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Home My WebLink About04/25/25 CC Minutes CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES April 24, 2025 CENTRAL 6:00 PM POINT Central Point City Hall, Council Chambers 140 S 3rd St, Central Point, OR 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 III Grey Zimmerman, Ward IV Brian Whitaker The following staff were also present: City Manager Chris Clayton, City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer, Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Police Lieutenant Josh Abbott, and City Recorder Rachel Neuenschwander 4 Presentation A. US Strategies: Legislative Update City Manager Chris Clayton introduced Greg Lemhouse and Carrie Reed from United Strategies, who joined online, and Isis Thornton Saunders, who was present in the audience. Greg Lemhouse provided an overview of the 2025 legislative session, noting it was about halfway through and characterized by new leadership, some bipartisanship, and emerging controversial issues like firearms legislation. He mentioned that unions had been successful in passing favorable legislation early in the session but that this trend might change. 11 Greg explained the complex process bills must go through to become law, including multiple deadlines. He noted that the first major Central Point City Council April 24, 2025 Meeting Page 2 of 7 deadline had passed recently, resulting in many bills dying. The session was expected to focus on budget matters in May, with funding likely to be tight due to federal government cuts. Greg emphasized _. the importance of staying close to key legislative leaders who control the budget process. Isis Thornton Saunders then presented a detailed update on specific bills affecting Central Point. She discussed several "bad bills" the city was opposing, including SB 916 (allowing striking workers to collect unemployment), SB 427 and SB 1153 (limiting water right transfers), HB 2688 (expanding prevailing wage requirements), HB 3499 (requiring voter approval for urban renewal plans), HB 2258 (state override of local zoning), and HB 2658 (limits on permit conditions). Isis also highlighted several "good bills" the city was supporting, such as HB 3870 (funding for emergency communication systems), HB 3666 (wildfire safety certification for utilities), HB 3654 (infrastructure grant flexibility for small cities), SB 1129 (urban reserve prioritization flexibility), HB 3746 (condo defect litigation reform), SB 83 and SB 85 (wildfire-related bills), and SB 179 (making recreational immunity changes permanent). Regarding Central Point's funding requests, Greg explained that they had submitted three housing-related projects through Representative Alex Scarlatos. He noted they were working closely with key legislative leaders to secure support for these projects. Isis concluded by providing an overview of the proposed transportation package known as TRIP 2025, which would generate over $1 .9 billion per biennium in new revenue through increased fuel taxes, fees, and other measures. She outlined the distribution of funds and potential impacts on cities, including Central Point. Council members asked questions about the likelihood of the transportation package passing and the reasoning behind certain proposed fees. Greg and Isis provided their insights and explained that more details would be available when the official language is released in early May. 5 Public Agency Comment Commissioner Dyer stated he was present to maintain the relationship Central Point City Council April 24, 2025 Meeting Page 3 of 7 -- between the county and the city but had no specific report. He offered to answer any questions from the council, but none were asked at that time. 6 Public Comments Former Mayor Bill Walton approached the council to share his experiences and offer advice. He discussed his time as mayor from 2000 to 2004, highlighting his efforts to manage growth and development in Central Point. Mr. Walton emphasized the importance of public art, solar energy, and careful city planning. He urged the council to consider installing solar panels on city buildings to save money. The mayor thanked Mr. Walton for his input and explained that they would need to move on to other business. 7 Consent Agenda A. Approval of March 27, 2025, Meeting Minutes B. Quarterly Financial Statements Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez Seconded by: Michael Parsons Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. 8 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 9 Ordinances and Resolutions A. Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.20 Liquor Licenses City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented to the council an ordinance to amend Chapter 3.20 of the municipal code regarding liquor license applications. She noted that the current ordinance was outdated and contained provisions not required by state law. The proposed changes would streamline the process by routing all applications through the city recorder's office and simplifying the appeal process. Council expressed concerns about maintaining proper oversight and Central Point City Council April 24, 2025 Meeting Page 4 of 7 due process. Sydnee clarified that the city council would still make the final recommendation on all applications and that the changes primarily affected which staff member processed the applications. ._ Motion: Approve Moved By: Neil Olsen 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. Neil Olsen moved to forward the Ordinance amending in part Central Point Municipal Code Chapter 3.20 - Liquor Licenses to add Sections 3.20.000 Purpose and Scope and 3.20.005 Definitions; amend Sections 3.20.010 Application, 3.20.020 Recommendation for Approval of License, and 3.20.030 Recommendation for Refusal of License, and repeal Section 3.20.055 Appeal to a second reading. 