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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/13/26 CC MinutesCITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES August 13, 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, Ward II Kelley Johnson, Ward I Neil Olsen, Ward IV Brian Whitaker, At Large Michael Quilty, Ward III Sarah Roberts The following members were absent: At Large Rob Hernandez 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, Planning Director Stephanie Powers, Planner I Cecelia Bagnoli, and Public Works Office Assistant Cyndi Weeks. 4 Public Comments A resident from the North 3rd Street area addressed the Council regarding fire hazard concerns in her neighborhood, citing overgrown weeds, accumulated debris, and wood piles adjacent to fences. She submitted photographs documenting the conditions at various addresses and inquired about the effectiveness of code compliance enforcement in areas beyond Pine Street. City Manager Chris Clayton responded that the city issues citations regularly and that enforcement is largely complaint-driven. He encouraged residents to submit formal complaints so that concerns can be properly addressed and tracked. 5 Public Agency Comments Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7 Central Point City Council August 13, 2026 Meeting Page 2 of 8 6 Consent Agenda A. Approval of July 16, 2026, Meeting Minutes Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. 7 Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 8 Ordinances and Resolutions A. Ordinance Repealing Ch. 8.06 - Flying Model Aircraft Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore presented the ordinance repealing Chapter 8.06 of the Central Point Municipal Code, which regulated model aircraft. Staff recommended repeal on the grounds that the FAA now exclusively governs drone operations, rendering the local ordinance preempted by federal regulation. Staff noted that a future ordinance addressing drone takeoff and landing in city parks could be considered at a later date if the Council wished. One councilor express ed concern that repealing the chapter would eliminate local protections regarding privacy, trespass, harassment, and emergency response, and suggested the city attorney review which provisions could be retained or rewritten in compliance with current Oregon and federal law. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Sarah Roberts Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Michael Quilty , Sarah Roberts voted yes. Michael Quilty moved to forward to a second reading that Ordinance repealing Central Point Municipal Code Chapter 8.06 Flying Model Aircraft. B. Ordinance Amending In Part Chapter 6.06.010 - Targeted Grazing in City Limits Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7 Central Point City Council August 13, 2026 Meeting Page 3 of 8 City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented the ordinance amending Chapter 6.06.010 to allow goats for targeted grazing within city limits for fire suppression purposes, as directed by Council at the previous meeting. Key provisions include grazing limited to 21 consecutive days per penned area, a 30-day rest period before returning to a treated area, and a maximum of three grazing cycles per year per property or penned location. The city will not regulate licensing of goat delivery services at this time. There was no discussion. Motion: Approve Moved By: Sarah Roberts Seconded by: Neil Olsen Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty , Sarah Roberts voted yes. Sarah Roberts moved to forward to a second reading that Ordinance amending Title 6 - to amend in part Chapter 6.06.010 to allow goats for targeted grazing in city limits. C. Ordinance Amending Title 6 to Allow Miniature Pigs City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented the ordinance for its second reading. Since the first reading, two clarifications were incorporated: an explicit prohibition on keeping miniature pot -bellied pigs for commercial breeding purposes, and an expanded definition to include Vietnamese, Chinese, Asian, and other domesticated miniature pot - bellied pig varieties. Weight and height limits remain in place to define eligible animals. City Manager Chris Clayton sought confirmation that the term "miniature" in the ordinance title was not problematic; City Attorney Dreyer confirmed it was appropriate given the accompanyi ng size restrictions. There was no further discussion. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Neil Olsen Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty , Sarah Roberts voted yes. Michael Quilty moved to approve Ordinance No. 2144, an 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. Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7 Central Point City Council August 13, 2026 Meeting Page 4 of 8 D. Resolution Authorizing Temporary Closure of E Pine - Homecoming Parade City Manager Chris Clayton presented a resolution authorizing the temporary closure of East Pine Street on October 14, 2026, for the Crater High School homecoming parade. The parade route was shortened from the school's original proposal to address concerns related to post office access and proximity to Highway 99. The estimated cost to the city was reduced from approximat ely $12,000 to $7,000, which would be reimbursed by the school district. City Manager Clayton noted that the school district's athletic director had not yet formally confirmed participation, but that Council approval would allow the city to be prepared sho uld the district proceed. Motion: Approve Moved By: Sarah Roberts Seconded by: Kelley Johnson Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty , Sarah Roberts voted yes. Sarah Roberts moved to approve Resolution No. 1883, a Resolution authorizing a temporary closure of East Pine Street on October 14, 2026 for the Crater High School Homecoming Parade and establishing conditions of approval. E. Resolution Approving IGA with RVCOG for Commercial Kitchen Project City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Central Point and the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) as the next step in the CDBG grant application process for a commercial kitchen to support RVCOG's Meals on Wheels and senior nutrition programs. The IGA establishes the roles and responsibi lities of each party in applying for the grant. There is no cost to the city at this stage. A subsequent subrecipient agreement would govern grant administration if the award is made. There was no discussion. Motion: Approve Moved By: Michael Quilty Seconded by: Brian Whitaker Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty, Sarah Roberts voted yes. Michael Quilty moved to approve Resolution No. 1884, a Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7 Central Point City Council August 13, 2026 Meeting Page 5 of 8 Resolution approving that Intergovernmental Agreement with RVCOG for commercial kitchen project and authorizing the City Manager to execute same. F. Resolution Authorizing Request for Exemption Regarding CDBG Grant for RVCOG City Attorney Sydnee Dreyer presented the resolution authorizing City Manager Chris Clayton to submit a letter to Business Oregon requesting an exemption from conflict -of-interest rules to allow RVCOG's own staff to administer the CDBG grant. The exemption is authorized under the Code of Federal Regulations and is necessary because RVCOG, as the grant recipient, would also be administering the grant funds. City Attorney Dreyer noted that RVCOG staff bring established expertise in CDBG administration, and that requiring a third-party administrator would reduce the funds available for the kitchen project itself. RVCOG Executive Director Anne Marie Alfrey confirmed that this process mirrors the approach taken for a similar project in Josephine County and that RVCOG would take responsibility for identifying a third-party administrator if the exemption were denied. Motion: Approve Moved By: Sarah Roberts Seconded by: Kelley Johnson Roll Call: Members Taneea Browning, Kelley Johnson, Neil Olsen, Brian Whitaker, Michael Quilty , Sarah Roberts voted yes. Sarah Roberts moved to approve Resolution No. 1885, a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Apply for an Exemption from Conflict of Interest Rules to Allow RVCOG Staff to Administer CDBG Grant for Food Bank Commercial Kitchen. 9 Business A. Sign Code Amendment Project Introduction Planner I Cecelia Bagnoli provided an informational update on the sign code amendment project, which has been underway since December 2025. No action was requested. The current sign code has not been updated since the late 1960s and requires modernization to address outdated technology references, consolidate standards currently spread across multiple code chapters, and bring the city into compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 decision in Reed v. Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7 Central Point City Council August 13, 2026 Meeting Page 6 of 8 Town of Gilbert, which limits sign regulation to time, place, and manner rather than content. The planning department has created a public - facing web page that includes background information, a visual preference survey open through the end of August, and a self -guided sign tour. Early survey results indicate a community preference for preserving Central Point's small-town character, with support for gooseneck and muted neon signage and opposition to billboards and flashing signs. The Council was encouraged to take the survey. The project will continue with outreach to business owners and the Chamber of Commerce before returning to Council for review prior to final adoption. B. 4th Quarter — June 30, 2026, Financial Statements City Manager Chris Clayton presented the fourth quarter financial statements in the absence of Finance Director Tessa DeLine. Across all funds, approximately 46% of budgeted resources were received in the first year of the biennium, while spending was held to approximately 47% of the budgeted amount. Areas being monitore d include property tax receipts and charges for services, the latter of which is expected to improve in the second half of the biennium as larger SDC-generating projects are completed. The water fund ended June 30 with a balance of approximately $400,000, which has since grown to approximately $1,220,000 due to seasonal water usage and the rate increase implemented in March. City Manager Clayton also reported that a meeting with federal and state officials this week resulted in assurance that the city's long-anticipated $500,000 FEMA reimbursement for storm drain damage from the 2020 wildfires should be received before the end of September. The Council was advised that a detailed review of the financial statements and a presentation of a 10-year long-term financial plan would be provided at the Monday study session. 