[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6230373,"mediaKeyId","3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b","parentId",3442257,"title","Council Continues Hearing on Natural Resources Code Update; Staff to Rework Bench/Exemption Language","audioSeconds",435,"startMs",11882000,"endMs",12317000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b&start=11882&end=12317","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b/thumbnail_11882000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6230373/Milwaukie/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Council-Continues-Hearing-on-Natural-Resources-Code-Update-Staff-to-Rework-BenchExemption-Language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230373-b70cd46992d939cc16b932b0b59609db/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205180&Signature=amy5IWjp0k0ENlRMAQ96OYchdJNN0WVZMCY3YHP-7fkdGtqIMx5L~PkES9bqjQKH3dIuoocWGrNbFaUjQVlo7jZ75JWBZclW-jx1h8VL0UVMfj4PWUUuu2UQUPMn9AfoXgshz5TsRqeHxy0XgW8QmCPM~Mb8P9r9lYjHP1E3Yhss-KNZHmpda0ibuKznIShULVMD6KjpCMtqM~YZZKQTfkD~n0G68vjDoq-Iw6m8h8C-tg8FLwHbRkEoL2gDwbl3W5a945~QA07ntUySeV0jDzKAyWur4ieskRn-0eKBBP2izdkdSidjfscZ6Ocxqp8fGRV0VAoBlkm0oKy-mCQUfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Milwaukie, OR","date","2025-05-22T09:07:59.42Z","article","The Milwaukie City Council continued a public hearing on proposed changes to the city\u000092s natural resources code after staff reviewed a package of amendments that would better align tree regulations, create a narrowly defined administrative path for limited disturbance of water quality resources, and simplify how habitat conservation area (HCA) mapping is updated.

Senior Planner Brett Culver summarized the draft changes and the reasons staff brought them to council. The amendments aim to: (1) reduce duplicative reviews by better integrating the recently revised tree code with resource protections in the zoning code; (2) provide a limited clear‑and‑objective review path for some water quality resource (WQR) disturbances that can stand in for discretionary decisions in constrained residential lots; and (3) clean up the HCA mapping language and procedures because regional data sets previously referenced are not consistently maintained.

On the limited disturbance concept, staff proposed a conservative formula to allow small, ministerial approvals for sites with already constrained amounts of non‑habitat area. Culver said the draft caps a single WQR disturbance at 800 square feet, subject to site thresholds, native tree retention, proximity to the top‑of‑bank or wetland edge, and a required restoration plan for temporary disturbance. The intent is to provide a predictable path for limited housing‑related improvements while preserving the city\u000092s most protected water features as a general rule.

Council members and planning commissioners asked detailed questions about implementation. Several asked how the code would classify the quality of a WQR, how the 800‑square‑foot figure was chosen, and whether small park furniture or benches installed near a water feature should be exempt. Staff described field examples and photos of existing benches and sidewalk pads and said they had reduced an earlier proposal from 5 square feet of disturbance to 3 square feet in a draft exemption for “at‑grade” outdoor furniture — but staff and councilors noted the ownership question (publicly owned parks vs. privately accessible natural areas) needs more work because some community‑accessible natural sites are owned by conservancies rather than the city.

Culver also said the HCA layer the city uses was initially supplied by Metro at a regional scale, and the draft code clarifies how the city will verify and adjust mapped HCA boundaries during site review; the intent is to avoid repeated formal map change procedures for minor verification corrections while still preserving a clear link between zoning and mapped resources.

No amendments were adopted at the hearing. Councilors and staff agreed the package largely addresses needed clarifications, but asked staff to revisit the language governing small exemptions (benches, picnic tables, very small pads) and the public‑property limitation added to that exemption. Planning staff asked for time to rework the wording so the exemption does not unintentionally exclude community‑access natural areas that are not city‑owned. Council continued the hearing and asked staff to return with refined language; the council set a continuation date for a future meeting to finalize the ordinance after the bench/exemption language is refined and staff completes requested clarifications.

