West Linn council declines May bond to buy Oppenlander, directs staff to pursue public‑private partnership

The West Linn City Council voted Feb. 25 to not place a new bond measure on the May ballot to purchase Oppenlander and instead directed staff to evaluate and pursue a public‑private partnership to acquire part of the field for use as a city park.

Council President Baumgartner, who offered the motion, said the direction combines caution about the city’s financial capacity with a commitment to pursue options. "I move to not place a new bond measure to purchase Oppenlander on the May ballot for the reasons stated during this meeting and direct staff to evaluate and pursue a public‑private partnership," Baumgartner said. Councilor Groener seconded the motion. After a roll call the council recorded unanimous support and the motion passed.

Mayor Pielastoski told the council that while many residents want to save the park, the city faces competing critical infrastructure needs. He described the Oppenlander proposal as a roughly $10,000,000 package — an $8,000,000 purchase price plus improvements — and said he could not be confident a May bond would not jeopardize other priorities. "I am concerned about what placing a $10,000,000 bond in May would mean for our future bonding ability for critical infrastructure and public safety initiatives," he said.

The motion directs staff to pursue a public‑private partnership and to use existing voter‑approved resources or other funding sources where appropriate. City staff confirmed they understood the direction and will report back with options; the council did not adopt any specific purchase or finance plan at the meeting. The decision follows several public comments urging preservation, developer offers to negotiate alternatives and council discussion about timing, legal issues and budget trade‑offs. The council adjourned after confirming staff had direction.