10 Mayor’s Report Mayor Taneea Browning reported attendance at the Oregon Mayors Conference in Ashland, where discussion focused on regional problem solving and interagency coordination. She highlighted the Bear Creek Restoration Initiative as a model for pre-established partnerships that facilitated rapid expenditure of post-fire mitigation funds. The Mayor also reported on attendance at a DARE board meeting, a crisis stabilization committee meeting focused on the disbursement of $3,000,000 in opioid funds awarded to Jackson County, an RVCOG meeting regarding urban Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7 Central Point City Council August 13, 2026 Meeting Page 7 of 8 forestry tree programs, and a meeting with Cow Creek regarding the Envision Bear Creek project. 11 City Manager’s Report City Manager Chris Clayton recognized Public Works employee Jaci Cobb for her actions in safely operating the street sweeper during a vehicle fire, preventing damage to nearby homes and property. He advised the Council that documents related to the long-term financial plan would be distributed prior to the Monday study session. He reported on a productive meeting with Medford's interim City Manager regarding mutual issues, noting that Medford is planning to transition to a tiered public safety fee structure modeled after Grants Pass. He addressed recent media inquiries about the city's Flock camera system, noting the city would not be commenting on Josephine County's decision to decommission theirs, and shared an audit showing 53 searches were conducted by officers in July with no identified misuse. He also noted a positive public discussion on social media regarding downtown Central Point businesses, and advised the Council that a use agreement for the new community center would be coming forward, with substantial completion expected around November 1 and a guided tour planned for October. 12 Council Reports Council members provided brief reports of attending the county fair, school board meetings, an Oregon Freight Advisory Committee, a governor's transportation vision subgroup meeting in Portland, and a webinar regarding the City of Portland's proposal to reduce capacity at the critical energy infrastructure hub by 20%, raising concerns about fuel supply reserves and operating costs statewide. One councilor raised constituent concerns regarding pet goats within city limits, ADA accessibility barriers involving a resident using an electric wheelchair, and handicap parking placement at a local clinic. One councilor noted attendance at commi ttee meetings focused on the CDBG kitchen project and interactions with candidates running for City Council. 13 Department Reports Police Department: The Chief of Police Scott Logue reported that code enforcement is primarily complaint-driven and encouraged residents to use the city's online reporting system to ensure matters are formally documented and acted upon. He reiterated that the Flock camera s ystem captures only vehicle license plates and does not photograph vehicle occupants or interface with personal devices, and that a July usage audit Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7 Central Point City Council August 13, 2026 Meeting Page 8 of 8 reflected 53 searches with no evidence of misuse. The Chief also reported that a conditional job offer was extended to a potential new hire, with the background investigation now underway. He noted that several officers were deployed to assist with wildfir e evacuations earlier in the day and were in the process of returning to Central Point. Parks and Public Works: Parks and Public Works Director Matt Samitore reported that a budget amendment to authorize purchase of a replacement street sweeper would be presented at a future meeting. The original sweeper, purchased for $210,000 seven years ago, was destroyed by fire; the replacement cost is approximately $411,000. Purchase will proceed through the Oregon government contracting program, and expedited action is needed as only one unit is currently available without a nine - month build lead time. Director Samitore also reported that the Vista Waterline project is nearly complete, that Liam's Trunk or Treat event will not be held on Pine Street this year due to staffing constraints, costs, and the transition to the new community center, and that Parks staffing is temporarily reduced due to resignations and staff engaged in wildfire firefighting work, which may result in a reduced level of park maintenance service through the remainder of summer. 14 Adjournment Neil moved to adjourn, all said aye, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:17PM. The foregoing minutes of the August 13, 2026, Council meeting were approved by the City Council at its meeting of August 27, 2026. Dated: 08/27/2026 _________________________ Mayor Taneea W. Browning ATTEST: __________________________ City Recorder Docusign Envelope ID: F21B818F-E7E5-8991-803C-59592118F4F7