City Council Adopts Reduction in Garbage and Recycling Rates, Approves Agreement to Build Villebois Subdivision
November 16, 2021 — At the November 15, 2021, meeting of the Wilsonville City Council, the Council adopted a resolution that reduces garbage collection rates for all Wilsonville residential, commercial and industrial customers. Additionally, a temporary recycling surcharge is being eliminated due to recovery of the domestic recycling market.
This action follows the City’s annual rate review audit, which calculated Republic Services’ rate of return to have exceeded the 8-12 percent range stipulated in the franchise agreement. Revised rates, which reduce the cost of roll cart service by an average of 4.7 percent for residential customers, go into effect on Jan. 1.
The Council also authorized the City’s development agreement with Taylor Morrison Northwest LLC, which outlines roles and responsibilities related to the completion of the Clermont subdivision in Villebois. An interim agreement was adopted last month so that construction of the final single-family neighborhood in Villebois could begin.
Following an appeal hearing, the Council supported a Development Review Board resolution to approve construction of a three-building mixed-use development in the Villebois Village Center noting the findings in the record demonstrated the developer's application met all code criteria. The appellant, a Villebois resident, objected to a proposed parking area at the site, citing the narrow width of an adjacent alley, traffic safety and the loss of landscape among her concerns.
During Mayor’s Business, the City Council approved a four-month extension to the City’s employment agreement with City Attorney Barbara Jacobson. The amended contract extends the agreement until March 31, 2022, the date upon which Jacobson has indicated she is retiring.
Mayor Julie Fitzgerald read a proclamation in support of “Small Business Saturday” on Nov. 27. The proclamation urges residents to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
During Communications, Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal detailed Metro’s current priorities to support Portland-area residents and a representative from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development outlined guidelines being established to support Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities throughout Oregon.
Council members noted their attendance at recent meetings and promoted upcoming events, including the dedication of the City's new Nature Play Area at Memorial Park, taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 10 am.
At the work session held prior to the meeting, Planning staff sought additional guidance from the Council regarding draft guidelines and design criteria being established to support implementation of Vertical Housing Development Zones (VHDZ) at Wilsonville Town Center and in Villebois. VHDZs offer property tax rebates to incentivize mixed-use buildings with ground-floor retail space, supporting more vibrant, walkable, neighborhoods.
Planners shared design options and a financial feasibility analysis in support of a concept to build transit-oriented development (TOD) on a City property adjacent the Wilsonville Transit Center. Staff received Council’s approval to initiate a process to identify qualified developers who share the City’s vision to establish new affordable housing units in support of priorities identified in the Equitable Housing Strategic Plan.
City Planning and Engineering staff sought feedback to inform 90 percent design of the I-5 Pedestrian Bridge and Gateway Plaza. The Council shared its preferences among plaza wall design alternatives presented by staff.
The Council directed staff to proceed with the establishment of a local Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission (ACHC), which is to advise the Council on matters relating to arts, culture, and heritage and to guide recommendations set forth in the adopted Arts, Culture, and Heritage Strategy (ACHS). A resolution establishing the ACHC is set to be considered at the Dec. 20 meeting.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is to be held on Monday, Dec. 6, 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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