HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/27/25 CC Minutes .... CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
March 13, 2025 CENTRAL
6:00 PM POINT
Central Point City Hall, Council Chambers
140 S 3rd St, Central Point, OR Oregon
www.centralpointoregon.gov
1 Meeting Called to Order
2 Pledge of Allegiance
3 Roll Call
The following members were present: Mayor Taneea Browning, At Large
Rob Hernandez, At Large Michael Parsons, Ward II Kelley Johnson, Ward
I Neil Olsen, Ward Ill Grey Zimmerman, Ward IV Brian Whitaker
The following staff were also present: City Manager Chris Clayton, City
4 Attorney Sydnee Dreyer, Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore,
Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Police Chief Scott Logue, and City
Recorder Rachel Neuenschwander
4 Public Comments
5 Consent Agenda
A. Approval of February 27, 2025, Meeting Minutes
B. OLCC Application Central Point Liquor Store
Motion: Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Moved By: Grey Zimmerman Seconded by: Kelley Johnson
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March 13, 2025 Meeting
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Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
6 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
7 Public Hearing
A. Ordinance Adopting Diesel Fuel Tax
City Manager Chris Clayton presented information on the proposed
diesel fuel tax ordinance. He explained that the decision to consider
this ordinance came from a state funding issue and the need for
infrastructure investments. The ordinance would establish a 2¢ per
gallon diesel tax, which would only go into effect if approved by voters
in November 2025.
Chris provided background on the current state of transportation
funding, noting a $1 .7 billion shortfall in Oregon. He explained that 80%
of the revenue from the proposed diesel tax would likely come from
non-Central Point residents, primarily affecting freight traffic passing
through the city.
Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore discussed the city's
pavement condition index and the need for additional funding to
maintain roads. He mentioned recent increases in project costs and
the importance of updating the city's System Development Charges
(SDCs).
Chris and Matt provided updates on recent legislative developments,
including ODOT finding an additional $1 billion in revenue and potential
changes to EV registration fees.
Council members asked questions and discussed various aspects of
the proposed tax, including its potential impact on residents and
businesses. Rob Hernandez, who drives a diesel vehicle, expressed
support for the idea, noting that the cost to individual residents would
be minimal compared to other funding options.
Mayor Browning opened the public hearing. No one came forward, and
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March 13, 2025 Meeting
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the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Approve
Moved By: Michael Parsons Seconded by: Grey Zimmerman
Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
Michael Parsons moved to forward the Ordinance Amending the
Central Point Municipal Code Title 3 Adding Chapter 3.50 to Enact
a Diesel Fuel Tax of 2 Cents per Gallon for Street and Sidewalk
Improvements, Repair and Maintenance to a second reading.
B. Parklet Program Fee Resolution
Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented information on the
parklet program fee resolution. She explained that the resolution would
establish an initial permit fee of $300 and an annual renewal fee of
$150 for parklets in the downtown area. The fees were based on
estimated staff time for reviewing applications and inspections.
Mayor Browning opened the public hearing. No one came forward, and
the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Approve
Moved By: Grey Zimmerman Seconded by: Kelley Johnson
Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
Grey Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution No. 1816, a
Resolution of the City of Central Point City Council Setting
Temporary Parklet Permit Fee and Annual Renewal Fee.
8 Ordinances and Resolutions
A. Code Amendments to Floodplain Development Standards
Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented the second reading of
an ordinance to amend chapter 8.24 of the Central Point Municipal
Code regarding flood damage prevention standards. The changes
were necessary to comply with FEMA guidelines and ensure the city's
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March 13, 2025 Meeting
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continued participation in the national flood insurance program.
Motion: Approve
Moved By: Michael Parsons Seconded by: Rob Hernandez
Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
Michael Parsons moved to approve Ordinance No. 2123 an
ordinance amending Central Point Municipal Code Sections
8.24.030, 8.24.040, 8.24.050, 8.24.090, 8.24.130, and 8.24.140,
regarding habitat assessments, a pre-implementation
compliance measure pathway required by the federal emergency
management agency.
B. Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element Amendment Designating a
Climate Friendly Area
Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented the second reading of
an ordinance to establish a climate-friendly area in the land use
element of the comprehensive plan. The ordinance would apply the
climate-friendly area to 94.4 acres within the East Side TOD and
redesignate 27.6 acres from medium-density residential to high-
density residential. —^
Motion: Approve
Moved By: Kelley Johnson Seconded by: Brian Whitaker
Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
Kelley Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No. 2124 an
Ordinance Amending the Central Point Comprehensive Plan Land
Use Element Text and Maps to Establish and Apply a Climate
Friendly Area (CFA) Overlay to 94.4 acres within a Portion of the
Eastside Transit Oriented Development Overlay, and Amending
the General Land Use Plan Map Designation on 27.6 acres within
the CFA Overlay from Medium Density Residential to High
Density Residential.
C. Zoning Map and Text Amendments to Designate a Climate Friendly Area
Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented the second reading of
an ordinance to amend the zoning map and zoning text to designate
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March 13, 2025 Meeting
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the climate-friendly area, rezone 27.6 acres, and make various
updates to development standards and definitions.
