HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2025-11-04 F� F�
O JtL CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
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November 4,2025
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Buck called the regular City Council meeting to order at 5:51 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4,
2025.The meeting was held both virtually via video conferencing and in-person in the Council Chamber
at City Hall 380 A Avenue.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Buck, Councilors Afghan, Corrigan, Mboup,Verdick, Wendland
Councilor Rapf was excused
Staff Present: Assistant City Manager Megan Phelan, City Attorney Ellen Osoinach, City Recorder
Laura) Hawkins, Administrative Assistant Kim Ono, Sustainability Program Manager
Amanda Watson, Long Range Planning Manager Erik Olson
Others Present: Lake Oswego Community Health and Resiliency Advisory Board Co-Chair Linda
Rountree
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Proclamation—Native American Heritage Month
Mayor Buck proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month in Lake Oswego.The signed
proclamation would be posted on the City's website.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
• Cherie Dupuis, resident, commended Long Range Planning Manager Olson's approach to
housing, noting his aspirational commitment to inclusion and his engagement with the Fair
Housing Council of Oregon. She valued the historical context provided, which helps the team
learn from past patterns. She shared her personal journey since moving to Lake Oswego in 2017,
highlighting her growing understanding of the city's inclusivity efforts. Lake Oswego has made
notable progress in welcoming diverse communities, including attracting Black families from
neighboring West Linn. She expressed pride in the City's efforts and emphasized her hope that
Lake Oswego becomes a place where racism is not tolerated.
• Abbey Rollins, resident, spoke about challenges faced by the Lake Oswego Swim Club since
moving from the high school pool to the Lake Oswego Recreation &Aquatics Center(LORAC).
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November 4, 2025
Limited lane availability and reserved times for the community have reduced practice time by
about one-third. Crowded lanes and delayed practice end times affected the training of 234
Lake Oswego children. The club had also been unable to accept new swimmers, leaving over 60
children on a waitlist. She suggested that evaluating and expanding pool or lane usage during
current swim club times would benefit the club's families and provide fair access for all Lake
Oswego children.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Approval of Meeting Minutes
• September 2, 2025 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes
• September 16, 2025 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes
Councilor Mboup moved to adopt the Consent Agenda. Councilor Corrigan seconded the motion.A
voice vote was held, and the motion passed,with Mayor Buck and Councilors Afghan, Corrigan,
Mboup,Verdick, and Wendland voting'aye', (6-0).
7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
No items were removed from the Consent Agenda.
8. COUNCIL BUSINESS
8.1 Resolution 25-45,Approving the 2026 Solid Waste and Recycling Rates
Sustainability Program Manager Watson presented the Council Report on garbage and recycling rates,
noting that no overall rate increase is proposed for 2026.Targeted updates include restructuring bulky
waste rates. Following further discussion with Republic Services, an hourly handling fee of$114 per hour
based on 15-minute increments was added to the rate sheet and included in Resolution 25-45, along
with a description of when the fee applies.The updated rate sheet is more detailed than 2025's but no
changes to the overall rates had been made.
Councilor Wendland moved to adopt Resolution 25-45. Councilor Afghan seconded the motion.A
voice vote was held, and the motion passed,with Mayor Buck and Councilors Afghan, Corrigan,
Mboup,Verdick, and Wendland voting'aye', (6-0).
8.2 Ordinance 2972,Adopting the Community Health and Resiliency Advisory Board Charge
Statement
Linda Rountree, Co-Chair, Lake Oswego Community Health and Resiliency Advisory Board, presented
the Board's proposed charge statement, noting the newly formed Board evolved from the 50 Plus
Advisory Board and now has a broader mission focused on community health, resilience, and emergency
preparedness. Since July, the Board had refined a draft charge based on guidance from Mayor Buck and
Council. The Board's proposed charge includes advising Council on strategies for emergency
preparedness and recovery; recommending policies and programs that support community health and
equitable access to resources; advising Council on ways to improve public engagement on emergency
management and health information; and providing recommendations on City events, policies, and
programs that strengthen community resiliency.The Board requested that Council approve the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6
November 4, 2025
statement in order to begin next steps. She commended Councilor Afghan, who currently served as the
City Council representative on the Board.
Councilor Afghan stated the newly formed advisory group had done an excellent job evaluating the
City's needs, rather than simply following the initial guidance provided, He by engaging in substantial
discussion about unpacking the issues, connecting its work back to the Council's established goals, and
ensuring the Board's activities aligned with its charge. He emphasized that while the Board's work would
be valuable, any resulting decisions or actions would ultimately return to Council for implementation.
