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Home My WebLink About02/12/26 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES January 22, 2026 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, Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore, Police Chief Scott Logue, Finance Director Tessa DeLine, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Building Official Derek Zwagerman, Human Resources Director Elizabeth Simas, and City Recorder/Assistant Finance Director Rachel Neuenschwander. 4 Public Agency Comments 5 Public Comments Several citizens addressed the Council regarding concerns about a potential high-density housing development on Bursell Road. Alex Modrell, Tom Gray, and Craig Horsley spoke about traffic safety issues, emergency evacuation challenges, neighborhood impact, and privacy concerns. They noted that the area consists entirely of single-family homes and that additional high-density housing would create traffic congestion on already dangerous roads without sidewalks. Planning Director Stephanie Powers clarified that no development proposals had been submitted to the planning department, though Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC Central Point City Council January 22, 2026 Meeting Page 2 of 8 inquiries had been received. She offered to hold a neighborhood meeting to provide information about the land development process and explained the property's current R2 zoning (medium -density residential). 6 Consent Agenda Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez 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. A. Approval of January 8, 2026, Meeting Minutes B. OLCC Application - Rogue Wears C. Planning Commission Appointment D. Citizens Advisory Committee Appointment's E. 2026 City Committee Re-Appointments Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. 7 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 8 Public Hearing A. Resolution Adopting the 2026 Water Rates Finance Director Tessa DeLine presented the updated water rate proposal, which included a 20.9% increase effective February 21, Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC Central Point City Council January 22, 2026 Meeting Page 3 of 8 2026, down from the previously proposed 25% increase. The rate increase is necessary due to: • A 26% increase in wholesale water purchases from Medford Water Commission • General inflation, increased construction and labor costs • Need to build financial stability in the water fund • Critical infrastructure project requirements Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore noted that most water line replacement projects would not be eligible for SDC’s, and emphasized that some pipes are 125 years old and barely functional. He explained that pipe replacements use high - quality materials with a 125-year lifespan for good return on investment. Council inquired about the water fund balance, expressing con cern about the decline from $1 million to approximately $400,000. Council asked about strategies to avoid emergency financial impacts from pipe breaks and suggested exploring grants. Finance Director Tessa DeLine responded that the proposed increases would help restore the fund balance to a safer level by 2027, noting that water infrastructure is not covered by insurance, making reserves critical for emergencies. Council also asked about the rationale for different rate structures between residential and multi-family properties, particularly regarding consumption tiers. Staff explained this would be addressed in an upcoming comprehensive rate study planned for fall 2026. Mayor Taneea Browning opened the public hearing, no one came forward, and the public hearing was closed. Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC Central Point City Council January 22, 2026 Meeting Page 4 of 8 Rob Hernandez moved to approve Resolution No. 1854 a Resolution of the City of Central Point adopting Water Rate Adjustment Effective February 21, 2026. 9 Ordinances and Resolutions A. Ordinance Amending CPMC Section 15.04.010 Standards Applicable to Building to Comply with Updates and References to New State Code Building Official Derek Zwagerman presented the second reading of the ordinance updating the Oregon structural specialty code and Oregon mechanical specialty code to align with codes adopted by the Oregon Building Codes Division. There were no changes from the first reading. Motion: Approve Moved By: Kelley Johnson Seconded by: Sarah Roberts Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. None voted no. Kelley Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No. 2137 an Ordinance Amending in part Central Point Municipal Code Section 15.04.010 Standards Applicable to Building and Chapter 15.12 Plumbing Code, and repealing Chapter 15.22 Privately Owned Swimming Pools. B. Resolution Ratifying the General Services Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Human Resources Director Elizabeth Simas presented the completed collective bargaining agreement with the General Services unit, representing 34 employees. Negotiations took eight months and resulted in a three-year contract with: • 3.75% salary increases for the first two years, 2% for the third year • Changes to vacation accruals • Updates to on-call pay, incentive pay, and bilingual pay • Adjustments to overtime calculations Motion: Approve Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC Central Point City Council January 22, 2026 Meeting Page 5 of 8 Moved By: Kelley Johnson 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. Kelley Johnson moved to approve Resolution No. 1855, a Resolution Ratifying the General Services Collective Bargaining Agreement and Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Sign the Agreement. 