Editors Note to Our Readers: Last night, The Hillsboro Herald was invited to come and have access to North Plains to attend an executive session about upcoming litigation. Those are closed meetings, but we asked to attend as Media, which is provided for by Oregon Law. The City Staff sent us information on how to attend. On the way to the meeting, I was notified that the Herald was not welcome. When I asked why, the woman said, “Because you are not a representative of the news media, you are not allowed to attend the executive session.” That came directly from the North Plains City Attorney. After four years and hundreds of articles (many of them firsts and news-breaking), a formal business organization, subscribers, and almost 1 Million reads, I feel the Herald should have allowed us in. We are most definitely a media source, and I made our case. Still, we were denied. That decision may end up in court.
In the meantime, here is another piece of breaking news from our non-media website that no other media outlet has covered! ;)
Another sun has risen over the west hills, and before it sets tonight over the Coast Range, the City Council of Hillsboro, Oregon, will once again be faced with a litany of items being brought before them to rule upon. Now, let’s be clear. These are not items that the Councilors have brought forth. No. The Council very rarely authors new codes and ideas. Their work comes down to policy changes set down to them by the City Staff, the City Manager, and a select few others. Rarely have I seen any single councilor champion something, not because they don’t want to but because that is not their job. They react rather than rule. Then the question is, who is behind all of the things they do pass, and what are the real origins of their appearance on the City Dockett?
City Hall – Photo by Dirk Knudsen – Hillsboro Herald
Tonight, the City Council is being asked to vote on Measure 2850, which will send the issue of fluoridating our drinking water to the voters. This issue has been divisive for decades in Hillsboro, and our residents have a long history of liking our water the way it is. In fact, many regard Hillsboro’s water as some of the best in the country. Rahim Harji, Deputy City Manager, has brought this issue forward to the Council, and he and the City Staff want to send this to the Voters. This is rarely done in Hillsboro– and normally, for a major decision like this, an initiative petition would be required. As the staff report mentions an initiative petition takes 15% of the Voters to sign a petition to refer it to the ballot. That would require over 15,000 signatures and would be impossible.
From the City of Hillsboro Staff Report on Water Fluoridation – The City Staff does not want to require an intiative process – so they are streamlinging this to a vote!
Folks, a local pediatrician wants our water fluoridated. I have no opinion either way. But this is a big issue and frankly, the City Staff is giving the physician and her group a pass by sending this to the Council. In essence, they will not need to get the signatures, and the Voters will rule on this one. So if the Council votes Yes on 2850, we will all vote to fluoridate our water this Fall.
I wonder if Mr Harji would agree to send a vote to the Council that we stop all pollution from Industrial plants in Hillsboro and waiver the initiative petition process?
After all that is harmful to people and the environment…so it seems reasonable we should all vote. I highly doubt he will. That is the rub. If the City Staff does not want something to happen in Hillsboro, it will not happen. That is the bottom line. The Staff and the Codes run the show. The Council can only say Yes or No.
The Question is- who runs them?
Also on tap are all of the following items of Note and Many Others-
Work Session – 6pm – Civic Center C113B&C/Zoom Teleconference
1.1.
Housing Production Strategy Preliminary Draft Policy and Programs Discussion – presented Becky Coutinho, Senior Planner, and Dan Rutzick, Long Range Planning Manager
Speaking In Person: Please fill out a yellow card on the table in the back of the room and give it to the City Recorder. If you have a written statement for the Council, please have 10 copies available and give them to the City Recorder who will distribute them to the Council.
Speaking Virtually: Register to speak by contacting the City Recorder’s Office before 3 pm the day of the meeting. Email Council@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov or call 503-681-6117 to provide your name, phone number, address, email, and topic. Members of the public will not be able to share their screen or turn their camera on during the meeting; presentation materials should be submitted as written testimony.
Consider Finance Committee’s recommendation to approve amending the contract with Sonitrol to cover the remaining security upgrades, on-going maintenance, and construction cost through the term of the current contract.
