News
The City of Wilsonville is now accepting applications from community members to serve on the Library Board and also on the Tourism Promotion Committee.
The Library Board supports and assists the Library Director in all planning efforts and advises the City of budgetary and policy considerations relating to the Library’s operation and development. Board members assist in monitoring the Library’s operations and services to the public; encouraging cost effectiveness; and periodically reviewing the Library’s policies, procedures, goals and objectives. The Library Board typically meets the fourth Wednesday, of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilsonville Public Library, 8200 SW Wilsonville Road. The term of the open Library Board position begins on July 1, 2017.
As part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan study that is now underway, the City of Wilsonville is hosting a public open house on Thursday, April 20, 6 p.m. –8 p.m. at City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East. The City seeks community member and stakeholder feedback on the types of parks and recreation programs, services and facilities the community desires to support in Wilsonville.
The purpose of the master plan is to provide a community-driven vision and long-range guide for the Parks and Recreation Department covering all parks, facilities and programs.
To help develop the plan the City hired GreenPlay, LLC, a national firm based in Colorado with extensive experience across the U.S. facilitating, researching and developing similar parks and recreation master plans.
At the March 20, 2017, Wilsonville City Council meeting, the City Council adopted an updated fee schedule for land-use development and planning-review fees to better align the City’s costs to review and administer various land-use, planning and development applications with the actual fees charged. The fee adjustment is estimated to improve the City’s cost-recovery to deliver these services from 45% up to 84% of actual costs. Some fees, such as tree permit fees, are still purposefully subsidized to reduce the burden of taking out certain types of permits.
During the meeting the Council also held a public hearing and authorized a Supplemental Budget Adjustment to amend the current adopted budget to move expenditures from one category to another within a specific fund. The adjustments included moving program funds from one department to another, increasing the anticipated utility revenues, and adding various adjustments to the capital projects budget.
Construction of the Kinsman Road extension project that connects SW Boeckman Road and Barber Street requires a three-month-long closure of Boeckman Road, April 24 through early August. The project builds a concrete roundabout at the new intersection of Boeckman and Kinsman.
During this time, Boeckman Road between Villebois Drive and the railroad tracks west of SW 95th Avenue is to be closed to through traffic, with access to local businesses maintained. A detour route along Boberg Road, Barber Street, Costa Circle and Villebois Drive is planned.
The project extends Kinsman Road one mile from Barber Street near the Barber Street Bridge and the SMART/WES Commuter Rail Transit Center to connect with Boeckman Road to the north.
The online interactive survey the City launched in early March to gather community member and stakeholder feedback for the Wilsonville Town Center Plan remains open until Friday, March 31. The survey, which is linked to in the middle of www.WilsonvilleTownCenter.com, asks participants to identify current locations within Town Center where the community eats, works, plays, shops or visits and also to identify any locations where the participants feel an improvement or change would enhance the area.
The online survey, which only takes about ten minutes to complete, is available in both English and Spanish.
Gathering community input on existing assets and future opportunities is a key early step in the 18-month long planning process that covers the approximately 100-acre area that encompasses the properties north of Wilsonville Road, within and adjacent to Town Center Loop.
September 28, 2018 - Community members still have time to participate in the French Prairie Bridge Project’s online open house that closes on Sunday, March 12. To learn about the project, watch a video, take a survey and provide feedback on the proposed bike-pedestrian-emergency bridge design project visit www.FrenchPrairieBridgeProject.org.
The Online Open House is an opportunity to for community members and stakeholders to:
Share priorities and vision for the bridge.
Learn about the schedule for siting and designing the proposed bridge.
Review and provide feedback on the bridge alignment and landing point options.
Clackamas County Tourism & Cultural Affairs (CCTCA) has extended the deadline to apply online for the Community Partnership Program (CPP) tourism grant through Sunday, April 2. An online application form is available at www.mthoodterritory.com/formcppapplication1.phpfor local tourism proposals that seek to increase the numbers of tourist visitors and increase the economic impact of tourism within Clackamas County. The prior grant deadline was on Feb. 13.
A total of up to $20,000 is available for projects that:
Increase overnight lodging stays in Clackamas County.
Bring visitors into communities from greater than 50 miles away to shop, dine, recreate, take in arts or cultural offerings, or visit heritage sites.
Entice visitors to “linger longer.”
The City of Wilsonville is seeking input from members of the local business community regarding the need and interest in having improved fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) infrastructure and other broadband services. On March 15, the City is hosting in-person discussions with local business leaders at City Hall and is also hosting a Business Survey at www.ci.wilsonville.or.us/fiber throughout March.
