City of West Linn Engineering Division

Key discussions included updates from the Mayor regarding the Operations Center Funding, the increase in the Parks Utility Fee by $5.20 per month, and the ongoing legal review concerning the Tugboat transfer agreement. The Board addressed potential land acquisition for the Oppenlander space, noting the need for a public vote due to a lack of dedicated funds. The Board reviewed and updated its 2026 Plan and Priorities. Department updates covered scheduled maintenance projects, including path repairs, drainage improvements, and playground equipment replacements. Furthermore, the City Council passed a Heritage Tree proposal. Staff is actively planning summer programs and re-evaluating current events.

The key discussion topics for the meeting included a review of the 2026 Parks and Recreation Plan and a review of the Vision43 and Waterfront Project updates available on the West Linn website. Subsequent agenda items were dedicated to receiving community comments, receiving an update from the City Council Liaison, and discussing updates from the Arts and Culture Commission and Events and Recreation updates.

This document outlines the Vision43 project, focusing on the revitalization of the Highway 43 corridor. The plan's purpose includes creating a sense of place and local identity, ensuring safe crossings, promoting vibrant commerce, and establishing pedestrian networks with enhanced neighborhood connections. Key goals involve creating a shared community vision for Highway 43, identifying pedestrian improvements, and updating zoning to align with this vision. Recommendations include implementing a project vision for walkable and mixed-use neighborhoods, creating community destinations, establishing design standards, and improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

Participants addressed the neighborhood association's inactive designation by the City, which resulted in inaccessible funds of approximately $12,300. Key discussions included coordinating a new postcard to the community, as advised by the Assistant City Manager, to reactivate the association. The group reviewed problematic current bylaws requiring only a 10% quorum and the status of the bylaws subcommittee's new draft. Furthermore, significant discussion centered on the land use development proposed for the Alice Richmond property by Rob Matthews of Blue Properties and the subsequent three phases of development planned for the Parker Crest community. A consensus was reached to include the new bylaws, election nominations, and land use development on the agenda of the reactivation meeting communicated via the drafted postcard.

Key discussions during the meeting included the submission of the 2025 Annual Report and confirmation of programing dates, with a suggestion to seek specific sponsors for refreshments at the Fall Art Show. The group also discussed reducing the number of days for the Concert in the Park event. A potential participation in the Parks Fall Fest 2026 was raised, but no decision was made. Ongoing collaboration regarding City Newsletter installments and cleanup of broken links on the City Website was confirmed, with a member volunteering to lead communications efforts. A vote was taken regarding the first location for art installation along the Willamette Corridor, resulting in a decision to proceed with discussions with the City Council and Neighborhood associations concerning the art placement at the front of Hammerle Park.