Consider Finance Committee’s recommendation to approve of written findings for an exemption from the competitive bidding process related to South Hillsboro Fire Station project, allowing staff to issue a competitive request for proposals to select a Construction Manager / General Contractor in lieu of selecting a contractor based solely on the lowest bid.
Consider Finance Committee’s recommendation for non-represented employees to approve the Classification and Compensation study results, the pay plan wage adjustment of 1%, the cost-of-living adjustment of 4%, an increase in the deferred compensation matching program from 1% to 2%, and any necessary transfers of appropriations. Upon approval, adjustments will be implemented in a phased approach over the first three pay periods of fiscal year 2024-25.
Consider Finance Committee’s recommendation to approve the mid-biennium reclassifications, as listed in the staff report, including any budget revisions and necessary transfer of appropriations.
Consider approving a four-year collective bargaining agreement between AFSCME Council 75 represented Library employees and the City of Hillsboro for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028, and authorize the City Manager and City Recorder to execute said contract and any associated documents and approve the necessary adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 AFSCME pay plan, including any budget revisions and necessary transfer of appropriations.
Consider approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Washington County to share costs for a study performed related to Gainshare and the Strategic Investment Program.
Speaking In Person: Please fill out a yellow card on the table in the back of the room and give it to the City Recorder. If you have a written statement for the Council, please have 10 copies available and give them to the City Recorder who will distribute them to the Council.
Speaking Virtually: Register to speak by contacting the City Recorder’s Office before 3 pm the day of the meeting. Email Council@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov or call 503-681-6117 to provide your name, phone number, address, email, and topic. Members of the public will not be able to share their screen or turn their camera on during the meeting; presentation materials should be submitted as written testimony.
5.1.
Consider Finance Committee’s recommendation to adopt a resolution to increase solid waste collection rates. Resolution No. *2846 is available.
(Per Charter requirements, ordinances are adopted over the course of two City Council meetings, unless special circumstances exist. If applicable, ordinances adopted at a single meeting are noted as such on the agenda.)
First Reading:
7.1.
None.
Second Reading:
7.2.
Community Development Code Amendment-003-23:Consider the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve an Ordinance to amend the Community Development Code and refine the Significant Natural Resource Overlay (SNRO). The amendment is a technical refinement of the code including reorganization of the overlay and changes to application requirements and the approval process. Ordinance No. *6473 is available.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment-003-22: Hillsboro 2021 Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA): Consider the recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve an Ordinance for a Comprehensive Plan Minor Text Amendment to incorporate by reference the 2021 EOA. Ordinance No. *6474 is available.
Consider an ordinance amending Section 9.32.020 of the Hillsboro Municipal Code to permit exclusions to apply to more than one public facility and for a period greater than 90 days. Ordinance No. *6475 is available.
Consider the recommendation from the Transportation Committee to approve a Resolution that would revise the South Hillsboro Transportation System Development Charge (TSDC) methodology report, update the South Hillsboro TSDC capital project list and set the updated South Hillsboro TSDC rates for the 2024-2025 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. The Resolution also directs the Manager to begin work on a Hillsboro Municipal Code amendment that would authorize a new stand-alone TSDC in the Witch Hazel Village South Plan Area. Resolution No. *2842 is available.
Consider adopting a resolution to apportion the South Hillsboro Local Improvement District special assessment for the Reed’s Crossing development in South Hillsboro. Resolution No. *2843 is available.
Consider adopting a resolution approving the current Clean Water Services Rates and Charges schedule, and recognize Clean Water Services Resolution and Order No. 24-XX pursuant to the intergovernmental agreement with Clean Water Services. Resolution No. *2844 is available.
Consider Transportation Committee’s recommendation to approve a Resolution accepting the Oak/Baseline/10th Avenue Concept Plan, selecting Concept 2 as the preferred concept, and directing staff to take appropriate next steps to adopt the preferred concept into the City’s Transportation System Plan. Resolution No. *2845 is available.
Consider granting project Final Approval for “Dolores Apartments,” an affordable housing project by Hacienda CDC, as Dolores Apartments Limited Partnership.
