Joe Buck

The meeting concerned a land use request (LU25-000043) for the rebuilding of Forest Hills Elementary School at 1133 Andrews Road. Discussions covered the proposed two-story school footprint increase from 51,000 to 69,500 square feet, increasing capacity from 540 to 570 students. Key topics included site plan details such as maintaining general sport field and tree locations, proposed outdoor spaces (covered play area, outdoor classrooms), and circulation plans including increased on-site visitor parking (from 19 to 31 spaces) and mandated sidewalk improvements on Sunningale and Andrews Roads to meet ADA standards. The commission reviewed findings that zoning requirements and criteria for school circulation were met. The applicant also detailed modernizations, including building to Seismic Category 4 standards and implementing a micro grid system for energy resilience. Tree removal (21 trees) for development and sidewalk completion was addressed, with 26 new trees proposed for mitigation planting.

The meeting commenced with the Chair calling the session to order. A City Council update was provided, noting the approval of the rezoning of 4,000 Cruiseway Place and the outcomes of the recent goal-setting session, which included inheriting the Pioneer Cemetery and moving forward with hiring a new city attorney and manager. The commission noted that no public comments were signed up for the session. The main discussion focused on the presentation regarding housing needs and production updates, specifically addressing the new statewide Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) framework. This new methodology, which accounts for historical underproduction, homelessness, and vacation homes, is projected to more than double the city's previously calculated need of approximately 2,000 units over a 20-year period to around 4,850 units. The presentation clarified that the city is currently operating under the pre-OHNA cohort and will utilize the new framework for its next analysis cycle in 2029.

The primary item of business for this special meeting was the consideration and adoption of Resolution 26-10, which authorizes the mayor to sign a separation agreement and general release with the city manager. Council members expressed gratitude for the city manager's past service and emphasized confidence in the existing executive team to manage city operations, including the continuity of essential services like water and sewer management, during the transition. The council plans to appoint the assistant city manager, Megan Felin, as city manager pro tempore temporarily while a broader recruitment process for a permanent city manager is conducted. The council is committed to ensuring the leadership team is supported throughout this process.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and confirmation of quorum, noting one commissioner was excused. Following the approval of previous minutes from January 5th, 2026, the commission addressed agenda item number four concerning findings for AP25-04, which involved a request for approval of a type 2 tree removal application for nine trees to construct a single-family dwelling. The primary focus then shifted to the public hearing for LU25-000019, requesting approval for an 11-lot subdivision with a plan development overlay and modification of an existing development permit, including the removal of 27 trees for public improvements. The staff presentation detailed the proposed subdivision, which involves a modified stormwater plan changing from a detention pond to underground chambers, and adjustments to shared parking and easements with the adjacent retirement community. The staff also presented on required transportation improvements, including right-of-way dedication, a multi-use pathway, and a left turn lane. The applicant subsequently presented, emphasizing extensive community outreach and a design philosophy prioritizing open space preservation, which resulted in over 24% open space provided. Technical details regarding lot size exceptions and building dimensional standards under the Plan Development overlay were discussed, along with the rationale for the requested tree removal and required mitigation planting.

The proceedings began with an announcement regarding light refreshments and an invitation to a celebration for the reopening of an exhibit hall detailing city history. Public comments followed, including a discussion with Tom Curts and Karen Balmont regarding the Lake Ogo Water Polo Organization's (LOO) need for increased and appropriate pool time at the Lorac facility, especially during fall and winter, due to limited availability impacting their 160 participants and successful athletic programs. Solutions proposed included extending pool hours until 9:30 p.m., sharing the competition pool with the high school teams if rules permit, and better utilizing unutilized lap lanes by blocking times instead of keeping them open constantly. A representative from the Lake Ogo Sustainability Network presented objectives for the Foothills District redevelopment, urging the council to evaluate clean energy options like leveraging the wastewater treatment plant for district heating, maximizing water reuse, including electric vehicle infrastructure, and prioritizing pedestrian/bike-friendly pathways and diverse, high-density housing. Council business then moved to an update on pedestrian improvement projects, covering recent accomplishments, including over two miles of sidewalk constructed since 2022, with a specific focus on the Lake View Boulevard project. This project involved significant infrastructure work, including new concrete sidewalk, roadway reconstruction, and the installation of a new stormwater treatment system involving lifting a large vault into excavation, coordinating extensively with local services and residents due to traffic pattern changes.