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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12112025 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES December 11, 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, Ward IV Brian Whitaker, At Large Michael Quilty , Ward III Sarah Roberts The following staff were also present: City Manager Chris Clayton, City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer, Police Chief Scott Logue, Police Captain Greg Bruce, Human Resources Director Elizabeth Simas, Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Finance Director Tessa DeLine, and City Recorder Rachel Neuenschwander 4 Public Agency Comments 5 Public Comments Alicia Van Riggs, a Central Point resident, addressed the Council regarding ADA parking concerns during the recent Christmas parade. She explained that blue zone parking near the library was unavailable from 2- 5 PM during the event. Ms. Van Riggs emphasized that accessible parking is essential for people with mobility challenges and urged the city to ensure that the library, as part of the "public square," remains accessible to people of all abilities during community events. She noted the importance of inclusive design, stating that many people are "temporarily able-bodied" and may someday need accessible accommodations. Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF Central Point City Council December 11, 2025 Meeting Page 2 of 8 6 Consent Agenda A. Approval of November 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. None voted no. 7 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 8 Public Hearing The Mayor announced an adjustment to the agenda order, stating that the Public Safety Fee item (section 9a) would be addressed before the public hearings on the ordinances amending the comprehensive plan and municipal code. Then she read the public hearing statement. A. Public Safety Fee City Manager Chris Clayton presented an update on the public safety fee, continuing the discussion from two previous meetings that had examined options for adjusting the fee structure to address a structural deficit in the police department budget. Chris explained that the police department has a structural deficit of approximately $250,000 over the biennium and currently has two unfilled patrol officer positions. He noted that the city's growth from 11,000 to nearly 20,000 residents has increased service demands while the current fee structure does not align costs with service demands. Three options were presented: 1. A uniform $4 monthly fee (up from $3) for single-family residences, generating approximately $380,000 annually. 2. A flat $5 monthly fee, generating approximately $475,000 annually. Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF Central Point City Council December 11, 2025 Meeting Page 3 of 8 3. A variable-tiered rate structure with residential rates of $5 for single-family and $4 for multi-family, plus commercial tiers ranging from $15 to $180 monthly based on building size and trip generation Chris emphasized that the tiered structure would better align costs with service demand and reduce reliance on residential fees. He shared data showing that Central Point spends less per capita on police services than comparable cities while maintaining high service ratings. He also reminded the Council that the city offers a 50% low-income utility discount for households at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. Following the staff presentation, Mayor Browning opened the public hearing. No citizens came forward to speak. The public hearing was closed. During council discussion, one council member noted he had initially expected more opposition to fee increases but found residents were more supportive than anticipated. He expressed concern about making fees progressive rather than regressive and indicated support for the tiered option. Another council member asked about the financial difference between the options. City Manager Clayton clarified that the $4 option would help address the deficit but not allow filling vacant positions, while the $5 option would cover the deficit and potentially allow filling one position later in the budget cycle. The City Manager stated that a press release would be issued, a website page would be published with explanatory information, and a newsletter article would be included in the January utility bills. Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez Seconded by: Michael Quilty Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. None voted no. Rob Hernandez moved to approve Resolution No. 1853, a Resolution Amending the Master Fee Schedule to Adopt a Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF Central Point City Council December 11, 2025 Meeting Page 4 of 8 Revised Variable Public Safety Fee Structure Effective January 1, 2026. A. Public Hearing/First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan land use element to establish an exclusive agriculture overlay zone. She explained that the comprehensive plan serves as a blueprint for city growth over a 20- year planning period. Stephanie noted that the primary change would establish an exclusive agriculture overlay to provide a new tool that would allow property owners in the urban growth boundary who currently have active farm uses to maintain their agricultural tax benefits when they annex into the city. She clarified that this would be voluntary and would serve as an interim designation while infrastructure planning proceeds. The Planning Commission and Citizens Advisory Committee had both unanimously recommended approval of these changes. Mayor Browning opened the Public Hearing. Larry Martin, representing a group of landowners with exclusive farm use (EFU) properties, spoke in support of the amendments. He explained that his group has been working for 18 years to join the city, and this change would allow them to maintain reasonable property tax rates during the transition. He noted that Medford has a similar provision and this would put Central Point on a level playing field. No other citizens spoke during the public hearing, and the hearing was closed. Motion: Approve Moved By: Brian Whitaker Seconded by: Neil Olsen Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. None voted no. Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF Central Point City Council December 11, 2025 Meeting Page 5 of 8 Brian Whitaker moved to forward the ordinance amending the Central Point Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element to establish the Exclusive Agriculture Overlay and Holding Zones, and revise Land Use Plan text and organization for clarity and consistency, to a second reading as amended, incorporating revised Exhibits A, B, D, E, F, G, J, and K, and adding Exhibits L through V. B. Public Hearing/First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Titles 16 and 17 of the Central Point Municipal Code Planning Director Stephanie Powers continued her presentation, explaining the proposed amendments to the land development code that would implement the comprehensive plan changes. The amendments would: 1. Establish clear criteria for tentative plan and final plat approvals. 2. Clarify procedures for development agreements and performance guarantees. 3. Extend tentative plan approval validity from one to two years, with potential extensions. 4. Create a new chapter for reserve acreage to allow phased development. 5. Consolidate transit-oriented development regulations into a single chapter. 6. Clarify sign regulations in special districts. 7. Provide flexibility for large-format retail in appropriate zones. Stephanie noted that these changes would make the code more user- friendly and address conflicts with Oregon law while maintaining the community's character. Motion: Approve Moved By: Brian Whitaker Seconded by: Neil Olsen Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. None voted no. Brian Whitaker moved to forward the ordinance amending Title 16 (Land Divisions) and Title 17 (Zoning) of the Central Point Municipal Code to establish the Exclusive Agriculture Overlay Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF Central Point City Council December 11, 2025 Meeting Page 6 of 8 and Holding Zones, modernize land division procedures, and clarify development standards for consistency and implementation, to a second reading as amended, incorporating the corrected exhibits presented, and acknowledging the June 10, 2025 memorandum with Attachments 1 and 2 reflecting clarifications to the Residential and Employment Land Use Classifications” to a second reading. 9 Ordinances and Resolutions 10 Business A. Planning Commission Report Planning Director Stephanie Powers reported that the Planning Commission met and discussed a sign code audit comparing Central Point's sign regulations with other comparable cities. The commission passed a resolution directing staff to investigate potential code changes, with particular interest in regulations at the edges where commercial properties meet residential areas. The commission expressed interest in looking at brightness standards for signs, digital signs, and did not support allowing billboards. 11 Mayor’s Report Mayor Browning reported on several activities: • Attended the Medford Chamber Forum with the new SOREDI executive discussing their vision • Met with the Youth Council at the high school, noting strong engagement from 20 students interested in municipal government and workforce development • Attended the State Sustainability Board meeting virtually • Met with Congressman Bentz's office representative • Participated in the light parade and tree lighting ceremony • Attended the National League of Cities City Summit in Salt Lake City, where she gathered valuable information about similar projects to Bear Creek Greenway restoration Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF Central Point City Council December 11, 2025 Meeting Page 7 of 8 12 City Manager’s Report City Manager Chris Clayton reported on several items: • The Community Christmas event went well with the new tree • Noted they were unaware of the ADA parking issue raised during public comment • Announced a study session on Monday to discuss water rates, following a 26% increase from the Medford Water Commission • Provided an update on pending FEMA reimbursement for the Elk Creek box culvert replacement project • Reported that labor mediation had proceeded for 8 hours that day with encouraging movement 13 Council Reports Councilors provided brief updates on meetings and events attended. 14 Department Reports Police Chief Scott Logue reported that the Christmas tree lighting went smoothly with only one call for service (a found debit card). He also noted that one police trainee would be going on solo patrol next week. Planning Director Stephanie Powers reported on land use applications for a car dealership in the M1 zone and interest in a residential subdivision on Bursell. Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore discussed efforts to resolve FEMA reimbursement issues and noted challenges with the Pine Street closure during Community Christmas, with businesses divided on whether they want the street open or closed. He also reported on addressing parking issues near the Amazon facility that had been blocking FedEx operations. Finance Director Tessa DeLine reported working on month-end financial statements, preparing for the water rate presentation, and noted that annual audits should be completed on time. 15 Executive Session Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF Central Point City Council December 11, 2025 Meeting Page 8 of 8 16 Adjournment Neil Olsen moved to adjourn. All said aye and the meeting was adjourned at 7:43pm. The foregoing minutes of the December 11, 2025, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of _________________, 2026. Dated: _________________________ Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: __________________________ City Recorder Docusign Envelope ID: 99B63B63-91AC-4291-9613-3902F1460DDF 1/12/2026 January 8