February 10, 2025 minutes COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 10, 2025
DATE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, CITY OF WOODBURN, COUNTY OF
MARION, STATE OF OREGON, FEBRUARY 10,2025
CONVENED The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Lonergan presiding.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Lonergan Present
Councilor Cantu Present
Councilor Cornwell Present
Councilor Schaub Present
Councilor Brizuela Present
Councilor Grijalva Present
Councilor Wilk Present
Staff Present: City Administrator Derickson, City Attorney Granum, Assistant City Administrator
Row, Economic Development Director Johnk, Community Development Director Kerr, Special
Projects Director Wakely,Police Chief Millican, Community Services Director Cuomo,Public Affairs
and Communications Manager Guerrero, Finance Director Turley, Public Works Director Stultz,
Assistant City Attorney Kilimer, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator Uder, Building
Offical Gitt, City Recorder Pierson
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Lonergan announced the following:
City Hall and the Library will be closed on February 19, for President's Day. Transit will be open
holiday hours (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) and the Aquatic Center will be open regular hours (6:00 a.m. -
10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.)
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
Mayor Lonergan took a moment of reflection to acknowledge the following moments:
• Congratulated Joe Budge on his retirement from the Woodburn Fire District.
• Welcomed Jim Walker as the new Fire Chief for the Woodburn Fire District as well as
welcoming Assistant Chief Mike Corless
PRESENTATIONS
Recognition of Sharon Corning—Mayor Lonergan recognized and thanked Sharon Corning for her
years of service on the Woodburn Planning Commission. Community Development Director Kerr
stated that Sharon was a diligent and detail-oriented commissioner, and she will be missed.
Railroad Safety Discussion - City Administrator Derickson updated the Council on recent efforts to
address train safety concerns. They worked with the City Attomey's Office to review federal laws
regarding train speed control, confirming that the City has no authority to regulate speed due to federal
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preemption. The City previously opposed increasing train speeds to 70 mph, citing safety risks,
particularly near the high school and downtown. City Administrator Derickson outlined three key
requests to Union Pacific: continue fencing along the rail line,reduce train speeds, and better time train
traffic during peak hours, especially around school times. A letter was sent to Union Pacific, with
copies to federal representatives. The City also encouraged community support through a template
letter available on the website. Union Pacific has responded positively by meeting with City officials
to discuss safety improvements, including additional fencing. A joint approach for creating barriers on
City-owned property is also being explored.
Public Works Director Stultz shared that he met with railroad police, including the chief who was
involved in the original fence installation on Ogle St. It was recommended to extend the same durable
fence from Ogle St.to Cleveland St. The team also discussed blocking open areas near the railroad and
the community college to prevent unauthorized access. They are focusing on areas with significant foot
traffic, such as around the police department and the park, where people cross the tracks as a shortcut.
Coordination with property owners, Union Pacific, and ODOT is planned to connect fencing and
improve safety at key points. While Union Pacific is hesitant to fence the entire area,they are working
on the most critical spots where foot traffic is highest to create barriers that direct people to legal
crossings.
Special Projects Director Wakely provided an update on the Front Street overpass and pedestrian safety
improvements. Although sidewalks cannot be installed on the overpass, the project will focus on
lighting,ADA ramps, and a pedestrian island. The school district has agreed to assist by providing land
for widening the intersection, and the City plans to install curb mounts and bollards. The project is
expected to begin in June. While the pedestrian island should be ready by the 2025 school year, the
timeline for repainting and installing bollards is still uncertain. Future phases will address additional
sidewalk connections.
Community Services Director Cuomo provided an update on education and outreach efforts regarding
rail safety. Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit program, will be involved in educational workshops
targeting various age groups, from younger students to middle and high schoolers. The school district
has already begun outreach and will collaborate with the City for broader community education at
events. Additionally, the Safe Routes to School program, which offers funding for positions focused
on safety (including rail, bike, and pedestrian safety), is being explored for partnership opportunities
between the City and school district. Director Cuomo highlighted the importance of educating youths
on the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks, prioritizing education over citations. If citations are
issued, the Peer Court Program will be used to provide educational opportunities. The goal is a
comprehensive approach to rail safety, combining physical barriers, speed reduction requests, and
continuous education. Parents are encouraged to discuss the risks of using tracks as shortcuts with their
children.
Woodburn School District Superintendent Larios expressed full support for the efforts to create lasting
change in rail safety, applauding the City's initiatives such as fencing, timing improvements, and the
actions recommended in the letter. They also fully support the educational components, particularly
the Operation Lifesaver Program, and the multi-pronged approach combining physical improvements,
education, and outreach. The superintendent emphasized the importance of continuing to educate
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families and students about the dangers and praised the collaboration between the City and the school
district in addressing the issue.
DigEplan Electronic Plan Review System — Building Official Gift provided a presentation the
DigEplan Electronic Plan Review System. She noted that the new digital system will streamline plan
reviews by allowing real-time access for all departments, speeding up the process, reducing costs,
saving staff time, and minimizing errors.
BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
Lauren Wilson, 502 Stubb Road, expressed her concerns about speeding and unsafe driving on Ben
Brown Rd. around the intersection with Stubb Road. She described incidents of drivers ignoring stop
signs, speeding, and reckless behavior like doing donuts and crashing into cars
Ansar El Muhammed, 1421 June Way, stated her concerns about train safety. She stated she has
reached out to the Woodburn School District to implement a Union Pacific safety presentation, and
contacted businesses and fencing companies for support. She highlighted the need for action to prevent
future accidents, such as increased patrols around the tracks and improved signage.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Woodburn City Council minutes of January 27, 2025,
B. Building Activity for January 2025,
C. Multijurisdictional IGA—Building Evaluation Support Agreement (BESA),
D. IGA with Marion County for Structural/Mechanical Inspection and Plan Review Services on
an as needed basis (renewal).