Consider adopting a resolution authorizing the Loan of Metro Housing Bond Funds to Dolores Apartments Limited Partnership and authorizing the City Manager to execute the required documents. Resolution No. *2847 is available.
Consider adopting a resolution authorizing the City to receive grant funding from the Oregon Business Development Department to establish the Oregon Semiconductor Center of Excellence. Resolution No. *2848 is available.
Consider Library Board’s recommendation to adopt a resolution approving the Library Administrative Rules related to the Library Use Policy and Patron Progressive Discipline Rubric. Resolution No. *2849 is available.
Consider the Utilities Commission’s recommendation to adopt a resolution putting the issue of fluoridating Hillsboro Water’s drinking water supply to a community advisory vote on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Resolution No. *2850 is available.
Work Session – Following Regular Session – Civic Center C113B&C/Zoom Teleconference
11.1.
Continued: Housing Production Strategy Preliminary Draft Policy and Programs Discussion – presented Becky Coutinho, Senior Planner, and Dan Rutzick, Long Range Planning Manager
Dirk Knudsen is a lifetime Hillsboro resident. He and his wife, children, grandchildren, and the extended family have served the Community for over 55 years. Read More About Dirk right here - https://hillsboroherald.com/about-us/about-dirk-knudsen/
Thanks Dirk–always appreciate your articles raising awareness–there is a LOT to keep track of, plus keep up with ones regular life! I posted a lot on Nextdoor–will copy my replies here also: Fluoride–Ballot Recommendation Process: I can speak to this as I attend the Hillsboro Utilities Commission/Hillsboro Water (UC–despite the name they deal only with Water now) meetings regularly and this is where this recommendation to City Council came from. There are 3 ways this can be done: 1. as Dirk said above voters can do by the initiative process–very difficult as requires many signatures. 2. The water Dept (in this case Hillsboro Water–FYI, part of Hillsboro is serviced by TVWD and they already have fluoride–as do Forest Grove and Beaverton) with Utilities commission approval has the authority to make this decision. Hillsboro Water/UC approved have chosen the 3rd option–recommending City Council put it on the Ballot–which is known as a “Community Advisory Vote”. Just as the name describes–chosen for increased transparency — giving the community awareness of and control of this decision. The Hillsboro water department also has recent awareness of what the community thinks of this issue–was one of the questions given to the 400 community members last fall in their survey: 25% strongly oppose, and there are also out of state organizations which may lobby against this. 57% were in support, with 10% not knowing either way. I can tell you that for almost 2 years now, I am almost always the only community person who sits in on these meetings so apart from this, the community would have no awareness! I agree with the process they have chosen. For their detailed report they gave to the UC in May to decide which way to proceed go here: https://hillsboro-oregon.civicweb.net/document/236407/Agenda%20Item%204.1%20-%20Water%20Supply%20Fluoridation%20Staff%20.docx?handle=CE036267A5424DEF8AD8935D2ED3B06B
Part Two on Fluoride issue–what I learned from the Speakers at the UC meetings: Since last November: A Chief Dental Officer, a Dental Hygienist, a Program Director at Pacific Univ in the school of Dental Hygiene, and yes, a Pediatrician have given public testimony encouraging this. I hadn’t given the issue too much thought beforehand, and would have leaned more towards not adding to the water–but as I listened I have become a strong supporter. I learned that this is another area where the low income are affected disproportionally, if they live in an area without added Fluoride & with greater barriers to affording this care. One speaker gave evidence, knowing the results of the dental screenings done in Beaverton (with fluoridated water) and Hillsboro (without). Saw dramatic differences between the two. This is a public health issue–easy to address. Personally, I grew up taking fluoride tablets as a child (is this done anymore?), as did my son, and we do have excellent teeth with very few caries.
