OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Hillsboro City Council Meeting – September 1, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, September 1, 2026
BodyHillsboro, Oregon
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:11:51

Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

Hello everyone and welcome to the September 1st, 2026 City Council meeting.

0:14

Thank you for joining us this evening.

0:16

For translation services, please use the QR code on the poster on the left side of the room.

0:29

And it's also on your agenda if you need that as well.

0:36

We've had some disruptions in the past, and so we will not tolerate disruptions that preclude the council from being able to conduct its business and to hear from the community.

0:57

This right now, this this announcement is deemed as a first general warning for all attendees.

1:17

So in order to keep the space welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone, and to avoid disruption, we ask that all comments be shared respectfully.

1:50

Amber, maybe please have a roll call.

1:52

Mayor Pace?

1:53

Here.

1:54

Councillor Alcair.

1:56

Here.

1:57

Councillor Sinclair?

1:58

Here.

1:59

Councillor Case?

2:00

Here.

2:00

Councillor Harris?

2:01

Here.

2:02

Councillor Ambry?

2:03

Here.

2:03

Councillor Salgado.

2:05

Here.

2:06

Thank you.

2:07

Great.

2:08

Moving to item two presentations and appointments.

2:10

I'd like to invite Councillor Solgado to read the Spanish version of the Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation.

2:17

Following that reading, I'll invite Councillor Alcair to the podium to read the English version and to present the proclamation to Jenny Granillo, who serves as one of our graphic designers in the city manager's office.

2:30

Councillor Sogado.

5:25

Thank you.

5:26

Councilor Alcair, would you like to go to the podium to read the English version of the Latino Hispare Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation?

5:33

Thank you.

5:34

And Jenny Granio, you can uh accompany her at the podium.

5:40

Is Jenny here?

5:41

Yes.

5:41

Great.

5:41

Thanks, Jenny.

5:42

Come on out.

5:51

English and Spanish.

5:59

Hi.

6:02

I just want to hear the design.

6:04

You have to push the button on the mic.

6:06

Thank you.

6:07

Hi, I'm Jenny Granillo.

6:09

I'm one of three graphic designers for the city of Hillsborough.

6:15

Manos arrivo.

6:22

También?

6:23

Okay, it's para nosotros.

6:25

Whereas each year Americans come together to honor the rich and diverse contributions of Latinos during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which extends from September 15th to October 15th.

6:36

And whereas September is the anniversary month of independence for many Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, the Ecuador.

6:48

Whereas the country's culture has been enriched by the rhythms, art, literature, food, and creativity of Latino and Hispanic people, which affirms that diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths.

7:05

Whereas our nation was founded on the principle of equal rights for all, yet many Latinos have waited too long for this promise, reminding us during Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month of the urgent need to challenge prejudice and racism in all forms.

7:25

And whereas many Latino leaders have continued to advocate for equity to ensure that everyone in this nation can contribute their talents and have the opportunity to thrive and whereas equal equality remains a priority in an ongoing partnership between the city of Hillsborough and the Latino and Hispanic community.

7:49

Exemplifying the strength of our welcoming sanctuary status declared on March 7, 2017, Anne.

7:57

Whereas people of Latino and Hispanic descent have long enriched Hillsborough's history, culture, and prosperity, representing 24.1% of our community according to the US 2020 census.

8:12

Whereas recognizing and understanding the lived experience of Latino and Hispanic community members in Hillsborough is essential for investments, create mutual benefits for all and whereas whereas we look ahead, we will continue to build and cultivate strong relationships within the Latino community and Latino leaders.

8:34

Now therefore, be it resolved that I Councilor Olivia Alcara on behave of the mayor of the city of Hillsborough, Oregon, do hereby proclaim September 15th to October 15, 2026 as Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month.

8:54

In Hillsboro, and urge all community members to observe this momentous date and participate in events that celebrate these rich Latino and Hispanic cultural traditions.

9:33

Persons wishing to speak will be recognized at this time.

9:36

If you're here in person and wish to speak, please fill out a yellow card.

9:40

Staff are collecting them for the city recorder.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Public Safety████████████████████20%
Data Center Regulation█████████████13%
Immigration Enforcement██████████10%
Public Engagement█████5%
Religious Expression█████5%
Affordable Housing█████5%
Technology and Innovation████4%
Federal Funding████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Hillsboro City Council Meeting – September 1, 2026

