The City Council meeting for Monday, July 6, 2026.

Our work session is at 6 p.m.

tonight, and we're focused on the city facilities condition assessment.

And that's a staff presentation, multiple members here.

So Peter Brandman, Susan Rush.

So please introduce it.

Okay, thank you, Mayor and Council.

So as we've been telling you for a long time, we uh finally got done with our facility condition assessment, which we did in place of a facility master plan because we have basically enough facilities, and we have some build-out plans for the public works compound and some future remodeling of some of our existing buildings.

But what we didn't know was what the condition of our buildings that we own were in.

A lot of jurisdictions have been going to the facility condition assessments so that they can start planning and putting in money into their CIP to take on those repairs.

Kind of like buying a home, you have the money for your down payment, you get in there, and all of a sudden the HVAC goes out, roof needs replaced, whatever, and you're hit with unexpected expenses.

So I wanted to start off before I go into the all the slides to just let you know that the numbers are kind of shocking, but this is just a tool to let us know where the buildings are at, what kind of repairs they've identified that are critical, non-critical.

Um they did it on a 20-year planning horizon.

Um a lot of jurisdictions are moving to these condition assessments, and so what our consultant told us, which was Saison, is that we're not unique.

Um it's just you know, a lot of deferred maintenance that happens over the years.

Um it's really just a tool to look at managing our buildings and uh the best use of our finances.

It gives us a starting point.

We can use the tool then to keep an eye on maintenance or troubleshoot uh trouble spots, and then we can re-evaluate the priority list as we need to.

Sometimes they might have identified an end of life on a particular element as maybe 10 years out, but we might be able to patch it by and get by for 15 years, so that's something we can constantly look at.

Um, some of the documents in your packet that were provided to you was a heat map, which just gives a little visual assessment of major categories for each of the facilities, and those were on a rating scale of one to five in there.

And then each of those main categories were broke down in the second document, just gives a little more information on those.

Um so I wanted to provide that to you so that you can kind of understand where some of these um repair costs are coming in at.

So the first thing we want to go through is um a little more in the purpose and the scope.

Um this is going to support the city's asset management objectives, including establishing a consistent baseline of asset condition data, identifying major maintenance needs, and short to midterm capital planning.

Um the systems that were evaluated were the building envelope, which includes the siding, roof, windows, exterior doors, lighting, parking lots, and sidewalks.

There was also the interior, which are your typical walls, doors, floors, stairwells, um, stair finishes, uh, ceilings, elevators, and interior lighting.

Um they also evaluated structural for foundations and walls and columns and supports if they were present.

They looked at HVAC, electrical, including solar and generators, plumbing systems, utility connections being your electric gas and water, and the door access points, and then accessibility for ADA requirements and necessary improvements.

The methodology they used was a rapid visual assessment.

They didn't use any destructive measures at this point, and when they go into a building, they look from ceiling and work down.

Then they go outside, get up on the roof, look at that, and work down the building.

Um they used a standard uniform system, which is the uniform at level three, which is a little more in-depth.

It's a five rating scale, five being the most intensive.

So they used a pretty good level in there.

They looked at assets assigned, condition ratings, estimated remaining useful life, replacement costs, and then uh criticality to facility operations.

In the corrective actions categories, they used um they looked at critical repairs, non-critical repairs, and then functional improvements, current code, and then standard conditions.

Some items were grandfathered in their current condition.

Unless there's substantial work that gets undertaken, then those might need to be reevaluated and brought up to current code standards.

On the condition ratings, they used a scale of one being excellent to five unsatisfactory, and that's indicated on the heat map that shows the broad categories.

The cost estimating was completed by a third-party cost and construction management firm that was very familiar with the Pacific Northwest, and they provided the cost modeling.

The FCI, which is the facility condition index, is the corrective actions from 2026 through 2030, and they take that and add it to the predicted renewals 2031 to 2035, divide that by the current replacement value, and then that gives them an FCI on each building.

And in those categories, you have good, fair, poor, and very poor.

Lower FCI reflexive facility in better condition with the lower maintenance needs and associated costs.

Then they also looked at the current replacement value, and that is based on the cost model for the use type of each building and the factors, the cost models estimated cost per square foot by gross square foot of each building.

It does include cost markups to reflect full design and construction costs for the current year's construction market.

However, it does not include the escalation factor nor demolition costs of current building.

The primary use of modeling CRVs for buildings is to calculate the facility condition index for benchmarking purposes.

So when they looked at this and we look at all of the information, it's very consistent building to building.

So it really lets us know where we need to focus on.

And then with that, we can move into the CIP planning.

So what I did.

Are you so we'll take each building on here?

And these are the five-year corrective actions that were identified in each of the facility condition reports.

And they were again listed as critical, non-critical, and then the functional current code and standard conditions.

And for the civic center, you can see what each category was at.

And this is for more of the CR CIP, and then the cost replacement value.

So we asked them to do a 20-year horizon, so you can see what each five-year bucket is what they're predicting we would need to spend in order to get the facility up to a good conditioned building.

Um is shown there for today's dollars if you were to replace that building based on its functionality.

And I will tell you that in the civic center, and most of them, most of the costs are driven up by the HVAC systems.

Once they start going, a lot of times they need a full replacement, not just of the unit, but then all of the the ductwork and uh line sets and things.

So for the civic center, um on this one, we did note that the exterior walls were a critical item, exterior windows, um, the roof coverings, and the roof openings, and then they had the HVAC.

Um those are things that we've known.

We didn't really know how bad they were.

Um we knew they were getting up there, um, so then we were able to see this rating.

One of the other um items that was in here, which this cost um, and again, this is just a tool, but one of the things we jumped on was old so an old solar collector system that's in this building that is no longer functional.

Um Saison had it as a current um replace or current uh corrective action for 176,000, um, but we've reached out to some remediation companies, and we think it's gonna come in more like seven to ten thousand dollars.

Um so there's a lot of opportunities for us to either do a lot of work ourselves or to shop around and and get that.

So again, these numbers look startling, but you know, it's our job for staff to try to see what we can do to get those costs back down.

Susan, can I just interrupt?

Would you prefer that if there are questions?

There's obviously a lot of information, but as you go through that questions be asked while you're going through or just keep them to the end.

Do you have a preference?

Um as we go through, it'd probably be easier.

Okay.

Yeah.

So you're saying we have another eagle project.

Yeah.

All right.

Um, so then again, in the non-critical repair category for this one, um, most of it is um HVAC, and then there's some uh old HVAC systems that are just non-functional, and they recommend they be uh removed, but it's not imperative that those go out.

Um and then the only functional improvement here was um in the parking lot um just to bring it up to code and take care of some pooling that was happening in in the parking lot.

Do you have any questions on the civic center?

Okay.

So the next one is the community center across the street.

And this one, um, the critical repairs in this one.

Um, some of it was again the or most of it again was the HVAC system.

Um there's a little bit with um exterior windows and exterior walls that um should be corrected.

Um and that's again to help um prevent any further deterioration happening and causing a bigger issue down the road.

I just want to um comment on on this building.

Obviously, it still belongs to the school disforest grove school district, and we appreciate their they didn't even question us when we asked to include it in the study, so we appreciate that.

Thank you.

Um and then in the non-critical repair, um again, some water distribution.

Um they have a boiler in there that's very old.

Um, so there's a line item for that, little bit of parking lot maintenance that should be done to keep it safe, and then um the pedestrian paving, um they had some suggestions for taking care of some 88 ramps that we would not have considered beforehand.

So that was very helpful.

Okay.

And so here is the um CIP and the cost replacement value for that facility.

So again, looking at the five-year horizon, there's a lot of um elements in there that we can definitely take on and and re-evaluate for our um getting it up to the function.

And then going on to the library.

So the library was interesting because it's our newest facility.

Um this one, um, yeah, as you guys know, there's been a lot of leaks that have happened in there.

And so what they found is that um the domestic water system is a particular kind of piping, it's aquatherm, and it's been reported to have leakage issues.

So um, which is unfortunate, but um I know that Peter and I have um talked with Saison about doing an investigative study where they could come in and evaluate if that has been the source of the leaks or not, and um see if we can't take care of that.

And I believe that they're working with the HOA too on that.

We we are going back and forth with the HOA to coordinate um, you know, because we are it's a it's a three-unit HOA and we're one of the three units, and uh so we need to coordinate with the other two uh members of the HOA and in that work, and so that's ongoing.

So I don't think I just can set back as now.

Oh, aqua therm?

Um back to the developer on us now.

Sorry.

Apologies.

So my question is um related to the um aquifer system that you were mentioning has leaks.

Um because the building is new, and so when it was developed and that system was put into place knowing potentially that is known for leaks, is that something then because the building is done in everything, what is the insurance look like on that?

Are they are the developers that help us create that have anything to do with it, or it all falls back to us having to fix those issues and then go through HOAs to try to pay for that, or what does that kind of look like?

I'll I'll field that one.

It um still TBD, we do know we've had one meeting with the HOA, and there is shared interest in studying the causes of the leaks because there are multiple causes for the different leaks that have happened, but they have been at least since I've gotten here.

It's interesting because before I don't think there were in uh Maria's not here, but there weren't as many, and so it it seems to be partly uh systems related and partly in some cases um other reasons for the leaks, and so we want to really study that first and then determine what options we might have.

Um the building is still technically under warranty, and so that's that's part of part of it, yeah.

And how long is the building under warranty for?

10 years.

10 years, okay.

Got it.

So what we found in looking through the conditions assessment also for the library is that um what really has drug it down and and pushed those numbers up for the library was the HVAC system that was chosen at the time the building was constructed.

It's a Toshiba system, and um Saison had noted that those systems are prone to go out well before their expected life, um, which is typically a 10-year mark, and we've already been having some issues with them.

So this um report is for full replacement of the system.

Um, but we've talked about that we could just keep replacing the units as we go along and not incur that full system replacement.

So those are some of the options that staff will work together and and try to determine what is the best use for us.

Okay, and so again, there's the immediate high priority.

A lot of that's the HVAC system that's in there and the current replacement value of the building.

Okay, the next one is Grande Plaza.

Um this one, the critical repairs are pretty extensive.

Um, and then they have some non-critical repairs, and uh those were more like ceiling finishes, um, communications, security, um, and the parking lot, and those types of costs.

In the functionality, um they looked at um again pedestrian paving um and ADA compliance, um, some lighting and branch wiring, floor finishes, uh doors, partitions, things like that.

Okay, and then going over to the CIP and the current replacement value.

So the um immediate five-year horizon is about 17 million on that one in the current replacement value in today's dollars is 41 million.

Um, and again, the um how they calculate all these costs is just by adding in the corrective actions in that first five-year horizon, and then the predicted renewals, which are your short, mid, and log long term, and then divide it by the current replacement value.

Okay, does anyone have questions on this one?

Okay, all right, public safety building.

Um again, a lot of the corrections that they noted for critical repairs and um functional improvements would be taken care of in the remodeling that's planned that we have the grant for.

Um we had we were going to replace um the lighting in there with LED, but because we knew there was remodeling that would be happening, we held off on doing that.

But that is something that drove the costs up for the public safety building.

Um overall, most of their critical repairs were um again dealing with HVAC, which would be taken care of with the remodeling.

Um, and then the sanitary sewer um wasteline was a concern to them due to some ongoing issues.

Is are we working with uh Oregon Energy Trust?

Are they still running any programs on lighting?

They used to do like half the cost of it if you upgraded to a more energy efficient.

So I don't know if that's on that program plan or not.

Generally, yes, their their incentive programs change you know year to year, um, but they'll certainly be uh you know consulted as we as we start uh designing the renovation of the building, which will be both for the seismic uh retrofit and overall renovation of the building.

And again, with the renovation of the building, um, and I was telling you about the HVAC, they have um a concern with the airflow monitoring in there, um, which is just the exchanging.

So when the new dorms are built out, that'll be included in as part of that.

So those are repairs will come down okay.

And then for the CIP, each of the five-year buckets, and then the current replacement value of that building.

