Lets Talk Molalla

2025 was a long year with both a regular session and a special session. A lot of the work that goes into tracking what’s happening at the state level and pushing back against bad policy happens behind the scenes. Most people never see it… and that’s probably a blessing for their blood pressure. I spent a good chunk of 2025 fighting the bad. We didn’t come away untouched—there were a few scratches—but we’re still standing, and no one needed stitches.
One of the biggest battles was the attempted gas tax increase. Thanks to over 5,000 volunteers statewide—and about 25 right here in Molalla—we managed to stop it and send it to the ballot. That means voters get the final say in 2026, which is exactly how it should work. Democracy may be messy, but it beats the alternative.

Here at home, we had some real wins. The city started and finished its newest addition to our park system, Chief Yelkus Park. Seeing that project go from an idea to reality—without disappearing into a black hole of “government timelines”—was a great thing to watch. It’s a fantastic new park, and yes, I’ve already walked it more than once.

We also saw the majority of construction completed on the new Molalla Police Station. Keeping our promise to voters by delivering this project on time and on budget is a big deal—especially in a world where projects usually come with excuses instead. The grand opening is planned for the end of January, and I promise there will be fewer hard hats and more smiles.

Looking ahead, the city has several important projects moving forward. Our drinking water facility is in the design phase for a new water silo, improvements to the intake system, and possibly a second intake—because clean, reliable water is something we all agree is worth getting right. We’ve also sent our library project to design. The plan is to remodel and add onto the Molalla Civic Center, placing the library on city-owned property instead of juggling short-term leases. Long-term thinking… imagine that.

As for next year, no major changes for me. I’ll still be fighting for the citizens of Molalla to make sure big government doesn’t stomp on your rights and freedoms. I am, however, hoping for a slightly calmer 2026—something like “medium chaos” instead of “full chaos.”

There are some bigger things potentially starting to take shape toward the last quarter of 2027, but I’ll keep those under wraps for now. Stay tuned—I promise it’s not a cliffhanger ending.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year.

And as always—Go Ducks! 🦆

Please see below:
Directions to Chief Yelkus Park, accessible by foot, bicycle, and vehicle.

If biking or walking there are 2 entrances:
Hwy 211 (Main Street) to the South Molalla Forest Road, across the Bear Creek Bridge to the park OR Toliver Road to South Molalla Forest Road, you can walk or bike past the locked gate! Please do not use this entrance for vehicle access or park in front of the gate, or at Sandy Mini Storage.

If Driving:
From Hwy 211 (Main Street) turn northbound onto Hezzie Lane, then turn west bound (left) onto Bear Creek Drive, then south bound (left) on Doug Fir Lane, then west bound (right) on Bear Creek Drive, then northbound (right) on Forest Lane, then south bound (left) on South Molalla Forest Road. Please drive the speed limit and watch for children playing when driving in the Bear Creek Subdivision.

Mayor Keyser and City Manager Huff attended the Oregon Mayor’s Association (OMA) Conference in Baker City from August 14-16.

At that conference, the OMA awarded Mayor Keyser the Mayor of the Year Award! What’s more, Molalla’s reputation as a functional and effective local government lead to the Mayor and City Manager being asked to give a class on Mayor-Manager relations. These are just two more examples of how Molalla is leading the charge in effective, top tier, governance.

Congratulations to Mayor Keyser for a job well done and an award well earned!

City Staff was made aware of a potential issue with the traffic signal at OR211/OR213 not cycling for Northbound and Southbound traffic during the late night and early morning hours. Staff conveyed this concern to ODOT and received the response below. Please post a response to this article on the “Did You Know??” page of the Molalla Current, or email communityplanner@cityofmolalla.com if you notice this issue continuing. Thank you!

Message from ODOT:

Thank you for reaching out and letting us know about the traffic signal concern at OR213 and OR211.

I reviewed the system operation and detector health for this intersection. I can confirm that all sensors and vehicle detection equipment are functioning properly — no detection malfunctions were found during the reported times. However, I understand your concern about the lack of green for the north-south movement even when there is no demand on the east-west approaches.

The signal at OR213 and OR211 operates based on real-time vehicle detection. It adjusts green times dynamically according to actual demand rather than following a fixed schedule. Each approach is programmed with a "maximum green" time: if a continuous flow of vehicles is detected, the green may extend up to that maximum; if gaps are detected, the green phase may end earlier.

Based on the reports you and others provided, I have adjusted the timing parameters for the northbound and southbound approaches. These changes should help the signal recognize waiting vehicles more quickly during lower traffic periods and provide earlier green indications.

Please monitor the location over the next week. If you continue to experience issues, feel free to reach out to me directly — I will be happy to investigate further.

Thank you again for contacting us and helping to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.

Spring Clean up will be held at Bohlander Field, 815 Shirley St, Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, from 8:00am-4:30pm. **This event is for residents who live within the city limits of Molalla**. Molalla Police Department will be on 9:30-3:00pm for Drug Take Back - no sharps please! Molalla Sanitary, Goodwill, and Jason Webber's Countryside Clean up, will all be on site to take bagged garbage, scrap metal, small household items, appliances, and gently used clothing or furniture.

Items we cannot take include:

• concrete
• paint, paint thinners, solvents
• batteries, including lithium batteries
• drywall
• sharps
• yard debris
• large furniture
• propane tanks and bottles
• tv's, computer monitors
• pool and spa chemicals
• animal waste
• drywall

Metro South Transfer Station, 2001 Washington Street, Oregon City, can accept many of the items listed above. Visit www.oregonmetro.gov for more information.

At the January 8, 2025 City Council meeting Mayor Scott Keyser was sworn in for his second term, City Councilor Eric Vermillion was sworn in for his second term, and new Councilors Doug Gilmer and Martin Bartholomew were sworn in. To watch the swearing in ceremony and council meeting go to: https://www.facebook.com/MolallaCityCouncil