Council Approves Water Treatment Master Plan, Allows Year-Round Fishing From Memorial Park Dock

At the April 16, 2018, meeting of the Wilsonville City Council, the Council adopted on first reading the 2017 Water Treatment Master Plan Update, which provides a 20-year plan to ensure reliable delivery of high-quality drinking water to Wilsonville citizens and businesses. The plan identifies equipment repair and replacement schedules, details capital and operational improvements—
including seismic upgrades—and accounts for facility expansions to accommodate future growth. It also coordinates the City’s plant improvements with several projects that will be undertaken by the Willamette Water Supply Program as part of their plan to supply water to Hillsboro and Tualatin Valley communities.

The Council adopted a resolution to allow year-round fishing from the Memorial Park boat dock. Last year, Oregon State Marine Board grant restrictions prohibiting fishing from the dock expired, allowing Council to consider the an option recommended by Parks and Recreation staff.

A contingency budget transfer to Personnel Services was approved, allowing the City to immediately seek a full-time City Engineer, a position currently occupied by the Community Development Director who is performing double duty. This new Community Development Department position will oversee the Engineering Division’s programs, including construction activity related to the Willamette Water Supply Program and other major municipal, capital improvement projects.

During Mayor’s Business, Mayor Knapp appointed Councilor Kristin Akervall to represent Council on the Wilsonville Metro Community Enhancement Committee. He also read a proclamation declaring May as Bike Month, encouraging residents to ride safely for fun and fitness.

During Communications, Wilsonville’s Chief of Police Robert Wurpes provided a review of police activity in Wilsonville during 2017. Chief Wurpes noted the department’s efforts to engage citizens on social media, including the upcoming Coffee With a Cop event, to be held Tuesday, April 24, 10:30 am, at the Old Town Square Fred Meyer Starbucks.

Councilor Stevens provided an update from the meeting of the French Prairie Bridge Task Force, which unanimously recommended support of a preferred bridge location adjacent to the Portland and Western Railroad facility.  Council is scheduled to consider a resolution adopting the preferred alignment on May 21.

During the citizen input period, a representative of Wilsonville STAGE appealed to the Council for consideration of funding and the location of a new theater space for the company. A representative from Republic Services discussed changes in recycling costs and requirements, and how those measures may impact the company’s services.

At the work session prior to Monday’s meeting, City staff and representatives from Greenplay, LLC, shared details of the draft Park & Recreation Master Plan, which is scheduled to be considered for Council adoption on June 4.  The plan accounts for population growth, addresses service gaps, provides improved access to the Willamette River, increases connectivity and walkability, and recommends new amenities and/or facilities to expand programming.  Staff also detailed draft components of an updated solid waste franchise agreement with Republic Services that is scheduled for public hearing by Council on May 7.

Community members can watch a replay of all or a portion of the City Council meeting on Comcast/Xfinity Ch. 30, Frontier Ch. 32 or on the City’s video-on-demand service at www.ci.wilsonville.or.us/WilsonvilleTV.