All right, and then we go to public works.

So this one we have three buildings on the compound.

So we asked them to break it down by each building because we have our fleet garage is our oldest building there.

And when it was when they combined the report at first, we had a very terrible condition index.

And so we were curious of why that happened, and it was because of that building.

So we asked them to reevaluate.

So the administrative building.

So in the vehicle garage again, most of it was the exterior walls and the roof on that one.

Okay.

And Western states.

So in western states, this one has about 6.5 million in critical repairs that need done.

And then there's a few functional improvements.

And what they had found in corrective actions, exterior windows are older single pane.

Those should be replaced, stair construction, stair finishes, water distribution in the building, sanitary waste again, like some of our other buildings are aged, energy supply, and the heating systems in there.

Some of their non-critical issues were the exterior doors, the partitions, communications and security, and parking lot.

And then for their interior or their functional improvements and current codes, those were more things like the wall finishes, floor finishes, lighting and branch wiring, and then site lighting, which is your exterior lighting to bring those up to LED standards.

And the caveat on this one as well.

Like with a couple of the other properties, it's a little bit different.

It's not purely a city facility, but it is in our urban renewal plan, and we've been supporting the the newer newish owners in exploring what the future of the building would be.

And so this this information is helpful to them.

And we we continue to work with them to just help them figure out what the future of the building will be.

Okay.

And that's all I have to update you on for that.

We did get individual building assessments with the documentation and a few recommended funding opportunities that they identified for us.

And again, it lists out where our priorities should be in addressing some of these issues.

So staff will be working hard to get this all incorporated and uh working to get it into our CIP for this next year.

Council, any questions?

Council Lopez.

Uh clarifying question.

The current replacement value, is that the value of the building right now as it stands?

Is that what that's indicating?

Yes.

Okay.

Yes.

Thank you.

And again, that doesn't include like if you were to demolish a building, it doesn't include those costs in it.

Okay, okay.

That's what I was wondering if it was comparing what it would take to you know invest in it, or if you wanted to take it down and bring something up new.

Okay.

Thank you for clarifying that.

Thank you.

Any other questions?

Okay.

Cool.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay.

Next up is our media training with uh ITSL.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council.

Today we will be talking about media training, and I just wanted to give you a quick FYI.

This is very surface level.

This training is usually three days long, so you guys are getting 30 minutes.

So it's just kind of like the the one-on-one of what to do for media training.

So it's a little bit of like a taste of what you guys will learn.

And if you guys want to do this again, I'm open to it.

Today we will be discussing media relations and best practices for responding media inquiries.

The media landscape has really changed over uh significantly over the several past years, and understanding those changes helps us communicate effectively while protecting the city's credibility.

And again, we are always learning about communication, it's always changing.

And these are the some of the things that we're going to talk about today.

And you will learn about things that I still do because I'm still learning as well.

Okay.

These are the three major ways media has evolved over the last couple of years.

Media is so much faster now than it has ever been, and it continues to be faster and faster.

Um information is not always verified.

Um telling the truth.

Um and we communicate uh directly with our community.

We are now able to communicate directly with our community through like our social media platforms and all that kind of stuff.

So it has really changed over the last couple years.

Uh news no longer depends on solely like newspapers or television crews arriving on scene.

Information issued instantly through websites, social media, and mobile services.

Um, and news can really spread within minutes now.

Media outlets also complete uh compete to publish their stories first.

Being first often means like you get more clicks, you get more likes, you get more shares, and honestly, it just equals more money as well for the media outlets.

And because of this, timelines have become a lot shorter.

Um requests that were once like one day, one full day, they're now expected within like an hour, two hours, and really late is like three hours considered for um like our media.

And this is an example that I want to show you guys today.

And I want you, it's gonna be a more like interactive, and I want you to look at this example that we recently received a couple months ago.

Um, and I want you to tell me how much time they provided me to respond.

Is it reasonable?

And are we required to respond to their timeline?

Who wants to answer the first question?

They gave me an hour, and this was specifically asking for reports on facilities, and like they wanted and they wanted some statements from the mayor.

Is it reasonable?

One hour.

I don't think so.

No.

Are we required to respond to their timelines?

No.

No, we are not.

And we're gonna move on to the next part, which is the media environment has also changed how they gather information, which is really important.

Traditionally, we've relied on journalists to have verified sources.

And um they can quickly become into rumors, like rumors become into verified sources.

We can now honestly get information from TikTok, X, Facebook, and media will publish this as a reliable resource or source, which is not true.

And unfortunately, rumors and speculation can quickly become headlines before facts are even confirmed.

Information become can come from anonymous accounts, they can be AI generated now, which is also a brand new thing.

And unfortunately, a lot of people, it's becoming so up to date that AI is becoming really like real, and you can't tell which one's a lie and which one's the truth.

Um people that are there, sometimes they say that they're witnesses and they're seeing what they're seeing, but unfortunately, it might not be the full story.

And they're not considered not technically like they're lying, it's what they're seeing, but they're just not, they don't have the full information.

And this reinforces the importance of providing accurate, timely information from official sources uh whenever appropriate.

So I'm gonna give you guys an example of something that recent not recently, a couple years happened.

Um, and I want you to see the video and then in the discussion, what information was accurate, what wasn't, and how could um official communication help?

And just a little background, it's when we had a sinkhole in the city, which was not actually a sinkhole, it was a water pipe that had burst through um our road.

Yeah.

On the corner of South Eighth Avenue and Fawn Street here in Cornelius, homeowners are waking up to big puddles outside their homes.

It's water left over from flooding that was caused by a big sinkhole that formed here last night.

As you can see, everything is patched up right now, but I want to give you a look at video from last night showing you just how intense that flooding was.

Neighbors here tell me it looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.

If I didn't know better, and of course you do, it looked like it was boiling.

It looked like we had some awful thing underneath, just boiling up really, really high.

And um it was exciting and horrifying with equal measure.

It was it was like a sci-fi.

It was exciting.

There was I will let you answer the question.

So, what information was accurate in this whole new that went out to all of Oregon.

I mean, there was street work done that night and patched up by morning.

Yes, what wasn't the whole topic, right?

It was a bust of water made, not a sinkhole.

Those are two very different things.

Yes.

And how could official communication help with this?

Yes, correct.

So this was it started off with a Twitter post, an ex-post, where it said that please be careful there's a sinkhole because someone on social media said that it was a sinkhole, and the media ran with it.

And then it became a little bit chaotic.

People on social media and community members were scared, and they were telling them stay home.

Like there's sinkholes in Cornelius happening right now.

So it is really important that we are quick with responding, but also having the information that we need to respond accurately.

And we'll move on to the next one, which is really important and has changed.

We can now be our own media.

One of the biggest advantages we have today is the ability to communicate directly with our community.

We have several official communication channels, the city of Cornelius social media platforms, city website, flash alert, which distributes news directly to our local media outlets and subscribers, and our city's monthly Gazette newsletter available both in print and electronically.

These tools allow us to provide accurate information directly to our residents rather than relying solely on outside media coverage.

And on here you can see that we had posted on social media that night and said that it was a water break.

And what really helped is that when we are posting to our community, we're posting in both in English and Spanish, where media outlets are not doing that.

They're just solely posting in English.

And it was really nice that we were ahead of the game as well because we were able to post this and on the local news outlets.

There was community members saying, hey, it was actually a water break.

And they were trying to like help us out with like communicating that that it wasn't actually a sinkhole.

So it is really important that we are now able to control some of the messaging or most of the messaging that we put out there now through our own media.

And to summarize, media is faster, more faster than it has ever been, and it'll probably be even faster.

Information is not always verified.

It can be really anybody posting information out there, and media can run with it.

And we do have official communication channels that now are more reliable than actually going out to the media sometimes, unfortunately.

Before we move on, are there any other questions before we move into this next part?

Council.

Okay.

Okay.

Some of the examples that are included are like press releases, social media posts, website updates, and flash alerts.

Um with this outbound communication, we do really control the timing, the messaging, and the information that is shared out there.

Our goal really is to maximize accurate public awareness for our community.

And this is our goal control the message.

And then inbound communication communication, this is when reporters contact the city seeking information, and that's what today's training is really gonna focus on is uh inbound media requests.

With inbound communication, our goal is to provide accurate information while so avoiding speculation and unnecessary um expansion of the stories.

And it is please remember that we want to keep responses brief, uh stay focused on the facts, the information and uh that we give out like photos, video that we provide, really make the story a lot larger.

So we really want to be careful with what we're providing with media as well.

And we'll start going over when media contacts us in several forms.

So if we ever receive a media inquiry, I really want you guys to know that I am available.

Please notify me, the communication manager, consult with appropriate city staff before responding.

Remember that you are not required to respond to reporters' deadlines, keep responses brief, use active phrasing if needed, use bridging techniques to return to your key message.

And we won't spend too much time covering active phrasing or bridging techniques because it's a whole other training, but they are techniques that are very important.

And we do, I did provide you guys with an example of a piece of paper that's should be in front of you, um, kind of explaining what those um techniques are so you can reference them later.

And going forward, I will have Rochelle, our city recorder, have these resources available on your SharePoint so you can easily access them whenever you need to.

And email responses.

If you ever receive immediate email, please forward them straight to me or the staff that is responsible for them at the time if I'm ever gone.

Uh, we will determine whether the responses are um to respond appropriately, or if we need if you guys ever need help responding to one, we we can also help with that.

Some of these requests do involve public records and should be coordinated with our city recorder.

Sometimes they're asking for example information like stats or reports that really would take some staff time up, and we want to make sure that there is a process for that.

So that would be through our city recorder instead of us just giving the information out and doing the extra hours of work that would actually need to go through a whole process, and we're not just releasing city information to the media.

Um, and for example, in this example, um, I'm using I'm gonna provide an example of if we were not to, we didn't want to respond to the media um regarding the situation with like the sinkhole, and then I'll have another example if we're correcting the uh information the media has put out there regarding the sinkhole.

So, this is the first example.

Hello, Justin, thank you for reaching out.

The city city is currently reviewing the matter and will provide updates as information becomes available best and then be whoever responded.

This is an example of using active phrasing while keeping the response brief and professional.

In this situation, we may not have all the information yet, but we will still acknowledge and the concern and communicate that the city is actively reviewing the matter.

Instead of speculating or providing information we don't have, we are clearly stating the action is being taken and setting an expectation that we will follow up when more information becomes available.

The response is short, direct, and really keeps um the focus on the city's next steps.

So this would be just the really quick response, and this would be if we're correcting the response, which is regarding like the sinkhole.

Hello, Amanda.

Last night the water main break occurred at the intersection of South Eighth Avenue and Font Street.

Although there were initial concerns, this is not a sinkhole.

City crews work throughout the night to repair the water main and the and services fully restored to by early this morning.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

Best.

And this example is how we correct the information that is being shared by media while still keeping our response factual and professional.

Um, when information is reported incorrectly, our goal is to provide accurate information without over-explaining or adding details that are not necessary.

In this example, we do acknowledge that the concern the concern was reported, and we did clarify that um the incorrect information by stating that it is not a sinkhole.

Um, and then we provided confirmed the facts about what occurred and the actions that were taken by the city.

Any questions on that so far?

So these would be regarding email responses, and really I would just say send them over, and then we can work on a response together.

Phone calls.

My recommendation is do not do any unplanned interviews via phone.

Um instead, treat the initial call as an opportunity to gather information, find out who's calling, which media outlet are they with, what is their phone number and email, and what is the story about, and what is their deadline?

This really allows us uh time to coordinate with city staff and with you all.

Um, I have also provided a little sample uh media inquiry report that you can use as a resource.

If you are ever unsure what the qu um what the questions are, um you can always use this as a helpful guide, and again, I will have it as a resource available on your shared point.

And I will give you a few examples of this.

Okay, the example.

Hello, mayor.

This is Justin with PDX News.

We're hoping to get a statement regarding the recent sinkle.

Why did it take so long to repair?

What is was it due to poor staff coordination?

How do you think the whole situation was handled?

