The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About08/13/26 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 16, 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. The following members were absent: Ward III Sarah Roberts The following staff were also present: City Manager Chris Clayton, Cit y Attorney Sydnee Dreyer, Parks and Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Matt Samitore, Police Captain Greg Bruce, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Finance Director Tessa DeLine, and City Recorder/Assistant Finance Director Rachel Neuenschwander. 4 Public Comments 5 Public Agency Comments 6 Consent Agenda A. Approval of June 25, 2026, Meeting Minutes B. OLCC Application - Tiffany's Market Place Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA Central Point City Council July 16, 2026 Meeting Page 2 of 8 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 voted yes. 7 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 8 Public Hearing A. Resolution of intent to apply for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant from Business Oregon for the RVCOG Food Bank Commercial Kitchen Mayor Browning Read the Public Hearing Statement. City Manager Chris Clayton, presented a request to allow the City of Central Point to partner with the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) to apply for a 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Business Oregon. RVCOG recently purchased the City's former public works facility at 399 South 5th Street and intends to renovate it for use by their senior nutrition program, Food with Friends. Because RVCOG is not eligible to apply for the CDBG directly, the City would serve as the applying municipality. Staff confirmed that administrative burden would remain with RVCOG, the City would not be negatively impacted by cash flow, and an intergovernmental agreement modeled after a prior successful partnership with Josephine County would be executed before any work begins. City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer confirmed the legal framework was sound. Anne Marie Alfrey, RVCOG Executive Director, and John Pfefferle, Nutrition Program Director, provided supplemental context. The program serves over 250,000 meals annually to more than 2,000 residents in Jackson and Josephine counties, supported by approxim ately 450 volunteers. Owning the facility outright would ensure long-term program stability and eliminate ongoing lease costs. The grant cap is $1.5 million; total project costs are estimated at near $2 million, with a $188,000 Meals on Wheels America gra nt already secured for refrigeration units. RVCOG is confident it can secure the Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA Central Point City Council July 16, 2026 Meeting Page 3 of 8 additional funding required to complete the project. No conflicts of interest were declared. No public testimony was offered. City Manager Chris Clayton noted personal experience with the program's impact and encouraged support. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Kelley Johnson Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty voted yes. Michael Quilty moved to approve Resolution No. 1881, a resolution of intent to apply for a 2026 Community Development Block Grant from Business Oregon in support of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments Food Bank Commercial Kitchen Project. 9 Ordinances and Resolutions A. Ordinance Amending Title 6 to Allow Miniature Pigs City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented a proposed ordinance amending Title 6 to permit miniature pot -bellied pigs within city limits. Key provisions included a limit of two pigs per property, a maximum height of 22 inches and weight of 150 pounds, a spay/neuter requirement, and application of the same general conduct standards applied to dog owners, including leash requirements when off - property. Council members raised questions regarding identification requirements, vaccination standards, and the common breed references used in the ordinance. City Attorney Dreyer clarified that existing provisions prohibiting livestock were retained, with the ordinance carving out only miniature pigs as an exception. Regarding vaccinations, Chris Clayton noted that Jackson County Animal Control does not administer or certify vaccinations for these animals, and that disease transmission risk in a no-livestock environment is minimal. Discussion arose over whether to require some form of identification tag or collar. Several council members expressed support for identification requirements, while others argued that policy should be driven by existing problems rather than hypothetical ones, noting no Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA Central Point City Council July 16, 2026 Meeting Page 4 of 8 record of loose pigs in the city. Brian Whitaker made a motion to direct staff to return with a revised ordinance incorporating identification standards and updated common breed references. This motion failed on a 3-3 tie vote. Motion: Approve Moved By: Neil Olsen Seconded by: Kelley Johnson Roll Call: Members Rob Hernandez, Kelley Johnson, Brian Whitaker, Taneea Browning, Neil Olsen voted yes. Neil Olsen moved to forward to a second reading that Ordinance amending Title 6 - to amend in part Chapter 6.06.010 and add Chapter 6.07 to allow miniature pot -bellied pigs in city limits. B. A Resolution of Intent to Initiate an Amendment to the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan Clarifying the Application of Residential (R) Zones and the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay to Lands within the Urban Growth Boundary Planning Director Stephanie Powers presented a proposed resolution of intent to amend the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the amendment is to clarify that conventional residential (R) zones, rather than Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones, would be the default applied to lands within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) where transit is not available. The current framework defaults to TOD zones in the UGB, which do not permit manufactur ed dwelling parks—a state-recognized affordable housing type. Staff noted the City could face compliance challenges with state housing mandates if manufactured dwelling parks remain prohibited in the UGB. Planning Director Powers explained that the amendm ent would not diminish the existing TOD overlay, which would remain intact and could be expanded intentionally by Council action where transit is available. The proposed conventional R zones are being updated to align with state requirements while preserving community character preferences, including standards for connected open space, pedestrian and bicycle networks, and design elements residents value in areas like Twin Creeks. Staff presented proposed changes to Chapter 17.75 covering Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA Central Point City Council July 16, 2026 Meeting Page 5 of 8 residential open space and connectivity standards, including a new residential pedestrian access way cross-section standard modeled after Twin Creeks trails, open space consolidation minimums of one - half acre for usable recreation, and provisions for fee-in-lieu and credit for nearby parks. Council provided feedback on pedestrian pathway language, block standard flexibility, and open space frontage percentages, which staff agreed to incorporate before finalizing the code. Council members expressed general support for the approach, recognizing it would enable affordable housing options while preserving livability standards and local character through clear and objective development standards as well as a discretionary design review pathway. 