Cornelius Urban Renewal Agency and City Council Meeting - April 6, 2026

The meeting began with the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) board session, followed by the regular City Council meeting. Key topics included a town center redevelopment proposal, a proposed county vehicle registration fee increase, proclamations, recognitions, and an update on the Drake Learning Center.

Consent Calendar

• The URA board approved the consent agenda (minutes) by roll call vote (all present).
• The City Council approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes, liquor licenses, and multiple resolutions, by voice vote (all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Simperman, a nine-year resident, formally documented a systemic breakdown in administrative professionalism and transparency. She cited delays in acknowledgment of a 27-page notarized document on public safety and criticized the city website's use of first names only. She requested three reforms: a standardized 48-hour communication policy, digital transparency upgrades (full staff directory), and audit/training on correspondence tracking. Mayor Delane responded that the initial inquiry's litigious nature constrained response and that first-name-only listings are used to protect staff from harassment.

Discussion Items

• Town Center Redevelopment (URA Board): Consultant John Southgate presented a Notice of Site Availability (NOSA) approach for city-owned properties (old Mercado/Hank's site, former gas station at 10th, etc.). The NOSA would solicit simple letters of interest from developers, lowering the barrier to entry. Southgate noted interest but no firm commitments due to challenging market conditions. Board members expressed support for casting a wide net and using incentives. The timeline calls for a refined document in May, issuance in June, and responses in July.
• Washington County Vehicle Registration Fee Adjustment (Council): Commissioner Pam Trees and Jessica Pells presented a proposal to double the county's vehicle registration fee from $30 to $60 per year (or $60 to $120 per two years), effective January 2027. The increase would generate $34.4 million annually, with 40% shared with cities. Multiple councilors (Vaughan, Lopez, Goodness) and the mayor expressed strong concerns about affordability, especially for low-income residents, and suggested a phased approach. The mayor stated he cannot support the increase and recommended a multi-biennium phase-in if enacted. Commissioner Trees acknowledged the feedback and noted legislative work on tiering options.
• Washington County Update (Commissioner Woolley): Commissioner Jerry Woolley provided updates on the county budget (over $120 million cut in seven years), drone technology for public safety, TV Highway bus stop decisions (options B: 10th, 14th, 20th Avenues), and other topics. He also discussed the Metro Supportive Housing Services committee and a request from Portland for SHS funds.
• Proclamations: The council proclaimed April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day and April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• Recognitions: The city manager recognized Ryan Howe (Public Works) for achieving Level 3 water system and Level 2 wastewater certifications, and Rochelle Bateman (City Recorder) for earning Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation.
• Resolution 2026-25: The council approved naming the park at 1980 North Davis Street as "Davis Street Park" (motion by Councilor Goodness, second by Councilor Lopez, unanimous).
• Drake Learning Center Update (Council): Library Director Maria Aguilar explained the temporary pause in open lab hours due to liability concerns (volunteer roles, training, waivers) and air quality perceptions from the laser cutter. She stated the pause was necessary to update waivers and training, and the lab is on track to resume mid-April. The mayor offered support from his network if needed.

Key Outcomes

• URA board approved consent agenda.
• City Council approved consent agenda and Resolution 2026-25.
• Proclamations for Arbor Day and Child Abuse Prevention/Sexual Assault Awareness Month were issued.
• Recognitions were given to Ryan Howe and Rochelle Bateman.
• No action was taken on the vehicle registration fee increase; the feedback will be considered by the county board.
• The Drake Learning Center open lab is expected to resume by mid-April after addressing safety and training protocols.