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The Mayor requested the creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee to hear the concerns of the citizens of Newberg regarding the River Street improvement project. It is envisioned that this Ad-Hoc
committee will gather further information and opinions about possible River Street designs. The Ad-Hoc committee will, in line with council rules, provide recommendations to council.
The River Street Ad-Hoc Committee has an anticipated duration of approximately 2 years, with a sunset date connected to the end of the project. Sunset is anticipated to occur in 2028, but may be further out depending on a variety of factors (such as project speed, Ad-Hoc committee decisions, recommendations and wrap up time). The committee will consist of seven total members (not counting the council person and a staff liaison). Four residents/property owners of River Street will take part and three residents will represent the City of Newberg at large. At this time city staff and Councilor Turgesen have been working on finding candidates to fill these roles.
The Ad-Hoc committee will function in two phases:
Phase 1: A series of 3-4 meetings will occur over the next 4-5 months that will focus on reviewing river street possible designs with Keller Engineering staff present. This group will also hear the concerns of citizens more generally. These meetings are likely to occur on Tuesday nights in the Public Library. An approximate 6-7 month pause will then occur to allow for procurement to occur. Per Oregon Law certain steps must occur to advance a request for proposals (for example to allow time for challenges to
scoring and the like). This will allow the city to find firms that will do the design work and then the carry out construction.
Phase 2: Once design work begins, a meeting will occur every other month to review requests for possible reimbursements for hedges, fences, and the like if this is required. These meetings can also be used as a venue to consider tree placement options or public art.
Councilor Jeri Turgesen will Chair the Ad-Hoc Committee, with City Manager Will Worthey serving as the Staff Liaison. Councilor Turgesen will seek out candidates for these seats. The Ad-Hoc committee will then provide a proposal to the Mayor and the rest of City Council with recommendations. Council deliberation will follow later in a regular session.