To lead the discussions and analysis, the City contracted with CTC Technology and Energy (CTC), a nationally recognized technology-consulting firm in Maryland with over 30 years of experience with public and non-profit entities. On this project CTC is responsible for researching, recommending and drafting the analysis for the City Council’s consideration and potential adoption this summer.
The Wilsonville City Council hosted a special joint meeting with the West Linn-Wilsonville School District Board of Directors on Feb. 27 at City Hall to share information between the two local governmental bodies and to facilitate long-range planning and promote on-going mutual cooperation.
The City of Wilsonville has launched an online survey for community members and other stakeholders to provide input on and help plan the future of the Wilsonville Town Center area. The survey, which is linked to at the bottom of www.WilsonvilleTownCenter.com, asks participants to identify current locations within Town Center where the community eats, works, plays, shops or visits and also to identify any locations where the participants feel an improvement or change would enhance the area. The online survey, which only takes about ten minutes to complete, is available in both English and Spanish and open through late March.
Gathering community input on existing assets and future opportunities is a key early step in the 18-month long planning process that covers the approximately 100-acre area that encompasses the properties north of Wilsonville Road, within and adjacent to Town Center Loop.
The City of Wilsonville has been recognized for the 19th consecutive year as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The award reflects Wilsonville’s nearly two-decade-long commitment to maintaining and promoting an ongoing investment in the community’s urban-forestry efforts.
Mayor Tim Knapp said, “Trees help clean the air, conserve the soil and water, reduce heating and cooling costs and bring nature close to where we live – ultimately contributing to a sense of place and quality of life in Wilsonville.” City Councilor Charlotte Lehan, a long-time supporter of the City’s role as a Tree City USA, added, “Trees also improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values and provide wildlife habitat.”
For the 19th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has recognized the City of Wilsonville Finance Department with the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” for the fiscal year 2016-17 budget document.
In notifying the City about the award, the GFOA states “This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement by your organization.”
The award reflects the commitment of the City and Finance staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting standards. The GFOA award recognizes that the Finance Department has met or surpassed nationally recognized accounting guidelines for effective budget presentation. The guidelines define how successful the City’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communication device.
The City of Wilsonville is hosting a family-friendly, bilingual Community Kick-Off Event for the Wilsonville Town Center Plan tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5:30–8:00 p.m., at City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop West, Wilsonville.
The event includes a variety of activities for people of all ages with opportunities for youth and Spanish-speaking community members. Doors open for the event at 5:30 p.m., and at 6:00 p.m. the evening’s activities begin with an informational presentation in the Council Chambers at City Hall followed by activities designed to allow community members to share feedback on the current and desired future uses and activities for the Town Center area. Light refreshments are also being provided throughout the event.
Learn more about the Community Kick-Off Event at https://www.facebook.com/events/332236100504568/
On Feb. 22, the City of Wilsonville Tourism Promotion Committee awarded $25,000 in grants to support local tourism events and programs with funding from the City’s Community Tourism Grant Program.
Five local nonprofit organizations that sought a total of $30,000 were awarded grants to produce major community events during the 2017 summer season:
• Wilsonville Celebration Days for the Fun in the Park festival: $7,000
• Wilsonville Arts & Culture Council for the Wilsonville Festival of Arts: $5,000
• Wilsonville Brewfest: $5,000
• Wilsonville Kiwanis Club for the Kids Fun Run: $4,000
• Wilsonville Rotary Club for the Summer Concert Series: $4,000
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the City of Wilsonville is beginning the public-involvement phase of the Wilsonville Town Center Plan. The plan seeks to establish a community-driven vision, goals and a strategic plan for Wilsonville’s Town Center that is to be informed by active and consistent community engagement and public feedback.
On March 6, at the beginning of the City Council meeting, Mayor Tim Knapp presented the “2017 State of the City Address,” providing an overview of the City’s current activities and future plans. During the presentation, the Mayor shared a vision for creating a complete community for all ages of life. The presentation included a review of the City Council’s goals and objectives, an update on major new residential developments that include the Villebois and Frog Pond neighborhoods, an overview of the Wilsonville Town Center Plan and the French Prairie Bridge Project, along with several other proposed transportation and economic development projects. In summary Mayor Knapp stated, “Our ongoing goal is to create a safe, desirable, and aesthetically pleasing community that nurtures, sustains, and connects us all.”
On Feb. 23, 2017, the Wilsonville City Council approved the City to enter into a contract to purchase a combination sewer/storm catch-basin cleaning truck. The new vehicle replaces the City’s current truck, which is over 23 years old and needs to be replaced due to being in poor mechanical condition. The City uses the truck to perform a variety of regular maintenance and spot repairs on the City’s underground utility infrastructure. Compared to the old truck, the new truck will reduce noise pollution and emissions while increasing efficiency and worker safety.
