[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",6162434,"mediaKeyId","5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564","parentId",5438598,"title","Neighborhood association warns proposed planning-code changes will curb public input","audioSeconds",345,"startMs",2533000,"endMs",2878000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564&start=2533&end=2878","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564/thumbnail_2533000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6162434/West-Linn/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Neighborhood-association-warns-proposed-planning-code-changes-will-curb-public-input","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162434-3256f9cef7cc0057acc9aa0b783a81d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157633&Signature=fuj-kZ4I6WltfYzNEnpukfooYCuZK8Tx00pq7XNcep-eIHp-L3T3AmPDAs6XH60LFR6xC1EIHX93j5xDEKjAJTlBD6bl5jP8rMe1rEhLpljWaqEp2OcfW3zi4CMN4tPlQnmW7i4-ccuymgFEciyVyqKoRFSnaQcVKycwdF6MSWghjbBC48iy8B2gESQWZ~pDoevd0~NhEO8PpesnOoVQ~bCafVYvCwWvGlxhimH7ZFcta1FSLv4OEJpVkfZJu85-RAJyAQ6EGMHDhzO~bGph74Lgy0SRePgTb9V91ZJJt0iU0JUHf1I1OyGS79dGls9Hw0aFCFRbj93yMpm-cfcLYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of West Linn, OR","date","2025-07-14T00:00:00Z","article","Neighbors and community advisory groups asked the Westland City Council to review recent planning code changes and to preserve public opportunities for input.

At the meeting, Willamette Neighborhood Association President Kathy Hillecki said the planning commission’s discussion (she cited a specific meeting minute time) raised serious concerns because several project types would move from the planning commission to the planning manager’s decision. Hillecki told councilors that reducing or eliminating verbal public testimony, relying instead on written comment, and making some determinations administrative rather than quasi-judicial would limit residents’ opportunities to be heard and risk missing community perspectives in land-use decisions.

Hillecki also raised concerns about a change she said had already weakened the Historic Review Board by shifting its role from quasi-judicial to advisory — she said that change reduced residents’ chances to correct or appeal decisions. She asked the council whether it wanted public input and urged the council to review the planning commission record and the staff process.

Council members responded that some changes come from state mandates and that the city must review what state law requires and what local discretion remains. Councilor Bridal, the council’s liaison to the planning commission, said many items under discussion reflect state law and that staff and council should explore whether any advocacy at the state level is possible to preserve local engagement options.

Council President Baumgartner and other councilors asked staff to review the cited planning commission meeting, ensure factual accuracy of public claims and report back. Staff indicated they had not briefed the full council on the planning commission discussion and would provide clarifying information. No ordinance or formal action was taken during the meeting; councilors instructed staff to review the record, confirm whether procedural changes had been made to the Historic Review Board and return with clarifications.

Speakers included Kathy Hillecki (Willamette Neighborhood Association president), members of the Committee for Community Outreach (CCI) who requested an approved work plan to accelerate neighborhood outreach, and Councilor Bridal as planning commission liaison. Councilors cited the importance of public input and noted that state law imposes some constraints; staff and council committed to further review and to correct any misunderstandings in public communications.

Council directed staff to review the planning commission record, confirm whether the Historic Review Board’s decision-making status had changed, and brief the council on required changes under state law and any steps the city could take to preserve opportunities for neighborhood input.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","West Linn City Council Meeting July 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Willamette Neighborhood Association and the city’s community outreach committee urged the Westland City Council to review recent planning commission changes and to preserve verbal public testimony after proposed rules would shift some projects to planning-manager decisions and limit spoken testimony.","taxTitle","West Linn, Clackamas County, Oregon","taxId",54065,"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},6162439,"Council adopts updated right-of-way license code but exempts non-owner wireless providers",1442,3752000,5194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564&start=3752&end=5194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564/thumbnail_3752000.jpg","/articles/6162439/West-Linn/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Council-adopts-updated-right-of-way-license-code-but-exempts-non-owner-wireless-providers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162439-f9ec8cca1929689a5fd170083c08aeab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157633&Signature=jtcQF3MO1cxbxHlS75WwFqHil2Bn1Rlr2nKWVFpEhiBoaYCHFBhflG3NmSSXjI2y2i9On~5mD~8bXOk9uVIwe6CtuIUYFolNyfIp1QQ4NqW-0k2kmfjIBOaee4QaZrprW0EBs5tso6rrqxJcZ6jyUMeafiYSfGIUp07edaHQUaICNLKpmDjyUyHCezn0ywXZW2xjboiUg9W2ceemq6Xzi9~yKSn7rffqpg1rsreCCxGYwoaBGy9ywF3gPd4l0ObQaalDlc9b5p6BfCdYcuULc3XudX1IdYBwZkHk6ARiK~auzHYJa~x~bjrUn-~EY~9xCwa0mlQSh7IEReBVAvEEbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westland City Council voted to replace Chapter 10 of the municipal code with ordinance 17-59 (option 2), creating a license-based framework to manage utility use of city right-of-way and updating the city’s master fees and charges. The adopted version exempts wireless providers that do not own facilities in the right-of-way from gross-revenue right-of-way usage fees.

