City Council Regular Session 07/15/2025

The City Council of Milwaukie, Oregon, held a regular session on July 15, 2025, where several procurement and policy-related topics were discussed. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a resolution supporting a housing grant application to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development for studying the high-density residential zone. The council also received a presentation from the Johnson Creek Watershed Council about a habitat restoration project funded by grants from OWEB and NOAA, involving installation of large wood structures to improve salmon habitat and reduce erosion. Additionally, the council unanimously passed an ordinance to create a Climate Action Committee to support implementation and updates to the city's Climate Action Plan. The meeting featured an extensive discussion on the city's tree code, focusing on permit requirements, tree preservation, and the challenges residents face with tree removal permits, highlighting potential areas for code clarification and future amendments. The council also reviewed various building decarbonization policy options aimed at reducing emissions from the building sector, including home energy score programs, energy efficiency upgrades, and potential carbon pollution fees, with plans to engage the newly formed Climate Action Committee for further analysis and recommendations. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were reported during this session.