And then the mayor doing everything perfectly would say we'll say hello, Justin.

Thank you for reaching out.

I'm currently heading into a meeting, so I'm unable to speak right now.

Before I let you go, could you briefly tell me what the story is about?

And then they would respond.

And are you and you're from PDX News?

They would respond.

Could I also get an email address, phone number, and deadline?

They would respond, and then you would follow up with saying thank you, we'll follow up after we had an opportunity to review your questions.

So you're not necessarily you know hanging up, but you're still um gathering the information we will need to respond to the person.

Um if you are again ever unsure, you can always use the little template or the guide that was provided in the last slide, and we'll have it for you available in um as a resource.

Any questions so far on phone responses?

Okay.

Responding in person.

So this is a really big one.

It's a very word heavy, text heavy.

Um, if you ever approach by media in person, stay calm.

Uh speak to an interviewer, not the camera.

Uh, be aware of your tone and body language.

It is really important.

Do not have like closed off arms where you kind of like don't really want to answer the questions.

Um, don't move your hands a lot.

I'm very guilty of doing this.

It's better to it's better to have them on the podium if you're next to a podium, or if you're ever like standing up, you want to have it kind of your hands a little crossed and at your enable.

Um, and please be really aware of your surroundings and what what you have, like props, because when you're trying to deal handle a message, sometimes it can come off a wrong way.

So, say you're talking about um you don't want to spend city money and that you're being very good with the city's money and being responsible, but you take an interview at like the most expensive restaurant in Portland, or for example, you have a water, a cold water bottle, and the city's in crisis where there's no water available to anybody, and you're drinking the cold water bottle, and people are upset because they have no water and they can't drink any cold water, any water at all.

It's just gonna look bad in general, and especially if you're saying no comment and walking away with a cold, cold water bottle.

So be aware of your surroundings and be aware of the objects that you have around you.

Um keep answers factual and concise.

Um, what I mean by that is that people can always come back and say that you're your 95%, say you're you're saying like, oh, Cornelius is 64% Latino, um, they can always come back and say, like, oh, you're wrong.

So I would say instead of saying that, say last time I checked, the percentage of uh Cornelius population, Latino population was 64%.

So you can always say like the last time I checked, even though we know it's like 54 or 52%, but it's always better to say um last time I checked rather than saying like you know the answer right away.

If you catch yourself saying something wrong, it's always better to say like, oh, I misspoke.

Um but yeah, keeping it factual and concise, use your bridge bridging techniques when appropriate, which I you have the little sample paper in front of you, and avoid nodding when listening to questions because it means like it could mean that you're agreeing, which is not good.

Um, answering questions outside your expertise.

So if you ever if you it's okay to say you don't know.

You you can say um, for example, I am not the expert in that in in that field, I don't have that answer, but I will look for the expert to answer.

Just if you can give me the question, I will make sure I can I can get that answer to you.

Um but it is okay saying that you're not the expert.

Um that's why you have staff available here to give you that information.

Uh no speculating or commenting on rumors.

That's a big no.

Answering personal questions.

So, one of the questions earlier was how did to the mayor was how did that make you feel?

Like what how do you think uh the staff responded?

It's it has feeling, it's personal.

You want to state facts.

You want to say the the staff did uh what they needed to do, we figured it out.

Um, but you don't want to say I feel like staff could have done a little bit better, or I feel no, you just stick to the facts.

Um saying off the record, nothing is ever off the record.

Um, they can use anything.

Um they can use these city council meetings as we've seen.

Um, and if you misspeak, they can use that against you as well.

So nothing is ever off the record.

Do not assume that they are being honest.

And finally, we will go to our overall objective.

If I can get to it.

Communicate accurate information.

Ensure messaging is coordinated and consistent.

We want to make sure that we are talking as a as a team, um, that we all are agree with what we're gonna say and that we're consistent with it.

Uh we want to control the information that is released when it's released and through the appropriate channels.

Sometimes when media reaches out, it doesn't necessarily need a response.

It's at the end of the day, we want to make sure that it is beneficial for our community.

Um, is this information that really needs to be out there?

Um sometimes it's just a story that they want to get clicks for.

It's not really beneficial for our community or our city.

Um we want to maintain the public's trust through a timely and credible communication.

And finally, before I wrap up, I do want to remind you that I'm always a text or phone call away.

My role is really to support you and help make sure that you are feel prepared and comfortable when interacting with the media.

If you ever receive a media inquiry um or have questions on how to respond, um you can just I can just walk it through you.

We can go through hard questions and um we can work on it together.

But at the end of the day, I'm here for you guys.

Um we have staff here.

And thank you.

Do you guys have any questions?

I know Eden was a part of one of the uh trainings that we did.

So this is like surface level what we were talking about.

Yeah.

Looks like uh you did an excellent job.

There's no questions or they're too afraid to ask anything.

Don't be scared.

That's right, it's all on the record.

I don't want to put fear in you guys.

It's more I want to, you know, help you guys.

Yeah.

Prepare us.

I appreciate it.

Um, I don't have any questions, just to comment that you know, I think this is important information, and just in general, I think part of our roles as counselors, right, is to get that accurate information out there, but also making sure that we recognize the role that it the impact that our words have on the city and the community.

And so when those come in, just I always want to make sure that I double check with you all about everything because sometimes they're reaching out to everybody.

And so anything that I would have said, you are already on it or you're already saying that, but um, you know, they want to see what they can get out of anyone.

So I just appreciate the fact that you're going through this.

I know I've been on here for six years, so it's nice to finally have a presentation.

But if you are ever giving like a longer one, yeah, let me know.

I'd love to be a part of that.

Okay, perfect.

Yeah, please let us know if you you want to go more in depth into some of these trainings.

I'm willing to put in the training for you guys.

So you all should do what the IT does instead of sending like they try to send those spam emails for you to like, you know, to see whether or not you'll click on it.

And so maybe you can pretend to be a news media and send us to see how we'll react.

This is your pop quiz.

Yeah.

What would you do?

Thank you, it's it's appreciate it.

Thank you.

Anything else?

Staff, that was our agenda for this evening.

Uh, if there's nothing else, we've got 10 minutes till our regular session.

Okay, thank you.

We are live in a Zoom webinar.

We also have TVC TV live stream.

And for those uh we have wordly live translation.

The QR code is up on the wall, and you can uh load that up on your phone.

The city is committed to providing equal access to public meetings, requests for accommodations can be submitted to the city recorder at least 48 hours before the meeting at CityRecorder at Cornelius OR.gov or call 503-357-911.

Do you want to do the Spanish on that?

Oh, yeah.

Thank you.

We had a work session at six o'clock on city facilities conditions and media training.

This brings us to a regular session at 7 p.m.

Call the meeting to order.

First up, Pledge of Allegiance, please join us.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Staff, could you please do roll call?

Councillor Lopez.

Present.

Counselor Baker.

Council President Godinez Valencia.

Present.

Mayor Delane.

Present.

All present.

Yes.

And as you notice, we have one seat empty.

We had a council have to resign for uh moving out of district.

Uh announcements first up, Monday, June.

Ah, that's the one I was going to.

Monday, June 15th, we had uh City Council vacancy announced.

Uh Friday, June through August, from four to eight, will be the community market in the old Cornelius Elementary School parking lot.

Monday, August 3rd, 6 p.m.

We'll have a work session for city council.

Also Monday, August 3rd at 7 p.m.

will be a city council meeting.

Tuesday, August 4th from 520 p.m.

What a time to start.

520 p.m.

until 8 p.m.

will be national night out at Harleman Park.

Hope everyone comes and uh joins us.

Always a great time, great crowd, uh lots of information to to hear and learn about.

Friday um Fridays, excuse me, in August at dusk will be movies in the park.

August 7th will be Zootopia 2.

August 14th will be the B movie.

August 21st will be Hoppers.

That will actually be in Mariposa Park instead of Harleman Park, like the first two.

And then the last one on August 28th will be Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and that will also be in the Mariposa Park.

So a little changes here.

We're using both parks.

Usually it's only been Harleman.

So folks have to keep keep addressed on which one.

The first two at Harleman and the second two at uh Mariposa.

Mayor, I just want to note too that I'm I'm getting signals from staff that I think we have the time wrong for national night out, but we will be sure to have the right time when we probably do on the website and in the next council agenda, we'll have the right time in there.

The 520 seems a little weird.

Yes.

Not just me.

Okay, great.

Uh public comment.

Comments are limited to three minutes.

Uh person speaking, uh register to speak by filling out a form in the council chamber and provided city recorders.

So back on the back table there, there's a little pink uh excuse me, yellow comment forms.

City recorder, do we have any this evening?

Okay.

And speaking virtually, you can register to speak by contacting the city recorder via email at the previously commented city recorder at CorneliusOR.gov.

No later than 3 p.m.

on the day of city council meetings.

Okay, since we didn't have any of that, we're gonna keep moving.

Consent agenda.

We have a couple items on consent agenda.

Do I have a motion to adopt the consent?

I motion to adopt the consent agenda.

Motion by Council Godinas.

Do I have a second?

Second.

Second by Councillor Lopez.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed?

Abstentions passes unanimous.

Recognitions.

We have several service awards.

First up, Barbara Fryer, community development.

Five years.

City Manager Brandon.

Thank you, Mayor.

I have my uh statement printed here, and I'll try to do it without my readers.

Thank you, Barbara, for bringing your passion, talent, and knowledge to Cornelius.

Can't believe it's been five years.

It is an exciting time to lead community development here, and you do so with very limited resources.

And you always have the city's interests at the front of your work.

We routinely hear from developers and community members how great it is to develop projects in Cornelius, and you're a big part of that.

Again, thank you for five years of dedicated leadership of community development.

Chief Morris, you're next up.

Oh, the city manager won't share with you.

Thank you.

Captain Richardson, could you please come up?

I don't have prepared mark uh remarks.

I am gonna do my best not to ramble.

Uh it's gonna be kind of hard though, because I've got someone up here who it would be really easy to ramble on about for quite a while.

Uh Captain Richardson, we are recognizing 10 years of service to the city as a career firefighter.

He's a firefighter, but he's also a paramedic.

About 80% of our calls are medical calls.

And Captain Richardson, after he served our country in the military, he decided to go out and do some things to some very important jobs, but none of them had a lot of satisfaction in it for him.

He was helping other people make money.

And uh there was no satisfaction that he was getting from it.

He was doing good work.

Um had an interest in the fire service, joined up as a volunteer, became a paramedic, and when there was opening 10 years ago, he became a firefighter paramedic career spot for the city of Cornelius.

Kevin has worked his way up to the captain's position.

The captain's position is a leadership position in the in our organization.

Um it's as high as you can get without stepping out of the labor group and into the chief officers.

With that being said, I'm the only chief officer here, and I give him a lot of chief officer type stuff because he is someone that can manage a lot of tasks.

He enjoys learning, which is obvious because this is kind of his third or fourth career.

And uh he's done a very good job at adapting to uh my leadership style and new people coming into the organization's uh experiences that they bring.

He has been able to adapt to uh what they have and make this a better place for us by taking those experiences.

Experiences he's learning from being a member of our community and uh being a very productive member of our organization.

Last thing to keep this from rambling is that I just also want to say one of the things that I like most about Kevin is that his his commitment to the community.

He's a firefighter in this community, but I think he's a firefighter in this community because he's committed to providing the highest level of service to the people in the community that he lives with that are around us that he runs into every day.

So with that, thank you very much for your tenures of service as a career firefighter.

Here is a certificate for you.

And then one last thing is that uh in the fire service, armed services, law enforcement, uh a lot of careers out there.

Uh we give folks uh coins that uh memorialize what it is that they're doing.

Sometimes it's very specific to a department.

Um there's a lot of different things it can be used for.

Uh but this one is a cornetus fire uh coin, and on the back it just says ten years of service, and this is about people who care about people.

So with that, I'd like to present him his tenure coin.

Next up is uh Mr.

Ryan Howell from Public Works.

Thank you, Mayor.