City staff said the existing code lacked the detailed protections and auditing, insurance, and indemnity language that older franchise agreements provided. Management analyst Stephanie Hastings and outside counsel Nancy Werner led a multi-month drafting process involving review of neighboring cities’ ordinances, written public comment and meetings with telecommunication providers. Staff described two ordinance options: option 1 would have applied right-of-way usage fees broadly; option 2 adds a narrow exemption for providers that supply wireless service but do not place facilities in the city right-of-way (other than FCC-defined small cells).

Wireless carriers and trade associations delivered written comments and oral testimony. Verizon, AT&T and CTIA urged the council to adopt the exemption, arguing a fee tied to gross revenues could run afoul of federal law and that carriers without facilities in the right-of-way are not similarly situated to wireline utilities that occupy physical space in the street. Verizon and AT&T representatives said they welcomed staff’s alternative option and recommended adoption of option 2.

Council members discussed fiscal implications and litigation risk. Staff clarified that the proposed ordinance preserves existing percentage rates for utilities that do have facilities in the right-of-way, adds a registration pathway for low-impact providers, clarifies small-cell attachment fees consistent with FCC guidance and establishes auditing and reporting language. Councilors also asked for clarity that the right-of-way usage charges are fees, not taxes.

The council approved the first reading of ordinance 17-59 option 2 and later adopted the ordinance on second reading. The council then adopted Resolution 2025-07 revising the master fees and charges to reflect the new license and fee structure. Roll-call votes recorded votes on the resolution with Council President Baumgartner — yes; Councilor Groner — no; Councilor Bonnington — yes; Councilor Bridal — yes; Mayor Bielanski — yes. The ordinance itself carried on final reading.

Staff said the revised code will provide city crews clearer authority to manage construction, relocations and safety in the right-of-way, to audit provider reporting and to require insurance and indemnity consistent with modern agreements. Those protections were the principal policy goals staff cited when preparing the replacement code.

Council directions included adopting the option 2 ordinance, adopting the updated master fee schedule, and directing staff to proceed with implementation and outreach. Several councilors thanked staff for extended outreach to providers and for incorporating many technical comments.","After public comment from wireless carriers and industry groups, Westland adopted a revised Chapter 10 establishing a license-based right-of-way program and associated fees but adopted the lower-risk option exempting wireless providers that do not own facilities in the right-of-way. Council also adopted associated master fees and charges.",{"_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},6162444,"City approves sale of 6123 Skyline Drive to Portlock Company; ICON named backup bidder",1529,3606000,5135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564&start=3606&end=5135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564/thumbnail_3606000.jpg","/articles/6162444/West-Linn/Clackamas-County/Oregon/City-approves-sale-of-6123-Skyline-Drive-to-Portlock-Company-ICON-named-backup-bidder","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162444-c657e537fde8114ccc72f4f06c3dd2fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157633&Signature=a5pxfE97aXzU1UYjrP3Xk4C9n~CT3ZKstH612sKM3XyP9WEO8NS3TujE7Fv~0Rdw6CaWKIcq1doJfykkty0I~Io-juT2P5OrFHnkwAkjX2f0~kZLjt4D0-OIQktSAwTuI1x-E4POOCNpZBZRXhVlazQlIdlk~TPz1GiqFyEmRINHfpfP9Tvo8DTxS494~jc32vhCZe7uXLuzlE1Dvh~JER~4RJDqaNUf8bEcHWKTAruH9fuGNDDZ2CwGCrfu8etF8PW08IMSaxCSNQESWRCf0Hz3b-KdBZijm3LYLTvY965PCcPglyy5bYH4qN3AZE~oXcihQYyoa1sgRaMzvcHVxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westland City Council approved sale of the surplus property at 6123 Skyline Drive to Portlock Company LLC and authorized the city manager to execute closing documents, while naming ICON as the backup bidder.