10 Business A. City Council Discussion on Graffiti Policy/Code Amendments City Manager Chris Clayton presented a staff report and potential ordinance language, policy and standard operating procedure for addressing graffiti in the city. This item was brought forward at Councilor Olsen's request. Chris explained the proposed hybrid approach, emphasizing that the focus would be on compliance rather than enforcement, with the nuisance process only used as a last resort. The hybrid approach could mean: • A policy component where the police department and code enforcement would work with property owners when graffiti is reported, offering a waiver of consent so the city can help provide materials, supplies, or volunteer assistance for removal • A code component that would add graffiti to the city's nuisance definition, allowing the city to initiate code enforcement if property owners refuse to address graffiti after a certain period (60-90 days) Council expressed support for the voluntary approach, noting the "small town feel" would likely lead to cooperation from most property owners. Council questioned whether code amendments were necessary if enforcement would rarely be needed, and raised concerns about potential disagreements over what constitutes graffiti versus art. Chris and City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer explained that the nuisance Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC Central Point City Council January 22, 2026 Meeting Page 6 of 8 process would provide a mechanism for resolving disputes, as the Council would ultimately decide whether something constitutes a nuisance if a property owner requested a hearing. Council emphasized the importance of addressing graffiti promptly before it becomes a larger problem and suggested having clear consequences for perpetrators. Chris confirmed that graffiti is already a crime that is investigated and prosecuted, and that the proposed definition of graffiti as "unauthorized marking of someone else's property" would avoid most disputes over artistic intent. Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore and Police Chief Scott Logue noted that their departments try to be proactive in addressing graffiti on city property and woul d assist property owners when resources allow. The Council directed staff to move forward with developing appropriate code amendments, a formal policy, and a consent waiver for future consideration. B. 2026 City Council Committee & Board Assignments The Council reviewed and updated committee and board assignments for 2026. 11 Mayor’s Report Mayor Browning reported attending the CASA luncheon, meeting with the new Executive Director for SOREDI, and touring the State Police Department. She also met with Parks and Recreation staff to discuss the interview process for a youth member and the survey for the urban forestry program. The Mayor noted that she and Councilor Hernandez had discussed potentially exploring ward meetings when the weather improves. 12 City Manager’s Report City Manager Chris Clayton reported meeting with Blair Sundell, the new Executive Director of SOREDI, and noted that Mr. Sundell would be invited to a future Council meeting. He provided an update on a pedestrian fatality Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC Central Point City Council January 22, 2026 Meeting Page 7 of 8 that occurred the previous night at Pine and the I -5 ramp. He reported that he and Councilor Hernandez attended the Medford Water Commission meeting where they advocated against the return on investment component of the 26% rate increase, particularly the 2.5% risk premium added to the 20-year treasury rate. Chris mentioned an upcoming formal offer on the Old Military property that had been previously declared surplus. He also noted signing a joint letter with Jackson County and other Rogue Valley cities to the legislature expressing concern about potential changes to the 50-30-20 gas tax funding formula that could reduce transportation funding for cities and counties. 13 Council Reports Councilors briefly reported on recent committee attendance and community engagements, including participation in transportation committee meetings, the Medford Water Commission meeting, and the Medford Chamber Forum. Councilors also toured the new State Police building, met with a local business owner, and acknowledge d the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 14 Department Reports Staff provided several updates, including an announcement of the all- employee breakfast scheduled for March 18 at 7:30 a.m. An update was given on field training activities, and it was reported that a draft offer had been received for the Old Military Road property. Additionally, an update was provided regarding the City’s assumption of responsibility for open space in the Twin Creeks area, including efforts to address a feral cat issue. Approximately 50 to 100 cats were identified in the flood overflow channel, and the City is working to relocate them prior to treating the area in March. 15 Executive Session Councilor Neil Olsen moved to adjourn to executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i). The motion was seconded by Councilor Whitaker. The motion passed unanimously. The Council adjourned to executive session to review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer of any Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC Central Point City Council January 22, 2026 Meeting Page 8 of 8 public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing. A. Pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i) to review and evaluate the employment - related performance of the chief executive officer of any public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing. Council resumed regular session at 8:26pm. After the Council gave the City Manager a favorable evaluation, they made a motion to increase the City Manager's compensation package by 6%, and extended his contract until December 31, 2028. Rob Hernandez made a motion to increase the City Manager ’s compensation package by 6%, extend the term to December 31, 2028 and authorize the Mayor to sign the amended contract . Mike Quilty seconded. 16 Adjournment Neil Olsen moved to adjourn, all said aye and the meeting was adjourned at 8:41 pm. The foregoing minutes of the January 22, 2026, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of _________________, 202 6. Dated: _________________________ Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: __________________________ City Recorder Docusign Envelope ID: 52186D64-9A5A-47D9-AF6D-176B46D74DEC 2/13/2026 February 12