Rules fortified for Woodburn's theater, museum, library

On the heels of heightened concerns about emerging inappropriate behaviors, updated rules of conduct for the Woodburn Public Library, Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater are in the works.

On April 22 after much deliberation, Woodburn City Council approved the updates, which involved repealing the current code and replacing it with another that is more clearly defined and enforced, including subjecting severe offenders to exclusion from the facilities. Woodburn Community Services Director Jesse Cuomo presented the proposal to council while City Attorney McKenzie Granum explained the impetus for the change.

“We really wanted rules that were specific to certain facilities, so that it would kind of be tailored to that use,” Granum explained. “So, you’ll see that the parks rules are slightly different that even at the library.”

Granum said the new rules clarify expectation of conduct for the facilities, which would be looked at differently than, say, using Settlemier Park. She said other municipalities also tailor ordinances to specific facility types.

City Administrator Scott Derickson illuminated the “why” for the recommended updates. He said while there may not necessarily be an uptick in the number of troublesome incidents, serious concerns have emerged.

“There has been a heightened awareness over the last year about behavior in our facilities that is problematic,” Derickson said. “It feels threatening to staff as well as other people using our facilities.”

Sexual offences, unsanitary activity, intoxication, drug use, and threatening behavior are among those activities cited.

“The idea is that we wanted to try to update our material so that we have better tools to try to grapple with that type of behavior that was creating problems for access for the public and also the work environment for employees,” he added. “That’s why it is all here tonight.”

The council approved the ordinance changes unanimously.