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Wilsonville council approves Metro community enhancement grants after 3-2 defeat of amendment over nonprofit's political donation
Summary
Council approved six Metro community enhancement grants but rejected an amendment to reduce one award after a councilor raised concerns about a nonprofit's $1,400 political contribution; the amendment failed 3-2 and the original resolution passed 4-1.
Wilsonville councilors on June 1 approved a slate of Metro Community Enhancement Grant awards after rejecting an amendment that would have reduced one award to reflect a $1,400 political donation made by the applicant.
Zoe Momburt, assistant to the city manager, presented six recommended projects funded through the Metro Community Enhancement Program. The program is financed by fees tied to tonnage processed at the local transfer station and supports neighborhood improvements, arts and cultural programming, recreation and community safety projects in the city.
During deliberation Councilor Cunningham moved to reduce the Charbonneau Community Foundation's award by $1,400, saying the foundation had recently made a $1,400 contribution to a local campaign opposing Measure 3632 and that awarding public grant money to an organization that had engaged in local political activity "sends a bad message to our community." The motion to amend was seconded for the purpose of discussion but failed on a 3-2 roll call.
Council then voted on the original resolution to allocate the recommended grant amounts. The resolution passed 4-1. Councilor Cunningham cast the lone opposing vote while other members defended the committee review process and the program's published eligibility criteria.
City staff said the committee's award recommendations followed Metro program rules, which require applicants to benefit people or places within the city limits and meet program goals. City Attorney and staff noted that political donations were not a stated eligibility criterion for the Metro grant program and that the application had predated the donations cited in council debate.
What happens next: the awarded projects will receive the Community Enhancement funds and staff will track any unused money if projects do not proceed as planned.
