[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6455561,"mediaKeyId","5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac","parentId",5827488,"title","Oregon City Planning Commission adopts code of conduct after wording changes","audioSeconds",862,"startMs",457000,"endMs",1319000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac&start=457&end=1319","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac/thumbnail_457000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455561/Oregon-City/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Oregon-City-Planning-Commission-adopts-code-of-conduct-after-wording-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455561-f0fa705966aaf8adccda28d44c732004/orig.mp4?Expires=1775696340&Signature=b3Jtk2SKzY-l3dSYriJuComJu1xvXIy~QNDoQ9DUnmxzJ-D682NpTJAeu~gFtkEAnP39g-4RNFgQKTDIxu-3MY237Ue73GOK~rowIxhrKriIUcIamvSNrYZK--E~aXu67c-6CbZvGErFAbqbkpJuxKCbq6xi6egUsJ09kwhc6XttGyqb6Jg7kcOoQ0h2fYB45syPH4GhdWuz-ThQuSF7OJE8EiehccpBVqHBItgKCiqeBqTxQSZ40yZN~7pwll1wPnytcZPCvfdCjwR6WFgjr-UxIwOqKD7wJSjxJ1E5AjHPAw4KQ-MUqTIERHn1lY8N4ROfwbcYBOOhKf4TjJNqOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Oregon, OR","date","2025-09-25T22:30:47.137Z","article","The Oregon City Planning Commission on Wednesday adopted a written code of conduct after a work‑session discussion and an amendment that clarified the commission’s role in governance and reworded a sentence about focusing on the past.

Commissioners said the document is intended to guide how members treat one another, staff and members of the public. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the statement as amended.

Why it matters: Commissioners said adopting a formal code will make public meetings clearer, encourage respectful debate and help the commission present consistent guidance to the City Council and the public.

The commission reviewed draft language line by line. Several commissioners objected to the phrase in the draft that read “focus on the present and future with no blame fixing for things in the past.” Commissioners agreed to revise that language to an affirmative statement: ‘‘We will learn from the past, and focus on the present and future in making wise planning decisions.’’ Commissioners also discussed using a term that would make the commission’s role clear to the City Council; members changed a phrase that began “to promote effective governance” to language indicating the commission’s role within the city’s governance structure.

Discussion included whether wording should read “our city” or “Oregon City.” Commissioners chose the formal phrasing “our city of Oregon City” in the final paragraph to retain a sense of local ownership while using the municipal name.

There was no public hearing on the code because the meeting was conducted as a work session. After discussion, a motion to adopt the draft as amended was seconded and carried by a roll‑call vote with the following tally: Commissioner Bailey — aye; Commissioner Maine — aye; Commissioner Mingleberg — aye; Commissioner Orson — aye; Commissioner Aronson — aye; Commissioner Surratt — aye; Chairperson Carter — aye.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Adopt the Oregon City Planning Commission code of conduct, as amended. Outcome: approved (unanimous). Vote record: Commissioner Bailey — yes; Commissioner Maine — yes; Commissioner Mingleberg — yes; Commissioner Orson — yes; Commissioner Aronson — yes; Commissioner Surratt — yes; Chairperson Carter — yes.
- Motion: Approve minutes of Feb. 26, 2001, as corrected. Outcome: approved (unanimous). Vote record: Commissioner Bailey — yes; Commissioner Maine — yes; Commissioner Mingleberg — yes; Commissioner Orson — yes; Commissioner Aronson — yes; Commissioner Surratt — yes; Chairperson Carter — yes.
- Motion: Approve minutes of March 12, 2001. Outcome: approved (unanimous). Vote record: Commissioner Bailey — yes; Commissioner Maine — yes; Commissioner Mingleberg — yes; Commissioner Orson — yes; Commissioner Aronson — yes; Commissioner Surratt — yes; Chairperson Carter — yes.

Chairperson Carter thanked staff member Miss Collins for drafting the statement. The commission adopted the code by motion after a brief period of line‑by‑line editing and public comment during the work session.