The hearing included no public testimony requiring immediate staff responses; staff reported one written comment previously submitted to the planning commission and said other notifications generated informational inquiries. Planning staff will return with revised ordinance text and updated findings as requested.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milwaukie City Council Regular Session - 5/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City planners presented proposed updates to Milwaukie\u000092s natural resources code to align tree rules, add a narrowly constrained clear‑and‑objective path for small disturbances in water quality resource areas, and simplify habitat mapping procedures.","taxTitle","Milwaukie, Clackamas County, Oregon","taxId",70312,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6230378,"Neighbors Raise Flooding, Safety and Playground Concerns Over Proposed Fernberg Park Shelter and Middle Housing Development",1059,4913000,5972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b&start=4913&end=5972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b/thumbnail_4913000.jpg","/articles/6230378/Milwaukie/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Neighbors-Raise-Flooding-Safety-and-Playground-Concerns-Over-Proposed-Fernberg-Park-Shelter-and-Middle-Housing-Development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230378-077db6c99b5b8a53cfb499882f05be4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205180&Signature=IjndgJxDC33DOJKTUgxO4dtXWGZBE9~5eoE0IeYbSuzvhdgyyontj5yXt77Wde1CB7NJvYqrkyWYyozlaBdrdjzT9Pbi~ImQJjGmfdcQ6eUCMei7ulZhZn1KxfHiestf~Q2z8TF-6fTkRxOUQthjcr2lzXxpTMeC4ejRnoygycBpa1o-tR6V6WfQDbmjHk6y3d3xKZLFRiotV8j5EnDhiF-ALRPi6mRiI5tMu1AUOj8LTN3y4~v3qx7OFO0OauRkUPB6Tz8aCIMONLtNneqPPqBu2Ae26oofnlwoHjurS-Nfmduet9KLUGhKj5wK4Lc3YlYXOByAaM0r4i98dFOmvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Neighbors near Fernberg Park and attendees of Monday\u000092s Milwaukie City Council meeting pressed the city to reconsider a neighborhood proposal for a covered shelter in Fernberg Park and raised multiple concerns about a separate middle‑housing development on Harrison Street.

Several residents who live adjacent to Fernberg Park said the park is largely wetland and already experiences yard and basement flooding during heavy rain. They asked the council and staff to evaluate drainage and stormwater impacts before approving a 20‑by‑20 covered shelter with a concrete pad, and to consider how roof runoff and a new pad could increase ponding and basement seepage for nearby homes.

Resident Sarah Soderberg said her property faces the park and described “swampy yards and wet basements” near the proposed shelter location, arguing that additional impervious surface could worsen existing drainage issues. Another nearby resident said the park’s majority users are families with young children and asked the city to prioritize playground equipment upgrades, adding that the proposed shelter would not address the playground conditions and that funds would be better spent on ADA‑accessible play structures.

Other speakers opposed a shelter because of safety and usage concerns: one neighbor said a covered structure with electricity and water would likely attract more unsheltered people and extend park stays beyond dusk in a cul‑de‑sac location with limited parking, potentially increasing safety and sanitation impacts for adjacent homeowners.

At least one speaker who represents the existing neighborhood association said almost all neighbors support park improvements except for the shelter structure; they asked the council to remove the shelter element while approving other park enhancements. Another speaker and park volunteer noted parts of Fernberg are designated wetland and said any improvements should include restoration, underbrush removal and a perimeter boardwalk as identified in the park master plan.

Council and staff responses in the meeting were procedural: staff said the shelter proposal is a community‑led idea, not a city‑proposed project, and encouraged more neighborhood engagement. Assistant City Manager Joseph Brillio said staff had toured parts of the site with neighbors and would follow up on safety and drainage options. Council President Will and other councilors urged the neighborhood association and proponents to walk the park with staff and neighborhood leaders; a neighborhood walk‑through was scheduled the following day.

Commenters also raised concerns about a separate middle‑housing development on Harrison Street: residents reported code and right‑of‑way issues during construction, including blocked sidewalks, erosion control failures and an apparent start of work without permits. Those residents asked the city to clarify typical construction expectations and to publish better guidance about permitted right‑of‑way uses and the construction review process.

