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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/26/26 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES March 12, 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, Police Chief Scott Logue, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Park Planner Dave Jacobs, and City Recorder/Assistant Finance Director Rachel Neuenschwander 4 Presentation A. RVTD Presentation Kelly Madding, Operations Manager for the Rogue Valley Transit District (RVTD), and Tyler Jasper, board member, presented information about RVTD's current situation and upcoming levy. Kelly went over the financial challenges RVTD faced, noting that costs increased dramatically while revenue remained relatively static. The cost per service hour increased 78% since 2017, bus rebuild costs rose 61% from 2019-2025, and new bus costs increased 64% over 10 years. These factors led to a 40% service reduction in August 2025, including the elimination of 9 routes, weekday evening service, and Saturday service. Central Point lost Route 41 but retained R oute 40. Docusign Envelope ID: A0288883-83E8-826D-836A-66CC154798A8 Central Point City Council March 12, 2026 Meeting Page 2 of 7 The board approved pursuing a 5-year operating levy at 13 cents per thousand assessed value (approximately $52 annually for a $400,000 assessed home). Previous levy attempts in 2014 failed 40-62%, but efforts in 2016 and 2021 passed with organized campaigns. City Manager Chris Clayton noted that competition for transportation funding is fierce in the Rogue Valley and that there would be no tax compression issues with the levy. Tyler Jasper explained that rider surveys identified restoring Saturday service as the top priority, followed by evening hours. The levy wouldn't provide enough resources to restore all cut services, including Route 41, but cities could enter into dialogue about funding specific routes at full cost. Councilors asked various questions about paratransit fare structures, federal funding delays, and the potential for restoring Route 41. Tyler clarified that the levy would primarily maintain current service levels and could restore Saturday service, but restoring Route 41 would require additional city funding. The presentation concluded with RVTD requesting the council's endorsement of its levy for the voters' pamphlet. Mike Quilty moved to add an item to the agenda for the council to consider RVTD's Tax Levy and declare it an emergency. Neil Olsen seconded, all said aye, and the motion was approved. Brian Whitaker moved to authorize the city to endorse RVTD's Tax Levy. Kelley Johnson seconded, all said aye, and the motion was approved. 5 Public Comments 6 Public Agency Comments 7 Consent Agenda Docusign Envelope ID: A0288883-83E8-826D-836A-66CC154798A8 Central Point City Council March 12, 2026 Meeting Page 3 of 7 A. Approval of February 26, 2026, Meeting Minutes Motion: Approve Moved By: Brian Whitaker Seconded by: Rob Hernandez Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. None voted no. 8 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 9 Ordinances and Resolutions A. An Ordinance Amending in Part the Central Point Municipal Code Section 2.18.010 - Parks and Recreation Commission - Established - Membership - Terms Dave Jacob, Park Planner, presented the second reading of an ordinance amending the Parks and Recreation Commission membership terms. There were no changes from the first reading. Motion: Approve Moved By: Rob Hernandez 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. Rob Hernandez moved to approve Ordinance No. 2139, an Ordinance Amending in Part Central Point Municipal Code Section 2.18.010 - Parks and Recreation Commission - Established - Membership - Terms. B. Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.04 of the Central Point Municipal Code to Add Section 8.04.045 Unlawful Graffiti on Private Property as a Public Nuisance and Providing for Abatement City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented the first reading of an ordinance declaring graffiti on private property a public nuisance. The ordinance requires property owners to remove graffiti within 15 days of becoming aware of it. If they don't comply, the city can issue a notice requiring removal within 10 days. If the property owner still doesn't act, the city can remove the graffiti and charge the property owner for costs Docusign Envelope ID: A0288883-83E8-826D-836A-66CC154798A8 Central Point City Council March 12, 2026 Meeting Page 4 of 7 plus administrative fees. The ordinance is part of a two-pronged approach that includes a policy component under which the city will purchase basic supplies to provide to property owners to assist with graffiti removal or provide up to a $100 reimbursement to property owners for graffiti-removal supplies. The goal is to assist property owners rather than use the nuisance process except in worst-case scenarios. Councilors discussed various aspects, including applications for high- traffic graffiti areas and utility transformer boxes, and whether administrative costs should be waived for victims of vandalism. They also discussed increasing the $100 reimbursement amount and involving community organizations in cleanup efforts. It was also questioned whether administrative costs should be imposed on property owners who are victims of crime. Sydnee explained that property owners have multiple opportunities for assistance before reaching the abatement stage, and if they choose not to cooperate, they contribute to the problem requiring taxpayer-funded staff time. Motion: Approve Moved By: Sarah Roberts 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. Sarah Roberts moved to forward the Ordinance amending Chapter 8.04 of the Central Point Municipal Code to add Section 8.04.045 unlawful graffiti on private property as a public nuisance and providing for abatement to a second reading. 10 Business A. Planning Commission Report Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented to the council the Planning Commission report from the March 3, 2026, meeting. Topics included the Environment Management Element, Environmental Overlay Text Amendments, Administrative Review of a car sales and leasing facility on Ice Cream Drive. Docusign Envelope ID: A0288883-83E8-826D-836A-66CC154798A8 Central Point City Council March 12, 2026 Meeting Page 5 of 7 11 Mayor’s Report Mayor Browning attended the League of Oregon Cities presidential meeting to discuss legislative policy and they held 18 listening sessions statewide to gather input on policy. She also attended the SOREDI board meeting focused on economic development, the Golden Rule luncheon supporting justice-impacted individuals receiving reentry support, and the Dolly Parton Library luncheon. The library program provides free monthly books to children ages 0-5, builds home libraries, and includes discussion questions to enhance engagement. 12 City Manager’s Report City Manager Chris Clayton highlighted the importance of reading, noting statistics that children who can't read at grade level by fourth grade have only a 20% chance of graduating from high school, and those who can't read at grade level by ninth grade have less than 1% chance of graduating from college. He reported that SOREDI will meet next week to discuss the Tolo area. Grocery Outlet has new owners and will open on June 25th; the Old Military property sale has closed, with funds received, and the council's financial statements will be provided tomorrow. City Hall will undergo floor plan changes, with police expanding evidence storage to the second floor to improve efficiency and public accessibility. Regarding the OSHA situation from work on Peninger Road, the city received conflicting information about appeal procedures due to mail receipt issues. The city is working with OSHA to resolve the appeal process while maintaining its position that its work practices were safe. He mentioned that if the council desires additional transit service , such as Route 41, they could dedicate a portion of future diesel tax ballot measures to transit. 13 Council Reports Mike Quilty attended an RVACT meeting where the capital investment program subcommittee selected five regional priorities, including complete-street improvements on Highway 99 from Beale to Table Rock and the lengthening/widening of the northbound off -ramp at Exit 33. He also completed executive session training. Docusign Envelope ID: A0288883-83E8-826D-836A-66CC154798A8 Central Point City Council March 12, 2026 Meeting Page 6 of 7 Sarah Roberts attended OGEC training and a School District 6 board meeting where Handy Middle School presented their "5 A's" program (attitude, activities, athletics, attendance, academics). She was impressed by the student presentations and noted the school's use of ChatGPT to review student writing and identify trends in improvement. Rob Hernandez reported practicing retirement in Utah and Arizona with no official activities to report. Brian Whitaker reported on the following. 1. He sent a letter to Matthew S., which he indicated would be given to the City Recorder as a public record, and it may also be included in the Parks and Recreation Committee packet. 2. Dave asked whether he had questions regarding the summary, and he forwarded his questions to Matthew S. for review and response. 3. He plans to attend additional committee meetings this month, including DEI, Commerce, and other committees. 4. On his own initiative, he is organizing another silent auction to help promote businesses in Central Point while raising funds for charity. 5. A constituent asked about the American flags on East Pine Street, and he confirmed the explanation with the City Manager and forwarded the response to the constituent. The flags look great when displayed, and two visiting Army veterans commented positively on them. 6. He met with a constituent over coffee to discuss general topics related to Central Point and provided his contact information for future communication. 7. He attended the Gold Key luncheon, which recognizes individuals reentering society, and found the event uplifting and inspiring. 8. He was also invited to attend a Shakespeare Festival social event. 9. Next week, he plans to submit proposals related to finance, Avista matters, and other topics relevant to Central Point. 10. He enjoys working with members of the City Council and administration. His primary focus continues to be financial matters, public records, community improvement and development, and issues important to constituents. The night skies over Central Point are also something special to appreciate. 11. Finally, he intends to advocate for restoring a regional mail center to improve mail service in Southern Oregon. Neil Olsen celebrated local wrestling achievements: Crater boys wrestling placed second in state with four champions, highlighted by Aubrey Docusign Envelope ID: A0288883-83E8-826D-836A-66CC154798A8 Central Point City Council March 12, 2026 Meeting Page 7 of 7 Robinson's undefeated season, and Abby Samitor's fourth-place finish. He shared before-and-after photos of successful graffiti removal involving community volunteers, demonstrating the positive impact of neighborhood cooperation. Kelley Johnson reported no activities since the last meeting. 14 Department Reports Police and Planning departments had no reports to present. 15 Executive Session A. Pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed. The Executive Session was canceled. 16 Adjournment Neil Olsen moved to adjourn, all said aye, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM. The foregoing minutes of the March 12, 2026, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of _________________, 2026. Dated: _________________________ Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: __________________________ City Recorder Docusign Envelope ID: A0288883-83E8-826D-836A-66CC154798A8 03/26/2026 March 26