Councilor Wendland stated the Chamber was working on health fairs and strong opportunities exist for
collaboration between the City and Chamber on those efforts moving forward. He supported the
Board's proposed charge statement, which improved upon the direction previously given by Council. He
added Assistant City Manager Phelan serves on the Chamber's Board and is an excellent connection for
this work, encouraging the Board to utilize her as a resource in advancing health preparedness, which
was a significant component of the Lake Oswego community.
Ms. Rountree noted Assistant City Manager Phelan had already been very helpful to the Board.
Mayor Buck stated Ms. Rountree and Betty Holladay were doing an excellent job as co-chairs, and the
Board as a whole was impressive and well-rounded in relation to its charge. He thanked Assistant City
Manager Phelan and Adult Community Center Manager Maria Bigelow for their work in assembling the
Board and expressed appreciation to the Board members for expanding upon the initial framework
provided by Council.The subject matter was important but broad in scope and the Council wanted to
work closely with the Board to ensure it remained productive and able to advance the issues it identified
as most urgent within the community.
Councilor Afghan moved to enact Ordinance 2972. Councilor Corrigan seconded the motion.A voice
vote was held,and the motion passed,with Mayor Buck and Councilors Afghan, Corrigan, Mboup,
Verdick, and Wendland voting'aye', (6-0).
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
9.1 Ordinance 2967, Fair Housing Policy and Education (LU 25-0001)
City Attorney Osoinach reviewed the hearing procedure, noted Ordinance 2967 was a legislative
decision, and asked if any Councilor had any financial conflict of interest. None were heard.
Long Range Planning Manager Olson presented the Council Report via PowerPoint, reviewing a
proposal to amend the Comprehensive Plan to establish Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing(AFFH) as
City policy. He provided an overview of fair housing and AFFH, explaining that the framework examines
not only the intent of land use regulations but also their outcomes and impacts on protected classes,
and seeks to address patterns of housing segregation.AFFH was already included in the City's Housing
Production Strategy as Strategy 13, Fair Housing Policy and Education.The proposed amendment would
add a policy to the Complete Neighborhoods and Housing chapter and the City will employ strategies to
foster inclusive communities, overcome disparities in access to amenities, and enhance housing choice
for populations, including those in protected classes. Next steps include continued educational efforts
and, if the amendment is approved, preparing findings for consideration at the November 18, 2025,
Council meeting.
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November 4, 2025
Questions from Councilors were addressed by Staff as follows:
• The proposed policy was not intended to independently trigger any new land use changes in the city
but would be applied as a consideration for any land use action proposed by the City or a private
applicant, with Staff assessing whether the action furthers fair housing.The policy would become
one of many in the Comprehensive Plan that Staff must evaluate for consistency during land use
review.
• Equitable housing outcomes were those that provide opportunities for people who currently lack
access.The City was already fostering inclusive communities, like locating affordable housing in Lake
Oswego, which is generally a higher-income area. Including the AFFH policy in the Comprehensive
Plan would allow the City to formally recognize and take credit for these efforts.
• The Housing Production Strategy served as the roadmap for achieving AFFH. For example,the City
was considering a new tax abatement program for affordable housing developments, such as low-
income rental housing,to help foster inclusive communities and expand housing choice. In addition
to protected classes, the City may analyze impacts on other populations, like workers who cannot
afford to live in Lake Oswego.The policy functions as a lens to refine existing efforts, helping ensure
that current programs and actions effectively advance fair housing goals rather than creating
entirely new programs.
Councilor Wendland expressed support for implementing the policy, noting that while the proposed
one-sentence amendment was brief,the meeting packet contained nearly 200 pages of supporting
materials. He agreed fair housing was important but could only identify two concrete, understandable
examples, expressing uncertainty about whether the policy's effects would be clear to the average
reader. Much of the language reflected actions the City was already undertaking in compliance with the
Fair Housing Act and its existing practices;the amendment was primarily an additional frame of
reference. He would find it difficult to clearly explain to someone what the City would be doing
differently under the new AFFH policy.
Mayor Buck stated the City had not actively communicated its efforts regarding AFFH in the past year,
noting that even when historically following the Fair Housing Act and AFFH policies, actions had largely
been limited to changes from actual segregation to economic segregation. He explained implementation
requirements were first introduced during the Obama administration, later repealed, and then
reinstated, but federal enforcement had been minimal. As a result, AFFH had become largely
unenforceable at the federal level, leaving implementation to the state and local levels.The City was
now committing to AFFH for its own community, and he hoped communication efforts would
accompany this action.The City had encountered resistance in prior rezonings, indicating the need for
public education to explain AFFH and how the City was applying it.