Roland, you want to come up here?

Uh it's an honor to recognize Roland, who has dedicated 30 years of service as a fleet technician and utility worker.

Roland started out this uh started out on the utility crew and showed up to his interview dressed in nice clothes and white shoes.

Not realizing this is a hands-on interview.

Thank you.

Uh 2005, he uh created a shovel for a grease gun and coveralls.

Three decades he has worked behind the scenes to keep his vehicles and equipment safe, reliable, and ready to serve the community.

Thank you, Roland.

Thank you.

These utility guys are never they're never used to framing for a picture, so he we avoided it.

That's right, you guys are hiding underground sometimes even to get away from.

So hey, 30 years, thank you very much, Roland.

That's that's quite an accomplishment.

Thank you.

Okay, uh presentations and appointment.

Uh our Civic Leadership Academy Capstone Report, City Manager Brandle.

Thank you, Mayor.

So uh I'm gonna give just a brief introduction and then ask the members of our second Civic Leadership Academy cohort to come forward.

Um first I want to thank Kristen Wright, who's over to your left here, and and also Bailey Thomas uh there with uh Portland State University and facilitated the cohort, which ran over several weeks.

I also want to thank especially the participants who stepped forward, the community volunteers, Melena Baptista, you're gonna meet them here shortly, Linda Osuna and Angel Nicholas.

Thank you so much for stepping forward to get in case engaged with Civics and Cornelius.

It is the only way we get anything done and keep keep the community running.

So thank you so much for that.

I will uh turn it over to you now and let you come up to the desk and uh help you with any tech uh things you need.

And when you're ready, just make sure that the green lights on yes.

There you go.

Antes de comenzar, quiero expresar my más sincero agradecimiento al consejo municipal, al alcalde, yeah los leaders de nuestra cidade, al personal de Portland Statut University, yet possible this program.

Este project nació con un proposito muy importante escuchar la voz de nuestra comunidad y comprender como participation de todos los residents, el gobierno y el gobierno local.

Sabemos que una cidade crece cuando sus habitants particip, asking preguntas, propone ideas ando con sus authorities locales.

Sin embargo, también entendemos que muchas personas aún no conocen como funciona el gobierno local, or se siente que su voz no será escuchada.

Los que participamos fue este Angel, my persona Malena, y Linda.

Thank you again for having us.

So as Melena was saying, we were trying to find out how to get engaged with the community better, in a better manner.

So I'm gonna go through the investigation process that we you know went through.

Um first part was identifying our stakeholders, trying to find who were the key in our community so we can get engaged in a better manner.

Um we started by getting some input actually from um mayor for everybody um for from the counselor and from the city manager.

Um we understood that the local government needs more engagement from their community, uh though there is some not a lot of people know very much about it, so we needed to understand it a little better just for context.

We know that um I have some statistics here that we checked uh from the website of the city.

52% um of our population are Hispanic or Latino, 65% are white alone, two point 2.3% are Asian alone, and 2.3% black alone, 3.8% two or more races.

Uh this is just to understand who are we talking to.

So this is just to understand the context that we live in.

We also found that the median age in our community is 35 years old, which is very interesting because we are kind of young and it also falls into the fact that we are a dormitory community.

We all am part of that statistic.

We go work somewhere else and then we come back here.

So that is very important too, because many people spend a lot of time outside, right?

We talked to non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, business owners, managers, Spanish speaking families, and just a community of residents.

Of course, we didn't talk to everybody, so this is a small sample of what our community is, but I think it paints a good picture of what the community is feeling.

Here we have some pictures of the places that we visited and uh again thank you for the fire uh to the fire department.

They're very nice.

Um just to name some people.

Uh we visited Adelante Mujeres Centro Cultural Tienda al Quetzal, and losermanos, Veroyan La Salon de Belleza, Cornelius Church of Christ, Pacific Landscaping, and local residents among others.

So I think we kind of went a little bit around.

Uh and we actually went and talked to people.

Uh we went and visited this this places, we went and visited uh these people, sometimes in Spanish, sometimes in English, which helps you understand who is where and what they're talking about.

We're gonna go into the actual findings in a little bit.

Uh then the next step was to of course um analyze this information and then come up here and have this presented to you guys.

Uh let's move on to the findings.

Okay.

So we're gonna go ahead and I'll reiterate the question uh for the project, which was um giving Cornelius' staff and financial constraints.

How can the city strengthen engagement with full range with the full range of communities it serves?

So Cornelius has already made meaningful progress over the past decade.

The city has experienced significant growth and invested in strategic improvements that have attracted new residents and strengthened the community.

Community engagement or civic engagement is fundamentally about relationship building.

Trust takes time, consistency, and dedication.

The Cornelius 2045 Vision Action and Vision and Action Plan, completed in September of 2024, provides an important foundation by identifying action items, timelines, estimated costs, and potential community partners.

So this work should not fall solely on city staff.

Many residents may welcome the opportunity to serve if invited directly.

A community engagement commission could help residents learn how the city departments work similar to a citizen academy, while also creating a structured way for city and community members to collaborate.

Invite departments such as police, public works, parks, planning, and the library to give short presentations on their services, current challenges, and opportunities for residents to get involved.

Clarify each department's role so residents better understand how city decisions are made and where community input can be most useful.

And finally, develop a practical work plan for selected action items such as improving communication about city events, increasing participation on boards and committees, or organizing pop-up engagement activities at parks, schools, faith-based organizations, and the farmers market.

So I have two, or we've developed two ideas for you to consider for your consideration, I should say.

First, we heard a lot of interest in continuation of cultural programming.

This would be effective in building community connection.

Continue to bring people together through cultural programming would create more opportunities for residents to learn about one another in welcoming community settings.

These activities could be added to existing events, so the overhead would be already in a budget line, such as performance at a farmers market or gathering and a neighborhood park, such as the movies.

Keep events low cost or no cost so they are accessible for more residents, lower the barrier for people to participate.

Use social gatherings to help neighbors meet, build trust, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

Connect programming to shared values, not only shared identities.

We are reminded of this that we are more have we have more in common with each other within our Cornelius community.

Invite the audience to reflect what shared values can come can help Cornelius build a stronger sense of community.

Building on that sense of connection, the city can also strengthen engagement by focusing each effort on a specific topic and creating a clear plan of action.

On the project for 2045, there was it was clear bullet-pointed opportunities for staff to engage with community members to make those action items come to fruition.

So and they're easy when that's what people want.

They want these short-term easy, they want to start to finish and see their product come to life.

The second idea for your consideration would be focus on one topic and build a practical engagement plan.

As I said earlier, choose one specific issue at a time, then devote staff and community energy to understanding it, engaging the right stakeholders, and gathering feedback.

This approach helps staff work more deeply on a manageable topic without spreading limited time and resources too thin.

For example, if the city wants more residents to serve on boards or committees and commissions, staff could meet people where they already gather, build relationships, and explain why their experiences and perspectives add value.

One way to do this is through pop-up engagement, where the city brings the conversation to community members instead of expecting them to come to City Hall.

Use existing gathering places such as farmers markets, community outreach programs, neighborhood parks, faith-based organizations, and the libraries.

Partner with other city departments to host neighborhood visits or join existing events as such as national night out, as you mentioned earlier, Mayor.

Keep the topic narrow and specific so residents can respond meaningfully.

For example, ask how can we improve communication and cooperation between law enforcement and the community instead of the broader question of how can we reduce crime?

Use the feedback to identify next steps, assign responsibilities and create a realistic timeline for action.

So in closing, I want to thank you.

I want to echo Melena and Anne what they shared earlier by thanking Peter Brandon, City Manager, our mayor, the City Council and City Leadership, and Kristen Wright and Bailey Smith of Portland State University for supporting the Civic Leadership Academy.

This partnership between the City of Cornelius and the National Policy Consensus Center of PSU creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration, connection, and shared learning.

Personally, um I re I appreciated this experience.

It has renewed my commitment to stay engaged and continue my support of my community.

Thank you.

And now if you have any questions for any one of us, this is your time.

Council, any questions?

Yes, I'm going to say much of those three for valiant and server of this equipped.

My opportunity to communicate to work with the community.

Malena, for example, English, but the classes used the technology that we have and served of the equipped.

And just in English, I'll say that I just am very grateful that they were brave enough to join the committee and to be part of this leadership group.

And specifically, I'm curious to know for Melena who doesn't speak English, how she did how she used the technology.

She said she used the technology and she was actually able to really participate and found it very useful.

And so how when they were having interviews with community members, what did they hear about why people maybe the barriers out there for why they're not joining programs like this or what can we do to make this more accessible to everybody so everybody feels comfortable regardless of language to be part of these leadership groups.

I would like to add something uh carrying on on that on that message.

Um I think uh in regards to people not being able to move into this kind of um scenarios, it's um one what we found out uh I think we were we mentioned that briefly uh it's the lack of information, they just don't know where to get the information.

So uh the thing is the Gazette for example, it's uh it's a great example of the city doing things right.

We saw a picture of um the uh the Instagram accounts of Cornelius and library.

Uh they are great.

They're doing things amazingly.

Uh thank you Itzel for for all your work is it it is working, people are starting to engage, but also there's not a lot of knowledge in regards to public meetings or like more official stuff.

Uh they know about the the park, they know about the movies, they know about all of those fun stuff, right?

But um when it comes to this kind of things, it gets a little more scary.

And in general, sorry I'm gonna switch to Spanish.

Um experiences conotes gobernos.

Um probably to be on experiences that were muy desagradables con la ley.

Uh you know me referring to the system judicial, sino uh uh policies, uh govern como tal.

So they don't trust in general um uh the government, and that's something that we saw that we we talked to people and they were like uh some of them even rejected the whole interview all together because I said, hey, we're we're doing this project for for the city.

Uh and as soon as you mentioned the city, they're like, oh no, no, no, I don't I don't want anything.

Because of course they they were because there were rumors about people using that tactic to talk to people and then get eyes involved.

So it is uh in a way understandable.

But um I think the way that we're doing things here in Cornelius, it's um it's the right way uh to try to engage with people through events.

Um I think as Melina was saying, if we have an event and then we put the information there, or it's gonna be more chewable for people, rather than saying this is only official, and especially the language used.

Uh I feel like the language uh was very important key to get people to talk.

Um so when there is a language of too official stuff, people won't reply.

They won't engage at all.

Uh so that's why I'm talking about the events.

Uh that's more of a on their level uh rather than trying all to be sued up to come to a public meeting.

I don't know if that makes sense for you guys.

Uh that's that those were our findings.

The that was what people were kind of feeling.

And some people just don't want to get involved, uh, especially because of the current um environment.

People are afraid of speaking wrong, just as as the last presentation uh was talked about.

If you say the wrong thing, they will find you at your home and send you letters and you know it gets ugly.

So people don't want to say things, especially because uh I don't know, I feel like many communities, especially here in Cornell Us, we're kind of in the middle.

We're not so extreme on anything.

So uh people take it the wrong way.

But I think uh coming back to the point, as they were saying people feel more approachable when you speak in their terms, uh not in such an official way, not in only official ways, but in a event here is also this information.

Uh I think that is that is part of what we uh should and are kind of doing already.

Thanks for the question.

Um first of all, I think um what you what you've said is true.

There is a sense of fear considering the political climate and all that people have been through, right?

We're seeing it in my work.

I'm seeing less people come to my programs and events.

Um, and that's for a variety of reasons, but from what I can tell and what I've heard, um it's it's fear.

They associate government with everything else and and police and national government.

Um what's unique though is that local government is very different, and I think people are starting to understand that local government is very different from what happens in Washington.

So I think people are starting to regain some trust back, but what we have said during the CLA was that the Latino community is very relationship-based.

So if I know someone and I think they're okay, Melanie will say, well, Linda knows them, they must be okay.

Um it's kind of like that kind of a network.

And so we do have a strong Spanish speaking population, but I want to also acknowledge that while they may not speak English fluently like all of us here today, they do understand English.

They're survivors, and so what do we do to bring those services to them?

