City Council Adopts Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy, Transportation System Plan Amendments
November 17, 2020 — At the November16, 2020, meeting of the Wilsonville City Council, the City Council adopted the Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy to advance the City’s aspirations for a more vibrant cultural scene. Recommendations, informed by extensive public outreach and a 42-member task force, include the establishment of an Arts and Culture Commission and a new City staff position to manage arts- and tourism-related activities.
On second reading, the City Council adopted amendments to the City’s Transportation System Plan. This update incorporates new projects from the adopted 2019 Wilsonville Town Center Plan, including upgrades of arterial streets and the development of infrastructure to support cyclists and pedestrians.
The Council affirmed Development Review Board Resolution No. 382, authorizing the construction of a six-unit townhome in Old Town. Last month, the Council unanimously voted to call-up this resolution to gain an understanding of the Development Review Board’s case file and decision. Following a staff report on the record and Council deliberation, the Council voted to affirm the DRB’s decision.
The Council adopted a resolution acknowledging results of a readiness assessment completed at the future Coffee Creek Industrial Area. The action enables the City to consider recommended innovations and best practices designed to hasten commercial/industrial development in Coffee Creek. Upon completion, the Coffee Creek area is designed to support up to 1,500 family-wage industrial jobs with an annual payroll of over $98 million.
Mayor Tim Knapp read a proclamation recognizing the upcoming Nov. 28 Small Business Saturday, encouraging post-Thanksgiving shoppers to buy locally and support local businesses.
At the Mayor’s recommendation, the City Council confirmed the appointment of the following individuals to City boards and commissions:
- Daniel Christensen, re-appointed to a new four-year term on the Parks and Recreation Board
- James Barnes, re-appointed to a new four-year term on the Parks and Recreation Board
- Daniel McKay, re-appointed to a new two-year term on the Development Review Board
- Olive Gallagher, appointed to a new three-year term on the Planning Commission
During Communications, outgoing Metro Councilor Craig Dirksen updated the Council on current Metro initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Bond, Supporting Housing Services and the Regional Waste and Recycling Plan.
Several Councilors shared their decisions to modify personal Thanksgiving plans during the State’s two-week “pause” to help mitigate Oregon’s rising COVID-19 infection rates. To “flatten the curve” and keep health systems from becoming overwhelmed, the Council urged residents to prioritize personal safety during the holiday season.
At the work session prior to the meeting, City Administration staff received the Council’s consent to proceed with the establishment of the new Kitakata Sister City Board to oversee a cultural exchange program with Kitakata City, Japan. Bylaws adopting the new City board will be put forward for the Council’s consideration on Dec. 7; recruiting for board members is already underway.
Republic Services shared a summary of the annual solid waste rate review, which detailed operating costs and budget projections for the upcoming year. Adoption of the rate review, scheduled for the Dec. 7 meeting, would ensure that waste/recycling rates do not increase during the upcoming year.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, Dec. 7, 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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