Councilor Verdick said that taking credit for actions the City was already undertaking was valuable and
noted the amendment could also set the stage for additional initiatives. She asked what steps would be
necessary to comply with the policy and whether it could include actions such as placing a park in an
area currently lacking access. Staff responded that applying the policy to a new park could demonstrate
how the City is overcoming disparities in access to community amenities. Providing a park in a location
with insufficient existing access would allow the City to formally recognize this action under the policy
when discussing a development proposal.
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November 4, 2025
Councilor Mboup noted the City has faced challenges around access and equity.When more than half of
renters are rent-burdened, it raises concerns about who can afford to live in Lake Oswego. He
questioned the inclusivity of new schools and other infrastructure, noting that only about one-third of
homes currently have children, and emphasized the need for the City to become more welcoming and
equitable. Debates on affordability have sometimes been weaponized, pointing out that many teachers,
police officers, firefighters,and other city workers cannot afford to live in the community. He urged
reflection on who the City is building for and noted that some individuals who advocate for diversity
have simultaneously opposed development, seeking to preserve neighborhood character that may not
reflect inclusive values. He recognized Lake Oswego's progress and expressed pride in the City's
achievements, including one of the most progressive and transparent police forces in Oregon. Lake
Oswego should continue to pursue diversity, and the proposed amendment would provide a roadmap to
address disparities in the city without lowering housing values.
Mayor Buck opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2967, Fair Housing Policy and Education and called
for public comment.
• Cynthia Johnson commended Long Range Planning Manager Olson, Staff, Council, and
community members for their long-term work on housing issues. She supported the proposed
amendment, noting it helps Lake Oswego residents and neighbors remain in the community and
advances fair housing. Drawing on her experience as a disabled person and her background on
the Middle Housing Advisory Committee, she emphasized the importance of education and
awareness around barriers to housing access. She also highlighted the amendment's potential to
attract responsible developers, citing her father's experience in creating diverse housing in
Southern California.The amendment was an important step, and she encouraged the Council to
support it.
Mayor Buck confirmed there was no further public testimony and closed the public hearing.
Councilor Afghan moved to enact Ordinance 2967. Councilor Wendland seconded the motion.
Mayor Buck highlighted the City's complex history with both explicit and less explicit exclusionary
practices, while noting recent policy changes and actions that demonstrated meaningful progress.
Communication was important in supporting these efforts, although it was uncertain when the Council
would discuss a formal communications plan. He suggested implementing required fair housing training
for both recognized and unrecognized neighborhood associations, as these groups have been a
significant source of input. General education and greater visibility of the City's fair housing efforts were
needed because failing to publicize such actions perpetuates certain narratives,whether intentional or
not. Access to City services online should be improved for residents struggling with housing costs or the
cost of living to help them remain in the community.The North Anchor development was one example
where the City encouraged inclusion of workforce housing. Developers, particularly for larger projects,
should engage with the City to demonstrate how their projects further affirm fair housing. He noted the
City of Boston had integrated AFFH into its zoning and land use decision-making processes, suggesting
that some aspects of that approach could be adapted for Lake Oswego.
Councilor Wendland noted Lake Oswego has historically been ahead of the curve on inclusive housing,
citing Mountain Park, established in 1968, as one of the most diverse housing communities of its time.
Approximately 30 percent of Lake Oswego residents live in Mountain Park.The City must continue to
remain at the forefront of inclusive housing efforts.
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November 4, 2025
Councilor Afghan stated he viewed the amendment as a way of codifying and documenting the City's
intent, vision,and mission in the Comprehensive Plan.The City had already been undertaking these
efforts; going forward, the Planning Department and Staff would use the AFFH lens to continue this
work and remain ahead of the curve.
A voice vote was held,and the motion passed,with Mayor Buck and Councilors Afghan,Corrigan,
Mboup, Verdick, and Wendland voting'aye', (6-0).
10. INFORMATION FROM COUNCIL
Mayor Buck highlighted a potential significant reduction in food benefits affecting residents and noted
discussions with Assistant City Manager Phelan and Adult Community Center Manager Bigelow on ways
to provide support.The City was also coordinating with Meals on Wheels and Clackamas County, which
has set aside funds, to help address food security. He confirmed Council was interested in hearing about
options from Assistant City Manager Phelan and her team at the next meeting.
11. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
There were none.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
City Attorney Osoinach read the parameters for the executive session.
Mayor Buck adjourned the broadcast portion of the meeting at 6:27 p.m. and the Executive Session was
convened under ORS 192.660(2) (d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing
body to carry on labor negotiations, and (f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law
from public inspection.
The Executive Session was held from 6:38 to 8:07 p.m.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Buck adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura) Hawkins, City Recorder
Approved by the City Council on December 16, 2025.
J seph M. Buck, Mayor
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November 4, 2025