Portland Board of Mayor and Alderman Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Portland Board of Mayor and Alderman convened on April 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The agenda included a proclamation for Telecommunicator Week, a substantial update regarding the Portland Investment Act (sales tax referendum on the May 5 ballot), budget discussions, approval of several ordinances and resolutions, a significant update on the Richland Park Splashpad project, and discussions on utility expansions and infrastructure priorities.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Ordinance 26-10 (CSR Engineering for 2026 Point Repair), Ordinance 26-11 (Dogwood Hills daily rates), and the minutes from the March 16 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the public comment period.

Major Reports & Proclamations

• Proclamation: The Board signed a proclamation declaring April 12–18, 2026 as Sumner County Emergency Communications Telecommunicator Week.
• Mayor's Report: Mayor Callis provided updates on the Artemis 2 mission, the America 250 Songwriters Contest, and gave a detailed explanation of the proposed Portland Investment Act (sales tax referendum). He calculated that a half-penny sales tax increase would generate revenue equivalent to a 21.5-cent property tax increase, equating to $188 per year on a $350,000 home. He stressed that the sales tax burdens a wider population (54,000 in the retail trade area) rather than solely city property owners (6,400 parcels).

Discussion Items

• Community Development (Retail Recruiter): Vice-Mayor Thompson presented Resolution 26-25 authorizing a contract for a retail recruiter. Two proposals were reviewed (The Retail Coach and Retail Strategies). The Board voted unanimously to re-appoint The Retail Coach for a one-year term, citing strong collaboration and community involvement.
• Finance (Budget Update): Finance Director Rachel provided a general fund update. Expenses are projected to exceed revenue by $238,000. The next step of payroll is $265,000. A notable savings of $88,000 was achieved by switching workers' compensation carriers. The city's annual audit was received with no findings. Alderman Jennings requested the full 2.4% COLA increase and step plan be included in the draft budget.
• Human Resources (Paypoint Recommendation): The Board discussed the compensation study. The regional market data recommends a 2.4% cost-of-living increase. Hazel and Rachel detailed the financial impact, sparking a discussion on employee retention and regional competitiveness. Alderman Jennings advocated for retaining the full recommended COLA in the draft budget to maintain parity with the 50th percentile of the regional market, acknowledging the tight revenue situation alongside the upcoming sales tax referendum.
• Parks & Recreation (Splashpad Updates):
  • Change Order #3 (Schedule Extension): Project manager Harrison Hill requested extensions to April 14 (substantial completion) and April 28 (final completion) due to inclement weather and material delays. The Board discussed contractor performance and potential liquidated damages. The resolution passed with one dissenting vote.
  • Change Order #4 (Cost Decrease): The Board approved a decrease of $954.62 in the contract amount due to concrete cost savings on the building foundation.
  • Park Impact Fee Discussion: The Board discussed reallocating funds originally budgeted for pickleball courts to add amenities to the splashpad, including shade structures ($31,000), benches, trash cans, and sodding for erosion control. Landscaping additions were also discussed.
• Legislative:
  • Ordinance 26-12 (Surplus Property Sale): Final approval was given for the sale of 127 acres via auction to fund the wastewater consent order. An amendment was added requiring the property to be auctioned in separate lots.
  • Resolutions 26-28 & 26-29: The Board unanimously passed a policy allowing electronic participation by council members under specific circumstances (with a 2/3 vote) and ratified Private Chapter No. 31 from the General Assembly (with a 2/3 vote).
• Police Department (Impoundment Fees): First reading of Ordinance 26-14 updated the vehicle impoundment fee schedule, increasing outside storage from $25 to $35 per day and adding a $45 per day rate for inside storage.
• Public Works (Paving & Brush):
  • The Board approved using remaining paving funds to install a binder course on the new park access road off Jim Courtney Road.
  • Public Works provided an update on the extensive winter storm brush pick-up, currently working through sanitation routes and utilizing overtime and heavy equipment.
• Utility Infrastructure:
  • Approved first readings for developer agreements with Sunset Investments for water main installations.
  • Approved Resolution 26-26 to enter contract negotiations for the Flow Monitoring Sewer Project.
  • Gas Line Extension: Discussed an estimate of $1.2 million for extending gas lines to Rapids and Coker Ford Roads. With a 70-year payback period based on current interest (26 deposits), the Board decided to defer a final decision to the May meeting and consider an official resolution.
  • Wastewater Repairs: Staff presented data on residential and commercial usage to the Board in preparation for the Fee Ad Hoc Committee meeting, showcasing how a $1 monthly flat fee per ERU could generate $85,000 annually.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-25 (Retail Recruiter): Approved, contracting with The Retail Coach for one year.
• Ordinance 26-12 (Surplus Land Sale): Passed on second reading with an amendment to auction in separate lots.
• Resolution 26-28 (Electronic Participation): Passed with a 2/3 majority vote.
• Resolution 26-29 (Ratify Private Chapter 31): Passed with a 2/3 majority vote.
• Resolution 26-24 & 26-30 (Splashpad Change Orders): Change Order #3 (schedule extension) passed; Change Order #4 (cost decrease) passed.
• Ordinance 26-14 (Impoundment Fees): Approved on first reading.
• Park Access Road: Approved paving the binder course immediately.
• Budget Direction: Staff instructed to incorporate the full 2.4% COLA increase and step plan into the draft budget.
• Gas Line Extension: Decision deferred to the May 2026 meeting for a formal resolution.
• Future Meetings: A work study was scheduled for the next meeting to review the budget and capital project requests. The Fee Ad Hoc committee meeting was scheduled for April 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM.