Tigard City Council Meeting – September 23, 2025

The Tigard City Council met on September 23, 2025, to address a range of topics including proclamations, public comments, a police technology contract, zoning code amendments, budget supplements, and the process for filling the mayor vacancy following the resignation of Mayor Lube. The council also reviewed updates on the downtown wayfinding plan and the Town Center Development Agency's redevelopment assistance program. Key votes included approval of the Axon contract with conditions, an ordinance modifying exclusion timeframes, and the first-quarter supplemental budget.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 25-?? (voting delegate to Oregon League of Cities Conference): Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Roger Pottoff (Tigard resident): Expressed long-standing concerns about code enforcement at 11650 Ann Street, citing over 40 chickens, ducks, quail, and goats, and urged the council to revisit regulations.
• Elizabeth Sprague (Tigard resident): Defended her family, stating they are in code compliance and have been harassed by Mr. Pottoff, including filing police reports.
• Mike Sprague (Tigard resident): Echoed his wife's statements, noting code compliance visits and harassment complaints, and emphasized that their property is used for edible/medicinal plants and small livestock.
• Mary Hatley (Tigard resident): Supported Mr. Pottoff, arguing that the current lack of code creates a health hazard and called for stricter regulations.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Recognized Week Without Driving (Sept 29–Oct 5), Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), and Vietnamese American Mid-Autumn Festival (Oct 4, 2025).
• City Manager's Report: Reported over 1,500 attendees at the Police and Public Works Family Fun Day, nearly double last year's attendance.
• Axon Public Safety Contract (Local Contract Review Board): Lieutenant Erickson presented a proposed contract for body-worn cameras, tasers, in-car video, and cloud-based evidence storage. Discussion focused on the FUSIS module (real-time surveillance integration) and data privacy concerns. Councillor Wu and Councillor Gaducey raised questions about oversight and community engagement. Councillor Gaducey moved to approve with a condition requiring council approval before FUSIS activation. The motion passed with a majority (ayes vs. one nay).
• Ordinance 25-06 – Exclusions (TMC 7.58): City Attorney Rahala explained the change to remove fixed time limits (30-180 days) for bans from public property, allowing more flexibility. An amendment to cap exclusions at one year was proposed but failed (nays carried). The original ordinance then passed unanimously on a roll call vote (7-0).
• FY26 Q1 Supplemental Budget: Finance Director Eric King presented carry-forwards, new requests (including $82,000 increase for Axon contract, debt service for cinema site, and corrections for vacation cash-out errors). The budget increased by $4.5 million, funded by carryovers, grants, and contingency. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Town Center Development Agency (TCDA) Items:
  • Supplemental budget for TCDA (Universal Plaza carry-forward and debt service) approved unanimously.
  • Redevelopment assistance process review: Proposed changes to criteria, including explicit eligibility for temporary shelters and more objective scoring. Staff sought consensus; council expressed support, noting the inclusion of shelters.
• Downtown Wayfinding Plan: Project Manager Wendell Cater and consultant Jill Rosell presented the final plan, including 80 signs in the city center TIF district. The preferred design (1A) was not approved by ODOT due to rule changes; the advisory team selected a modified design. Implementation funding is in the CIP, with completion targeted by FY26-27.
• Mayor Vacancy Discussion: City Attorney Rahala outlined that a special election is not possible under the charter due to filing deadlines. Council discussed internal vs. external appointment. Councillors expressed preference for internal appointment, citing stability and continuity. Two councillors (Councillor Shaw and Councillor Wu) expressed interest in the mayor position. The council agreed to hold a public process on October 7, 2025, with questions from the community and council, followed by a vote. The selected candidate will be sworn in subsequently.

Key Outcomes

• Axon Contract: Approved with the condition that council approval is required before activating the FUSIS module. (Voice vote: majority ayes, one nay)
• Ordinance 25-06 (Exclusions): Adopted as written (no upper limit). (Roll call: 7-0)
• FY26 Q1 Supplemental Budget: Resolution 25-33 adopted. (Voice vote: unanimous)
• TCDA Supplemental Budget: Resolution 25-06 adopted. (Voice vote: unanimous)
• Mayor Appointment Process: Set for October 7, 2025, with public question submission, candidate interviews, and council vote. A vacancy for the subsequent council seat will be filled later.