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 voted yes. Rob Hernandez moved to approve Resolution No. 1882, a Resolution of Intent to initiate an amendment to the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan clarifying the application of Residential (R) zones and the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay to lands within the Urban Growth Boundary, directing staff to prepare the amendment for public hearing in coordination with the residential code standards for parks, open space, and multimodal connectivity already under development. 10 Business A. Drone Discussion Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore reported that the City's existing model aircraft ordinance is outdated and that drone use is primarily governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Staff presented two options: remove the City's ordinance entirely and defer to FAA regulations, or retain limited authority over takeoff and landing from city-owned parks. Council members broadly agreed that the FAA's regulatory framework Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA Central Point City Council July 16, 2026 Meeting Page 6 of 8 is comprehensive and actively enforced, and that the City has no jurisdictional authority over drones in flight. Several council members suggested that staff develop guidance for residents on how to report drone misuse to the FAA and make that information easily accessible on the City website and in City communications. Following discussion, Council directed staff to bring back an ordinance that prohibits the takeoff and landing of drones from city parks, while deferring all other drone regulations to the FAA. B. Discussion regarding allowing goats in city limits for fire suppression City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented a discussion on allowing temporary use of goats for fire suppression and vegetation management within city limits. Research showed that cities such as Medford and Salem permit this use, allowing herds to graze for no more than 21 consecutive days per half -acre area, with a 30-day waiting period before return. Matt Samitore, Parks and Public Works Director, noted goats are particularly effective at eliminating blackberries and confirmed that professional goat herding companies operating in the valley use secure temporary fencing. Council supported allowing the temporary placement of goats for fire suppression purposes. Council members agreed the City should not take on a new licensing or regulatory burden for commercial goat handlers. Staff was directed to prepare an ordinance permitting temporary goat use for fire suppression without creating a provider licensing system. C. Central Point Chamber of Commerce - Request for Funding Increase City Manager Chris Clayton presented a funding increase request from the Central Point Chamber of Commerce, which operates the City's Visitors Information Center. The Chamber currently receives $3,700 per month ($44,400 annually) and requested an additional $400 per month ($4,800 annually), bringing the total to $4,100 per month. Chris noted that the financial statements provided in support of the request did not clearly delineate expenses attributable solely to the Visitors Information Center versus the broader chamber operations, and that income sources such as fundraising events were not fully reflected. He recommended against an immediate increase, advising instead that the request be folded into the 2027–2029 budget development process to allow for proper financial review and Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA Central Point City Council July 16, 2026 Meeting Page 7 of 8 alignment with the City's current fiscal constraints. Council discussion touched on the distinction between city funding for visitor services versus general chamber operations, the possibility of a satellite visitor presence at the new community center, and interest in obtaining clearer financial accounting before any increase is granted. Council directed staff to communicate the decision to the Chamber in person and to bring the funding question forward during the next budget cycle. D. Planning Commission Report Planning Director Stephanie Powers reported that the Planning Commission met on July 7th and addressed two items. First, the Commission unanimously approved a replat consolidating four lots in the Griffiths Addition Block 2 (adjacent to McDonald's on Pine Street) into a single 1.6-acre lot to facilitate a pending commercial building development. No public testimony was received. Second, Community Planner Cecilia Benioli presented a sign code update discussion, including a visual preference survey now available to the public online and via QR codes posted at City Hall. The Commission's general preferences included softer lighting, reduced streetscape clutter, lower sign heights along the east side of town, and extension of existing temporary sign standards from the TOD overlay to the rest of the city. 11 Mayor’s Report Mayor Browning reported attendance at the swearing-in of a new police officer on July 8th, a community tea party at Alderwood Estate focused on the new community center and senior services, and participation in coordination of the upcoming Oregon Mayors' Conference in Ashland. The Mayor noted she arranged a presentation by the Bear Creek Restoration Initiative for attending mayors, highlighting floodplain management improvements along Bear Creek. The Mayor also reported attendance at a fundraising event benefiting CASA held at a local winery in Talent. 12 City Manager’s Report City Manager Chris Clayton reported the following: a Council Study Session is scheduled for Monday covering the homecoming parade, consent to annex properties, and the hardship discount program; Central Point maintained its position at number 7 on the Oregon livability list; a Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA Central Point City Council July 16, 2026 Meeting Page 8 of 8 grant was approved for ADA improvements and signage work at the Grange Hall in downtown; the Police Department has been assisting with traffic control and other support at the Expo; and the City is monitoring the nearby wildfire near Shady Cove and assisting with livestock evacuation as needed. Year-end financial statements are forthcoming, and there is renewed interest from a prospective buyer in the Bush Street property. 13 Council Reports Council members reported on recent activities including attendance at the Jackson County Fair-sponsored dinner, a Medford Chamber Forum, a Medford Water Commission meeting, regional transportation committee meetings in Portland focused on freight and Connect Oregon 9 funding, and observations of pedestrian infrastructure during personal travel. 14 Department Reports No department reports were presented. 15 Executive Session 16 Adjournment Neil moved to adjourn, all said aye, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:10PM The foregoing minutes of the July 16, 2026, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of August 13, 2026. Dated: 08/13/2026 _________________________ Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: __________________________ City Recorder Docusign Envelope ID: 302B2C56-3F2E-8BD7-83DC-6C803E158FCA