Finally: In General Utility Bill Increases (Not just a water bill): Increases noted above in Storm water rates (Surface Water Management on the Utility Bill) — And sewer also, CWS manages both–with the City of Hillsboro. I looked at the attached city agenda and is 4% for each this year (has been 6% in the past–so looks better). Interesting to me, as I got deeply interested in Water Rate Increases in the fall of 2022 public hearings (finally clued in to the year after year excessive water rate increases for some time now)–which requires an extensive public hearing (see this Fall’s details Next paragraph)– the CWS rate increase approval only goes through the City Council! Hillsboro Water Rate Increase Dates This Fall (note some people in Hillsboro are on TVWD water–check your bill–in general is East of Cornelius Pass Road): August 13 1:30 pm UC meeting (Utilities Commission–despite name deals with water only now) will be the presentation of the long awaited 2023 (due last fall) Water Study–and water rate increase proposal for each water category (residential, multi-family, commercial, Industry…) Sept 1-30 public input via email or phone. Likely will see the communication’s officer for the water department post that on Nextdoor, Facebook, City website and possibly other social media. Oct 1st–likely an evening public testimony meeting. You can also make a public statement–3 minutes long at any UC meeting. I do frequently!! We Need more people speaking up. One message that came through clearly and The UC was moved and responded to in the 2022 hearings when a lot of low income customers spoke about the impact the rapidly raising rates were having on them. It took almost 2 years, and a LOT of money was spent doing the “studies” but a greatly improved assistance program will start the beginning of July (beginning of next fiscal year).
Closing down to 2 lanes on Oak & Basline – unbelieveable! Once again the City does the survey with the majority of the responses Not in Favor – most business think it’s crazy and nearly all the commuters on those two roads find it ridiculous that the City would even consider shutting down 1 lane each way…..yet the City in their infinite wisdom moves ahead to do it. Sounds familiar – just like nearly all the City surveys that they do. They gather the community input and then do the opposite of the majority. With the numbers of people driving those roads spill over to Main Street and Walnut Street will be a terrible negative impace. Main Street is already very busy as a bypass with cars traveling twice the speed limit and we rarely see any HPD patrol car doing anything about it! Why isn’t a decision of this magnitude put to a Vote?
The matter will go to a vote of the people of Hillsboro. Anyway people can network, talk, learn, educate, and debate the matter is going to help. There were 5 very bright Doctors and Dental professionals that testifed at the City Council meeting. I am trying to get that film and those names so that people can contact them. I will post that as soon as I have it.
I know you are busy Dirk–so I looked up what was in the UC/Water Dept meeting minutes for you. Names and titles (which is where I got my above comment) are here also: I heard all of these–and believe it is quite accurately summarized. As I said, I wasn’t leaning towards adding this to water before I listened to these professionals–I am quite passionate about helping low income people–and especially children, do believe it is safe, so now I am strongly for it. I personally grew up taking fluoride pills–have excellent teeth and no side affects from it. May 2024: Yadira Martinez, a Hillsboro resident and dental hygienist, gave public testimony advocating for water fluoridation in Hillsboro. Martinez said that dental insurance and language barriers are often obstacles to receiving dental care, which Martinez personally dealt with while growing up in Hillsboro. Treating patients for over 15 years, Martinez has seen a difference in caries rates between those who live in areas with fluoridated water and those who live in non-fluoridated areas. Fluoridation is recognized as an effective public health measure by health organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. Studies have also consistently shown that fluoride can safely and effectively reduce tooth decay without adverse health effects when maintained at optimal levels. Community members with low income, underrepresented identities or who live in underserved areas cannot easily access adequate dental care. Martinez said that fluoridation can help bridge gap in dental health as everyone would benefit from the protective effects of fluoridation. Martinez urged the Utilities Commission to recognize the importance of fluoridation as a matter of health and equity.
Dan Pihlstrom, Chief Dental Officer for Permanente Dental Associates, gave public testimony in favor of water fluoridation. Pihlstrom said that fluoridation is a safe and cost-effective public health measure recommended by numerous public health and dental organizations that can improve the health of Hillsboro residents. Pihlstrom also said that the CDC considers water fluoridation one of the ten great public health achievements in the United States alongside the hazards of tobacco use, vehicle safety, and family planning. Pihlstrom said that water fluoridation reduces cavities in children and adults, which significantly impacts lower income people who may not have access to dental care. Pihlstrom has seen the adverse effects of poor dental health and believes that fluoridation can help alleviate these issues. Pihlstrom says that water fluoridation is a rare opportunity to make a large-scale impact on public health. Charolyn Concepcion gave public testimony about fluoridation and the Hillsboro Utility Bill (HUB)
Dr. Amy Coplen gave the Commissioners a written testimony advocating for fluoridation of Hillsboro’s water supply, signed by medical and dental professionals who serve Hillsboro residents. (to my memory–this was not read at the meeting–I am told all public statements do go in the written record somewhere).