City officials acknowledged the concerns and staff said a public meeting on middle housing is being scheduled for July to continue community engagement; staff also said code enforcement and right‑of‑way issues reported by neighbors were under review. Council did not vote on park or shelter approvals; public comment closed with staff promising follow‑up and additional engagement.","Several neighbors urged the Milwaukie City Council and staff to pause or redesign a proposed 20x20 covered shelter at Fernberg Park and pressed for upgraded playground equipment; other commenters raised drainage, parking and homelessness concerns tied to park use and a nearby middle‑housing project.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6230383,"Milwaukie, Metro Reopen Talks on Main‑and‑Harrison Lot, Emphasize Affordable housing and Public Space",3203,5945000,9148000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b&start=5945&end=9148","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b/thumbnail_5945000.jpg","/articles/6230383/Milwaukie/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Milwaukie-Metro-Reopen-Talks-on-MainandHarrison-Lot-Emphasize-Affordable-housing-and-Public-Space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230383-c1c8b78243e68d2239c8271f8a94add0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205180&Signature=Ctp5CtWx9bkbqV3emFm9~YBKBOJmRIc4~UAMODaTnQ57lUhHnVbeQjOFeLsEM9csA3W1Uo4VtGTubHcehqgzr7jtLoTV0l481JMsiKy705dSEoXX0f90BcToil1DCFh0kUBO~cB~G8i4~2np5GyXuDGj-6Qws8W4msCJ0jy6Na~kAHxwO2oyzYsyuhKHxjI4cOUQv7VlhJAUYdpP1CM9Zb5vP~V-c~vXI2EIRfTmwwS~rThf9kQzPMkPui1DpWqAqTocMtvla47YG8F5aScmwDeM8ddIELC6nhZTulLIf9U0qBIU6kKBgym4T0QzW~z-SruI0ZJu97YH9Ru~PnJJ4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milwaukie city staff and Metro’s transit‑oriented development (TOD) team resumed discussions on redevelopment of the city‑owned Main and Harrison parking lot, emphasizing affordable housing, active ground‑floor uses and keeping the site’s role as a downtown gathering place.

City officials told Metro the lot functions as the city’s “front door” and must continue to host community activities such as the farmers market, tree lighting and downtown events while also exploring options for affordable housing and parking. Metro staff described the agency’s TOD program, its investment tools and the precedent of multi‑phase projects in the region.

Assistant City Manager Joseph Brillio said the city and Metro met in January to reengage a decades‑old redevelopment effort, and that the city wants a “creative” outcome that balances competing priorities: affordable and market housing, commercial space, parking and public event space. Brillio noted the site’s configuration—about one acre total, with the city owning the eastern half and Metro owning the western half—and reminded council the site is in the city’s urban renewal area and next to Historic City Hall.

Erin Kihee, Metro urban policy and development manager, outlined TOD program tools and experience. She said Metro’s program uses three main levers: small grants, ground‑floor retail activation funds and direct acquisition of properties to leverage targeted development. “The TOD program makes catalytic investments to build climate‑friendly communities near transit that prioritize the needs of low‑income households and people of color,” Kihee said, summarizing Metro’s program mission and noting Metro has supported thousands of housing units and active commercial space in past projects.

City and Metro staff told council the parking lot is physically small but strategically significant. Council members pressed Metro on practical constraints: how to retain some parking, whether structured or underground parking is feasible, and how to preserve the lot’s event uses during and after development. Metro staff cautioned structured or below‑grade parking is costly—roughly tens of thousands of dollars per space—and that fitting all desired elements onto an acre will require design trade‑offs.

Councilors stressed they want deeply affordable housing, community space that can host the farmers market and other long‑running events, and a development that adds a “wow” element for visitors. Several councilors and public speakers asked Metro to prioritize developer partnerships that include space for local small businesses and market‑hall style retail. Metro acknowledged those priorities and said owning the site is the single most important lever the agencies can use to shape outcomes and that grant funds (up to Metro’s stated grant caps) might also be available to support affordable housing or innovation bonuses for climate or equity features.

Council members and Metro agreed on process points: more community engagement is needed before an RFP or formal solicitation; the city and Metro will continue technical work on parking, utilities and phasing; and any development timeline is likely measured in years rather than months. Council members asked staff to be mindful of competing workload priorities—several ongoing projects were identified as higher immediate staff priorities—and to pace public outreach accordingly.

Public comments during and after the presentation reinforced community concerns about preserving event space for the farmers market, preventing displacement of downtown activities and ensuring Parks and business groups are included in planning. Some speakers urged the city to delay formal solicitations until there is clearer community consensus and better data on parking demand.

City and Metro staff did not present a final plan or vote. Instead, staff said the next steps are further design and financial analysis, more outreach, and drafting an RFP that reflects council priorities. Council members suggested returning for an update later in the year and flagged the project as likely multi‑year in timeline.

