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Home My WebLink About06/26/25 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES June 26, 2025 6:00 PM 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: At Large Rob Hernandez, At Large Michael Parsons, Ward I Neil Olsen, Ward III Grey Zimmerman, Ward IV Brian Whitaker. The following members were absent: Mayor Taneea Browning and Ward II Kelley Johnson. 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 Recognitions, Community Group Reports 5 Public Comments Central Point resident Brian Storrer came forward to address the council regarding the Genesis LRAD emergency management system. He reported detecting infrasound between 8 and 12 Hertz using an app from the University of Hawaii. Storrer expressed concerns about the potential health impacts of these long-range acoustic devices and frustration with the lack of investigation into his reports. He requested that the city council look into the police department's handling of his complaints. 6 Consent Agenda Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 2 of 10 A. Approval of June 12, 2025, Meeting Minutes Motion: Approve Moved By: Brian Whitaker Seconded by: Neil Olsen Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. Michale Parsons Abstained, None voted no. 7 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 8 Public Hearing A. Adopting the Budget; Make Appropriations and Levy Taxes for the Biennial Budget Period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 Council President Rob Hernandez read the public hearing statement and polled the Council for any conflicts of interest regarding the adoption of the budget, the election to receive state revenue, and the resolution approving the 2023–2025 supplemental budget. No Council members declared any conflicts. Matt Samitore presented the budget for the biennial period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. He explained that the budget committee had held two meetings on May 5 and 12, 2025, where they reviewed the total budget of $67,752,410. There had been no changes since those meetings, and the budget was adopted unanimously by the committee. Rob Hernandez opened the public hearing for this item. No members of the public came forward to address the council on this matter. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Parsons Seconded by: Grey Zimmerman Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Michael Parsons moved to approve Resolution No. 1830 a resolution to adopt the budget; make appropriations and levy taxes for the biennial budget period July 1, 2025 to June 30, Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 3 of 10 2027. B. Electing to Receive State Revenue Sharing Funds for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Matt Samitore explained that this resolution was required annually to elect to receive state revenue sharing funds, specifically for 911 services. He noted that the amounts were based on population estimates and may fluctuate. Rob Hernandez opened the public hearing for this item. No members of the public came forward to address the council on this matter. Motion: Approve Moved By: None Seconded by: Michael Parsons Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Grey Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution No. 1831, a resolution electing to receive State revenue sharing funds for fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. C. Resolution approving a 2023-25 Supplemental Budget Matt Samitore presented the 2023-25 supplemental budget, explaining that it was necessary to balance the books based on year- end projections and to address unforeseen circumstances. He noted that there had been some errors in the staff report tables, which he clarified. The total amount for both supplemental budgets combined was $756,736. Rob Hernandez opened the public hearing for this item. No members of the public came forward to address the council on this matter. Councilor Olsen asked about the extra $114,000 in the budget. Police Chief Logue explained that this was asset forfeiture money, which can only be used for law enforcement-related items and equipment upgrades. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Parsons Seconded by: Grey Zimmerman Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 4 of 10 Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Michael Parsons moved to approve Resolution No. 1832, a resolution approving a 2023-25 supplemental budget. 9 Ordinances and Resolutions A. Ordinance Amending CPMC 2.16--Planning Commission (1st Reading) Stephanie Powers presented the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 2.16 of the Central Point Municipal Code regarding the Planning Commission. She explained that the current rules were established in 1978 and needed updating. The proposed changes included: 1. Adding a purpose statement to clarify the commission's role and duties. 2. Updating officer provisions to allow the commission to select its own chair and vice-chair. 3. Removing language about the mayor and city manager attending meetings. 4. Clarifying the commission's quasi-judicial and advisory duties. 5. Aligning staff support with current practices. 6. Removing automatic dismissal for unexcused absences. 7. Codifying the chairperson's monthly stipend. 8. Adding requirements for orientation and annual training. Council asked about the standards for removing commission members. City Attorney Dreyer explained that the provisions are typically kept broad to allow for various situations that could reflect poorly on the city. Motion: Approve Moved By: Neil Olsen Seconded by: Grey Zimmerman Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Neil Olsen moved to forward the ordinance amending Chapter 2.16 of the Central Point Municipal Code to clarify rules and procedures governing the Planning Commission in alignment Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 5 of 10 with state law and best practices in Oregon land use planning to a second reading. B. Resolution of Intent Initiating Urbanization Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code Amendments Stephanie Powers presented a concept for an urbanization strategy to incentivize the transition of rural lands in the urban growth boundary to urban development. The strategy included: 1. Establishing an exclusive agricultural overlay in the comprehensive plan. 2. Creating holding zones to allow continued farming while in city limits. 3. Allowing property owners to maintain special tax assessments until transitioning to urban zoning. Powers explained that this would help address challenges faced by property owners with land in exclusive farm use zones and align with the city's goals for urban growth. She noted that other cities, including Medford and Phoenix, use similar strategies. Emily, a farm owner in the west component of the urban growth boundary, spoke in support of the proposal, stating it would benefit property owners by allowing them to annex while continuing to farm and maintain deferred tax rates. Motion: Approve Moved By: Grey Zimmerman Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Grey Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution No. 1833, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Central Point Initiating Applications to Amend the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code (Titles 16 and 17) to Establish an Exclusive Agriculture Overlay, Residential and Employment Holding Zones, and to Refine and Clarify Provisions Related to Land Divisions, Land Use, and Minimum Density Standards. C. Certifying the Provision of Municipal Services by the City of Central Point, Oregon Matt Samitore presented a resolution certifying the provision of Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 6 of 10 municipal services by the city, including police protection, street construction, maintenance, lighting, storm sewers, planning, zoning, subdivisions, and water utilities. He explained that this certification is required to receive state cigarette, liquor, and highway taxes. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Parsons Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Michael Parsons moved to approve Resolution No. 1834, a resolution certifying the provision of municipal services within the City of Central Point, Oregon. D. Approving Appointments and Adopting General Procedures for Fiscal Year 2025-26 Matt Samitore presented the appointments for fiscal year 2025-26, including: • Insurance agent: Brown and Brown Northwest • Municipal judge: Joe Charter • City engineer: Jeff Ballard with RH2 Engineering • City surveyor: Bob Neathamer with Neathamer Surveying • City attorney: Sydnee Dreyer (working for O'Connor West LLC) Motion: Approve Moved By: Grey Zimmerman Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Grey Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution No. 1835, a resolution approving appointments and adopting general procedures for fiscal year 2025-26. E. Lease Purchase Agreement for Police Vehicle Matt Samitore presented a resolution for a lease purchase agreement for one new police vehicle. He explained that the lease was for a 5- year term with Government Capital Corporation, with a total cost of $92,800 plus a 10% contingency. The interest rate was 5.979%, Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 7 of 10 resulting in annual payments of about $29,600. Councilors discussed the high interest rate and the possibility of refinancing in the future. Chief Logue confirmed that the vehicle was already available and waiting for equipment installation. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Parsons Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Michael Parsons moved to approve Resolution No. 1836 a resolution authorizing a lease purchase agreement with Government Capital Corporation for the purpose of financing new police vehicle. F. Resolution Updating Signers on City Bank Accounts Matt Samitore explained that due to Steve Weber's departure and Tessa DeLine's recent hiring, the city needed to update the signers on its bank accounts. He recommended approving the resolution to add Tessa DeLine as a signatory. Motion: Approve Moved By: Grey Zimmerman Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Grey Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution No. 1837, a Resolution of the City of Central Point updating signers on City Bank Accounts. G. Resolution Adopting Amended Council Rules City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented proposed changes to the council rules, specifically regarding the process for bringing new topics to the council agenda. The main changes included: 1. Removing the "agenda build" item from regular meetings. 2. Implementing a process where council members submit requests for new agenda items to the city manager in writing. 3. The city manager would compile these requests into a staff Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 8 of 10 report for council consideration at a future meeting. 4. The council would then vote on whether to place the item on a future agenda. Sydnee and City Manager Chris Clayton explained that this change would allow for more organized and well-researched consideration of potential agenda items, aligning with the city charter and streamlining the process. Councilor Whitaker expressed concerns about potentially limiting council members' ability to bring forward new business. After discussion, it was clarified that the proposed changes would not prohibit council members from requesting new agenda items but would provide a more structured process for consideration. Motion: Approve Moved By: Grey Zimmerman Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Michael Parsons, Neil Olsen, Grey Zimmerman, Brian Whitaker voted yes. None voted no. Grey Zimmerman moved to approve Resolution No. 1838, a Resolution approving the Rules of the City Council of Central Point, Oregon effective June 26, 2025. H. Resolution Approving IGA for Change Order Community Center This item was removed from the agenda, Jackson County has not had a chance to review. 10 Business 11 Mayor’s Report The Mayor was not present at the meeting. 12 City Manager’s Report The city manager was not present at the meeting, as they were in Hawaii. Matt Samitore provided a brief report in their absence: 1. The city secured $286,000 in funding for a waterline to support the housing authority project at the old Walmart site. 2. An additional $7 million was secured for the West Pine Street Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 9 of 10 project, fully funding it for the 2027 budget. 3. Samitore acknowledged Councilor Gray Zimmerman's last meeting and thanked him for his service. 13 Council Reports Councilor Zimmerman expressed gratitude for his time on the council and praised the city's leadership and community. Councilor Parsons reported attending: • The community center tour • Rogue Valley Sewer Service board of directors meeting and luncheon as vice chair • June Jackson County public safety coordinating meeting • A special Rogue Valley Sewer Services board meeting Councilor Olsen had nothing to report. Councilor Whitaker provided an extensive report, including: • Distributing business cards to constituents and encouraging them to contact city departments directly • Discussing his business trip to Eugene and interactions with mental health professionals • Expressing concern about discriminatory business practices he encountered • Suggesting the creation of a newsletter with safety tips for residents • Mentioning outreach from the library and policy representatives 14 Department Reports Police Chief Log reported: • Upcoming interviews for potential new hires • An anticipated retirement in the department • The memorial service for Deputy Merck from the sheriff's office Planning Director Stephanie Powers reported: • No planning commission meeting in July due to lack of agenda items • A revised pre-application for the Rogue Valley Bin property for mixed housing • An upcoming pre-application conference for Costco regarding an overflow parking area Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D Central Point City Council June 26, 2025 Meeting Page 10 of 10 • Ongoing work on long-range planning projects Public Works Director Matt Samitore mentioned: • An upcoming report on cell phone data collected from the Made in Southern Oregon event shows 9,000 attendees. • Encouragement for council members to attend the Fourth of July events. 15 Executive Session 16 Adjournment Neil Olsen moved to adjourn, all said aye and the meeting was adjourned at 7:44pm. The foregoing minutes of the June 26, 2025, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of _________________, 2025. Dated: _________________________ Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: __________________________ City Recorder Docusign Envelope ID: EBBB5213-CA55-45D8-822E-C5775B4D083D 7/18/2025 7/18/2025