The McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department acknowledges
the value of responsible metal detecting as a recreational pursuit
for individuals and families.  To support these endeavors while
ensuring the protection of park resources, the City of McMinnville
will establish a trial period of April 1, 2012 through
December 31, 2013 during which, McMinnville’s current
prohibition will be suspended and metal detecting will be
allowed and evaluated as a sustainable recreation activity.  
The use of metal detectors will be allowed within the
McMinnville Parks System during this 21 month trial period,
subject to the following permit requirements, guidelines,
and restrictions.

 Metal Detecting Permit Requirements.pdf

Work on the McMinnville Urban Renewal Feasibility Study has come to a close. This study, which began in February of this year, was commissioned by the City Council to investigate the possible use of urban renewal and the associated financing tool, tax increment financing, to assist in the development and redevelopment of the historic downtown and NE Gateway areas of McMinnville. Elaine Howard, principal in the firm of Elaine Howard Consulting, LLC, presented the results of the study to the City Council and interested public at a public work session held April 10, 2012. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation provided by Ms. Howard, and the final draft feasibility study can be found at the following links:

This project consists of rehabilitating the sanitary sewer in the is are of the High School Basin.  The project will repair or replace the mainline sanitary sewer pipelines and the laterals within the easement.  The construction methods anticipated to be used will be pipe lining and/or pipe bursting to minimize neighborhood disruptions and impacts to landscaping.  The sanitary sewer pipes in the project area are now beyond their service life and when groundwater leaks into the sewer system; system capacity is reduced, treatment costs increase, and overflows can occur.  This project is another Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) reduction project funded by rate payers to improve the City's sanitary sewer system and the environment.  The project information sheet, which details the construction time line and project locations can be found by click here.

After more than a year of study and work, a draft final plan for the Northeast Gateway is complete. This plan provides for the future revitalization of the 70-acre area located generally south of 14th Street, east of Portland and Western Railroad, north of 3rd Street, and west of Logan Street and Lafayette Avenue.

The final draft of the Northeast Gateway plan was reviewed by the City Council appointed Northeast Gateway Advisory Committee and then by the City Council and Planning Commission on April 10, 2012, at a joint work session which included a final presentation of the plan from the project's consultants, OTAK.  The PowerPoint presentation from that evening can be viewed by clicking on the link below.  A link to the final draft plan is also below.  

If you have any questions about this plan, please contact Jennifer Lynagh, Project Manager, by visiting the Planning Department office at 231 NE 5th Street, by phone at 503-434-7311 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

April 10, 2012, Northeast Gateway Plan PowerPoint presentation  

Northeast Gateway Draft Final Plan

The Downtown Basin I & I Reduction Project, which consist of sanitary sewer replacement and storm sewer seperation in the downtown basin drainage area, is currently under construction.  The project will replace the mainline sanitary sewer pipelines, and the laterals to each property in the Right of Way.  To see current road closures click here.