We can advertise and we do advertise.

I think the library does a lot of bilingual programming.

Uh the from what I can tell, the the a lot of the um uh publications and marketing pieces are in bilingual format so people can understand, but again, it's relationship based.

So sometimes we have to take our efforts in community engagement out to where they are at.

Um then also as part of you know limited resources that we have here at the city.

We also have to look at what our community partners are offering.

For example, Adelante Mujeres or Centro Cultural, they offer a lot of these services that these folks are looking for, and so what can we do as a good partner is to make sure steer people in that direction.

If you need this, this is where they can offer that.

Sometimes it's not offered here, but I know somebody who can help you.

And so, but we also need to uh you know really be cognizant of the fact that we don't want to overextend our community partners because every time something happens, they're leveraged.

Let's just go ahead and call Centro for this or Adelanta for that.

And and they welcome the services, but they too have their limitations.

So that I hope hopefully that answered your question.

Thank you so much.

Um I have one for Melena.

Um you mentioned getting a lot of information from the local newspaper.

Could you tell me what that local newspaper is?

Pero siempre to the information that you busco para el colegio de mi nieto, para por ejemplo mi nieto dice que quieres ser policía y quería ver donde era la policía recién llegada.

Busqué la información, la direction and periodico, pero el periódico para nosotros es fundamental para tener information de la ciudad.

Pero siempre la que yo me interesa is la que yo leo or busco así a modo grossi.

I agree, you look like you might have something.

Yeah.

Thank you for uh taking this opportunity to take this class.

Um who studies political science at Portland State University.

I didn't choose to uh attend, but I was a part of the uh Cornell's 2045 vision committee.

So a lot of what you uh said I remember uh from those discussions we had.

Uh thank you for taking this opportunity, this time that you took and do doing this.

Uh a lot of people uh don't always step forward because they're busy, they have kids, they have family, they work.

Um I barely did planning commission because of my job.

But I work in a warehouse, so uh it was very easy just to leave um and make it.

But um I just thank you.

I hope to see you guys uh in the future volunteering and stepping up.

I look forward to the city and their eng continue engagement in the community.

Councilor Lopez.

Yeah, thank you, Mayor.

Similar to uh Counselor Baker, I just wanted to thank uh all three of you for participating.

Um and the information that you've provided is information or it's a question that we've pondered here between the rest of uh the counselors and leadership, just yeah, how do we get more community involvement?

Um and I think you've definitely provided something that uh we can discuss and hopefully get more folks to come.

Uh gets lonely sometimes.

Uh there are you know a couple times during the year where we get a full house, but outside of that, there's not unfortunately a lot of participation.

It just feels good when the community comes here, asks questions.

Um it's it's important um for all of us to be involved and uh not just those folks uh that get elected.

So I think you guys have provided a lot of uh information that um I don't think we've discussed yet, so thank you.

Yes, Council Goodins.

I just want to I hope that you all don't end your time with us here.

Um we have a lot of boards and commissions, and we would absolutely love to have you all be a part of that.

So yeah, if you need more information from that, I know that we're all happy to get that out to you all, but really these are the voices we need.

We need to make sure that we have all representation and if you all have any ideas or and have any friends you want to take along with you, you know.

I think we have quite a few vacancies, especially on planning commission, so please consider that.

Thank you.

Um taking the time out of your busy lives to participate in this you know activity in the community.

Um I keep telling everyone I've been doing this for a long time, but uh originally I came to this my axe to grind was uh representation and communication, right?

Um the original council I helped dislodge was five old white guys.

Um but that's not the council we have today, and I'm very proud of the council we have, and I look at you folks and see the future of our council, right?

You you could be future counselors.

We have an open seat.

Um so thank you for your time.

Uh please stay engaged.

And kind of my takeaway, because it's always easy to give jobs to staff.

Um I see that pop-up idea, right?

And and and what I see in my mind is like this this big, you know, butcher board that basically says what's it take to be on a board, committee, or commission?

One year resident.

Right?

You live in the city, you're one year resident, and then we have it's almost like the tear-offs at the the community board, right?

Do you want to be on you want to be on planning commission, you want to be on parks?

You want to be on parks, do you want to there show all those openings, right?

Show the openings we have.

And the the big ask for the boards, committees, and commissions is maybe they come to National Night Out, right?

And have a booth for their board, committee, or commission.

You know, the boosters always have like a booth, right?

They have one there.

My scouts always have a booth.

There's all these other community groups, right?

Adelante, Centro.

Um, but why not one?

It's not like we're short on park space usually.

We could put a pop-up up, I'll bring two.

I've got extra ones from Scouts.

Um for like planning commission, for parks, for public works, right?

Those groups could have their own pop-up, and we could just have the existing members hang out at a table and and be available, right?

That's that's the one this is one of those in the community where our community really shows up, right?

We'll have probably a thousand people show up in the park for national night out.

Let's let's be present.

Let's come to the park ready to engage people for the boards, committees, and commissions.

And uh that that's just where I kind of see that single topic, right?

You talk about single topic, go to where the people are, you know, maybe set up next to the dentist, so you're right there next to the shaved ice or whatever he's gonna do this year.

That's a good one.

So next to the dunk tank, right?

We can put boards, committees, and commissions in the dump tank.

You've been looking for people, right?

There.

Um but I also like the feedback on the shared values, right?

I've I I've run for election a lot of times in the community, and it's to what you said, right?

It's the center, right?

Uh that 80% is what we're all focused on, right?

We want a safe place for our kids to grow up and be successful members of the community, right?

And if we're just focused on that as the shared value, right?

The safe place for our kids to grow up, you know, all of us, most of us are going somewhere else to work.

But you know, can the kids get on the bus?

Can they safely walk to school?

You know, can they have a safe community?

That if we're focused on that and we're working on that, we're probably working on the central 80% that we can all agree on, right?

It's not so far right or so far left.

Um probably one of the tougher experiences I've had, uh, I've shared this up here before, is I got invited by uh Centro and Adelante to go to Forest Grove and meet when Mayor Truex was there, and then watch those two groups barbecue Mayor Truax over all the good things that Cornelius is doing, right?

We had bilingual newspaper, we're having bilingual town halls, we were doing all these things, and they were chewing on Mayor Truax because he wasn't doing any of those things in their community, and their community is almost twice the size of ours.

Why don't they have a bilingual newspaper?

Why don't all their city minutes come out, their stuff come out, you know, with a bilingual focus.

They have more staff, they have more resources.

Um that was a tough meeting to set next to Mayor Truex.

So, yes, I'm gonna.

If I may, uh sorry.

Yeah, go ahead, no, please.

Uh yeah, it and it sounds, I don't know, it just in case, you know, this goes out into the world.

We're not focusing on a any specific type of people.

It's just what it is.

Uh the city has to react to what we have.

And we have a bunch of people speaking Spanish.

You just do it.

Uh it's not it's not because I'm brown that I see a bunch of people, you know.

Uh it has nothing to do, it's just we care about our community.

And normally those people don't get engaged.

So we need to do something about it so we can all enjoy a better community.

Uh and and I I love what you're saying.

Yeah, it's just about who is around making it better for everybody.

Because the happier people are in general, we all enjoy.

Right.

We we only we only see them here for two occasions.

We're celebrating an anniversary, a promotion, or they're really upset about something.

That's the only time, you know, the the two we packed this place for uh Walmart, right?

We we had the and I always talk about it being uh it looked like a wedding because you had the anti-Walmart folks on one side and the pro-Walmart people on the other, and it was uh pro-Walmart was mostly Cornelius and the ante was mostly Forest Grove.

So it was like, yeah, it's like separate separated, but but it's not just like the wordly translation, it's not just Spanish, right?

It's it says so many other things, right?

Um we've been meeting a lot more with uh the folks, we have a lot of folks from India or Nepal, right?

We have this influx of folks down in uh Laurel Woods.

Um a lot of them do speak English, but not they also have alternate languages, right?

So I think that's not just our focus.

It's not just English and not just Spanish.

It's like how do we make like the stuff it's all's been doing with our our website about how do you make it accessible for anyone, right?

How do you make it universally translatable?

So thank you for bringing these topics to us.

Thank you for taking the time.

Is there any other questions now that I babbled on for a few minutes?

No.

Well, th well, thank you very much.

And I think we're gonna um do some pictures with the class, and uh Rochelle's gonna break down the the presentation podium while we do that.

So please come up and join us.

Right here.

So thank you, Mayor.

We we do have a oh, yeah, for presentation first before we get up.

Did you have something else?

Okay.

Okay.

We do have uh a few tokens of appreciation.

Um I also do want to especially acknowledge Itzel who's taking pictures and Rochelle, our city recorder.

They were the impetus for the technology because it seems simple, but it's not and so uh especially you three really and Dorot and and Bailey and Kristen as well, um, learning kind of how to work it and everything, and it and it did work well enough, but thank you, it's El and Rochelle very much.

So we have certificates that we'd like to give you, and then we have a special uh gift.

And so if you would come forward and so we can take a picture with these.

It's not an original idea, but I absolutely love it.

Oh Linda.

I expect to see these outside the house.

So come on up.

And here you go.

Unhell.

Please don't cut yourself.

The edges are a little bit sharp.

And Melena.

And so what what we'd like to do is maybe if the city council would stand and you could stand in front of them and hold hold your signs.

Yes, thank you.

Yeah, especially.

Oh, it looks like a letter.

It looks like the real thing.

Okay.

Oh, I don't have to say that was a lawyer.

I'm just kidding.

Okay, I think our next topic is uh quarterly strategic plan update.

City manager.

Thank you, Mayor.

Just gonna cue up a presentation.

So this is uh things that'll fall down quarterly update on implementation of our uh three-year strategic plan.

And so this update is I believe the second that we've given.

It's for actions scheduled up through Q2 of uh calendar year 2026, and that that encompasses 29 actions.

The last update that we provided was in March.

And just for context, the total plan has four goals, 20 objectives, and 65 actions.

So we're approaching halfway, at least in terms of the actions.

Just a quick review of the goals, and I do have a lot of slides, so I'm going to be going kind of fast.

If you need to interject, just interrupt me.

But goal one, drive intentional opportunistic economic development in the town center through public-private partnership to create jobs, expand revenue, and establish local destinations.

That's 18 actions.

Goal two, increase community engagement in the civic process, and provide opportunities for community members to advocate for Cornelius.

That's sounds familiar based on what we just discussed.

16 actions there.

Goal three, extend staff capacity through volunteers and improve staff recruitment, training, and management to increase participation, build future leaders, and enhance services.

18 actions there.

And then goal four is determine community identity by unifying the public behind a common theme to instill civic pride.

And there are 13 actions there.

So the way I'm uh kind of summarizing for you in these updates is kind of a green, yellow, red uh green meaning that that we're implementing yellow that we've kind of started, but um ways to go, and then red that we haven't started yet.

And and it was quite a chore for staff to really look at all these many actions and try to kind of uh determine you know what kind of deadlines to put on them.

And so we did the best we could, and I think we did pretty well, but there will be uh here and there some that we won't get started on schedule.

Uh these first are really have a lot to do with the work that we're doing around the the properties that we're trying to redevelop in the town center.

As as you know, you've received updates from our consultant that we hired.

Um we have had lots of conversations with uh the development community and other stakeholders.

One one two here is uh we we know that our economic development plan is dated and that a new plan is needed.

We haven't we don't have any concrete plans to update it yet.

Um we have uh had lots of conversations about um recommendations to position Cornelius for development, and and we have some really positive signals along those lines.

Um then we do plan based on uh on the many months of conversations that we've had with the development community.

We plan to issue the the NOSA in July or maybe August, and that is the notice of site availability, especially for the Grande site, but um also including uh some of the other sites in the town center.

So it additionally for goal one um developing partnerships, implement a system for building relationships and engaging with potential developers, and that is part of what we have done.

We do have a process now for engaging, and that on our consultant John Southgate is has helped enormously with that.

Implementing economic development opportunities, uh action one point two point two, change zoning is necessary to uh proceed with opportunities.

