Hillsboro City Council Special Meeting - June 23, 2026

The June 23, 2026 special city council meeting addressed a consent agenda, public hearings on solid waste rate increases and the supplemental budget, multiple ordinance and resolution approvals, a lengthy discussion on potential disciplinary actions against Councillor Salgado, and extensive public comments. Key themes included data center development, transparency, worker protections, and council conduct.

Consent Calendar

• Approved without discussion via roll call vote.

Public Hearings & Testimony

• Solid Waste Collection Rate Increase (Resolution 2923): Anthony Garbarino, co-owner of Garbarino Disposal and Recycling, testified in support of the proposed rate adjustment, citing the thorough annual review process and the need to maintain service quality, union jobs, and financial sustainability. He emphasized that deferring increases would create greater cost pressure. Councilor Salgado asked why the report was organized by service line rather than by individual franchise; staff responded that a composite rate is used to set a single citywide rate but that franchise-level data is available. Councilor Sinclair asked about the low-income reduced rate program (75% buy-down, eligibility at 60% of state median income). The resolution passed unanimously.
• Supplemental Budget (Ordinance 6520): No public testimony; council adopted the ordinance in one reading, declaring an emergency.

Discussion Items

• Data Center Development & Enterprise Zone Policy: Multiple public speakers criticized the city’s handling of data centers. Speakers stated that 17 data center applications have been filed in the enterprise zone, and that Hillsboro now has 34 data centers—more than 19 U.S. states. Speakers opposed new projects near a school and wetland, citing noise, health risks from low-frequency infrasound, lithium-ion battery fires, water pollution, and lack of job creation. Several urged the council to reform tax abatements, use the $55 million community service fee fund immediately, and increase transparency. Specific projects mentioned: CoreSite (19.73 acres, adjacent to Weible Creek) and Heinz/Walker data center (near Beaverton Engineering and Science Academy). The city manager announced plans to include new enterprise zone applications in future written reports.
• Janitorial Contract Transition: Several union janitors from SEIU Local 49 expressed concern that switching from Relay Resources (union) to Northwest Success Inc. (non-union, Oregon Forward program) could reduce pay, benefits, and protections for disabled workers. They requested the city monitor the transition and ensure compliance with state retention laws.
• Century Boulevard Extension: Two speakers opposed the project, arguing it would destroy habitat and green space. One noted a county commissioner admitted the public was not engaged.
• Disciplinary Action Against Councilor Salgado: City Attorney Chad Jacobs outlined three options: no action, formal censure process, or other disciplinary actions. Councilor Case (who requested the item) recommended censure, removal from external committees, and virtual attendance. Councilor Harris supported censure and removal from external committees. Councilor Sinclair initially supported censure, removal from external committees, and virtual attendance, then later amended to match Councilor Alcair’s full proposal. Councilor Annbery recommended censure, removal from all committees (internal and external), no representation, and requested resignation. Councilor Alcair proposed censure, public apology, removal from all committees, no representation, virtual attendance, half stipend reduction, and bias/harassment training. Councilor Salgado defended his actions, stating the video he posted was about safety concerns and that he could not manage millions of comments. He called the process a “political witch hunt” and questioned whether rules were applied evenly. After discussion, a motion was made to adopt the following as potential actions: censure, removal from committees, virtual attendance, training (bias/harassment and conflict resolution), no representation of the city, reduction of stipend by half, and a public apology. The amendment (adding public apology and stipend reduction) passed 5-0, and the overall motion passed 5-0. A final decision will be made at the July 7 meeting after Councilor Salgado has an opportunity to respond.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2923 (solid waste rate increase) adopted unanimously.
• Ordinance 6520 (supplemental budget) adopted unanimously.
• Ordinances 6519, 6517, 6518 (comprehensive plan amendments and code changes) adopted on first reading or final adoption.
• Resolutions 2922, 2924, 2925, 2926 (TSDC rates, solid waste franchisee standards, fee schedule, appropriation transfers) adopted unanimously.
• Disciplinary process: Council voted 5-0 to send a formal notice to Councilor Salgado proposing censure, removal from all committees, virtual attendance, bias/harassment and conflict resolution training, no external representation, half stipend reduction, and a public apology. Councilor Salgado will respond at the July 7, 2026 meeting.
• Council comments: Councilor Annbery requested information on the janitorial contract transition. Councilor Harris requested data on cumulative utility burden on residents. Councilor Sinclair proposed a council retreat for better communication. Councilor Alcair proposed a DEI-led leadership training. These requests will be referred to the city manager.

Public Comments

• Over 20 speakers addressed the council on topics including: opposition to data centers (citing health, environmental, and economic concerns); the need for immediate use of the $55 million community service fund; criticism of enterprise zone tax breaks; concerns about school funding; a request to update land use codes; support for a citizen oversight board; testimony from janitorial workers about union protections; opposition to the Century Boulevard Extension; and condemnation of Councilor Salgado’s behavior and online comments. Several speakers called for his resignation.