Tonight the City of Wilsonville is hosting a public open-house for the French Prairie Bridge Project on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 5–7 p.m., at City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East, Wilsonville.
The public event features members of the project management team providing an overview of the proposed bicycle/pedestrian/emergency-access crossing of the Willamette River west of the I-5 Boone Bridge.
Materials from the open house are available online at www.FrenchPrairieBridgeProject.org, where the public can sign-up to be on a mailing list, submit a comment or question, or view other information. For two weeks after the live open house, the City will continue to accept comments and feedback online at www.FrenchPrairieBridgeProject.org.
Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp presents the “2017 State of the City Address” at the start of the City Council meeting on Monday, March 6, 7:00 pm, at Wilsonville City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East, Wilsonville, OR 97070.
As the elected leader of one of Oregon’s most dynamic growing cities, Mayor Knapp is expected to give a recap of recent activity over the past year and provide a preview of upcoming City initiatives, opportunities and challenges the City faces in the upcoming year.
The City of Wilsonville is hosting a family-friendly bilingual community kick-off event for the Wilsonville Town Center Plan on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5:30–8:00 p.m., at City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East, in Wilsonville.
The event is open to all community members, including among others, youth and Spanish-speaking households with Spanish interpretation services to be provided. The City is also able to provide qualified sign language and other bilingual interpreters if requested at least 48 hours prior to the meeting by contacting Tami Bergeron, Planning Administrative Assistant, at 503-570-1571.
The event includes a variety of activities for people of all ages including children. Interactive activities are planned for children where a facilitator will ask the younger attendees, “Where is your favorite place in Town Center?” and also to draw a picture of their future vision for the Town Center area.
The City of Wilsonville announced the hiring of Michael “Mike” McCarty as the City’s new Parks and Recreation Director. Mike has more than 27 years of experience leading municipal parks and recreation departments and has worked for several different local governments.
Most recently Mike served as the Director of Parks and Community Services for the City of San Moreno Valley, Calif. Prior to this position over a 21-year period, Mike also worked in similar roles for the cities of Yuma, Ariz. and Napa Valley, San Leandro and Ukiah, Calif. Mike’s career in parks and recreation began as a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Paso Robles, Calif.
Mike studied at Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and he also earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
The City of Wilsonville’s public-transit agency, South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART), announces the hiring of Dwight Brashear as the City’s new Transit Director, assuming the agency’s leadership position held by Stephan Lashbrook who is retiring on Feb. 28.
Dwight Brashear is a seasoned transportation professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Most recently he co-managed a large paratransit operation in Chicago with a fleet of 500 vehicles and a budget of $53M focused on transportation services to medical appointments for people with disabilities.
The City of Wilsonville is hosting a community kick-off event for the Wilsonville Town Center Plan to publicly launch the 18-month-long planning initiative on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5:30–8:00 p.m., at City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East, in Wilsonville.
The purpose of the event is to begin hearing from the community their wishes, desires and vision for enhancing the Town Center area to make it even more of a vibrant down-town for Wilsonville. At the kick-off event the City will be asking community members, “How do you want Wilsonville’s Town Center to look, function, and feel 20 years from now?” An informational presentation and family-friendly activities begin at 6 p.m. and light refreshments are being provided. During the initial stages of the process, planners seek to hear what community members currently value and enjoy about Town Center and to provide the public an opportunity to share what changes and improvements are needed in Town Center.
On Feb. 6, 2017, the Wilsonville City Council gave final approval to implement a residential parking-zone program that takes effect in 30 days. The program allows community members that live in residential areas heavily congested with on-street parking to petition the City to create specific residential parking zones that are restricted to approved permit-holders and visitors with temporary permits during specified hours. The approved ordinance also governs administration and enforcement of the program. The new program seeks to decrease parking congestion and address safety concerns, reduce parking violations and improve neighborhood access for emergency, waste-management and postal-service vehicles.
February 3, 2017 - The City of Wilsonville Committee for Citizen Involvement is hosting a public open-house for the French Prairie Bridge Project on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 5–7 p.m., at City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop East, Wilsonville. The public event features members of the project management team providing an overview of the proposed bicycle/pedestrian/emergency-access crossing of the Willamette River with short presentations at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Materials from the open house are available online at www.FrenchPrairieBridgeProject.org, where the public can sign-up to be on a mailing list, submit a comment or question, or view other information. For two weeks after the live open house, the City will continue to accept comments and feedback online at www.FrenchPrairieBridgeProject.org.