We've done an initial scan there, and um Barbara Fryer community development director has been integral in that.

Um we haven't really identified it, identified any concrete zone changes that need to happen at this point, um, but we're very mindful of and and we'll do so if we need to identify funding alternatives.

We uh barber secured a grant from Metro to conduct uh a community investment trust study.

Community investment trust is a tool that has been on our bless you economic uh in our uh urban renewal plan and our town center plan, and we're in the process of determining whether to proceed with that at this point.

And then pursuing discretionary state and federal funding opportunities.

We continue to seek state funding, but we have been successful in securing a couple of federal grants for the future recreation and community center.

And then uh identify funding alternatives.

Um already said that one.

Sorry about that, that's a duplicate.

And then uh defining desired outcomes.

And this is part of the work that we're doing around the redevelopment sites.

So that that is ongoing.

Looking at goal two, increase community engagement in the civic process.

Action 2.1.1 convene a group to brainstorm ways to build this type of a program, define our target audience.

This year's Civic Leadership Academy cohort did a lot of work along those lines, and you you just heard about all of that.

It's one part, but it's it's a significant part of that action.

So I went ahead and marked that one green.

Foster engagement in civic activities and develop local leaders.

That really is the Civic Leadership Academy.

That's that's the main piece of that.

And we're just concluding the second cohort.

The target now, the way we're going to approach budgets for the Civic Leadership Academy is maybe to run those every other year, because it's pretty uh pretty decent lift on staff to do it every year.

And so I think, and also the cadence, I think would be good to do every other year.

So that's our plan at this point.

And then action 2.3.2.

The objective is to train community members to advocate, um, identify existing content and models that we could draw from.

We have discussed this conceptually, and civic leadership academy is a component, but um I wouldn't say that that it's ongoing, it's initial discussions have taken place around training community members.

And then the goal two objective to establish mechanisms for activating advocates, uh create a list of volunteers interested in advocating on behalf of Cornelius.

Um part of it is we have budgeted and the budget approved some funding for a lobbyist in 2027, especially as as far as talking about uh land use related lobbying.

That's uh something where I think we envisioned with you uh to enlist community members to help with that.

So that's a part of that.

And then we've also really constantly informally engaging possible volunteers.

Goal three, extending staff capacity.

This objective to define and communicate volunteer roles, etc.

Uh we have identified departments that utilize volunteers, so that one's complete.

Um developing and updating volunteer role descriptions is something that we've started.

Um it's not complete, but we are working on it.

And then uh objective implement uh on and off boarding procedures for volunteers, that is to develop a standardized onboarding checklist and training needs, including a train the trainer, that also is in progress and something that we plan to get done this this calendar year, and then uh establish priority training topics for staff.

Also in progress is developing an annual training needs assessment, including budget requirements, and developing a citywide training program with required and elective topics what has been completed, and that that's something that Ellie Jones, who's in charge of human resources is tracking ongoing, so that's that's essentially done, but it's an ongoing thing, and then identify training opportunities through partnerships, so um identify agencies that can assist in training for staff.

Um we did attend uh existing team training at uh City of Hillsborough and Newburgh.

So we've we've identified a couple of opportunities where training's already happening.

Can we just throw in some folks?

And it's it's wonderful, you know.

Uh and and we've I believe we've done that too.

So it's just you know, we're all in this together.

Let's let's share the resource.

Uh coordinate and combine trainings with other agencies where possible.

Um continue to look for those opportunities, develop staff communication tool for non-required training, that one we have not started.

And then create foster job shadowing opportunities.

Uh haven't done this formally yet, but we have had some discussions already around this.

So we've had some conversations about the departments and and areas that would be most suitable to job shadowing, and then um we had we do plan to create a request form for employees and community members to express interest in job shadowing, but we haven't started that yet.

And then we had we do plan to create a request form for employees and community members to express interest in job shadowing, but we haven't started that yet.

Another repeat, sorry about that.

The last two here though, create long-range staffing plan for succession.

We have begun discussions about identifying key positions for succession, and we certainly have done done that since since I got here, and we've actually identified succession plans.

Um, but but we haven't really formalized that yet.

So it's it's started, but but ongoing.

And then develop a process and timeline for succession for key positions.

Um we have not done that yet, but uh plan to do so.

And then goal four determined community identity to instill civic pride, uh establish desired community identity.

That is uh the first action there we did issue the RFP, and we're well into the process of developing our communications plan and a new brand.

Um and really starting to get excited about that.

Uh we should see some some results here pretty soon, and then conduct stakeholder engagement to identify the brand elements that is part of that work, so that essentially is completed.

And so that's the your Q2 update.

We uh have also created uh a draft poster for the strategic plan that we plan to post in city facilities just to remind employees about the goals that we have here, and we'll continue to provide quarterly updates for you.

So happy to take any questions.

I know that was a lot, but council, questions.

Yes.

Yeah.

Uh thank you.

I want to just look back at the lobbyist.

Um 2027, is that beginning January where you're hoping to get someone or after the full session is over?

Actually, we we plan to hire someone.

I I had hoped to have a an RFP out by now, but imminently um to get that out sooner than later because you know, obviously there are a lot of agencies that will be looking for that, and we want to get someone really ramped up so that their feet are on the ground running by by the time the session starts.

Um good luck.

Um this session is going to be a difficult one.

Um a lot of agencies are looking for funding, uh, not just agencies, but uh other outside groups.

Um I'm the transportation budget is still getting worked on.

Um and then there's other stuff uh like there's many, so there's several like can be school district, then pass a um uh get past their funding by the rollers.

So a school district is seeking funding, uh university southern or uh Southern Oregon University is facing insolvency is like bankruptcies, but for state.

Yeah.

Uh uh Portland State University, I believe, is going to ask is probably seeking funding like other state universities.

Everyone is uh is going to act for something.

So I'm I'm going to put this out there through the universe.

Uh and do people watching at home.

Please do not give or um hope stuff for this session.

Um we won't get a lobbyist until 2027.

By then, everyone by January, everyone's locked in.

By September is when people start asking for something.

By January, everyone has what they want and what they're seeking.

Every legislature for our state representative Susan McClain and our outgoing one is Jenny Janine Solomon for our state senate.

Um they will usually have what they want and what they're seeking already locked in.

So this year will probably be an educational year, teaching um our the state why who we who we are and why we're why we're asking for these things.

The smart legislatures will tell you they don't know anything.

Because they really um it's very hard to know everything when you represent uh a state uh district uh of 75,000 a Senate district that doubles that population.

So um good luck.

I please don't expect anything in the short session, that's where everyone everything gets resurrected and killed off bills-wise.

So um ask me if you want any help.

I will love to volunteer at the state capital and um a sweet talk our way and do can need something.

I I appreciate all that, Councilor Baker, and I I agree with you.

I although I I think we've probably laid more groundwork than uh than most people realize.

Um we've we've been doing this internally for the last at least the the four sessions that I've been involved with, and and I will uh take you up on that.

We will make some trips together, but um, but we will just to be clear, we will have someone on board, an external consulted party um by September, there's no question.

So we'll be ready to go.

Yeah, I will thank you because you drove down there and you spoke to legislatures about why our community needs funding, like funding for our community center.

And um it's um people don't realize the how hard is it to get funding from the state.

I um can't we're caught Suza Bomini, she helped us get 800,000 for that community center, which is very grateful, especially in the entire turbulence of the federal government.

But um it's it's hard.

Uh and I will keep advocating to our community why we need a lobbyist, because they um I talked to someone in our community and they said, why don't we just ask?

And um, and we have.

It's just it's it's just hard.

Yeah, it's it's uh and I know the Metropolitan Mayors are lining up their agenda.

You know, we're I just did a meeting in Portland today with Metro and Metro's lining up their agenda.

So um and it's uh like you know, Counselor Baker talked about everybody's already got things that are high on the priority list, like what what are we gonna do about TriMet?

What are we gonna do about ODOT, right?

So there's a lot of focus and energy already being poured into those topics, right?

Um the governor's prosperity council, what are they gonna do with those recommendations, right?

So I would say the ring of truth and all of that is um trimat continuing to tell us that their income is down because payroll is down.

So that means the state's making less money because it's they're primarily driven off a payroll tax.

And if they can tell it that takes all the well, he said she said out of it when the numbers say it's down, it's down.

So and um I don't know if you saw the latest report on the lottery.

Even the lottery was down a lot of money.

And the lottery is big money to the state.

That's uh we fund a lot of things out of the lottery money.

And I think it was down maybe it was 150 million dollars.

So that's the that's what funds the Christmas tree bill at the end, and it's shrunk again.

So yeah, gonna be a challenge going forward.

Um anything else for your update, or we go on ready to go on the next topic?

No, thank you.

Um government finance officers association, G FOA, triple crown award.

That was what I had next year.

Yeah, thank you, Mayor.

Um, me again.

Um so the government finance officers association recognizes those government entities that achieve three separate awards, and they are awarded individually.

Certificate of achievement for excellence and financial reporting, the popular annual financial reporting award, and the distinguished budget presentation award.

And rather than just stop at one or two, we we decided to achieve all three.

We have been recognized for achieving all three for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2024.

There's a lag.

And we are one of only 441 governments to achieve this.

That may sound like a lot, but there are over 3,000 cities in the U.S.

alone.

And that doesn't even include counties and special districts and state governments.

So it's a it's rarefied air special recognition and thanks to Ellie Jones and the entire senior leadership team for their efforts that result in this extraordinary achievement.

Thank you.

Awesome.

Well, congratulations, Ellie and staff.

Continue to make us proud.

Did you say 441 governmental years?

Yeah.

Wow.

Yeah.

That's actually not very many.

But that does talk to the verification of the the air that we we share there.

So you can never retire.

That's what that says, Ellie.

Awesome.

Okay, let's go on to the veterans uh park plaque.

Um Ryan Howe.

No verbal report.

No report.

Okay.

Um council vacancy timeline.

Uh city recorder.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

Um, as you're aware, Councilor Vaughn announced their resignation at the last meeting.

So tonight I'm presenting the proposed timeline for filling the vacancy.

Um as shown on the agenda report, uh, the timeline follows the same approach we used during the last recruitment just earlier this year.

Um unlike the last two recruitments, staff opened the application period before bringing the proposed timeline to council.

Um we did that to make sure an announcement was published in the July Gazette while providing a full three weeks for the application period and still keeping the interviews at the next August 3 meeting, um, where we had the flexibility to move the work sessions around.

Um if council wants to modify the timeline, there's still flexibility to do that.

Uh we had that discussion before, weighing the risk of posting it in the Gazette if anything were to change.

And um, so we're prepared to make changes as you see fit.

As proposed, the application period opened on July 1 and will remain open through July 22.

That was like I said, in the Gazette, it's already on the website.

After staff reviews the applications for completeness, the applications will be provided in the packet published on the website on July 22nd, giving the council time to review them before the August 3rd meeting.

Um interviews will be held at the work session, and then the deliberations and appointment would occur at the regular meeting on the same day.

The selected candidate would then take the oath of office and be seated at the September 8th council meeting.

If we receive larger than expected number of applicants, um we may need to adjust the schedule.

But this provides a fair and transparent process while minimizing the length of the vacancy.

So tonight I'm just looking for council's feedback on the proposed timeline and whether there are any changes you'd like staff to make before we continue on this path.

Council questions, comments?

I know we did talk a little bit um about the possibility of can we fast track this?

Um does council have any more discussion about do you want to try to fast track it, or do you just want to let the process work its way through?

I'm okay with uh letting the process work its way through.

I just want to double check though, um because they changed the date, right?

For when counselors because for the upcoming election.

Because both of these seats will be in the upcoming election in November.

So when do those applicants need to fill out their form with the elections office?

Do we know that?

I can look it up too if we don't.

The deadline for filing to run for office is in August.

I will say that is for a four-year term, whereas the open position that we're seeking appointment is for two years.

It would expire in 2028.

So it would be up to the interested party to decide whether they would go for a two-year appointment or run for office in the election for four-year term.

