Cornelius Urban Renewable Agency Board and City Council Meeting - February 2, 2026

The meeting convened with the Cornelius Urban Renewable Agency (CURA) Board and then the regular City Council. The CURA Board elected officers, approved minutes, and received its first annual urban renewal report. The City Council adopted the consent agenda, recognized a 20-year employee, received updates on the Council Creek Regional Trail and police traffic data, discussed elected official training, appointed a budget committee member, proclaimed February as Black History Month, and heard council and mayor reports.

Consent Calendar

• CURA Board: Approved the minutes from May 5, 2025 and January 5, 2026. (Motion carried unanimously)
• City Council: Adopted the consent agenda (items not specified) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during either the CURA Board or the City Council meeting.

CURA Board Elections

• Chair: Councilor Lopez was nominated and elected unanimously to serve a one-year term as Chair.
• Vice Chair: Board member Godinez was nominated and elected unanimously to serve a one-year term as Vice Chair.

Urban Renewal Report (Presentation)

• City Manager Brandon presented the first annual report on the urban renewal fund, which was established in 2019. The fund generated approximately $634,000 in 2025, including $48,000 in interest. The report covers nine taxing districts impacted by tax increment financing. No board questions followed.

Recognition – Erica Martinez (20 Years of Service)

• The City Council recognized Erica Martinez for 20 years of service to the city. She started in public works and later moved to City Hall as the first point of contact for customers. Councilors praised her kindness, dedication, and community support.

Council Creek Regional Trail Update (Presentation)

• Jonas Kalfkins, Senior Project Manager at Washington County, provided an update on the East-West corridor of the trail. Two projects: trail segments (RAISE grant) and crossings (Riffer grant). Design completed September 2024; awaiting Federal Highway approval for construction. Crossings design in progress, with an online open house planned for April 2026. Construction anticipated starting January 2027, with completion late 2027/early 2028. Councilors requested in-person options to address the digital divide and translation services. The county agreed to consider in-person events.

Cornelius Police Report – Roundabout Traffic Data

• Deputy Brian Appell presented crash data for the 19th Avenue and Davis Street roundabout (January 2022 – November 2025). No significant increase in crashes was observed; the roundabout appears to have improved traffic flow. Council noted the intersection was previously dangerous.

Elected Official Resources and Training

• City Recorder Rochelle reminded councilors of free ethics training from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) and League of Oregon Cities. She highlighted the Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) training in March with a filing deadline of April 15, 2026. A discussion on annual legal training versus every other year ensued; councilors preferred a mix of topics including mental health, empathy, and media training. The required public meeting law training is once per term.

Budget Committee Appointment

• The council unanimously approved the appointment of Samuel Del Rimple to Position 5 on the Budget Committee, term expiring December 2028, effective immediately.

Proclamation – Black History Month

• Mayor Delane read a proclamation declaring February 2026 as National Black History Month in Cornelius, encouraging residents to learn about Black history and support equity.

Council Reports

• Councilor Godinez: Reported on ICE actions in the community, urged residents to stay safe, sign up for Echo (Equity Corps of Oregon), and call 911 if in danger.
• Councilor Sitlali: Shared personal experience with mental health, encouraged reaching out for help (988), and expressed gratitude for being alive.

Mayor’s Report

• Mayor Delane attended Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s town hall, noting tension in the last half hour. He urged community members to hold the appropriate agencies accountable and to stay safe during ICE operations. He expressed concern for long-term impacts on children and the community.

City Manager Update

• City Manager Brandon encouraged residents to apply for the 2026 Civic Leadership Academy (April cohort, applications open). The program is open to Cornelius residents, including high school juniors/seniors.

Key Outcomes

• CURA Board: Chair Lopez and Vice Chair Godinez elected. Minutes approved.
• City Council: Consent agenda adopted. Budget committee appointment approved. Proclamation issued.
• Decisions: Legal training to be offered every other year with alternative topics in off-years. In-person open house for trail crossings to be considered.
• Next Steps: County to follow up on Federal Highway approval; council to complete mandatory ethics training; community to be informed of training and leadership academy.