Councilors Sworn In, Council Adopts Code Changes and Design Standards for ‘5G’ Technology
January 9, 2019 — At the January 7, 2019, meeting of the Wilsonville City Council – the first meeting of the new year – Councilors Charlotte Lehan and Ben West formally began their four-year terms following a swearing-in ceremony led by Municipal Court Judge Fred Weinhouse.
Among the Council’s first order of business was choosing a new president to act in the Mayor’s stead as needed. Councilor Kristen Akervall was elected to serve a one-year term as Council President through Dec. 31.
In compliance with new Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) regulations governing small wireless facilities located in the public right-of-way, Council took two actions. The Council approved, on first reading at a public hearing, minor amendments to City Code (Sections 800-814) and also adopted a resolution establishing design standards and application fees. Together, these actions are intended to provide clear, objective guidelines for telecommunications companies developing the infrastructure to eventually offer improved “5G” small-cell wireless technology.
On second reading, Council approved a zoning change for the developing Villebois neighborhood that allows residential construction to begin on one of the area’s last undeveloped parcels. The planned 25-acre subdivision in the north-central area of Villebois includes construction of a regional City park.
Council also approved the amendment of a professional services agreement with Murraysmith, Inc., adding $160,000 to allow additional further engineering and design work on a proposed relocated wastewater pump station at Memorial Park. The funding allows engineers to mitigate unanticipated geotechnical issues at the site.
During Mayor’s Business, the Council agreed to support a vehicle registration fee proposed by the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners. The $30 annual per-vehicle charge would provide a local funding source for maintenance and improvements to City and County roads. The Council supported the inclusion of a proposed ‘strategic opportunity fund’ for improvements to roads in the ‘urban-rural interface,’ such as the intersection of SW 65th Ave, Elligsen Road and Stafford Road just outside northeast Wilsonville.
Additionally, Mayor Knapp announced the following 12 appointments to positions on several of the City’s volunteer boards and commissions:
- Budget Committee: Andrew Karr and Paul Bunn were reappointed for three-year terms ending 12/31/21.
- Development Review Board, Panel A: Jennifer Willard and Joann Linville were reappointed, Angela Niggli and Daniel McKay were appointed, all for two-year terms ending 12/31/20.
- Development Review Board, Panel B: Richard Martens and Shawn O’Neil were reappointed, Eleanor Schroeder was appointed, all for two-year terms ending 12/31/20.
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Amanda Aird and Dahe Chen were appointed for four-year terms ending 12/31/22.
- Planning Commission: Simon Springall was reappointed for a four-year term ending 12/31/22.
At the work session prior to the meeting, Council approved the recommendation of the French Prairie Task Force, narrowing consideration to two bridge types – suspension bridge and cable stayed bridge – for the proposed pedestrian/cycling/emergency vehicle crossing over the Willamette River.
Council determined who would represent the City on various regional and state boards and adopted the 2019-2020 State Legislative Agenda, affirming the City’s policy priorities and guiding Council response to specific legislative proposals that may arise before the Oregon Legislative Assembly over the next two years.
Staff provided details to Council on emergency repairs being conducted to address a failing storm drainage pipe leading to the Willamette River from Charbonneau.
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.
- # # # -
