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Home My WebLink About12/11/25 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES November 13, 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: Mayor Taneea Browning, At Large Rob Hernandez, Ward II Kelley Johnson, Ward I Neil Olsen, Board Member Michael Quilty The following members were absent: Ward IV Brian Whitaker The following staff were also present: City Manager Chris Clayton, City Attorney Garrett West, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore, Police Chief Scott Logue, Police Captain Greg Bruce, Human Resources Director Elizabeth Simas, Finance Director Tessa DeLine, City Recorder Rachel Neuenschwander 4 Public Comments Andrea Richerson, a local real estate agent spoke about the increase in property taxes despite decreasing home values. City Manager Chris Clayton responded to clarify that property values can decrease while taxes increase because the real market value is about 30% higher than assessed value. He noted that Oregon law allows property taxes to increase 3% annually unless market value dips below assessed value. He also mentioned that Central Point's tax rate of $4.47 per thousand is below the legal limit of $5.83, making it the only city in Oregon that doesn't levy its full property tax rate, with both Ashland and Docusign Envelope ID: 5397C444-0BFB-4169-ACAF-DB2C5DD90779 Central Point City Council November 13, 2025 Meeting Page 2 of 7 Medford having higher rates. Brian Storrer spoke about his concerns regarding being tracked with LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) technology. He claimed this had been happening for three years and that he had previously met with the police chief about this issue. He expressed frustration that nothing had been done. 5 Public Agency Comments 6 Consent Agenda A. Approval of October 23, 2025 Meeting Minutes Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Kelley Johnson Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Michael Quilty voted yes. None voted no. 7 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 8 Ordinances and Resolutions A. Former Public Works Corporation Yard Alley Right-of-Way Vacation Planning Director Stephanie Powers explained that this was the second reading of an ordinance to vacate the alley right -of-way that bisects the former Public Works Corporation yard between Cedar and Ash Street. She noted this alley was never used and was established as part of the initial town plat. The city sought to vacate it to allow for more development options for the property. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Rob Hernandez Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Michael Quilty voted yes. None voted no. Michael Quilty moved to approve Ordinance No. 2134, an ordinance of the City of Central Point vacating a portion of alley Docusign Envelope ID: 5397C444-0BFB-4169-ACAF-DB2C5DD90779 Central Point City Council November 13, 2025 Meeting Page 3 of 7 right-of-way within Block 34 of the "Town of Central Point" Plat. B. Resolution Approving the 2026 Revised Management Compensation Plan Human Resources Director Elizabeth Simas presented proposed changes to the management compensation plan. She explained they were using the July-to-July CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for Urban consumers) of 2.7% as reference and proposing a 2.5% adjustment to the salary range bands. She clarified this doesn't automatically increase anyone's salary as those are based on performance evaluations. The financial cost would be approximately $20,000 for the year ($14,500 in salary and $5,500 in roll-up costs like Social Security, Medicare, and PERS). She also noted that their insurance company offered a new lower-cost plan through UnitedHealthcare, and they were offering a $60 contribution to a health reimbursement account as an incentive for employees to choose this plan. Additionally, the City Recorder/Assistant Finance Director position would be moved back to Band I based on experience and responsibilities. Motion: Approve Moved By: Kelley Johnson Seconded by: Neil Olsen Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Michael Quilty voted yes. None voted no. Kelley Johnson moved to approve Resolution No. 1852, a Resolution approving the 2026 Revised Management Compensation Plan. 9 Business A. Planning Commission Report Planning Director Stephanie Powers reported that the Planning Commission met on November 4th to discuss two applications. The first focused on creating an exclusive-agriculture overlay in the comprehensive plan. The second proposed changes to the land development code for the same overlay, including provisions for phased development. Two supporters spoke at the public hearing, and the Commission unanimously recommended council approval. The applications will be presented to the council in December. Docusign Envelope ID: 5397C444-0BFB-4169-ACAF-DB2C5DD90779 Central Point City Council November 13, 2025 Meeting Page 4 of 7 B. Council Member Ward III Appointment The Mayor explained that the Ward 3 position vacated by Grey Zimmerman remained open while they sought multiple candidates to ensure an open and fair process. After interviews, Sarah Roberts was determined to be the best candidate to serve out the remainder of the term. Motion: Approve Moved By: Kelley Johnson Seconded by: Michael Quilty Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Michael Quilty voted yes. None voted no. Kelley Johnson moved to approve the appointment of Sarah Roberts to the Ward III council position vacated by Grey Zimmerman to serve through the remainder of the term. C. 1st Quarter Financial Report - September 30, 2025 Finance Director Tessa DeLine presented the city's first -quarter financial report for September 30, 2025, detailing the status of various funds using metrics such as days cash on hand and percentage of