HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - 2025-11-17 AGENDA
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H` Sustainability Advisory Board
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O 17 November 2025
6:30—8:30 pm
OREGO� Willow A Room, Lake Oswego Maintenance Center, 17601 Pilkington Rd
Staff Contact: Amanda Watson, awatson@lakeoswego.city
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Buzz Chandler, Co-Chair• Whitney Street, Co-Chair• Lisa Helfer• Isabela Hollingshead • Kara Orvieto
Mark Puhlman • Lisa Strader • Calixto Hearn • Rohan Sekar
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 20, 2025 meeting minutes
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments related to an item on the agenda will be held until after that agenda item.
The purpose of Public Comment is to allow community members to present information or raise an
issue regarding items not on the agenda or regarding agenda items that do not include a public hearing.
A time limit of three minutes per individual shall apply. Public Comment will not exceed thirty minutes
in total. If you are unable to attend the meeting and prefer to provide public comment in writing, please
email the comment to the staff contact listed above at least 24 hours before the meeting.
5. FUTURE CLIMATE COLLECTIVE (20 min, Information)
Presentation by Dominique Johnson from the Future Climate Collective.
6. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE (10 min, Information)
7. SAB 2026 GOALS (45 min, Information, Discussion)
Review of 2025 goals and discussion on SAB input for 2026 City Council goal setting.
8. BOARD &STAFF UPDATES (15 min, Information)
• Youth Member updates
• Task Force updates
9. ADJOURNMENT
Next Meeting: December 15, 2025
Respect, Excellence. Trust. Service.
503-635-0291 380 A AVENUE PO Box 369 LAKE OSWEGO, OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO
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Draft
Call to Order/Roll Call
Whitney Street called the October meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Board to order at 6:32 pm.
Members Present: Buzz Chandler, Whitney Street, Lisa Helfer, Isabela Hollingshead,
Kara Orvieto, Mark Puhlman, Calixto Hearn, Rohan Sekar
Members Excused/Absent: Lisa Strader
Staff: Amanda Watson, Will Farley
Public: Angelique Leonard (SAB Alternate), Mike Perham (SAB
Alternate)
Approval of Minutes
Kara made a motion to approve the September meeting minutes as written, Mark seconded, minutes
approved unanimously.
Public Comment
None.
Regular Business
A. Sustainable Transportation
Will Farley, Assistant City Engineer, provided an update on sustainable transportation projects, focusing
on pathways, capital planning, and pedestrian and bike connectivity throughout Lake Oswego. He noted
that the last time he met with SAB was in April 2024, and several projects have since progressed.
Transportation System Plan (TSP)
• The TSP guides transportation improvements for a 20-year period and was last updated in 2014,
with an amendment in 2017.
• Nearly 200 projects were identified, with over 130 focused on pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
• 12 pathway projects have been completed since the plan's adoption, with five currently under
design or construction.
• Transit projects include new bus shelters along Boones Ferry Road,while future studies for transit
centers remain unfunded.
• The Boones Ferry corridor improvements were highlighted as a major completed project
improving pedestrian and bike access.
School-Area Pathway Prioritization
• Adopted in 2019,this priority list supports safer routes to schools.
• $2.2 million in funding supported projects at Douglas Way, Boca Ratan, Hallinan St,and Lanewood
St.
City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 1 of 5
October 20, 2025
• Photos of before-and-after improvements were shown. Board members commented positively
on the added safety and walkability.
Upcoming and Future Pathway Projects
• Tree Top Ln & Meadowlark Ln: Nearing completion as of fall 2025.
• Pilkington Road: Construction planned for 2025.
• Carman Drive: Construction planned for spring 2026, including sidewalks and 6-foot bike lanes
between Quarry and Waluga.
• Group 3 Pathways: McEwan Road, Bryant Road, Goodall Road, and Fernwood Drive (2027-2031
timeline).
Goodall Road Discussion
Mark discussed a prior appeal from the Forest Highlands Neighborhood Association related to tree
removal and sidewalk placement.At the time,the City referenced plans calling for sidewalks on both sides
of Goodall Road, while current plans focus on the east side between Hazel Rd and Country Club Rd. Staff
clarified that the focus on completing sidewalks on the east side is just for that section; it is still the City's
intent to have a separated pathway on both sides north of that section, from the high school all the way
to Knaus Rd.
Additional Transportation Projects
Will discussed long-term corridor projects such as the Stafford/Patton and McVey/Cornell intersection
improvements planned for 2029 to 2031, pavement rehabilitation cycles, and ADA transition compliance.
He noted that street condition surveys are conducted every three years to prioritize resurfacing. High-
traffic routes such as Kruse Way are scheduled for 2027 improvements. Rising asphalt costs and funding
constraints remain challenges.
Traffic Safety&School Collaboration
Board members raised concerns about traffic congestion and safety around Uplands, Country Club, and
nearby schools. Suggestions included exploring"School Street" closures during drop-off hours, improving
signage, and adding crossing staff along high-traffic corridors. Board members emphasized that these
areas experience heavy congestion and distracted driving and suggested additional crossing staff near
Country Club and Uplands. Will noted that while the City has coordinated with schools on traffic control
plans, most school grounds are private property,limiting City control but allowing continued collaboration
on signage and safety improvements. Will responded that while most school properties are privately
managed by the District, limiting City authority, staff continue to collaborate on signage improvements
and coordination efforts to enhance student safety.
The Board discussed dark lighting and limited pedestrian access near Lower Ferry Road and Lakeridge High
School. Will confirmed this area remains a long-term, high-cost improvement priority due to slopes and
limited right-of-way.