Councilor Schaub noted that on Page 7 of the minutes it references Mickey Harrison as a he and it
should be she.
Motion: Schaub/Cornwell... approve the consent agenda as presented with the correction on page 7
of the minutes.
The Motion passed with the following vote: Councilors Schaub, Cornwell, Wilk, Cantu, Brizuela, and
Grijalva voting "aye." [6-0]
ACTION ON FINAL DECISION DOCUMENT APPROVING THE US MARKET GAS
STATION DEVELOPMENT AT 2540 & 2600 NEWBERG HWY AT THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF NEWBERG HWY & OREGON WAY (CU 24-02)
Community Development Director Kerr provided a staff report. Councilor Cornwell asked if the caveat
about the vegetative screening on the opposite side of the street was included and Director Kerr stated
that the condition was added which would require the developer to install Arborvitae or similar
vegetative screening with a minimum size of 7 gallons and spacing of one plant every 3 feet. The
landscape plan would be modified accordingly. However, if homeowners prefer not to have the
screening,there's a buyout option where the developer would pay$2,600 to each homeowner in lieu of
planting the screening.
Motion: Schaub/Cantu... adopt the Final Decision approving land use applications, Conditional Use
24-02,Design Review 24-02,Phasing Plan 24-01, and Street Adjustment 24-01 for the US Market Gas
Station development and authorize the Mayor to sign the Final Decision document.
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On roll call vote the Motion passed with the following vote: Councilors Schaub,Cornwell,Wilk,Cantu,
and Grijalva voting "aye." Councilor Brizuela abstained from voting. [5-0-1]
APPROVE GRANT CONTRACT WITH OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT AWARD
Community Services Director Cuomo provided a staff report. Councilor Cantu noted that her husband
owns a property in Boone's Crossing and they manage this investment property.
Motion: Schaub/Grijalva... approve the Contract with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department,
Local Government Grant Program award of$698,167.00 and authorize the City Administrator to sign.
The Motion passed with the following vote: Councilors Schaub, Cornwell, Wilk, Cantu, Grijalva, and
Brizuela voting "aye." [6-0]
APPROVE OF SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT AGREEMENT WITH BRIDGEWAY
RECOVERY
Community Services Director Cuomo provided a staff report. Carlos Texidor Maldonado, Chief
Executive Officer for Bridgeway Community Health, highlighted that Bridgeway has been providing
medically managed withdrawal services since 2009. They aim to offer bilingual clinicians and flexible
services for youth and adults, including evening sessions, to meet the community's needs.
Motion: Grijalva/Wilk... approve the multi-year contract with Bridgeway Recovery and authorize
the City Administrator to sign.
The Motion passed with the following vote. Councilors Schaub, Cornwell, Wilk, Cantu, Grijalva, and
Brizuela voting "aye." [6-0]
AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FIRST STREET SANITARY
SEWER BYPASS PROJECT
Public Works Director Stultz provided a staff report.
Motion: Schaub/Cornwell... award the construction contract for the First Street Sanitary Sewer
Bypass Project to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, Lawson Corp, in the amount of
$497,485.00. Staff recommends approving an additional $80,000 for this project as a contingency for
potential change orders that may arise during construction.
The Motion passed with the following vote: Councilors Schaub, Cornwell, Wilk, Cantu, Grijalva, and
Brizuela voting "aye." [6-0]
COUNCIL BRIEFING OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL
USE, DESIGN REVIEW, & STREET ADJUSTMENT CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION
PACKAGE FOR THE LES SCHWAB TIRES MODERNIZATION PROJECT AT 1140 N.
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PACIFIC HWY & 1735 HARDCASTLE AVE (DR 24-09, CU 24-04, & SA 24-05)
The City Council declined to call this item up.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
The City Administrator reported the following:
• Community Center design and construction RFP is out to bid and the City Council
should expect to see a contract for the full architectural design of the project during the
next City Council meeting.
• Participated in Elected Officials Training.
• Acknowledged that our first responders are also deeply affected by responding to fatal
incidents, particularly when young people are involved.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilor Wilk noted that Monday was a day without immigrants, and he was proud of the business
community for participating in support of immigrants, and that he is grateful to live in an immigrant
community.
Councilor Cantu gave a shout out to the police department for being proactive.
Mayor Lonergan stated that he and Councilor Wilk attended a town hall last week and were able to
speak with Senator Merkley and Representative Salinas about providing information to the citizens of
Woodburn regarding immigration to ease fears, especially among students. He referenced Senator
Merkley's comments about the chaotic situation in Washington, D.C., and the feeling of being unable
to take immediate action, urging a wait-and-see approach.
Councilor Wilk added that he was encouraged to see packed auditorium of concerned citizens, not just
to see the senator and representative, but to voice their concerns about the current state of the country.
Mayor Lonergan stated that he attended the League of Oregon Cities' Day at the Capitol and had the
opportunity to meet with Representative Munoz who asked a lot of questions about what some of the
concerns are in Woodburn.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Cornwell/Schaub... move to adjourn.
The Motion passed with the following vote: Councilors Schaub, Cornwell, Wilk, Cantu, Grijalva, and
Brizuela voting "aye." [6-0]
Mayor Lonergan adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
APPROVED
✓.,� -—
FRANK LON GAN, MAY097
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ATTEST
Heather Pierson, City Recorder
City of Woodburn, Oregon
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