The meeting opened with a proclamation for Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month, followed by a lengthy public comment period addressing data center policies, police presence, immigration, and community safety. The consent agenda was approved with one abstention. The city manager reported on a major Genentech expansion, the first annual bike event, and the confirmed arrival of the Emerald Ash Borer. Council comments included a request to extend the data center moratorium, a proposal to ban automated license plate readers, and directions to explore AI-related child pornography controls.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved by a vote of 6–0, with Councillor Salgado abstaining because he was absent when the minutes were considered.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mr. Brown Wildfire: Called the Latino Heritage Proclamation “performative,” accused the council of using police intimidation, and cited specific incidents of police inaction, including bear spray use on residents. He expressed distrust in the police department’s relationship with ICE and questioned the need for a $90 million police building.
  • Mike McTernan: Opposed rushing data center code changes before environmental analyses are complete. He proposed extending the moratorium for one year, stating that without clear benchmarks, the process appears designed to silence opposition.
  • Victoria Long: Urged the council to prioritize installing flashing crosswalk signals at Century Boulevard near Rengo Elementary School, citing child safety risks for bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Simone Campbell: Criticized the phase‑one data center plan as one‑sided, arguing residents are being told to wait for safety buffers while industry gets immediate zoning certainty. She invoked her family’s 9/11 recovery experience to emphasize building safety from the start.
  • Gemma Fleener: Described a moment of fear when deciding which bathroom to use at a recent meeting due to increased police presence. She asked the council to consider how heightened security may make marginalized communities feel unsafe.
  • Jenna Nelson: Accused the council of tone policing and feeling “threatened” by people of color. She noted a closed “executive session” about safety and questioned the funding for extra police and security at meetings.
  • Dirk Knudsen: Thanked the council for the data center moratorium and planning commission work but urged that accessory‑use metrics be moved from phase one to phase two. He cited warnings from AI experts about uncontrolled AI development.
  • Tori Lewis: Delivered a Christian testimony, quoting Bible verses about sin and salvation, and urged council members to consider spiritual salvation.
  • Deborah Holland: Presented a vision for an Oregon School of Design where students build their own mortgage‑free housing. She distributed flyers for an affordable housing forum.
  • Kareem Delgado: Requested the council investigate the low rate of U‑visa certifications by Hillsboro Police (6 of 28 applicants accepted). He recommended designating a certifying official, setting deadlines, establishing a handoff to the district attorney, and publishing annual reports.
  • Denise Kerr: Disputed Mayor Pace’s statement that the city’s hands are tied on data centers, arguing the city could choose not to participate in enterprise zones. She questioned the background of certain officials and their ties to the CHIPS Act funding.
  • Sandra: Called the Latino Heritage Month proclamation “performative,” asked where God was during ICE detentions and child abuse, and read a list of names of people who died in detention.
  • Leif Eccles (late entry): Criticized the council’s warning about disruptions and the presence of four law enforcement officers as intimidation. He recounted an incident at a county board meeting where an officer placed his hand on his firearm during a Latina speaker’s testimony.

Discussion Items

  • Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation: Councillor Salgado read the Spanish version; Councillor Alcair read the English version and presented it to Jenny Granillo, a city graphic designer. Several public commenters criticized the proclamation as performative.
  • City Manager Report (Robbie Hammond):
    • Genentech announced a $750 million expansion, bringing 250 high‑wage jobs and 200 construction jobs.
    • The first annual Hillsboro bike event (“Rolls Out”) drew over 200 participants.
    • The Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed in Jackson Bottom, threatening 99% of the overstory (Oregon ash). Staff have been preparing for years via a forest restoration program.
  • Council Comments:
    • Councillor Alcair expressed concern that the council has not held a real conversation about why community members are angry and fearful.
    • Councillor Ambry asked city attorney Chad Jacobs to explain the 120‑day maximum for moratoriums under state law, which can be extended only if substantial progress is shown.
    • Councillor Sinclair requested a ban on all automated license plate readers and a dedicated work session on surveillance technology use, acquisition, and oversight.
    • Councillor Case asked for an update on gender‑neutral bathroom signage and a map being developed by the youth advisory council.
    • Councillor Salgado directed staff to explore whether the city can regulate AI‑generated child pornography stored or distributed through data centers within Hillsboro, citing a recent court case that allowed AI child porn under the First Amendment.
    • Councillor Harris commended the planning commission for its thorough work on the data center code changes.
  • Public Meetings Law Clarification: Councillor Alcair asked the city attorney to explain when council members may gather socially without violating open meetings law. The attorney stated that purely social gatherings without deliberation on official business are lawful. An exchange occurred between Councillors Alcair and Harris about a prior social gathering after a meeting; Harris stated no policy was discussed.

Key Outcomes

  • The consent agenda was approved (6–0, with one abstention).
  • Council directed staff to explore regulatory options regarding AI‑generated child pornography in data centers (Salgado’s proposal, requires majority support via email to city manager).
  • Council will consider a work session on surveillance technology and automated license plate readers (Sinclair’s request, requires endorsement via email).
  • Council noted the 120‑day legal limit for the data center moratorium and the need to show substantial progress before any extension.
  • Council asked for clearer signage on gender‑neutral bathrooms and a map update.
  • The city manager will post an explanation of the 120‑day moratorium rule on the city’s website.

Meeting Transcript

Hello everyone and welcome to the September 1st, 2026 City Council meeting. Thank you for joining us this evening. For translation services, please use the QR code on the poster on the left side of the room. And it's also on your agenda if you need that as well. We've had some disruptions in the past, and so we will not tolerate disruptions that preclude the council from being able to conduct its business and to hear from the community. This right now, this this announcement is deemed as a first general warning for all attendees. So in order to keep the space welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone, and to avoid disruption, we ask that all comments be shared respectfully. Amber, maybe please have a roll call. Mayor Pace? Here. Councillor Alcair. Here. Councillor Sinclair? Here. Councillor Case? Here. Councillor Harris? Here. Councillor Ambry? Here. Councillor Salgado. Here. Thank you. Great. Moving to item two presentations and appointments. I'd like to invite Councillor Solgado to read the Spanish version of the Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation. Following that reading, I'll invite Councillor Alcair to the podium to read the English version and to present the proclamation to Jenny Granillo, who serves as one of our graphic designers in the city manager's office. Councillor Sogado. Thank you. Councilor Alcair, would you like to go to the podium to read the English version of the Latino Hispare Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation? Thank you. And Jenny Granio, you can uh accompany her at the podium. Is Jenny here? Yes. Great. Thanks, Jenny. Come on out. English and Spanish. Hi. I just want to hear the design. You have to push the button on the mic. Thank you. Hi, I'm Jenny Granillo. I'm one of three graphic designers for the city of Hillsborough. Manos arrivo. También? Okay, it's para nosotros. Whereas each year Americans come together to honor the rich and diverse contributions of Latinos during National Hispanic Heritage Month, which extends from September 15th to October 15th. And whereas September is the anniversary month of independence for many Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, the Ecuador. Whereas the country's culture has been enriched by the rhythms, art, literature, food, and creativity of Latino and Hispanic people, which affirms that diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths.

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