So you said a two-year appointment, which means if we're appointing them, we're not appointing them to the end of this of their term because aren't both of these or are sorry, are isn't is this term for November ends in November?

The vacant seats term ends in 2028.

Oh okay, so we are okay.

Got you.

So when we appoint it, we're appointing to the end of the two years.

Okay, I understand.

Sorry, I was confused.

I thought for some reason that this position uh had to run this year, but I'm mistaken.

Okay, got you.

Thank you.

Yes.

No, that's just my seat.

Uh I'm I'm uh because this is um a two-year position.

I'm uh I'm fine with it running the course.

Okay.

Council Lopez, you good too?

Yeah.

Okay.

So it sounds like we'll just uh proceed.

You got it, you want a bunch of head nods we'll because yeah, because Counselor Lopez, Councilor Baker, and myself are all run have uh either run or not run at the uh in the next month or two.

Here we have to decide.

And I already filled out my paperwork tonight, so I've I've made my decision to move forward.

And you've I think you filled out yours too.

Yeah, I submitted it.

Counselor Lopez?

Uh I'm still pondering.

I'm still I'm still thinking.

You're still thinking.

Oh, let me know where I have to take you to dinner to help you think this up.

Okay.

Uh staff doing anything else from us tonight?

Okay.

No, thank you for the direction.

Great.

Uh planning commission appointments.

Barbara, do you need to make a presentation or can we just move forward?

My script.

Is there is there paperwork in here somewhere?

Maybe there is.

Look at that.

Never motion.

Yeah, Councilor Gordinas, you'd like to make a motion?

Yes.

I make a motion to approve the appointment of Dylan Sunderland to position six to serve through December 31st, 2028, and the appointment of Brenda Gonzalez Pacheco to position five to serve through December 31st, 2027.

And this action takes effect immediately.

Okay, that's a motion by Councillor Gordinas to have a second.

I second.

Second by Counselor Baker.

Any further discussion?

Seeing none, all those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Opposed?

Abstentions?

Pass is unanimous.

Takes us to public infrastructure advisory board appointment.

Susan, do you need to talk to us or we just need to council?

Anyone wish to make the motion?

I can make a motion.

Counselor Lopez.

Okay, I make a motion to approve the appointment of the following public infrastructure advisory board member, Ben Romittle to position six to serve through December 2028.

And this action takes effect immediately.

Motion by Council Lopez.

Do I have a second?

A second.

Second by Counselor Godinas.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed?

Abstentions?

Passes unanimous.

That takes us to public hearing.

We have public hearing on ordinance number 2026-05.

Corneas municipal code amendment planning commission quorum.

Uh the staff will be Barbara Fryer.

Barbara wants you to come up and take your seat.

And I will start reading through all of my stuff.

I will now open the public hearing.

Do any members of the city council have potential conflicts or ex parte communication with regard to the proposed action?

Yes, I do.

I was part of the planning commission.

Okay.

Do you believe you are without actual bias, or would you like to step down from the city council during this case?

I believe I'm without bias.

Okay.

Answered for counselor Baker.

Anyone else have questions, concerns?

Okay.

Would any member of the audience like to challenge the right of any city counselor to hear the matter before them for reason of conflict of interest, bias, or ex parte contact.

Seeing none.

Staff will now present the staff report and application.

Barbara?

Good evening, Mr.

Mayor and Counselors.

Um this amendment is to fix an error that was done in 2019.

Uh the amendment in 2019 was intended to indicate a majority of the appointed commissioners make up a quorum.

And the language in the ordinance did not equate to that.

Our most recent planning commission meeting, the planning commission chair noted that he felt that the intent was to make it a majority of those who had been appointed, not necessarily a majority of the open of all the seats.

And so now we're trying to correct that.

So the language would be a majority would be written as a majority of the commission.

Those that have been appointed.

And this is an amendment in the main part of the city code, not in a land use section, so it doesn't need uh an amendment number.

Questions?

Council, questions?

To me it's it's um it still it still struggles a little bit, right?

Because a majority of the appointed, so if we have four people, that would say you need to have three versus a majority of those present.

If you have three of them show up and two of them vote, is that enough of a majority?

You see where my concern is is because we we haven't struggled we can't get all seven even filled, right?

So I mean we've been operating at what four or five at best?

Yes, that's correct, Mr.

Mayor.

And um we feel that even if three show up and two choose or one chooses to vote, not to vote, I should say, because they need to step down.

The quorum was set with the initial number of commissioners there.

It's not the numbers that will vote, it's who sets the quorum.

Okay.

Council, any other questions?

Okay.

Um is there anyone wishing to speak in favor of the proposal?

Is there anyone wishing to speak in opposition of the proposal?

Any comments regarding this proposal from council or audience?

Staff, I'm assuming since we had no comments, you're done.

Yes.

Uh the public here uh the public hearing is now officially closed.

The city council will formulate findings and conclusion and take action by specific motion and vote.

The motion will be for the approval or denied by a majority vote of those present.

Okay.

No unfinished business takes us to new business.

Shocking first new business ordinance number 2026-05.

Council Cornelius Municipal Code Amendment for Planning Commission Quorum.

Barbara, do you have anything to add?

Uh I see none.

Council, do you have any further questions?

Are you ready to move to motion?

Motion by Councillor Godines.

I make a motion that the Cornelia City Council read by title only for the first reading ordinance number 2026 05, an ordinance amending 2.65070, clarifying what constitutes a quorum of the planning commission.

Okay, motion by Councilor Good Nice.

Do I have a second?

Second.

Second by Councilor Lopez.

Okay.

Um do we need to roll call this as an ordinance?

Okay.

Uh if you're in favor, say aye.

If you're in the negative, say nay when you're called.

I thought we had to get uh uh a vote, and if it's unanimous, then we're we're good to go on the second one.

If it's in dissension, then we have to delay for the second reading, right?

Look at this.

Twenty-seven years, I'm finally getting this figured out.

Okay, so uh the city recorder will call your name, vote aye in favor or nay in the negative when you're called.

Counselor Baker.

Aye.

Mayor Delaney.

Aye.

Counselor Lopez.

Aye.

Council President Godinez Valencia.

Aye.

I have that as unanimous.

Takes us to second reading then.

I make a motion that the Cornelia City Council read by title only for the second reading and adopt ordinance number 2026.05, an ordinance amending 2.65.070, clarifying what constitutes as a quorum of the planning commission and declaring an emergency such that this ordinance shall be effective immediately following its passage and approval by the mayor.

Roll call vote again, right?

Okay.

Affirmative is in the aye.

Negative is in the nay.

Please vote.

Oh, sorry, thank you.

Motion motion by Councillor Godinas.

Thank you for keeping me straight there.

Uh second, do we have a second?

Second.

Second by Councilor Lopez.

It's a repeat.

Um there'll be a roll call vote when you're called.

Aye in favor, nay to the negative.

Uh please do the roll call.

Counselor Lopez.

Aye.

Councillor Baker.

Aye.

Council President Godina Salencia.

Aye.

Mayor Delane.

Aye.

I have that as unanimous.

And wow, you're really shaking up those order there.

You got a random number generator over there using your phone.

Okay.

Resolution number 2026 48.

Architectural service contract for facade improvements grant program.

Uh Barbara Fryer.

Do we have a staff report on this one?

Or where are we at on this city manager?

I don't think we need a staff report on this one.

Okay.

Anyone uh have questions?

We good.

No questions.

Anyone wish to make the motion?

I can make the motion.

Councilor Lopez.

I make a motion to approve resolution number 2026-48.

A resolution of the Cornelia City Council awarding the architectural and construction services contract for the up um I read the right one.

No, no, no.

This is not it is up on the okay, up on the unmarked to process architects.

Um and this action takes effect immediately.

Motion by Councilor Lopez.

Do I have a second?

Aye second.

Second by Counselor Baker.

Any further discussion?

Seeing none, all those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

Abstentions?

Pass unanimous.

Takes us on to resolution 2026 49.

Intergovernmental agreement with Metro for Local Share of Nature Grant.

Do we need a staff report on this one?

Are we good?

Sorry, I was deer in the headlights, Mayor.

Sorry about that.

Um I'll do just a brief, very brief summary.

So this intergovernmental agreement is for the uh one of Metro uh grant programs, the local share nature grant.

We have an opportunity for just over $902,000 in non-competitive grant funds for nature-related projects.

And so this IGA is to establish the grant terms while we develop and refine our proposal for the use of the funds.

So we we expect to do that in the next maybe 12 to 18 months at the at the outside.

Thank you.

Okay, any questions for staff?

Yes, Councilor Godinas.

So I did see that this was um to better interact with the Twalton River.

So and then as I was reading through um some of like the legalese in the contract, uh I did see the forms like where we have to fill out and include the project proposals and all that.

So is this where we're thinking more?

Um, a lot of the conversations we've been having about steamboat park and potentially using some of those funds to work on that park, or do you have other ideas in mind?

I'm just kind of curious to hear what we're thinking so far.

Absolutely, yeah.

Thanks for the question.

What what I've been thinking and and working on with staff is for at least a portion of this money.

I hope that we can use to develop the public plaza at the new community uh uh community recreation center.

Um we will have to uh design it so that it um so that it has a nature element to it in order to do that, but we think we can do that.

And so either if there's a balance remaining or if we if we can't utilize the funds for that purpose, we also think that we might be able to develop some access to the Toalton River.

We do have a separate grant from Metro to do that, and we we think um we're still working through the details, but we think we found a path where we can create that access with the other grant.

Um, but there's there's some additional access that we think we might be able to develop there, kind of in that general area of the community.

And so those are the pieces that we're working through right now.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Yep.

Sorry, I just they keep coming back.

Are we buying a better new rope?

Is that that our access plan for the Steampo Park?

Sorry, I just I got too real there for a second.

We'll we'll bring that back to you.

It's we're going na nature, it's gonna be hemp rope, so it's gonna last.

It's gonna be a good piece of rope.

Um enough silliness there.

Uh any more questions for staff, or are we ready to move to the motion?

Anyone?

I can make a motion.

Yeah, Councillor Goodinas.

I make a motion to approve resolution number 2026 49, a resolution of the Cornelia City Council authorizing the city manager to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Metro for future recipient of local share grant funds, and this action takes effect immediately.

Motion by Councillor Godinas.

Do I have a second?

Second.

Second by Councillor Lopez.

Any further discussion?

Seeing none.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed?

Abstentions?

Pass unanimous.

That takes us on to reports.

City council, anyone have reports.

Councillor Godinas.

How how did I just know that?

I always have my report.

Yes.

I just want to remind everyone that um the Fourth of July is over.

And so just to be um mindful, because I've I know people are excited and they're trying to use up the rest of their fireworks, but people do want to sleep during the week.

So just you know, be kind and pay attention to the noise order um ordinance.

Um also just want to remind folks, right, that students are out of school, so just be more careful as you're driving around and paying attention to um to the streets because sometimes students are this the children are out there playing basketball or even soccer, and so they're not always paying attention to everything that's happening.

So making sure you're doing your due diligence.

Um I do just want to note that there's been a lot.

Um we might not hear about it as much, but um there are still ice detainments that are happening right now, and so I do just want to remind our community to use the park hot line to make sure that you're keeping yourself safe, but recording things if you can.

Um to know your rights.

So you have the right to remain silent and you have the right to a lawyer.

You don't have to sign anything, no matter what they tell you.

You do not have to sign anything, especially not without talking with a lawyer.

And again, we've heard this very commonly that they'll tell you you can't have access to a lawyer.

Um that's not true.

Uh they they can tell you, I guess it sounds like they can say whatever they want, whether or not that's a fact or not.

Um and so I just want to remind community members that is still happening.

And so um if anybody needs support, they're a lot of great organizations that can provide services, so don't hesitate to reach out.

I know we have um Centro uh Cultural, Adelante Mujeres, um, Oregon Law Center, and many more that you can find on our website.

Uh I believe it's Cornelius or dot govration resources, is that correct?