Council opened a public hearing on the property after staff summarized the site history and the recent marketing process. Public Works Director and City Engineer Eric Leis told the council the city purchased the lots as part of the Bolton Reservoir project and that the parcels were declared surplus in resolutions adopted after project completion. Elizabeth Anderson, the city’s listing agent, reported three offers were received after a public listing and that the highest net offer totaled $826,350 after an escalation clause and related terms.

The council heard a letter and in-person comments from representatives of ICON, who asked the council to re-open the process to let the highest bidders make best-and-final offers. ICON representatives said the property had a long prior relationship with their firm and asked for additional opportunity to compete. City staff and the listing agent described the public offering timeline, the equal-access marketing approach and how escalation clauses and buyer agent compensation practices produced the highest net offer.

After discussion, council members said they considered fairness of the published process, the public notice requirements and the city’s fiduciary duty to follow the method used to solicit offers. To reduce the city’s risk of reopening a completed public solicitation and to preserve a consistent process for future sales, the council approved the staff recommendation to accept Portlock Company LLC’s offer and to place ICON in a formal backup position in case the primary transaction fails. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Council President Baumgartner — yes; Councilor Groner — yes; Councilor Bonnington — yes; Councilor Bridal — yes; Mayor Bielanski — yes.

The council record shows the property was acquired for utility purposes, that proceeds from a sale are restricted to the Water Fund and that staff will return final closing documents for execution by the city manager. Council members and staff said the decision followed a transparent, advertised offer deadline and that reopening the sale after publishing detailed offer terms would risk undermining that process.

Council directions included confirming the sale documents and placing ICON in backup status; no additional study or new conditions were directed during the hearing.

The council concluded the public hearing and authorized city staff to finish the transaction and return any final administrative documentation required to complete the sale.","After a public hearing, the Westland City Council approved sale of surplus property at 6123 Skyline Drive to Portlock Company LLC for $826,350, and named ICON as the backup bidder. ICON had asked the council to reopen the sale process; council declined and approved the sale with ICON in backup position.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6162429,"Council edits lodging-tax code so state Department of Revenue can collect on city’s behalf",97,5302000,5399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564&start=5302&end=5399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438598-0fd5aee04ef1abe6b1e9e1ad3a032564/thumbnail_5302000.jpg","/articles/6162429/West-Linn/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Council-edits-lodging-tax-code-so-state-Department-of-Revenue-can-collect-on-citys-behalf","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162429-047f874d161c25077462fb03739dc4c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157633&Signature=Pl7jQcvLsSG6HBeR1V~IF0~wWIlW49c28Gg-UP7Pj7lumLS-ZNvkynthnbJ5WMJpMGM7ho-uGSl0OAPpfPWOnZRXo3Qtl277dwP0ei1NjsbEIW5hsbnk9ZPSqwK0VNdjwQlFbMqPQmy~ChnxctpscJIr9cbUI8owqzDF9Lkd4rTD8cpCAJclzj1d1wyUFcKu2o30HxmMcp3VafDOVsBg2ni-euLq2ki0zGKgBi2SJKDIg6bQRQeRKwgjAD6WYgeeQY1afk3-EF91b0h3GcN-E-mfgRPB3lrCU8YkFd0RdB64GeFF8prAsD49Zdv7SdSiXGrtEm13aEJ0EIiFnnO11w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westland City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance amending the transient lodging tax code to allow the Oregon Department of Revenue to collect the city’s transient lodging tax on a quarterly basis rather than monthly.

City staff told the council that the city has already executed an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the state to have the Department of Revenue collect lodging taxes for the city. The state, however, collects on a quarterly schedule; the city code referenced monthly collection. To align local code with the state’s collection cadence and permit implementation of the IGA, staff proposed changing language in the municipal code from “monthly” to “quarterly.”

Councilors approved the first reading and, on second reading, adopted the ordinance. Staff said no other substantive changes were made to the lodging-tax chapter; the amendment only updates the collection frequency to match state practice so the department can take over remittance processing.

Councilors asked no substantive questions and approved adoption. Staff will coordinate implementation with the Department of Revenue and update local administration processes to the quarterly collection schedule.","Council adopted an ordinance amending the transient lodging tax code to change the reporting/collection frequency from monthly to quarterly so that the Oregon Department of Revenue can implement collection under the intergovernmental agreement previously approved by council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighborhood association warns proposed planning-code changes will curb public input

Council adopts updated right-of-way license code but exempts non-owner wireless providers

City approves sale of 6123 Skyline Drive to Portlock Company; ICON named backup bidder

Council edits lodging-tax code so state Department of Revenue can collect on city’s behalf