Council Approves Pursuit of Grants to Fund New Memorial Park Playground, Future Housing Analysis
October 3, 2023 — On October 2, 2023, the Wilsonville City Council authorized the City to pursue a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant from the U.S. Department of Interior that would partially fund the replacement of the playground at lower Memorial Park. If procured, a LWCF grant would fund about half of a $1 million project to upgrade the highly-used playground, which requires frequent maintenance and lacks inclusive amenities.
The Council also authorized the City to seek Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) grant funds to move forward with the third phase of the Housing Our Future project, which is analyzing the City’s future housing needs and identifying strategies to meet those needs.
On second reading, the Council approved changes in local City Code that provide latitude for the City to impose time limits at public City-owned parking lots, as needed, to ensure there is sufficient parking for daily public use as development occurs.
Also on second reading, the City Council adopted Development Code amendments that correct inconsistencies and clarify the review process for certain application types, including wireless communications facilities, extensions of development approvals, and temporary use and sign permits.
The Council authorized acquisition of several property and property interests that facilitate right-of-way enhancements to be made by the Willamette Water Supply Program as stipulated in its agreement with the City.
Additionally, the Council approved a supplemental budget agreement that re-appropriates more than $8.3 million in prior year funds for ongoing capital improvement projects and $3.6 million to fund additional expenditures during the current fiscal year.
During City Manager’s Business, the Council tentatively agreed to cancel its scheduled Nov. 20 meeting because of its proximity to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Additionally, the Council granted permission for the City Manager to convene an ad hoc committee of staff, agency partners, and health care practitioners to determine how to best allocate the City’s allocation from a State opioid settlement.
The City Manager also detailed ongoing work by staff and partner agencies to mitigate a local infestation of Mediterranean Oak Borer, a destructive pest that is an emerging threat to oak trees.
During the work session held prior to the meeting, City Attorney Amanda Guile-Hinman and management staff from Republic Services detailed continued progress toward renewing the waste and recycling hauler’s franchise agreement and administrative rules. The update detailed a Metro ordinance to implement business food-waste/scraps composting, improve service requirements at multi-family dwellings, and introduce Recycle+, an opt-in program that meets public demand for opportunities to recycle materials not available as part of standard recycling services.
Economic Development staff resumed a discussion from the Sept. 18 work session to discuss the core components of the city's Vertical Housing Development Zone (VHDZ) program and explain how the tax abatement program could promote mixed-use vertical development without impairing a potential urban renewal plan for Town Center. Urban Renewal, also known as tax increment finance, is being studied as a funding mechanism to support infrastructure development in Town Center. Infrastructure funding is sought to help realize the vision for a vibrant, walkable city center as articulated in the adopted 2019 Town Center Plan.
A brief meeting of the Urban Renewal Agency Board held after the work session to approve supplemental budget items.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is to be held on Monday, Oct. 16, 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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