Yes.

So you can go to our website and we have a lot of resources on there as well.

Um there was another one that I forgot, and if I remember, I'll let you know.

Sorry.

I have no doubt that you'll let me know.

Any other counselors with reports?

Councilor Baker?

No.

Okay.

Um I've got a couple basically last week went down to the Metropolitan Mayor's Consortium, uh, met with them, like I mentioned earlier, uh focused on uh coming the beginnings of our legislative priorities for next year for the the long session, and then also a lot of discussion around um supportive housing services and um council president uh Juan Carlos has uh been making a lot of public appearances and information on that.

So um interested to see how this will k develop.

Um, you know, there's proposals out there to extend it to let it die because it will auto-end at a certain point, the way it's uh written right now, and then also a lot of discussion around well, who's the recipients of it, right?

Because right now it's uh basically goes to Portland and then it's distributed out through the Portland um taxing authority to the counties.

And um there's a lot of concerns.

out there to extend it to let it die because it will auto-end at a certain point the way it's uh written right now and then also a lot of discussion around well who's the recipients of it right because right now it's uh basically goes to Portland and then it's distributed out through the Portland um taxing authority to the counties and um there's a lot of concerns I think uh Mayor Wilson gave some very compelling arguments about basically um while we've seen some improvement he's received zero dollars from the county um the money he's actually gotten is from the state um to do the work he's done and his work uh he will tell you has been more substantive and more um to actually resolve problems than what we're seeing the counties just kind of percolate through and the biggest piece of his data is um our time and count numbers the uh be concerned about how people are at and where the economy is but basically our our time and count numbers don't show any improvement since pre-COVID you know we we we've spent billions of dollars and our counts for homeless on the streets are the same place they were pre-COVID so that's his big concern is is we've spent all this money and what have we actually accomplished and how can we go to the voters and ask them to extend or perpetuate the supportive housing services program when we have those kind of numbers.

So something something to continue to work on and uh kind of the point I shared with him is a lot of the cities are congealing around the idea that maybe our initial idea was less skid the system up quickly right so we we really supported using the systems that we already had in place which was this injected a tremendous amount of money into the counties and then they spun up a bunch of um NGOs that may have been working on a shoestring or a little bit of grant money and now they're getting tremendous cash in influence um but where's the accountability and if you talk to the cities you talk to Hillsboro you talk to Beaverton you talk to some of the other ones especially Portland they think we need to turn the equation on its head and do a direct allocation to the cities and I think the point where I find alignment on that is the siding of the shelter next to Walmart was not in collaboration with the city it was done to us not for us.

And if we change the funding model and say the money comes to the cities and then the cities choose how to either use it Beaverton's done a lot of their own direct allocation work Hillsboro's done some too or we choose to uh prescribe or subscribe to county services based on that coming from the city.

So we buy into a service program then we would basically have a direct control over the flow and what happens so it would be what was done for us instead of what's done to us.

So that would put us in a driver's seat instead of um we're not even on the bus right now.

So that's some of the stuff that's been going around as that discussion evolves if that's really where the cities go I'll look for your guys' uh ongoing feedback on that unless you have something specific tonight about supportive housing services and where you see that money going any feedback for me tonight something to steal something to percolate on and give me feedback next month just a comment just to think of bringing that up because I think that was when it happened to us when the location was placed over by a um Walmart um just seemed like uh we took a lot of the heat and uh unfortunate so for one I think um it sounds really good for us to be at least involved in the conversation and have some say on it um so it to me it sounds positive the the conversation that's going on right now.

So thank you.

Okay.

Cool.

Okay and then the the other one um speaking of conversations I spent half my uh day to day down work uh in another meeting with TriMet and uh Wellnoma County and Clackmas County um and Mayor Stovval from Gresham representing the cities of Multnomah County talking about what where we are on our transportation funding and where do we where do we go from here?

Um I think we're gonna see some themes come out and a presentation or report back out to JPACT, but it really I I took it down, I think I think I left my notes in the other room, about like five items.

Uh one one of the biggest items was really understanding where a tremendous amount of the money that TriMet gets right now is pre-destined.

So basically about 800 million dollars is and it's down from a billion to 800 million is predestined to the lifetime medical benefit that was made as a contract agreement back in the 90s.

So that is a um tremendous burden, right?

So they're the the only people I know of that get lifetime medical.

Um that's even when you go to Medicaid, my my cousin still is getting TriMet Medical now that he's retired for him and his wife and and my disabled cousin.

Um so it's a it's an incredible burden, like I said, that's eight basically 800 million of their annual budget goes into that lifetime medical program.

So that's been a huge um stone around their neck that that's that money's not going into transportation, it's going into a healthcare program for their employees.

Um that was a contract and negotiation that is a burden that you'll we will never get out of.

So uh the reason I bring that up is um I spoke earlier about TriMet has seen a real shrink in their budget, right?

Because payrolls have gone down.

So the STIF system that was put in as part of the 2017 House bill to give you more money to do local transportation, income into that has gone down because this state payroll has gone down.

Um the both the employee portion and the employer portion have gone down.

TriMet has seen a real reduction, and that's a sign of less income for workers in Oregon.

So that's where that comes in.

So they've got this decreasing income, and they've got this huge burden of the lifetime medical.

And the two of those are kind of colliding towards they won't become insolvent, but um the discussion is um, you know, they've cut hundreds of millions of dollars, they've got a pending like 187 million dollar cut um if there's no new money.

If they don't get an infusion because they law uh the collapse and then the follow-on vote um against the transportation bill basically cut additional money for TriMet and for ODOT and for out of the system.

So at some point they're going to reach their bottom, they're where they basically the income equals their and they're burning off basically their reserves at scales of hundreds of millions of dollars a year burning off their reserves and then making cuts.

So um they keep talking about new money, and this is one of the five things is the the kind of basic, you know, Clackmas community, Clackmas County, uh, Commissioner Savas and myself both talked about is we kind of think Metro uh TriMet going to the state and asking for more money for the same service, right?

More money for the exact same service that we have today, just to avoid cutting our services more.

It kind of feels dead on arrival.

And especially in the political environment we have where voters what the the what they was it 83 percent voted against the the state program, right?

The funding from the last session.

Uh that's a that's a tremendous signal, right?

When 83% of those that vote come out and say no.

So I the one light that we've talked about in this subgroup is do we could we get behind going to the state to increase the stiff portion?

And if it increased the stiff portion, would that be more of the local kind of stuff like we've seen, right?

The Cornelius Connector, uh the ride connection for Forest Grove.

So I I the one light that we've talked about in this subgroup is do we could we get behind going to the state to increase the stiff portion and if it increased the stiff portion would that be more of the local kind of stuff like we've seen right the Cornelius Connector uh the ride connection for Forest Grove would that could we get behind increasing that portion of the program funding and it being directed because right now and and this is this is the room I sit in TriMet thinks they're on a an incredible generous presentation to the non-TriMet transportation groups by guaranteeing them 12% of the stiff money that's locally generated.

Yeah council Lopez is laughing that that they think that's generous as they're guaranteeing 12% of local stiff money generated to the regional transportation providers.

But that's kind of the bizarro world we're operating in right now.

So I just wanted to share that stuff with you I think that's the two topics had MMC and the the TriMet meeting so interesting discussions with the rest of the folks there.

And um you know Sam Dsu the the head of TriMet understands he you know he's basically in charge of a sh a substantially shrinking program.

And then I I actually thought of one more I should share with you guys.

So um I was out of town for JPACT but I did get together with Mayor Bubenek we did meet with the Washington County representatives and we put forth a proposal that the funding for um the bridge the interstate bridge replacement would not go forward without a guarantee of a low income option for tolling Washington County supported it cities of Washington County supported it.

Clackma supported it but that was insufficient to get that voted in as a stipulation of a requirement so we ended up with a bunch of no votes or um no vote on that measure it still passed they got um like seven billion more dollars for the interstate but um I'm really concerned there is no low toll low cost tolling or or reduced income towing tolling program in Washington.

The tolling program for interstate is going to be run out of the Washington tolling program because they already have one talking with the staff actually the Interstate bridge will be the biggest single program in Washington's tolling program.

That's how big the interstate bridge project is how much traffic goes across that so it will be bigger than their current Tacoma Narrows and the other ones that they have this will actually be their biggest project.

And unfortunately we we understand they're not so interested in doing it because as soon as they put that program on the record and set up the software to do it in Oregon the people of Seattle and Tacoma and all these other places are going to ask for it to be done there too.

So it it hurts their revenue so they're not very excited about it.

We've got an additional thing that was mine we got the city manager do we need to extend the meeting because we've got an executive session at the end because we have five to nine right now my understanding is that that's just for regular regular session just for the regular okay yeah city manager I'll turn the floor over to you you got five minutes to get an extension or can you name that too that's plenty I'll get it done.

I I did want to show a quick video that is hot off the press that it's all had produced um take care of Cornelius Day it's just a few minutes and hopefully the sound doesn't blast us out community participation allows residents to connect with one another for the city we really have to we have staff who coordinate everything but there's no way that we could do this without residents volunteering their time.

Take care of Cornelis has been a longstanding event in the community it's a great way for the city to give back and for the community to give to the city volunteering to me is very important because I want my community to feel safe it's a great opportunity for you to have other connections with people of your own community we can make a bigger impact when we're all together this event really does help people think about the condition of our community and cleanliness whether it's litter or other ways that we beautify the community our own properties it's an annual reminder and spring is spring and early summer is the time when we tend to to kind of clean up and refresh and so this event I think helps us all think about that and and remind each other that it's really important to keep our community clean and vibrant

This event really does help people think about the condition of our community and uh cleanliness, whether it's litter or other ways that we beautify the community, our own properties.

It's an annual reminder, and spring is spring and early summer is the time when we tend to kind of clean up and refresh.

And so this event I think helps us all think about that and and remind each other that it's really important to keep our community clean and vibrant.

What I really like about events like this is that the fire department can get involved as well.

We see people on their worst days, and this gives us an opportunity to be in the community with people and build relationships when they are doing something that's positive for the community and see that we have other things to offer besides just showing up on their worst day.

My favorite part about participating is getting to hang out with friends and helping people.

Sincere thanks to all, I believe all departments had, and some of them significant number of staff had uh on their time uh supporting the event, and then of course a bunch of community members, the youth advisory council.

So thank you so much to everyone who participated.

Um, I want uh next item I want to note that I think I might have mentioned at the last meeting that our library director Maria Aguilar was nominated for the chamber award business advocate of the year, and she won it.

So uh she just let me know that today.

So unfortunately, she's I think she's left, but congratulations to Maria.

Um I'll note that um Ellie Jones and I were in Portland this morning signing the closing documents on our urban renewal borrowing, so we'll have the revenue coming in later this week so that we can uh we're we're in the process of negotiating the purchase of the old school building and also um borrowed money for uh urban renewal projects, so we're really excited about that.

And then just a note that I will be at the OCCMA conference tomorrow through Friday in Ashland.

I'll be totally reachable, have my computer and everything.

So but I'm really looking forward to that.

So just wanted you to be aware.

Thank you.

Awesome.

Um, do you want me to read this before adjournment or after adjournment?

Okay.

The following city uh regular city council meeting, the following the regular city council meeting, the cornea city council will meet for an executive session pursuant to ORS 192 sub-660 sub-2 sub E, which allows the city council to meet in executive session to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions and ORS 192 sub-60 uh excuse me, 192.660 sub two sub F to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection.

Representative of the news media and designated staff may attend the executive session.

All other members of the audience are asked to leave the room.

Representatives of the news media are specifically directed not to report on any of the deliberations during the executive session, except to state the general subject as previously announced.

No final decision will be made in the executive session.

The city council will not convene to a public meeting following to be clear, the city council will not reconvene to a public meeting following the executive session.

Do I have a motion to adjourn?

I motion to adjourn.

Motion by Councilor Goodinas.

Do I have a second?

Second.

Second by Councillor Lopez.

All those in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Aye.

We would now go to executive session.