Dec 2023: Amy Coplen, City of Hillsboro resident and program director of Pacific University’s School of Dental Hygiene Studies, gave testimony in favor of fluoridating Hillsboro’s water. Coplen said that dental decay is the most prevalent disease among school-age children and that drinking fluoridated water helps developing teeth resist decay. Coplen said fluoridation would especially help low-income residents who are disproportionately affected by dental decay and dental health costs. Coplen shared that a colleague who provided dental care to children in Beaverton and Hillsboro noticed that Hillsboro children were more likely to have complicated cases of dental decay than the children living in Beaverton who drink fluoridated water. Dental decay in children can negatively impact other aspects of their lives such as education. Coplen encouraged the Commission to consider fluoridating Hillsboro’s water.
Nov 2023 Meeting: Dr. Beth Mossman, a pediatrician who works at Hillsboro Pediatric Clinic, gave public testimony about the lack of fluoride in the City of Hillsboro’s water. Mossman said that in their practice, they have seen a disparity in dental health of patients who live in areas where there is fluoridated water versus patients who live in areas with non-fluoridated water. Mossman said the lack of fluoridation in Hillsboro’s water is a risk factor for dental care, which can impact school attendance and pose a financial burden on families. Mossman hopes that the Commission can help make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to fluoridate Hillsboro’s water supply.
Hello Kevin, I am working with others to do just that. We have formed a PAC called Clean Water Hillsboro and we could use your help in spreading word about the neurotoxicity of fluoride in children and pregnant women. We know this because recently a new government report was released that identified fluoridated water as being so neurotoxic that it reduced IQs of several studied children!
Editors Note to Our Readers: Last night, The Hillsboro Herald was invited to come and have access to North Plains to attend an executive session about upcoming litigation. Those are closed meetings, but we asked to attend as Media, which is provided for by Oregon Law. The City Staff sent us information on how to attend. On the way to the meeting, I was notified that the Herald was not welcome. When I asked why, the woman said, “Because you are not a representative of the news media, you are not allowed to attend the executive session.” That came directly from the North Plains City Attorney. After four years and hundreds of articles (many of them firsts and news-breaking), a formal business organization, subscribers, and almost 1 Million reads, I feel the Herald should have allowed us in. We are most definitely a media source, and I made our case. Still, we were denied. That decision may end up in court.
Thanks Dirk–always appreciate your articles raising awareness–there is a LOT to keep track of, plus keep up with ones regular life! I posted a lot on Nextdoor–will copy my replies here also:
Fluoride–Ballot Recommendation Process:
I can speak to this as I attend the Hillsboro Utilities Commission/Hillsboro Water (UC–despite the name they deal only with Water now) meetings regularly and this is where this recommendation to City Council came from. There are 3 ways this can be done: 1. as Dirk said above voters can do by the initiative process–very difficult as requires many signatures. 2. The water Dept (in this case Hillsboro Water–FYI, part of Hillsboro is serviced by TVWD and they already have fluoride–as do Forest Grove and Beaverton) with Utilities commission approval has the authority to make this decision. Hillsboro Water/UC approved have chosen the 3rd option–recommending City Council put it on the Ballot–which is known as a “Community Advisory Vote”. Just as the name describes–chosen for increased transparency — giving the community awareness of and control of this decision.
The Hillsboro water department also has recent awareness of what the community thinks of this issue–was one of the questions given to the 400 community members last fall in their survey: 25% strongly oppose, and there are also out of state organizations which may lobby against this. 57% were in support, with 10% not knowing either way.
