City Council Meeting

Highlights

• 💜 The Family Justice Center (soon to be “Family Peace Center”) shared annual updates: they’ve purchased a larger building, will add the kid-focused CARES program on site, and continue partnering with 20+ agencies to support domestic- and sexual-violence survivors countywide.
• 🚓 The Sheriff’s Office reported an unusual cluster of stolen vehicles in March, noted ongoing catalytic-converter theft, and fielded questions about forthcoming e-bike legislation and whether radar signs can capture speed data (they can).
• 🛣️ Public Works/Engineering updated council on construction impacts (gravel spillover at Pacific & 313th, Glencoe traffic-signal knockdowns) and is coordinating temporary fixes with 3J inspectors and contractors.
• 🏘️ Planning rolled out Phase 1 of the free/reduced-cost ADU program: a new web page explaining eligibility, permitting steps, and how to adapt Eugene’s plan set for Washington County. Phase 2 (FY 25) will explore a small plan-library subsidy.
• 🇺🇸 Councilors asked staff to ensure the city’s flag-rotation schedule includes respectful retirements and to order backup flags so winter weather doesn’t force a tattered display.

Notes

• Family Justice Center Presentation

  • Board President Judy Willie and Executive Director Rachel Schutz highlighted 2023 accomplishments: higher client volumes, more on-site partners, and plans to rebrand as “Family Peace Center” when they move into their new Hillsboro facility later this year.
  • The expanded site will allow co-location with the CARES Northwest child-abuse team—reducing the number of trips survivors must make.
  • Fundraising continues for tenant improvements; cities were thanked for annual support.

• Police Update (Deputy Thurman)

  • March saw three stolen vehicles (two recovered locally, one taken elsewhere). The city usually averages one or two thefts in an entire year, so patrol is increasing neighborhood visibility.
  • Council asked about state-level rules for e-bikes/e-scooters (legislation is pending; details TBD) and requested speed data from the radar trailers so hot spots can be identified for enforcement.
  • Bike/ped safety, catalytic-converter theft, and National Night Out planning were also discussed.

• Public Works / Engineering

  • Dustin Nilsen (remote) described mitigation steps for construction dust and gravel near Pacific/313th: temporary asphalt pads, additional sweeping, and closer oversight of contractor haul routes.
  • He’s coordinating with 3J and the fiber contractor about tree trimming near power lines to avoid sudden clear-cutting.
  • Councilors reiterated the need for clear communication before trees are removed or trimmed; staff agreed to alert nearby residents when possible.

• Planning / Community Development

  • Rowan Moore unveiled the ADU resource page (phase 1) with FAQs, sample checklists, and Eugene’s pre-approved plan set (plus caveats about County tweaks).
  • Phase 2 (budget permitting) would hire local designers to create a reduced-cost plan library residents could license.

• Other Council Discussion

  • Council requested a respectful flag-retirement process twice yearly (Memorial Day & Veterans Day) and asked staff to maintain backup flags in case winter storms damage the main pole.
  • Councilors reminded staff to keep them informed about staffing needs (e.g., police overtime, engineering bandwidth) so contracting/outsourcing options can be considered when workloads spike.

Follow-Ups

• Staff

  • Provide radar-sign speed data and explore a short memo on how state e-bike rules might affect enforcement in North Plains once legislation is finalized.
  • Continue the construction-gravel mitigation plan at Pacific/313th, reporting back if additional temporary asphalt is required.
  • Promote the new ADU resource page via the city newsletter and social media; scope the phase 2 budget request for FY 25.
  • Coordinate with the events team on flag-retirement ceremonies and ensure spare flags are on order before winter.

• Council

  • Keep the Family Justice Center on the radar for potential ARPA or URA partnership opportunities once the new “Family Peace Center” opens.