Council Adopts Updated City Building Code, Approves Contract to Design I-5 Pedestrian Bridge
December 3, 2019 — During the Dec. 2, 2019, Wilsonville City Council meeting, the Council adopted on first reading an ordinance that updates the City Building Code to provide local regulatory guidance for the administration of state building codes, among other changes. The revision, made necessary after recent state legislation, ensures that consistent, accepted safety standards remain in place for all City structures.
The Council approved a contract with OBEC Consulting Engineers for nearly $1.4 million to provide surveying, design, permitting, acquisition support and public engagement services to launch the I-5 Pedestrian Bridge Project. The City is planning a safe, non-vehicular bridge over I-5 to provide a bike/pedestrian connection between the westside — including Villebois and the Wilsonville Transit Center — and the Town Center area on the eastside. The bridge is a key component of the Transportation System Plan and the Wilsonville Town Center Plan, serving as a catalyst for a vibrant, mixed-use district.
Council also approved a contract with Wallis Engineering, PLCC, that provides nearly $250,000 to fund design and engineering services for 2020 Street Maintenance, which includes the scheduled rehabilitation of the Town Center Loop roadway and the portion of Elligsen Rd. east of Parkway Ave.
During the work session prior to the meeting, City staff informed Council of negotiations with Republic Services to reduce the recycling surcharge and provide new recycling services, including residential food scraps, Styrofoam and free bulky waste pickup for seniors and people with disabilities. The changes are in response to a City rate-review analysis to adjust Republic Services’ operating margin to a 10% rate-of-return as stipulated in the City’s Solid Waste Franchise Agreement.
Parks & Recreation Director Mike McCarty discussed initial steps being taken by a Parks Bond Task Force to determine the potential timing and scope of a future Parks Bond to be placed before the electorate. The Bond would support the completion of projects identified and detailed in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan to provide new recreational spaces and amenities within Wilsonville.
South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) staff detailed the results of a recent rider-satisfaction survey. More than 400 respondents rated the agency’s overall performance at 4.5 (out of 5) stars and identified areas of improvement to inform future decision-making.
Staff introduced a new residential sidewalk repair reimbursement program for the Council’s consideration. The Council approved the pilot program, which would provide subsidies to property owners to incentivize required maintenance on cracked sidewalks adjacent to their property.
Additionally, Staff updated Council on the City’s use of a new speed reader board to curtail driving speeds and collect data in residential neighborhoods and the Council designated Council President Kristin Akervall as the City’s 2020 representative on the Water Intake Facility Commission, with Councilor Ben West serving as alternate.
Community members can watch a replay of all or a portion of the City Council meeting on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 30, Frontier Ch. 32 or on the City’s YouTube channel: ci.wilsonville.or.us/WilsonvilleTV.
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