The agenda moved on to other work‑session items after the vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting April 09, 2001","oneSentenceSummary","The Oregon City Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt a commission code of conduct after commissioners edited language on the panel’s role and a sentence addressing how to treat past issues.","taxTitle","Oregon City, Clackamas County, Oregon","taxId",53937,"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},6455548,"Metro enhancement fund accrues as staff proposes using it for a new comprehensive plan",461,5064000,5525000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac&start=5064&end=5525","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac/thumbnail_5064000.jpg","/articles/6455548/Oregon-City/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Metro-enhancement-fund-accrues-as-staff-proposes-using-it-for-a-new-comprehensive-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455548-477d392cccb05af20acd0a7890da5cac/orig.mp4?Expires=1775696340&Signature=RSTFRauAsu4d6o~PHQkYNcoA02~SOdBgKiwNhYUxKT6BHibgCHpGQl9kD-Rjgx7NRT261pPFhplHM7F0nMj2T7G4LG0s0m1VX2ValUzchQvWVluL52iwGj17xjEzUjRVfbtaDXQEEc5W~1a48hIFqKtIzmiETVH1AdJ7FCbPx9Vy9CpHk387QM-adj9uvDrsw2HcUrK-jd8Voe3-Av4cAfVxmUIbqAP5T2HPcLlJozJDw87-EMI-H-vzneKbS3E-njHqxZx89IFn7PKuENOhrOBZjVuVkqIUifGyQfBIjm9L-VLgLqzBrzqCCPYALOe8-6HkvThlyhPxrP1forpzcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff briefed commissioners on the Metro Enhancement Fund, the revenue source created in connection with Metro’s transfer facility, and recommended using a portion of the accrued balance for a comprehensive plan update and neighborhood‑scale projects.

Assistant City Manager Brian Gosgrove summarized the fund’s origin: Metro agreed to a tipping‑fee payment and an offset that yields revenue the city can spend on enhancement projects. Staff said the fund collects approximately $200,000 a year in recent years (after an offset to the general fund) and that the fund has built a balance of roughly $750,000. Gosgrove said he has renegotiated the intergovernmental agreement with Metro to allow citywide expenditure and proposed an annual cycle for awarding grants, rolled into the city budget process.

Staff recommended using fund dollars to support comprehensive planning and other medium‑scale projects that require planning, design or matching funds (for example, to leverage state or federal grants). Commissioners noted that while the Metro Enhancement Fund is not large enough to finance major capital construction, it can be useful for planning and match‑making to leverage larger funding sources.

Staff described revised committee membership and grant criteria designed to streamline approval: the city commission plus four citizens at large would directly approve awards (by resolution) on an annual schedule rather than maintaining an additional advisory committee layer.

If the commission approves staff’s recommendation, the Metro Enhancement Fund could provide seed or match funding for planning that then unlocks larger dollars for implementation; staff estimated the next fiscal year could see roughly $550,000 available for the comprehensive planning effort if the commission elects to direct money there.

No formal action was taken during the work session; staff asked for commission input on priorities and said it will present draft criteria and timing to the city commission for approval.","Staff reported the Metro Enhancement Fund has accrued roughly $750,000 and suggested using part of those proceeds as a match to fund a city comprehensive‑plan update and other neighborhood projects.",{"_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},6455551,"Civic Improvement Trust grants: small pool from hotel‑motel tax funds local tourism and events",369,4331000,4700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac&start=4331&end=4700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac/thumbnail_4331000.jpg","/articles/6455551/Oregon-City/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Civic-Improvement-Trust-grants-small-pool-from-hotelmotel-tax-funds-local-tourism-and-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455551-f23a6b17e5dbd99b84f011a82d2656da/orig.mp4?Expires=1775696340&Signature=GNKR~It-qhCwlgV3jx9EPVzJX41IN5e-XdhqtoDCVodwnLi4zBoB~1ac36ky1r6djcGboCBUV2wai9t8A9vwVIfdS2YQqpthjGTd4AWyJ6a365QnRSNmB4Uv9fR~7C021mupcsnAsqsxs7W2QMEMC7Oimvl--3IkXRg730F3itSpbCwlYRzNgn5TBFQYEpjE0hLQaXjJ0tv3U0UflCTzdFBi6TSeXE~DpcbVICt0UvV5yyxjpL9b4rX7ScwtKDOrCBiiiEJOeqN8mPABeChpfnQMVDgZkCtC7l74MX4axMbd-mgoFdDINgv5yYe3S2Kt2Iand-93rc~pcq9DCBRMLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff briefed the planning commission on the Oregon City Civic Improvement Trust and how the city uses hotel‑motel tax receipts and donations to fund tourism and visibility projects.

