adopted the City’s five-year Tourism Promotion Business Plan, as recommended by the Tourism Promotion Committee. This plan summarizes the past year’s “Explore Wilsonville” tourism promotion program and provides a five-year plan that details specific components and activities for the upcoming 2023-24 fiscal year.
Additionally, the Council authorized a $248,000 contract with FFA Architecture and Interiors, Inc., for the development of the Community Service Block Master Plan. This plan would guide the future development of the 5.3-acre City-owned parcel that includes the Public Works/Police building, Community Center, Kiva and Art Tech buildings to accommodate the needs of the Police Department and Community Center.
To complete the upcoming Boeckman Road Corridor Improvements, the Council authorized the acquisition of additional temporary construction and public utility easements; the Urban Renewal Area Board convened to adopt a similar resolution. A variety of easement types are required in several locations along the corridor to achieve design standards and project goals.
The Council approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Clackamas County that transfers portions of two roadways in Frog Pond West (SW Frog Pond Ln., SW Stafford Rd.) to local jurisdiction and provides $45,000 to the City for road improvements.
During Mayor’s Business, the Council approved an amended employment agreement that retroactively adjusts the base salary of City Attorney Amanda Guile-Hinman.
Also, at the recommendation from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the Council approved the display of a commemorative Progress Pride Flag at City Hall throughout the month of June.
During Communications, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Laura Hitt provided an annual ‘state of the district’ that detailed the agency’s operations, and summarized service calls and the district’s plans to support future growth.
Wilsonville High School student Elijah Siebers detailed the accomplishments of several fellow students during the 2022-23 school year.
During the period of citizen input, a representative from the non-profit National Alliance on Mental Illness of Clackamas County (NAMI Clackamas) drew attention to Mental Health Awareness Month, noting that one in five adults experience a mental health disorder, and that anyone experiencing or observing a mental health crisis can call 9-8-8, the suicide and crisis hotline.
During the work session held prior to the meeting, Planning staff sought the Council’s input on the possible implementation of variable development fees. Reducing the cost to build smaller homes would support of the Council’s goal to make home ownership more attainable for more people.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is to be held on Monday, June 5, at 7 pm; a pre-meeting work session is scheduled at 5 pm.
Community members can watch all City Council meetings on cable (Xfinity Ch. 30, Ziply Ch. 32) or on the City’s YouTube channel: ci.wilsonville.or.us/WilsonvilleTV.
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