10 Business A. Planning Commission Report Planning Director Stephanie Powers provided an update on the April 1st Planning Commission meeting. B. 2024 Annual Water Rights City Manager Chris Clayton presented the 2024 Annual Water Rights report. He explained the regional water rights strategy involving Central Point and several other cities in collaboration with the Medford Water Commission. This strategy allows cities to pool and share water rights, resulting in significant cost savings. Chris reported that Central Point used 2,149.29 acre-feet of water in 2024, which exceeded the city's allocated amount. However, through the water sharing agreement, Central Point was able to purchase additional water rights from other cities at a rate of $25 per acre-foot, compared to the market rate of about $2,000 per acre-foot. He emphasized the benefits of this collaborative approach, noting that it should provide sufficient water for the region through 2070. Chris Central Point City Council April 24, 2025 Meeting Page 5 of 7 also mentioned ongoing efforts to expand water treatment capacity and protect the region's water rights. Council members asked questions about the process and expressed appreciation for the cost-effective and collaborative nature of the agreement. 11 Mayor's Report Mayor Browning reported that: • She attended Earth Day celebration at Bohnart Family Farm Park. • She attended the Parks and Rec Department's Eggstravaganza. • She hosted the first Rogue Valley Mayors meeting. • She spoke to a journalism class at SOU. • She attended the Medford Chamber Forum and Southern Oregon Innovation Hub meeting. • She read to kindergartners and fifth graders. • She attended the chamber mixer. • She had a meeting with a youth leadership teacher from Crater 11 High School. • She attended a high school pep rally • She encouraged council members to participate in the May 16th Ride with Leaders event in Phoenix. 12 City Manager's Report City Manager Chris Clayton provided updates on several items: • The Food and Friends program is touring the old Public Works Corporation yard as a potential new location. • Changes have been made to the intersection of Freeman and Pine streets to address safety concerns. • Information on public safety fees in other cities will be sent to council members. • Flower baskets will be installed downtown next week. • Central Point Little League has a record 450 kids participating this year. • VIP Cheese Festival tickets are available for Saturday. • Budget discussions will begin soon, with urban renewal on Monday night. Central Point City Council April 24, 2025 Meeting Page 6 of 7 • A tour of the new community center facility is planned for the June study session. f 13 Council Reports Council members provided updates on various meetings and events attended, including planning commission meetings, school board meetings, fire district budget meetings, and regional committee meetings. 14 Department Reports Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore provided an update on changes made to the intersection of 10th, Freeman, and Pine Streets due to a high number of accidents. He explained that the permissive left turn during peak hours had been turned off to improve safety. The department is working with ODOT to adjust signal timing to accommodate the changes. Lieutenant Abbott (acting as Chief) reported on positive developments in the police department, including success in recent hiring processes and increased community outreach efforts. He highlighted the department's involvement in programs such as threat assessments, risk and site assessments for businesses and schools, and anti-scam presentations. Planning Director Stephanie Powers briefly mentioned an upcoming planning commission meeting on May 6th, which will include discussions on a master plan modification for the Willow Bend development and a subdivision plan for their final phase of development. 15 Agenda Building Council members discussed two potential agenda items for future meetings: • Reviewing the city's park naming policy and process • Addressing traffic safety concerns during community events It was decided that the park naming policy discussion would be added to the May 19th study session, which already includes the Boes Park conceptual plan. The traffic safety concerns will be addressed by staff through an informative email to council members. Councilor Brian Whitaker mentioned he would email a list of potential Central Point City Council April 24, 2025 Meeting Page 7 of 7 agenda items for consideration at the next meeting. 16 Executive Session 17 Adjournment Neil Olsen moved to adjourn, all said aye and the meeting was adjourned at 7:51pm. The foregoing minutes of the April 24, 2025, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of CC10,�4. r5- , 2025. Dated: c-D\ Vcam\2_ � yor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: i 1 City Recorder