budget spent or received. Key findings included the General Fund meeting expectations, while the Water Fund was flagged as a concern due to the lack of capital expenditures since 2022 and upcoming rate increases from Medford Water Commission. D. Financial Strategy City Manager Chris Clayton presented a financial strategy focused on long-term fiscal stability, particularly for public safety. He explained that they discovered a structural deficit in the police department budget in August. The city has already implemented cost -saving measures, including staff reductions and a retirement incentive package. Chris noted that in the past decade (2014-2025), the city's population increased by about 3,000 people, adding complexity beyond normal inflation. He showed that certain costs have increased faster than standard economic metrics: police vehicles that cost $46,000 in 2018 now cost $62,000; the PERS employer rate has doubled from 13% to 25–27% in ten years; and he althcare costs typically increase by Docusign Envelope ID: 5397C444-0BFB-4169-ACAF-DB2C5DD90779 Central Point City Council November 13, 2025 Meeting Page 5 of 7 double digits annually. The city's current structural deficit in the police department is $250,000, with two unfilled police officer positions that would cost an additional $240,000 to fill. Clayton presented three revenue options: 1. Minimal Plan: Increase the public safety fee from $3 to $4 per month to fill the deficit but leave positions unfilled. 2. Stabilization Plan: Increase the fee from $3 to $5 per month to fill the deficit and restore one officer position. 3. Hybrid Plan: Increase the fee to $6 per month to fill the deficit and restore both officer positions. Chris explained that Central Point's property tax rate of $4.238 per thousand generates $4.23 million in tax revenue, about $378 per person, compared to Medford at $603 per person and Ashland at $693 per person. This disparity exists because Central Point's assessed value is much lower than comparable cities. After discussion, Chris recommended Option 2 (increasing the fee to $5). He noted this would allow filling one vacant position while monitoring revenue to potentially fill the second position later. He emphasized that this is a temporary solution for the current budget cycle, not a permanent fix for future budgets. Council members discussed the philosophy of fees versus taxes, with Neil Olsen expressing concern that fees are regressive compared to property taxes, while Kelly noted that residents seem more accepting of public safety fee increases because they understand where the money goes. The council will continue this discussion at the December meeting, where they will vote on a resolution. 10 Mayor’s Report The Mayor reported meeting with the student council at Crater High School. About 25 students attended despite competing club meetings. Two students have applied for the Parks Commission position that was opened to youth at Crater. The students are also planning a program tentatively called "The Breakfast Club" to promote community connection. Other activities included an interview with students about the council, Docusign Envelope ID: 5397C444-0BFB-4169-ACAF-DB2C5DD90779 Central Point City Council November 13, 2025 Meeting Page 6 of 7 attending a meet and greet for SOREDI's new executive director, participating in La Clinica's residency program graduation ceremony, and attending an Arts Commission meeting. 11 City Manager’s Report City Manager Chris Clayton reported several items: 1. Regarding Brian Storrer's public comment, Chris indicated he would consult with the City Attorney about options under council rules to address the situation. 2. Former Mayor Williams had heart problems over the weekend but is doing okay. His 90th birthday is on the 23rd of this month. 3. A truck got stuck on Fourth and Pine, causing damage to a signal that is currently operating with temporary measures. 4. The Medford Water Commission's cost of services analysis continues, with anticipated wholesale water rate increases of 25- 30% for all cities in the Rogue Valley. 5. The Veterans Day celebration was successful despite cold, foggy weather. 6. The governor signed the transportation bill, starting the 100 -day clock for signature collection to potentially get it on the ballot. 7. The FCC is considering exempting federally sanctioned telecommunications using city rights-of-way from paying franchise fees, which would significantly impact city revenues. 12 Council Reports Rob Hernandez attended the budget study session and an Airport Advisory Committee meeting where they discussed the government shutdown effects on TSA and air traffic controllers. Mike Quilty reported that the MPO meeting was canceled. He serves on the state aviation review committee that will be reviewing grants for general aviation airport improvements across Oregon. Neil Olsen reported listening to recordings of the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting from October 21 and the planning commission meeting from November 4. 13 Department Reports Police Chief Scott Logue reported that he and Captain Greg Bruce have Docusign Envelope ID: 5397C444-0BFB-4169-ACAF-DB2C5DD90779 Central Point City Council November 13, 2025 Meeting Page 7 of 7 met individually with staff and have had positive feedback from those meetings. They also had a department-wide staff meeting this week, and they had some good conversations with the group. 14 Executive Session 15 Adjournment Neil Olsen moved to adjourn. All said aye and the meeting was adjourned at 7:52pm. The foregoing minutes of the November 13, 2025, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of December 11, 2025. Dated: 12/11/2025 _________________________ Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: __________________________ City Recorder Docusign Envelope ID: 5397C444-0BFB-4169-ACAF-DB2C5DD90779