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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/15/25 CC Minutes Docusign Envelope ID:9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A9OEBB CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 15, 2025 CENTRAL 6:00 PM POINT Central Point City Hall, Council Chambers 140 S 3rd St, Central Point, OR Oregor 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 Attorney Sydnee Dreyer, Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore, Police Chief Scott Logue, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, and City Recorder Rachel Neuenschwander 4 Presentation A. Jackson County Library Jackson County Library staff Kari May and Susan Keifer presented to the council the different programs and activities that the Central Point Library offers to its residents. 5 Public Comments Mayor Browning explained the public comment process, noting comments are limited to 3 minutes per individual or 5 minutes per group. Resident Debbie Burrows expressed concern about illegal fireworks in her neighborhood. She described it as a "war zone" between Scenic and Crater, with fireworks landing on roofs and in yards. She asked what the next steps could be, noting that Medford has fines for illegal fireworks. Docusign Envelope ID:9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A9OEBB Central Point City Council May 15, 2025 Meeting Page 2 of 8 City Manager Chris Clayton responded that fireworks are illegal, and the city sends annual reminders. He acknowledged that there are not enough officers to catch everyone. He was unsure of Central Point's current fine amount for illegal fireworks, but said he would look into it and potentially explore increasing penalties if directed by the council. Resident James Carpenter spoke about speeding concerns in his neighborhood, particularly around school start and end times. He feared action would not be taken until a tragedy occurs. Resident Jessica Grabowski, echoed concerns about speeding and added that the pedestrian bridge from May Richardson Elementary is being used as an unofficial pickup site, causing traffic and safety issues. She also mentioned recent vandalism in the neighborhood. Resident Jody Spies, who lives near the intersection of Rachel Dr. and Saxbury Dr., reported frequent failure to stop at that intersection, with 20- 30 cars running the stop sign daily. Police Chief Scott Logue stated that the fastest speed recorded in the neighborhood was 36 mph. He said increased patrols have been directed -- to the area. Public Works Director Matt Samitore stated speed counters were placed in the neighborhood, with the average speed recorded at 27.2 mph. He noted speed humps are not currently allowed by city standards, but could be explored if directed by council. Resident Kit Flanagan Clark suggested showcasing the history of Central Point's former fire department. City Manager Clayton said they are considering displaying historical items in the new community center next year. 6 Public Agency Comment 7 Consent Agenda Docusign Envelope ID:9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A90EBB Central Point City Council May 15, 2025 Meeting Page3of8 A. Approval of April 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes B. National Safe Boating Week 2025 Proclamation D. Planning Commission Appointment Mayor Browning noted item C, the mayoral proclamation, was pulled from the consent agenda for revision. Richard Aaron, the new planning commission appointee, introduced himself. He volunteers for Junior Comets Sports, is a board member, and is president of Central Point Athletics. He stated he advocates for changes that benefit families, kids, and community members. Motion: Approve the Consent Agenda items A, B and D. 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. 8 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda C. Mayoral Proclamation Mayor Browning requested to revise the final sentence of the mayoral proclamation to change "the first full week in May" to "the last full week in May" to align with when seniors will be declaring their plans. Rob Hernandez moved to approve the amended mayoral proclamation to the last week of May Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez 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. 9 Ordinances and Resolutions Docusign Envelope ID 9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A9OEBB Central Point City Council May 15, 2025 Meeting Page 4 of 8 A. Resolution Updating Signers on City Bank Accounts City Manager Chris Clayton presented a resolution to update the signers on city bank accounts due to Finance Director Steve Weber's departure. The proposed signers would be Chris Clayton, Matt Samitore, Chief Scott Logue, Mayor Browning, Council President Rob Hernandez, and City Recorder Rachel Neuenschwander. Clayton explained that this allows for transparency and noted that most checks are now signed electronically. Motion: Approve Moved By: Grey Zimmerman 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. Grey Zimmerman I move to approve Resolution No. 1822, a Resolution of the City of Central Point updating signers on City Bank Accounts. B. Resolution Declaring Surplus Property -Windsong Way City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented a resolution to declare a 0.28- acre remnant parcel off Windsong Way as surplus property. The undeveloped portion of Don Jones Park contains utility easements and is not part of plans to expand the park. A private developer owning adjacent land approached the city about purchasing it to construct townhomes. The property was appraised, conditions were recommended, including the developer reimbursing costs to move a trash enclosure and paying for surveying. Proceeds from the sale would be used to build a new gazebo at Don Jones Park. Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez 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. Rob Hernandez moved to approve Resolution No. 1823, a Resolution declaring a portion of certain real property located on Docusign Envelope ID:9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A9OEBB Central Point City Council May 15, 2025 Meeting Page5of8 Windsong Way (Map No. 372W01BA Tax Lot 1100) surplus and authorizing the City Manager to sell the property via fixed price sale. 10 Business B. Planning Commission Report Planning Director Stephanie Powers reported on the May 6th Planning Commission meeting, which included two quasi-judicial public hearings for the Willow Bend project (formerly called White Hawk). The applicant requested to modify the master plan to add more single- family townhomes and accessory dwelling units, extending streets and alleys for additional lots. This reduced the scale of multi-family housing but retained some as originally proposed. Stephanie noted traffic impacts were reviewed, finding the eventual need for a traffic signal at Hamrick and Beebe Road. An exception was granted for exceeding block length standards. The Planning Commission unanimously approved both the master plan modification and a 48-lot tentative subdivision plan. Stephanie also mentioned the Planning Commission will discuss potential code changes regarding the terms for chairperson and vice chair positions at their June meeting. A. Current Plans for Central Point Dog Park Public Works Director Matt Samitore presented plans for a potential dog park in Central Point. He explained that previous attempts to locate a dog park in various city parks were met with concerns about smell, noise, property values, and safety. Matt presented two options from the Bear Creek Greenway master plan: 1 . On the west side of Bear Creek, with a small dog park south of Holiday Inn Express and a larger one past the first pond. 2. On the east side near the new Amazon building, which has better water access and noise buffering from 1-5. Matt noted that the east side location could be developed sooner, but Docusign Envelope ID:9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A9OEBB Central Point City Council May 15, 2025 Meeting Page 6 of 8 it is not in the current budget. Matt recommended either exploring the costs and timeline for these options or having the Parks Commission review all city parks for potential half-acre sites. Council members discussed various aspects including: • Starting with a small pilot program to assess public response and address concerns • Preference for locating the dog park away from residential areas i • Potential benefits of the east side location for introducing the public to the larger Greenway plan • Timeline considerations, with the east side option potentially being quicker to implement No formal decision was made, but there was general support for further exploring the east side location as a starting point. 11 Mayor's Report Mayor Browning reported attending various events including: • Rodeo dinner -- • Medford Chamber Forum • City County Insurance Board of Trustees meeting • Budget meetings • Central Point Rotary Pig Pick and Auction • Cheese Fest Festival dinner • Rogue River Watershed annual dinner • Alderwood Retirement Community Quiltopia event • League of Oregon Cities board meeting and spring conference • Southern Oregon Economic Summit: She highlighted discussions from the Economic Summit about creative housing solutions, student pathways, and business opportunities to meet community needs. 12 City Manager's Report City Manager Chris Clayton reported on various items: • Plans to review fireworks ordinances and potential local penalties Docusign Envelope ID:9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A9OEBB Central Point City Council May 15, 2025 Meeting r--- Page 7 of 8 • Working with the school district and police on traffic issues near schools • Exploring new locations for fireworks due to the new community center's location • Attending the rodeo dinner where Central Point was recognized as a title sponsor • Interviewing potential replacements for the departing Finance Director 13 Council Reports Council members reported on attending various meetings and events, including budget meetings, planning commission meetings, and community events. Councilor Brian Whitaker mentioned reviewing previous DEI meeting minutes and working on various initiatives related to community concerns. 14 Department Reports Police Chief Scott Logue reported: • Attending the annual Chiefs of Police conference in Pendleton • Upcoming police department open house on Saturday • Approving the ECSO (Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon) budget • Hiring updates for new officers Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore reported: • Plans to reduce firework mortar size this year due to the new community center location • Estimated 9,000 attendees at the Made in Oregon event • Potential issues with Rogue Creamery's development plans south of the Lillie Belle site 15 Agenda Building Councilor Brian Whitaker proposed several agenda items for future consideration, including: • Creating a commission to explore OLCC licensing processes Docusign Envelope ID:9DB2B323-3F5B-4F14-A774-D87A13A9OEBB Central Point City Council May 15, 2025 Meeting Page 8 of 8 • Acknowledgment of Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders After discussion, it was agreed that Whitaker would submit his proposals in writing for the council to review before the next meeting. 16 Executive Session A. Pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) to conduct deliberations with persons designated to negotiate real property transactions. Motion to adjourn to executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) to conduct deliberations with persons designated to negotiate real property transactions. Moved by Mike, seconded by Grey Zimmerman. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting moved to executive session with a 5 minute break @ 8:03pm. 17 Adjournment The executive session ended, and the meeting adjourned at 8:21pm The foregoing minutes of the May 15, 2025, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of , 2025. ---Sig ned by: I I browbu Dated: tt---C47C©CAA1OSM 0 Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: (—Signed by: riatka 14)Autsat,weuA,f x b- fecoraer