Forest Grove City Council to set new utility rates; recent meetings yield no decisions
Forest Grove's most consequential upcoming action is the City Council's Aug. 24 meeting, where it will hold public hearings on new water, sewer, and stormwater rates. No decisions were made at recent committee meetings, as minutes have not yet been published.
Recent meetings
Four city boards and commissions met in the past two weeks, but all were agenda-only, with no minutes published. Their agendas included:
- **Committee for Community Engagement (Aug. 11)** – Discussed how to support the upcoming police bond measure, plan a community open house with Centro, review board assignments, and receive a grocery store update.
- **Parks and Recreation Commission (Aug. 12)** – Heard a virtual presentation from a consultant on the Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces & Trails (PROST!) Master Plan project. The agenda also included approving May meeting minutes, setting the remaining 2026 meeting schedule (Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9), and receiving liaison reports.
- **Sister City Committee (Aug. 18)** – Discussed routine updates including the city memorandum of understanding, Farmers Market host families, the Nyuzen delegation, and next steps for non-profit filing.
- **Public Arts Commission (Aug. 20)** – Planned the 20th Anniversary Celebration, including invitations, media outreach, reception, display case, and budget. Also received updates on the Main Street Project, a tribute to Pat Truax, and finance.
Upcoming meetings
City Council – Aug. 24
The council will hold public hearings on several ordinances and resolutions:
- Ordinance 2026-03 to remove the General Industrial designation from territory in the Urban Planning Area (File No. 311-26-000006-PLNG)
- Resolution 2026-28 to fix water rates effective July 1, 2026, repealing Resolution 2023-17
- Resolution 2026-29 to establish sewer utility rates effective July 1, 2026, repealing Resolution 2025-34
- Resolution 2026-30 to establish surface water management rate effective July 1, 2026, repealing Resolution 2025-33
- Resolution 2026-31 to accept Clean Water Services sanitary sewer and SWM rates and system development charges
The meeting also includes work sessions on transient lodging tax, downtown placemaking, and police facility bond ballot language, plus a presentation from the Parks & Recreation Commission. The consent agenda includes the monthly building activity report for May.
Urban Renewal Agency (Aug. 24)
The board will hold a work session and regular meeting. The main action is a resolution to amend the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program and repeal the previous resolution (URA Resolution 2026-02). No formal action is expected during the work session. The meeting is at the Community Auditorium, 1915 Main Street.
Coming up
- **City Council** – Aug. 24, public hearings on utility rates and other items.
- **Urban Renewal Agency** – Aug. 24, work session and regular meeting.
- **Parks and Recreation Commission** – Next regular meeting Sept. 9 at the Police Department, 2102 Pacific Avenue.
All meetings are open to the public. Check the city's website for agendas and any changes.