City Council

The Council is the policy-making body of the city. They adopt laws and regulations, adopt annual City goals and objectives and adopt budgets providing a wide range of public services. They give direction to city staff through the City Manager  who serves at the pleasure of the City Council.  The Mayor is the leader of the governing body and presides over the council meetings.  The mayor only votes in the case of a tie vote by the city councilors.

Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the McMinnville Civic Hall at 200 NE 2nd Street. City Council meetings are a foundational element of McMinnville governance allowing Citizens an opportunity to speak to their elected officials directly and to watch governance in action. Each session is open to the public, streamed live and replayed on local community TV channels. All material is also posted on the City's website before each meeting and material is retained on the site for historical purposes.

Find your ward easily by entering your address on the interactive ward map: 
Find My Ward

Mayor, City of McMinnville
Kim Morris               Phone:  (971) 901-2084
Email: Kim.Morris@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

As a lifelong resident of McMinnville, I am deeply connected to this community—this is truly my hometown. I graduated from McMinnville High School and married my high school sweetheart over 45 years ago.

For over 37 years, I have been a small business owner, believing strongly that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. My husband and I owned and operated Morris Carpet Cleaning for more than 35 years, and in 2008, I earned my degree in Interior Design, a profession I continue to this day. Supporting McMinnville’s local economy has always been important to me, and I am proud to be a member of the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond business, I am passionate about community service and believe in the power of partnerships to create meaningful change. I believe in giving back and encourage others to do the same when they can—together, we can accomplish more than we ever could alone. I currently serve on the following boards, With Courage and LoveLikeMikalynn, and as Mayor, I am honored to serve as a Commissioner on the McMinnville Water & Light Commission.

In 2022, I founded the McMinnville Community Task Force to address rising crime concerns, working alongside dedicated community members to promote safety and awareness. My commitment to public service led me to run for Mayor in 2024, driven by a strong belief in enhancing safety, livability, and transparency in our city.

I’m not one to sit back and watch—I believe in taking action. As your Mayor, I will work hard to stay informed, communicate openly, and listen to your concerns. I am here to serve the citizens of McMinnville, and I welcome your input. Please feel free to reach out to me.

Term expires:  12/31/2028

Council President, Ward 1
Sal Peralta                Phone:  (503) 437-2833
Email:  Sal.Peralta@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

Sal Peralta was appointed city councilor in Ward 1 to fill a vacancy left by the retirement of Councilor Kevin Jeffries.  Ward 1 is in the southwest corner of the city and is bounded by Davis St. to the east and SW 2nd St to the north.  Major features include Linfield College, City Hall, Discovery Meadows Park, McMinnville's Police and Fire stations along with several of the city's churches, retail shopping centers and businesses.  Peralta is McMinnville's representative on the Mid-Willamette Council of Governments.

"It is the honor of a lifetime to be appointed to serve in this position.  Although this is a volunteer board, I am passionate about the work and I am very interested in learning all sides of the issues on matters that come before the council.  Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, comments or concerns you may have."

Term expires:  12/31/2026

Councilor, Ward 1
Chris Chenoweth                 Phone:  (971) 287-8671
Email:  Chris.Chenoweth@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

"As a 35+ year resident of McMinnville every aspect of my life is entwined with this community. I am excited to bring my experience as a business owner to my first term as your city councilor.  I believe in the servant leader model of leadership and look forward to serving McMinnville residents.  I’m committed to the community in which I live and have been involved with the business community as well as the faith community.  This has included being active in the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce and an being an active member of Abundant Life Pentecostal Church.  In McMinnville I graduated from high school, married my wonderful wife Kamie and with her raised our amazing girls."

Term expires:  12/31/2028

Councilor, Ward 2
Dan Tucholsky                Phone:  (971) 517-0242
Email:  Daniel.Tucholsky@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

BIO COMING SOON

Term expires:  12/31/2028

Councilor, Ward 2
Zack Geary                 Phone:  (503) 560-0617
Email:  Zack.Geary@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

I am passionate about service to our city! I have been working hard for years to give back and do my part to create and sustain a McMinnville in which we all can thrive.  Community service is important to me as a husband, father, and citizen.

I am proud to be a native McMinnvillian. After graduating McMinnville High School in 2004, I attended the University of Oregon to study Political Science and History. Professionally, after working with a local construction firm for nearly a decade, I have partnered to start my own construction company, Branch Geary Inc. Prior to my governmental services, I have spent time on the boards for McMinnville Downtown Association, the McMinnville City Club, Yamhill County Parks and Recreation, Nourish Yamhill Valley, and the Walnut City Music Festival. In addition, prior to my election to City Council, I served as vice-chair of the McMinnville Planning Commission.  I bring my passion, energy, and creativity to the McMinnville City Council, continuing to work hard to keep our town unique and livable for current and future residents.

We all recognize that McMinnville is a special place. I intend to preserve, enhance, and build on the things that make us special – parks, schools, services, people, and vision. McMinnville is ready to move forward together, towards a bright future, where we provide for all our citizens in a comprehensive way.  I am eager to do my part.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife Samantha and our son Hiram – reading, playing, running, exploring, and laughing.

As your City Councilor, it is my goal to fully represent you. Your input will always be welcome and deserving of my response. 

“The strength of government and the happiness of the governed is the freedom of the common people to mutually and naturally support each other.” – Thomas Paine

Term expires:  12/31/2026

Councilor, Ward 3
Jessica Payne                   Phone: (971) 517-0957
Email: Jessica.Payne@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

Term expires:  12/31/2026

Councilor, Ward 3
Scott Cunningham                 Phone:  (971) 517-0609
Email:  Scott.Cunningham@mcminnvilleoregon.gov

Scott Cunningham has been a small business owner in McMinnville since 2011. Shortly after opening local eatery Community Plate he was asked to join the Board of the McMinnville Downtown Association. He served on the board for more than seven years eventually holding the office of President.

Scott was appointed to the McMinnville Budget Committee in 2022. During that time, he helped navigate the very difficult balancing of the needs of the community and the ever-challenging level of resources to meet those needs.

Scott sought and won election to McMinnville City Council’s Ward 3 representative in 2024.

“I look forward to serving all of my neighbors in Ward 3. I have been placed on several committees that will have a direct impact on our community. Affordable Housing and Housing Strategies are integral to the future of maintaining our hometown. That as well as Historic Landmarks, Third Street Improvement Project and being a liaison to MCM 11 (our local tv broadcast channel) are sure to keep me busy.”

A fun fact: upon winning election Scott set out to “Walk the Ward” and it took him and his dog Auggie 168 miles to traverse it’s entirety. And he is committed to continuing this boots and paws approach.

Term expires:  12/31/2028