I can tell you that for almost 2 years now, I am almost always the only community person who sits in on these meetings so apart from this, the community would have no awareness! I agree with the process they have chosen. For their detailed report they gave to the UC in May to decide which way to proceed go here: https://hillsboro-oregon.civicweb.net/document/236407/Agenda%20Item%204.1%20-%20Water%20Supply%20Fluoridation%20Staff%20.docx?handle=CE036267A5424DEF8AD8935D2ED3B06B
Part Two on Fluoride issue–what I learned from the Speakers at the UC meetings:
Since last November: A Chief Dental Officer, a Dental Hygienist, a Program Director at Pacific Univ in the school of Dental Hygiene, and yes, a Pediatrician have given public testimony encouraging this. I hadn’t given the issue too much thought beforehand, and would have leaned more towards not adding to the water–but as I listened I have become a strong supporter. I learned that this is another area where the low income are affected disproportionally, if they live in an area without added Fluoride & with greater barriers to affording this care. One speaker gave evidence, knowing the results of the dental screenings done in Beaverton (with fluoridated water) and Hillsboro (without). Saw dramatic differences between the two. This is a public health issue–easy to address. Personally, I grew up taking fluoride tablets as a child (is this done anymore?), as did my son, and we do have excellent teeth with very few caries.
Finally: In General Utility Bill Increases (Not just a water bill):
Increases noted above in Storm water rates (Surface Water Management on the Utility Bill) — And sewer also, CWS manages both–with the City of Hillsboro. I looked at the attached city agenda and is 4% for each this year (has been 6% in the past–so looks better). Interesting to me, as I got deeply interested in Water Rate Increases in the fall of 2022 public hearings (finally clued in to the year after year excessive water rate increases for some time now)–which requires an extensive public hearing (see this Fall’s details Next paragraph)– the CWS rate increase approval only goes through the City Council!
Hillsboro Water Rate Increase Dates This Fall (note some people in Hillsboro are on TVWD water–check your bill–in general is East of Cornelius Pass Road):
August 13 1:30 pm UC meeting (Utilities Commission–despite name deals with water only now) will be the presentation of the long awaited 2023 (due last fall) Water Study–and water rate increase proposal for each water category (residential, multi-family, commercial, Industry…)
Sept 1-30 public input via email or phone. Likely will see the communication’s officer for the water department post that on Nextdoor, Facebook, City website and possibly other social media.
Oct 1st–likely an evening public testimony meeting. You can also make a public statement–3 minutes long at any UC meeting. I do frequently!! We Need more people speaking up. One message that came through clearly and The UC was moved and responded to in the 2022 hearings when a lot of low income customers spoke about the impact the rapidly raising rates were having on them. It took almost 2 years, and a LOT of money was spent doing the “studies” but a greatly improved assistance program will start the beginning of July (beginning of next fiscal year).
Closing down to 2 lanes on Oak & Basline – unbelieveable! Once again the City does the survey with the majority of the responses Not in Favor – most business think it’s crazy and nearly all the commuters on those two roads find it ridiculous that the City would even consider shutting down 1 lane each way…..yet the City in their infinite wisdom moves ahead to do it. Sounds familiar – just like nearly all the City surveys that they do. They gather the community input and then do the opposite of the majority. With the numbers of people driving those roads spill over to Main Street and Walnut Street will be a terrible negative impace. Main Street is already very busy as a bypass with cars traveling twice the speed limit and we rarely see any HPD patrol car doing anything about it! Why isn’t a decision of this magnitude put to a Vote?
Thanks Dirk for keeping informed!
How can we stop the fluoridation of water?
Kevin –
The matter will go to a vote of the people of Hillsboro. Anyway people can network, talk, learn, educate, and debate the matter is going to help. There were 5 very bright Doctors and Dental professionals that testifed at the City Council meeting. I am trying to get that film and those names so that people can contact them. I will post that as soon as I have it.