State & County Transportation Updates
Will shared that House Bill 3991 increased Oregon's gas tax by six cents, with 20%of new funds allocated
to cities. Lake Oswego will receive a notable budget boost for sidewalks and pavement projects.
City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 2 of 5
October 20, 2025
B. Landscaping Equipment Goal
Amanda Watson presented preliminary results from the landscaping equipment survey conducted May
10 through September 30, 2025.The survey launched at the Farmers' Market and was supported by City
communications and outreach by LOSN outreach and other community partners.
Amanda noted that her presentation provided a high-level first look at community feedback and that a
more detailed narrative report will be developed for online publication later this year.
Survey Overview
• Residents& Property Owners: 397 responses
• Landscapers: 23 responses
• Significant increase from 2022 participation (230 residents, 10 landscapers).
• The survey gathered information on landscaping habits, barriers to switching, and community
opinions on regulation.
Key Findings
• Most residents using their own equipment rely on electric tools.
• Most landscapers continue using gas-powered equipment, citing high costs and limited battery
runtime.
• Top barriers include equipment cost, insufficient battery power, and concerns about inadequate
performance of electric equipment. Several respondents also expressed uncertainty about gas
tool disposal, and whether electric tools were really more environmentally sustainable.
• Motivations for switching: environmental and noise concerns, lower maintenance, and long-term
cost savings.
• In additional comments respondents expressed general support for regulation: 158 responses;
opposition: 98 responses, many citing government overreach.
Discussion & Member Comments
Board members noted increased polarization on this issue and discussed the need for community
education before implementing regulations. Several members emphasized creating resources to help
residents understand lithium recycling, life-cycle analysis, and total environmental impact of electric
versus gas equipment. Members expressed mixed views: some were skeptical about lithium mining's
sustainability, while others highlighted the health and noise benefits of electric tools. They agreed that
sharing lifecycle analyses or educational links could help address differing opinions and improve
understanding.
Regional Comparisons & Next Steps
• Portland will begin a seasonal ban on gas leaf blowers in January 2026, transitioning to a full ban
by 2028. Due to budget cuts, Multnomah County's planned education and enforcement program
was postponed, leaving Portland's rollout limited to basic code enforcement.
• Other U.S. cities (Fairfax, CA; Kirkland, WA; and several in Colorado and on the East Coast) have
implemented phased and/or incentive-based models.
Amanda shared that staff will compile a formal report of results for the City Council's December study
session. Future actions include additional outreach to HOAs, landscapers, and large property owners, as
well as research on local rebate and incentive options.
C. City Council Update
City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 3 of 5
October 20, 2025
Councilor Mboup provided an update on City Council actions. He noted that the annual garbage and
recycling rate review was happening, and City Council was also getting updates on the Tree Code updates
project.
He spoke about the Emerald Ash Borer infestation,explaining that it continues to spread rapidly and poses
a risk to the more than 2,000 ash trees across City properties. He gave an example of a local playground
that has eight ash trees,all of which are expected to die.Councilor Mboup emphasized that the City needs
to be proactive rather than reactive, saying it would be better to plan ahead than to "wait for them all to
die" before taking action. He added that the City is beginning to explore mitigation and replacement
strategies to preserve Lake Oswego's tree canopy, tying this issue to broader State environmental
initiatives and the importance of long-term planning for community resilience. The Tree Task Force is
considering revisions to the mitigation list to encourage climate-resilient species, and homeowners may
be allowed preemptive removals if they replant approved species. Lisa Helfer mentioned that PGE has a
lot of data on trees in their service area,they have done a lot of tree mapping and may be able to support
local planning efforts.
E. Board &Staff Updates
Task Force Updates
• Tree Task Force (Mark): Group has not met again since the last SAB meeting.
• Parks 2040(Kara): Community Advisory Committee wrapped up their work and the plan has been
approved by City Council. Kara is now on the Foothills Community Advisory Committee, which
convened its kickoff meeting last week with strong community participation. Mayor Buck is the
City liaison.The committee will work over the next 2 years.
Community Events
Board members discussed recent and upcoming City events, sharing that recent Rassekh Park opening
was a success. Upcoming community sustainability events:
• Nov 2: Urban Forest Summit
• Nov 6: LOSN "Gas to Grid" event featuring Electrify Now
• Nov 8: Sustainability Swap at Palisades World Language School
• Nov 15: Repair Fair at the Library (final of the year) Recent Sea Park opening was successful.
Board Reflections&Community Ideas
Members reflected on SAB's past successes, including EV charger installations, city recycling initiatives,
and support for a grant for electric buses for LOSD.They also discussed ideas to allow food trucks in parks
to promote community engagement; the City of Portland has a new program allowing food trucks to use
parking spaces at City parks. Councilor Mboup explained that City Code does not currently allow for
designated areas for food carts, but he is aware there is community interest including from City advisory
boards.
Youth Member Updates
Cal Hearn shared that the Lakeridge HS Green Team is helping promote the November 6 LOSN "Gas to
Grid" event.They are also running an electronic drive to collect old electronics for recycling. Rohan Sekar
shared that the Lake Oswego High School Green Team is collaborating with the Watershed Council on the
Urban Forest Summit.The Youth Sustainability Council had no new updates.
Library of Things
City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 4 of 5
October 20, 2025
Whitney mentioned that the Library asked for SAB's input on how best to repair items in the Library of
Things in need of repair. Board members suggested connecting Library staff with Repair Fair volunteers
and local high school STEM programs.
Meeting adjourned at 8:26 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amanda Watson
Sustainability Program Manager
City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 5 of 5
October 20, 2025