Brian Gosgrove, identified as an assistant city manager during the meeting, explained the trust’s structure and typical uses. The Civic Improvement Trust is set up as a nonprofit; it receives hotel‑motel tax revenue and may accept private donations. Staff said the fund typically brings in roughly $70,000–$80,000 a year and is governed by a nine‑member panel composed of the five city commissioners and four citizens at large. The committee meets quarterly when funds are available and awards grants to projects that increase Oregon City’s visibility and support tourism.

Recent uses include small grants for local events and operational assistance — for example, funding trolley operations during the tourist season, summer concerts, and one‑time support for an Oregon City High School girls’ basketball tournament that staff said raised the city’s profile. Staff said grant applications are typically a one‑page form submitted to Mary Palmer, the staff contact, and that the committee’s schedule is driven by cash availability.

Staff said the fund balance was low at the time of the briefing (no immediate grant funds available), and that larger projects would require additional hotel‑motel capacity — for instance, the addition of a full‑service hotel would materially increase annual receipts. Staff noted a possible private hotel proposal on the Stimson property but cautioned that such development would depend on market factors and owner interest.

Commissioners asked about criteria, deadlines and application procedures; staff offered to provide application forms and the committee’s ordinance and noted that the committee has broad discretion within the statutory tourism‑related purposes.","Staff described the Oregon City Civic Improvement Trust, funded by the city’s hotel‑motel tax and private donations, which makes small grants for tourism‑related projects; current annual receipts are about $70,000–$80,000.",{"_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},6455556,"Staff outlines how Oregon City urban renewal districts work and lists projects, constraints",1671,1374000,3045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac&start=1374&end=3045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac/thumbnail_1374000.jpg","/articles/6455556/Oregon-City/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Staff-outlines-how-Oregon-City-urban-renewal-districts-work-and-lists-projects-constraints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455556-d69a4ebd83778d3e40ba2c9fc2ad9ced/orig.mp4?Expires=1775696340&Signature=jLT6VBUUS9hCi1cKDOTghQzAgoVgGmrTHq9obaKzORe92~0efV3QAyPiXoZCsPq486-naJEW0b0Ox1fF4EzQMGcj7Cia32gPenk4mql~JDnnsvNMFBiXvCThO9pmKFNl6eqBGT3g1P3dib6Wb1vrChHg38jxlqg~Qh71kjwkYAfnjul5kgOa~x3ErYM8KBxHfyynxW6jGVC~A38dpzWJOl2uT4Bs6KfdakeTBysmL44RdpV3wiFKvwQk-zdJE2ZoghMl0-sdJl7~RMV35UaXb2gP~N9oVQp-CojSmNWQUeSjCli8lutSX7vLqlFL453ebaoFDjGBKFBrMdHwc-Qwug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff gave the planning commission a detailed primer on how Oregon City’s urban renewal districts and tax increment financing operate and summarized current projects, statutory constraints and available funds.

Nancy Crusher, identified in the meeting as the city engineer, explained that Oregon City operates two urban renewal districts — one covering the downtown community plan area and a separate Hilltop district — and that both are governed by statutory urban renewal plans with defined boundaries. She described the districts’ purpose as using tax increment financing (TIF) to fund infrastructure and property acquisition intended to trigger redevelopment and raise the long‑term tax base for the community.

Key points staff presented:

- The downtown district boundary spans the McLaughlin corridor, the promenade area, the Clackamas Cove area and adjacent blocks, extending in places across Highway 213 and up to Seventh Avenue; it intentionally excludes the mill parcel bordering the river.
- The Hilltop district covers property around Molalla Avenue, Beavercreek Road and areas that include county‑owned parcels and the Red Soils Campus Industrial Park.
- Tax increment is the difference between the base (frozen) assessed value when the plan was adopted and current assessed value; that increment is captured for district projects rather than distributed to all taxing agencies. Staff noted the increment can fluctuate with assessed value changes.
- Measure 50 established a maximum indebtedness for each district. Staff summarized earlier calculations showing a roughly $24,000,000 maximum for downtown and about $9,000,000 for the Hilltop district at the time of the Measure 50 update; current remaining balances were presented as roughly $21,000,000 downtown and about $6–7,000,000 in Hilltop (figures include prior expenditures and do not account for interest).
- The agency receives revenues from the division of taxes (automatic each year) and an optional special levy the city commission may choose to collect in full or in part during budget decisions.