I know you are busy Dirk–so I looked up what was in the UC/Water Dept meeting minutes for you. Names and titles (which is where I got my above comment) are here also:
I heard all of these–and believe it is quite accurately summarized. As I said, I wasn’t leaning towards adding this to water before I listened to these professionals–I am quite passionate about helping low income people–and especially children, do believe it is safe, so now I am strongly for it. I personally grew up taking fluoride pills–have excellent teeth and no side affects from it.
May 2024:
Yadira Martinez, a Hillsboro resident and dental hygienist, gave public testimony advocating for water fluoridation in Hillsboro. Martinez said that dental insurance and language barriers are often obstacles to receiving dental care, which Martinez personally dealt with while growing up in
Hillsboro. Treating patients for over 15 years, Martinez has seen a difference in caries rates
between those who live in areas with fluoridated water and those who live in non-fluoridated
areas. Fluoridation is recognized as an effective public health measure by health organizations,
such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.
Studies have also consistently shown that fluoride can safely and effectively reduce tooth decay
without adverse health effects when maintained at optimal levels. Community members with low
income, underrepresented identities or who live in underserved areas cannot easily access
adequate dental care. Martinez said that fluoridation can help bridge gap in dental health as
everyone would benefit from the protective effects of fluoridation. Martinez urged the Utilities
Commission to recognize the importance of fluoridation as a matter of health and equity.
Dan Pihlstrom, Chief Dental Officer for Permanente Dental Associates, gave public testimony in
favor of water fluoridation. Pihlstrom said that fluoridation is a safe and cost-effective public
health measure recommended by numerous public health and dental organizations that can
improve the health of Hillsboro residents. Pihlstrom also said that the CDC considers water
fluoridation one of the ten great public health achievements in the United States alongside the
hazards of tobacco use, vehicle safety, and family planning. Pihlstrom said that water fluoridation
reduces cavities in children and adults, which significantly impacts lower income people
who may not have access to dental care. Pihlstrom has seen the adverse effects of poor dental
health and believes that fluoridation can help alleviate these issues. Pihlstrom says that water
fluoridation is a rare opportunity to make a large-scale impact on public health.
Charolyn Concepcion gave public testimony about fluoridation and the Hillsboro Utility Bill (HUB)
Dr. Amy Coplen gave the Commissioners a written testimony advocating for fluoridation of
Hillsboro’s water supply, signed by medical and dental professionals who serve Hillsboro residents.
(to my memory–this was not read at the meeting–I am told all public statements do go in the written record somewhere).
Dec 2023:
Amy Coplen, City of Hillsboro resident and program director of Pacific University’s School of Dental
Hygiene Studies, gave testimony in favor of fluoridating Hillsboro’s water. Coplen said that dental
decay is the most prevalent disease among school-age children and that drinking fluoridated water
helps developing teeth resist decay. Coplen said fluoridation would especially help low-income
residents who are disproportionately affected by dental decay and dental health costs. Coplen
shared that a colleague who provided dental care to children in Beaverton and Hillsboro noticed
that Hillsboro children were more likely to have complicated cases of dental decay than the
children living in Beaverton who drink fluoridated water. Dental decay in children can negatively
impact other aspects of their lives such as education. Coplen encouraged the Commission to
consider fluoridating Hillsboro’s water.
Nov 2023 Meeting:
Dr. Beth Mossman, a pediatrician who works at Hillsboro Pediatric Clinic, gave public testimony
about the lack of fluoride in the City of Hillsboro’s water. Mossman said that in their practice, they
have seen a disparity in dental health of patients who live in areas where there is fluoridated water
versus patients who live in areas with non-fluoridated water. Mossman said the lack of fluoridation
in Hillsboro’s water is a risk factor for dental care, which can impact school attendance and pose a
financial burden on families. Mossman hopes that the Commission can help make
recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to fluoridate Hillsboro’s water supply.
Hello Kevin,
I am working with others to do just that. We have formed a PAC called Clean Water Hillsboro and we could use your help in spreading word about the neurotoxicity of fluoride in children and pregnant women. We know this because recently a new government report was released that identified fluoridated water as being so neurotoxic that it reduced IQs of several studied children!
Please contact me at:
c.black1@gmail.com
We are happy to cover the issue- so you can contact me as well.