Cornelius City Council Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Cornelius City Council met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included presentations from Washington County Commissioner Jerry Willie (his final appearance) and the Family Peace Center, adoption of two proclamations, an update on city council elections, and reports from council members. The meeting adjourned to executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Council President Godines, seconded by Councilor Lopez, and passed with all members voting aye.

Presentations

• Washington County Commissioner Jerry Willie – Delivered his last presentation to the city after eight years of service. He discussed the upcoming election, the county’s jail expansion (noting Oregon has the smallest per capita jail space), the planned courthouse renovation (estimated at $1 billion by 2037), and the flavored tobacco ban litigation. He commended the city for its accomplishments and thanked the council for their partnership. Councilors expressed appreciation and asked about accountability following the resignation of Chair Harrington (addressing bullying concerns) and budget priorities. Commissioner Willie emphasized that public safety, health and human services, and housing were key priorities, and that budget cuts are expected to continue for two to three more years.
• Family Peace Center (FPC) Update – Dr. (retiring president) and Rachel (director) reported. Key points:
  • Since opening on January 22, 2026, the FPC has provided 6,754 services to 3,479 individuals in the first eight months.
  • This represents a 34% increase in walk-ins compared to the previous Family Justice Center.
  • 99% of survivors found a path toward safety, healing, and hope.
  • From Cornelius, 109 individuals received services, a 137% increase from the prior center.
  • The center hosts 22 partner agencies and provides coordinated navigation, child care, food pantry, clothing closet, and emergency funds.
  • Dr. announced her retirement and introduced her successor, Carolyn Ortman. Councilors asked about budget impacts, intake processes, donation opportunities, and observed increases in violence intensity and housing needs.

Proclamations

• Fire Prevention Month (October 2026) – Proclaimed by Mayor Delane, emphasizing safe charging of lithium-ion batteries (over 450 battery-related fires in Oregon in 2025).
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2026) – Proclaimed, noting that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 6 men in Oregon experience domestic violence; 50% of child abuse victims in Washington County are in homes with domestic violence.

Discussion Items

• City Council Election Update – City Manager noted that due to uncontested seats, the city will wait until around December for official results before addressing the vacancy. Direction was received from Washington County and the Oregon Secretary of State.
• Reports from Councilors:
  • Council President Godines – Reminded community about increased ICE enforcement near flock cameras, urged knowing rights, documenting incidents, and using resources like Equity Corps of Oregon and the city’s website for immigration assistance.
  • Councilor Lopez – Encouraged voting, noting the last day to register is October 13 and ballots are due November 3.
  • Councilor Baker – Mentioned voter registration starting at age 16, attended a joint town hall with Representatives McLean and Solza, and previewed upcoming legislative session topics: transportation funding, data center moratorium, flock camera legislation, and education funding model changes. Advised realistic expectations.
  • Mayor Delane – Reported on the Westside Economic Alliance Mayor’s Forum, outreach from Farm Bureau regarding urban growth, a ribbon-cutting for Chick-fil-A, and defended the importance of commercial/industrial development and the 50/30/20 funding split. Noted TriMet’s struggle for more funding amid declining ridership.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Proclamations for Fire Prevention Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month adopted.
• Family Peace Center update received with appreciation; the council acknowledged their work and noted that future financial support may be reduced.
• City council election vacancy will be addressed in December after results are certified.
• The council adjourned to executive session (ORS 192.660(2)(e)) to discuss real property transactions; no final decisions were made, and the council did not reconvene publicly.