Crusher told commissioners the agency has used TIF funds for projects including streetscape blocks downtown, the Molalla/Beavercreek realignment, the Red Soils campus industrial park, acquisition of the Clackamas Cove property and support for a phased Amtrak station project. She said urban renewal often serves as a local match to leverage federal and state grants.

Commissioners asked about how boundaries were set, whether new districts could be created, the timing for a district’s expiration (which depends on when the district reaches its maximum indebtedness) and options for advance financing or bonds. Staff replied that districts can be created by ordinance and that adding land is constrained by statutory limits; creating a new district remains an option if the commission and city commission decide to pursue it.

Staff said the city is preparing a five‑year plan to prioritize projects, evaluate whether to use bonding or cash‑flow funding, and to coordinate urban renewal projects with the downtown community plan, metro and state transportation funding.

Staff urged the commission to provide input on corridor and sub‑area planning where urban renewal could support transportation and redevelopment objectives. Commissioners and staff also discussed brownfields and environmental cleanup responsibilities tied to some parcels the city bought for redevelopment.

The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken.","City staff presented a primer on Oregon City’s two urban renewal districts, explaining how tax increment financing works, the districts’ boundaries and projects, and limits set by state law and Measure 50.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455542,"Commissioners raise concern about tree removal and pre‑application demolition after recent site work",790,6500000,7290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac&start=6500&end=7290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827488-5fd86fac9742d7a025d3e1122dbe8aac/thumbnail_6500000.jpg","/articles/6455542/Oregon-City/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Commissioners-raise-concern-about-tree-removal-and-preapplication-demolition-after-recent-site-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455542-ac098ec28987430c30b48862e7fabfed/orig.mp4?Expires=1775696340&Signature=MWdhaacw-bYcdj6~9B5LvzVQ9FVoECCmK7zs-I4iO0gKGid3lLPx4skBB5SiOxBe~HRMeT3F1IE1iOlgztNRr1GqwKQ78NBgtJPaA4C9881HI0IFaGIhB7wSk0y6M~HXVY3Zh9rTwzvdiMYWVjk-ozBFaUYy754eebWRm~Jhcc6b0E3PHcqNYESIiBE6e~4fm4DnzSX1Z~Y6nCEpC21JmEccTlvij-gRcEcRbCImonq8acgKkC78uWZD4rf2AW2cS6Nq1SMPK1oOG~5E0iqB2FghTqKRQNPGL4ckWLLq7KtfJnXTIhIzoN-s9VcBiyXq1UtjODv4C8kJ3l7u6jkG1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During commissioner comments the planning commission discussed concerns about recent instances of tree removal and site disturbance that occurred before applicants submitted formal planning applications.

Commissioners said in several recent cases they observed trees cleared and structures partially demolished before the city had received complete development applications or reviewed mitigation measures. Several commissioners asked staff to assemble and circulate the city’s current rules and procedures that govern demolition, tree protection and pre‑application site work.

Staff replied that tree protection and demolition rules vary depending on whether the structure or site is designated historic or part of a planned unit development, that some activities require permits and engineering oversight, and that certain protections are already in the municipal code. Commissioners noted that some parcels with older trees and naturally vegetated lots have been altered prior to review, and asked staff to provide a clear summary of applicable rules and the enforcement process.

The commission did not take action; staff agreed to compile the existing demolition, tree‑cutting and permit rules and return with a summary at a future meeting so commissioners could consider whether any code or procedural changes are needed.","Several commissioners said they are concerned about property owners removing trees and performing demolition before planning applications are submitted, and asked staff to outline existing demolition and tree‑protection rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oregon City Planning Commission adopts code of conduct after wording changes

Metro enhancement fund accrues as staff proposes using it for a new comprehensive plan

Civic Improvement Trust grants: small pool from hotel‑motel tax funds local tourism and events

Staff outlines how Oregon City urban renewal districts work and lists projects, constraints

Commissioners raise concern about tree removal and pre‑application demolition after recent site work