Chris Hege

Key discussions during the meeting included updates from the Library Foundation, which is preparing to release a fundraising cookbook and planning a story slam event. The Library Director's report detailed the progress of the restroom remodel, which is on schedule for completion by the end of March, and the successful reorganization of the graphic novels and children's sections to provide expanded space. The report also noted a significant increase in library card sign-ups in January, partially attributed to hosting a Christmas light route event. Furthermore, updates were provided on the ongoing digitization project of local newspapers in partnership with the University of Oregon, including utilizing funds from the recently dissolved Newberg Area Historical Society. The board agreed to prepare ideas for the 2027 strategic plan. The library resource of the month focused on the Gail databases available via the library website for curated, vetted information for students.

The City Manager provided a report highlighting February activities, including finance discussions on water stormwater rates, pension plan consultations, and League of Oregon Cities training. Library updates noted significant card signups, graphic novel expansion, and restroom remodels. Community engagement included activities like a ride to school event and planning for upcoming outreach. Progress on IT projects involved migrating phone systems to Webex and implementing virtual desktops projected to save $30,000 to $40,000 annually. The Central Square Cloud rollout was successful, leading to an invitation for the IT manager to speak at a national conference. Water quality testing showed negative results for E.coli, and reservoir cleaning/inspection occurred. Concrete crews are progressing on ADA curb projects ahead of the road resurfacing program. Planning Commission business included denying an appeal for a 9-unit housing development and reviewing updates to commission rules. An update was given on the one-time UGB expansion program passing the Oregon House. A resident provided extensive kudos to the police department for achieving a ranking as one of Oregon's safest cities, citing full staffing, rapid response times, technology adoption like drones, investment in body camera translation features, community outreach, and accreditation status. The council then unanimously approved Resolution 2026-412 for the 2026 update to the safety manual, which is expected to maintain OSHA compliance and contribute to approximately $50,000 in annual savings on CIS insurance costs.

Key discussions during the meeting included the City Manager's report for December 2025, which detailed community engagement, progress on groundwater treatment and River Street engineering, the NURA tax ID acquisition, and a sewer surcharge event on Femwood Road due to rainwater infiltration. Public comments addressed ICE operations, ADA accessibility, and police department support. Presentations covered the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue update on the Station 20 rebuild, detailing construction timelines and new facility features, and the Newberg Workforce Housing Consortium update on the Housing Innovation Village Experience (HIVE) project. A public hearing resulted in a recommendation to Yamhill County to approve a three-lot partition of a parcel on NE Zimri Drive. Continued business involved discussing support for sister city relationships and the establishment of the Connect Newberg nonprofit to coordinate activities without city funding. New business included approving a minor ordinance change to recognize PASER data in the municipal code for road repair decisions. Finally, Councilor Derek Carmon was elected as Council President for 2026.

The special session meeting included an executive session conducted to consult with counsel regarding the legal rights and duties of the public body concerning current or likely litigation. Following the executive session, the Council business involved the consideration and approval of Resolution 2026-4011, which accepted the settlement agreement resolving the case of Newberg Crestview, LLC v. City of Newberg.

The City Council meeting included a City Manager Report highlighting the work of the STRIVE Committee, the recent opening of Hawaiian Brothers, and engineering documents for Station 20. A significant announcement was the receipt of an $850,000 grant for water treatment plant basin covers. Public comments addressed sidewalk repair options, fiscal management, accessibility barriers, and maintaining decorum. Key presentations involved the Police Department receiving accreditation renewal from the Northwest Accreditation Alliance and an update on the Storm Water Masterplan Phase II, which informed a proposal to change the update frequency from every 5 to 10 years. New business involved the approval of Resolution 2026-4006 to initiate the stormwater master plan update, resulting in fiscal savings. The Council also deliberated on proposed rule changes regarding public comment decorum, ultimately deciding to maintain general public comment while adding decorum standards, and supported a project to review and update the city code, which contains many outdated provisions.