2015 Accomplishments
Third Street Named One of Top Five Streets in America. The American Planning Association named Third Street as one of the top five Great Streets for 2015. This is a real honor for our downtown area considering 2014’s group included New York’s Broadway and Washington D.C.’s Pennsylvania Avenue.
Welcome "Visit McMinnville". In July, the City Council officially created a full-service Destination Marketing Organization – "Visit McMinnville", utilizing proceeds from the Transient Lodging Tax. The new organization is dedicated to enhancing the City’s economy through the promotion of tourism across McMinnville.
New Leadership for Police, Attorney and IT. 2015 saw some major changes in the City’s Management Team as the Council and staff welcomed Chief Matt Scales as the new Chief of Police, David Koch as the City’s new Legal Counsel, and Scott Burke as the City’s Information Technology Director.
Council Sponsors Homelessness Educational Series / Stands up Housing Task Force. The City Council held informational sessions throughout 2015 with Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Housing Authority of Yamhill County, YCAP and McMinnville’s COMPASS program to gain awareness of the issues facing citizens experiencing homelessness. In September, the Council formed a new Strategic Partnership and Affordable Housing Task Force to develop options supporting a "Housing First" approach.
Fire Department Receives New Fire Apparatus. The Fire Department took delivery of a new 100 foot aerial truck, a new first response fire engine, and a water tanker for rural operations. The crowning jewel is the new Pierce 100 foot platform aerial engine combination that provides top-of-the line capabilities and is now the flagship of the fleet.
Fire Department Sets Records. The Fire Department set a new all time high of 7,538 ambulance calls in 2015 topping the 2014 mark of 6,848. This was as the while Mother Nature hit the area with limited rainfall and high temperatures leading to a record for fire responses as well.
AirStrip Attack Excites Race Fans. The City of McMinnville’s Municipal Airport joined forces with Shift-S3ctor LLC in 2015 to bring AirStrip Attack to McMinnville. The half mile side-by-side high speed competition attracted thousands of spectators who watched racers from across Canada and the US. They got to see a special treat when a Lamborghini Gallardos clocked in at 234.86 miles per hour to set a half-mile speed record.
Library Goes Mobile. McMinnville Public Library partnered with Soroptimists International and Sue Buel Elementary to bring craft and science projects to the neighborhoods of the Villa del Sol neighborhood and Sunflower Apartments. The neighborhoods have many residents who cannot make it to the Public Library or to the Buel School Library summer program, so they brought the Library to them.
Planning Department provides Assistance. In partnership with Oregon State and the Housing Authority of Yamhill County, the Planning Department provided over $135,000 to residents living in manufactured housing. The Community Block Development Grant funds were used to repair or replace items such as roofs, windows, heating systems, plumbing and electrical systems as well as to add accessibility items such as wheelchair ramps or walk in showers. The program is ultimately projected to assist 60 low income households.
City Completes Sale of $23 million in Transportation Bonds. The bond proceeds kicked off the first phase of transportation projects from the 2014 Transportation Ballot measure and refunded $7 million of previous debt through the successful sale of General Revenue Bonds in April. Due to McMinnville’s excellent bond rating, the interest rate was 2.389%. This low interest rate and the refunded previous debt will save the citizens of McMinnville $502,000.
City Earns the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. For the 26th consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association has recognized the City for achieving the highest standard in government accounting and financial reporting for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report prepared by the City and audited by independent auditors.
Police Department Welcomes Axell and Tucker. Axell a 2-year old German Sheppard from the Czech Republic and Tucker a 1 1/2 year old German Sheppard joined the Mac PD this summer. Axell and his partner Master Officer Erik Newhouse are now a certified patrol team while Tucker and his partner Master Officer Jason Carruth are working narcotics detection.
Building Connections to Latino Population. The police department formed a law enforcement relations team (aLERT) and joined with the Unidos Bridging Community to conduct public forums dedicated to building and enhancing trust with the Latino community.
Sanitary Sewer System Improvements Constructed. The City spent over $1 million to remove unwanted storm water and groundwater (inflow and infiltration) from the sanitary sewer system. Over three miles of lines were either repaired or replaced in the downtown and the area near the fairgrounds. In addition, the City also upsized 300 feet of storm sewer at Alpine Avenue to eliminate localized high water issues occurring during heavy rain events.
Transportation Bond Funds Street Repairs. During the summer, approximately four miles of City streets were repaired and repaved at a cost of $1.4 million. These improvements are part of the $24-million transportation bond measure approved by the voters in 2014. Thank you voters of McMinnville.
Parks and Recreation and Police Department Receive Award from the McMinnville Downtown Association. The McMinnville Downtown Association presented the McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department and the Police Department with its 2014 Manager’s Award for bringing the City’s Park Ranger program to Third Street. The Park Rangers provided presence and supervision within the Historic Downtown business core during the busy summer months.
Proposed NW Neighborhood Park Design Complete, Receives Grant. With neighborhood participation and help from the McMinnville Kiwanis Club partners, the Parks and Recreation Department completed the Master Plan design for the new North West Park located east of Hill Road, south of Baker Creek Road, and adjacent to Meadows Drive. Through hard work by City staff, the City received a $275,000 grant from Oregon State Parks to help construct the new park which will be Yamhill County’s only barrier free, inclusive playground. Look for construction to start in 2017.
Aquatic Center Brings New Program to Seniors. The Aquatic Center initiated a new Silver Sneakers program in conjunction with partner Healthways Insurance Network for qualifying senior adults to participate, free of charge, in fitness programs and related services. The Silver Sneakers program is the nation's leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults.
Batting Cages Renovated. Parks and Recreation partnered with Meggitt Polymers and Composites, Inc, the McMinnville Lion’s Club and the Wildrose Girls Softball Program to fully renovate the batting cages at Joe Dancer Park. The cages serve over 850 boys and girls who participate in City baseball and softball programs.
Supporting Documents
2015 Accomplishments (684 KB) 