If the city and Metro proceed with a solicitation later, council members said they expect the RFP to seek: (1) deeply affordable housing options, (2) active ground‑floor space for community uses and small businesses, and (3) creative parking solutions that do not swallow the public realm. Metro staff offered to brief council again and to begin outreach to potential developers and local partners.

The council did not approve any formal action tonight; staff will return with refined community engagement plans and technical analysis.","City leaders and Metro’s transit‑oriented development team reopened planning for the Main and Harrison parking lot, urging preservation of community events and prioritizing affordable housing while Metro outlined tools, constraints and a multi‑year timeline.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6230369,"Milwaukie Council Urges County to Seek Solutions After NCPRD Senior Service Cuts; Bob—92s Red Mill Purchase Appears Uncertain",0,14851000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b&start=14851&end=14851","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442257-5fbe452278dcb6d79af0fee1bc996a4b/thumbnail_14851000.jpg","/articles/6230369/Milwaukie/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Milwaukie-Council-Urges-County-to-Seek-Solutions-After-NCPRD-Senior-Service-Cuts-Bob92s-Red-Mill-Purchase-Appears-Uncertain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230369-3b71666c9782c14b9a09fbf98fde7332/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205180&Signature=VyFhSF-KqMxmqbuXHl1sLVChTUJfR7PRdeego1TUP1-M~AzmJnBNYTvnbw8KCPX2Dy-QyO8kpDSbzHbreux3-5h6osIDO0g0sCXN~3lylXig5jsU2nNNup-h4612jmj0E-cz2I6npXMtn11t8uWckZkb~8kPNoUkB499b0FxtL6y9GHoEDdXYPUwl1D9uFsSUg8civczsOW5JE0prSRBAAxafV2A-2b~wX1-p8268-xfmgNo3hlvYVuHs~2~T-HTRPQYyiKN1mhuAD8qtzFXHbtZQLByy2XsD8zkwjWxraUKBwOBptUxUUi0leWHBhSOtf2iu5Omc5DKhyZCoShDSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milwaukie councilors addressed a pair of county‑level developments that affect local services: Clackamas County\u000092s proposed reductions to services run by the North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (NCPRD), especially transportation and Meals on Wheels, and a reported decision that the county will not proceed with a purchase of the Bob\u000092s Red Mill property.

Councilors said the NCPRD cuts would reduce the district\u000092s long‑standing senior services and urged the county commission to seek every possible solution rather than allow programs to lapse. Councilor Robert Massey described the impact of the cuts on families and veterans and argued that the county should convene stakeholders to find alternatives before programs are cut.

Council discussed a draft letter urging the county to explore options, including shifting responsibilities for senior services to Clackamas County social services or other agencies, and to convene a task force to identify sustainable funding or operational arrangements. Councilors agreed to sign and send the letter collectively and asked Mayor Lisa Beatty to convey it to the county commission.

Separately, staff and councilors reported that the county appeared not to be moving forward with an acquisition of the Bob\u000092s Red Mill site. The council had earlier discussed Bob\u000092s Red Mill because county interest in buying the property had been linked to possible community uses; speakers at the County Commission meeting objected to the proposed county purchase and the county announced it will not pursue the acquisition at this time. Councilors said they will monitor developments and any new buyer proposals for the property.

Council asked staff to format and transmit the signed letter to the county and to monitor nominations and proposals related to the Bob\u000092s Red Mill site. Council did not take direct financial action; instead the council chose to publicly request county follow‑up and to press for interagency solutions for senior services that are at risk of being reduced or eliminated.","Milwaukie councilors discussed county budget cuts affecting senior services delivered by North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (NCPRD), circulated a council letter urging the county to pursue all options including possible service realignment, and noted that a county bid to buy Bob\u000092s Red Mill was not moving forward.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council Continues Hearing on Natural Resources Code Update; Staff to Rework Bench/Exemption Language

Neighbors Raise Flooding, Safety and Playground Concerns Over Proposed Fernberg Park Shelter and Middle Housing Development

Milwaukie, Metro Reopen Talks on Main‑and‑Harrison Lot, Emphasize Affordable housing and Public Space

Milwaukie Council Urges County to Seek Solutions After NCPRD Senior Service Cuts; Bob—92s Red Mill Purchase Appears Uncertain