Commission advances amendment to street‑tree penalties, clarifying minimum trunk caliber

Commissioners debated language in a second‑reading ordinance amending Oregon City Municipal Code Title 12 (public and street trees). Several commissioners said current draft language that used a range for minimum caliper was confusing and could be read to restrict people from planting larger trees. One commissioner argued "the word minimum is the part that's confusing," and another moved to change the wording to read "shall have a minimum 1.25 inch caliber trunk." The commission proceeded with a first reading of the amended ordinance by title and recorded a roll call vote; the motion passed with three Ayes and one No (Mayor Denise McGriff).