Motion: Approve
Moved By: Brian Whitaker Seconded by: Kelley Johnson
Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
Brian Whitaker moved to approve Ordinance No. 2125 an
Ordinance Amending the Central Point Zoning Map to Apply the
Climate Friendly Area Overlay to 94.4 Acres within a portion of
the Eastside Transit Oriented Development Overlay and Re-zone
27.6 acres from Low Mix Residential (LMR) to Medium Mix
Residential (MMR); and Amend Central Point Municipal Code
Sections 17.08.410 (TOD Definitions), 17.65 (TOD Overlay),
17.75.039(H) (Bicycle Parking Standards), and Add New Chapter
17.69 (CFA Overlay).
D. Temporary Parklet Program Revision
Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented revisions to the
temporary parklet program, including requirements for general liability
insurance and a hold harmless agreement. The revisions also clarified
that parklet permits are annual and issued on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Motion: Approve
Moved By: Brian Whitaker Seconded by: Grey Zimmerman
Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
Brian Whitaker moved to approve Resolution No. 1817, a
Resolution to Amend the Temporary Parklet Program in the
Public Right-of-Way Adding Provisions for Liability Insurance
and Hold Harmless Agreement.
E. A Resolution Authorizing the City of Central Point to Apply for a Local
Government Grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for
Purchase and Installation of an Accessible Playground at Don Jones
111 Memorial Park and Delegating Authority to the City Manager to Sign the
Application
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March 13, 2025 Meeting
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Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore presented information
on the grant application for an accessible playground at Don Jones
Memorial Park. He discussed the city's history of successful grant _
applications for park improvements and outlined the proposed features
of the new playground, including ADA compliance, shade structures,
and all-weather surfacing.
Motion: Approve
Moved By: Michael Parsons Seconded by: Kelley Johnson
Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael
Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian
Whitaker voted yes. None voted no.
Michael Parsons moved to approve Resolution No. 1818 a
Resolution Authorizing the City of Central Point to Apply for a
Local Government Grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation
Department for the Purchase and Installation of an Accessible
Playground at Don Jones Memorial Park and Delegating Authority
to the City Manager to Sign the Application.
9 Business
A. Planning Commission Report
Planning Director Stephanie Powers provided an update on the March
4 Planning Commission meeting. The commission heard a conditional
use permit application for Anchor Church and received public
comments. The item was continued to the April 1 meeting. Stephanie
also mentioned updates on various development projects in the city.
10 Mayor's Report
.Mayor Browning reported that:
• She attended the National League of Cities Congressional Cities
Conference in Washington, DC. She met with local congress-people
to advocate for more local control and funding opportunities for
infrastructure investments.
• She was also elected for an additional term as chair of the Western
Municipal Association.
• She attended the SOREDI board meeting virtually.
• She is coordinating a regional mayor's meeting for Jackson and
Josephine County mayors. —
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March 13, 2025 Meeting
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11 • She attended a Northern Innovation Hub event at CraterWorks.
11 City Manager's Report
City Manager Chris Clayton reported that:
• Another $50,000 donation was received from Noel Moore for Little
League field improvements, bringing his total contributions to
$950,000.
• Departments are working on budgets, with revenues trending well
overall.
• The city opposed two state senate bills that would limit municipal
control of water rights.
• Amendments to the lease agreement with Pathways Enterprises for
the old Public Works yard are being proposed.
• Insurance renewals are trending favorably with single-digit
increases.
• The appeals court reversed Measure 114, which may have
implications for the city.
P . The Shari's restaurant property has been sold to a local buyer.
12 Council Reports
Councilors provided brief reports on their activities:
Councilor Olson had nothing to report.
Councilor Whitaker mentioned meeting with constituents and working on
various initiatives related to DEI, voter outreach, and potential ward
meetings.
Councilor Zimmerman reported missing a school board meeting but plans
to attend the next one. He also mentioned hearing about disturbances at
city parks.
Councilor Parsons reported on attending a planning commission meeting
and interviewing candidates for a park manager position.
Councilor Hernandez announced that the Crater Foundation's annual
auction dinner received an award for fundraising event of the year.
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March 13, 2025 Meeting
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Councilor Johnson reported on attending a city session and RV COG
board meeting.
13 Department Reports
Department heads provided various updates:
Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore reported on new
businesses contracting with Avista Utilities, updates on demolition work at
the Little League fields, and updates on steel costs for the community
center project.
Police Chief Scott Logue reported on ongoing hiring processes and
provided an update on the implications of Measure 114 being back in
effect. He also mentioned addressing a situation with an individual
behaving inappropriately at a city park.
14 Public Agency Comment
15 Agenda Building
16 Executive Session
17 Adjournment
Mike Parsons moved to adjourn, all said aye and the meeting was
adjourned at 7:47pm.
The foregoing minutes of the March 13, 2025, Council meeting were approved by the
City Council at its meeting of a( ` ? , 2025.
Dated: .)A' .--)
Mayor Taneea W. Brow g
ATTEST:
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City Recorder