OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tigard City Council Meeting December 2, 2025: Annexations, Legislative Agenda, and Council Appointment

City Council — Tuesday, December 2, 2025
BodyTigard, Oregon
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:46:36

Transcript — Verbatim
0:11

All right, good evening, everyone.

0:12

I will call this uh Tiger City Council to order.

0:16

Um City Recorder Craiger, would you please conduct a roll call?

0:22

Yes, Counselor Helleck.

0:24

Here.

0:25

Counselor Gerdosi.

0:27

President.

0:28

Mayor who?

0:29

Here.

0:30

Counselor Robins.

0:31

Here.

0:32

Counselor Slack.

0:34

Here.

0:34

Counselor Shaw.

0:41

Unable to attend.

0:42

Council President Wolf.

0:44

Here.

0:50

All righty.

0:51

So everybody please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:18

Thank you, everyone.

1:19

Council and city staff, do you have any non-agenda items?

1:23

None from us, Mayor.

1:25

All right, seeing none.

1:26

Let's move on to the public comments.

1:29

So I'm supposed to say that public comment is not dialogue.

1:36

Either I or the staff will follow up to address the issue brought forward in these comments.

1:43

The calling number is 503-966-4101.

1:49

And those wishing to comment should call now to get into the queue.

1:53

Anyone present wanting to comment should sign up on the public comment form at the front of the room.

2:08

And for in-person uh comments, we have three people sign up.

2:15

So when I call your name, please come forward and turn on the mic and state your name and your uh city uh residents, and after that you all have two minutes.

2:25

So the first person I will invite up to speak is Alfred John Nicholas Brummer.

2:32

Alfred?

2:33

Hi.

2:34

Hi, welcome.

2:36

Uh not yet.

2:38

You can take a seat if you want.

2:39

There you go.

2:40

Okay, thank you.

2:41

Um thank you, by the way, all of you.

2:45

I appreciate your time.

2:46

Um I'm here on uh I read an article in the uh newspaper recently about the new park that will be going in, and you guys wanted some comments and suggestions for the park.

2:57

Um my my younger brother, back when they started the plans for the the skate park that you have right outside the doors here, was on the design team initially, and it was supposed to go at Bower Jr.

3:07

High.

3:07

There was a phase one and there was a phase two.

3:10

Well, the that ended up getting the kabosh because of the endangered turtle that was found and protected the land.

3:16

So they ended up going here and had to have some changes to it.

3:20

And I I have a daughter and I got into jewelry there and then I also got into Postles because of the jewelry influence.

3:27

So I started getting the fossils and learned that turtles were rampant around here in this area was you know a set of islands.

3:32

And I've been I've learned a lot of history about it.

3:35

And my suggestion is that it it's kind of a larger issue.

3:39

I I think we should start something called like the West Side Skate skate pipeline, where the Rock Creek and Pedro Trail that now connect, they all already go by several skate parks.

3:49

And if we can add in as many little small skate parks along the way, we could make it just a one uh a whole trip people could make, you know, hitting skate park after skate park down the trail.

3:57

And I think it's something in the summer would be great, bring a lot of you know, a lot of uh people here in it would be great.

4:04

Um I'd suggest that not only the pickleball courts, the basketball courts and the barbecue area with you know covered your pictures tables to go in the park, but also maybe a phase two that we didn't have because of the the change because of the turtle, and in such uh make a turtle shell in the park that spins and then maybe has like a tail that like is like a grind bar and like the beat could be like kicker ramps, but it it doesn't have to be something huge, but it maybe maybe can go along the lines of the original blueprint, which my brother actually has.

4:35

He said he was gonna pull it up for me.

4:36

So if you guys decide to maybe do something like that, we can get the original blueprints.

4:42

Thank you.

4:42

Thank you for your comment.

4:44

Yeah.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters█████████████████████████25%
Tourism Management████████████████████████24%
Legislative Agenda███████████11%
Procedural██████6%
Land Use Planning█████5%
Economic Development█████5%
Public Engagement████4%
Housing████4%
Homelessness███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Tigard City Council Meeting - December 2, 2025

The Tigard City Council met on December 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting covered multiple annexation hearings, discussions on the 2026 legislative agenda, a strategic plan for transient lodging tax (TLT) funds, and the selection of finalists for a vacant council seat. The council also held a public hearing on the process for hiring an interim city manager.

Public Comments

  • Alfred John Nicholas Brummer: Suggested creating a "West Side Skate Pipeline" connecting skate parks along the Rock Creek and Pedro trails, and proposed a turtle-themed skate feature at the new park, referencing original blueprints from a cancelled phase.
  • Ted Gurwin: Expressed frustration with homeless encampments in Tigard, especially near the public works building and Fanno Creek trails. He asked the council to make camping illegal or enforce existing camping rules equally on all residents, citing double standards.
  • Joey (last name not provided): Voiced concerns about public safety and quality of life declining due to homelessness. He questioned the city's long-term plan and asked when camping outside designated facilities would end.

City Manager Report

  • Interim City Manager Trish reported on community giving: council's $10,000 donation to food security was matched, resulting in $20,000 for Packed with Pride before Thanksgiving. 20 barrels of food collected for St. Vincent de Paul; Tigard Youth Advisory Council collected ~300 pounds of clothing for Just Compassion; staff collected non-perishables. The library's Basic Needs Bookshelf winter drive seeks shelf-stable snacks and warm accessories through December.

Legislative Public Hearing: River Terrace 2.0 Annexation (Continued)

  • The public hearing for annexation case NAX 2025-00001 was continued to February 24, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to allow staff to address comments from the regional government. Written testimony will be accepted until that date.

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing: Sanders Property Annexation

  • Senior Planner Agnes Lindor presented a proposal to annex a 0.47-acre parcel east of River Terrace for sewer connection, with no other development. The property would be zoned R-15 (Residential). Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval, finding consistency with all applicable codes and statutes.
  • Public Testimony: None.
  • Vote: Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 25-07, annexing the parcel and withdrawing it from the Tigard Water District, Washington County Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District, and Washington County Urban Road Maintenance District. (Roll call: all present voted yes.)

Discussion Item: 2026 Legislative Agenda

  • Assistant to the City Manager Nicole Hendricks and Interim City Manager Trish presented the proposed state agenda focusing on transportation, housing, and homelessness, and the federal agenda continued from 2025. Staff recommended adopting the state agenda and changing the federal agenda to a biennial cycle.
  • Council Discussion:
    • Councilor Schlack expressed preference for annual federal updates due to political fluidity and requested refinements to the federal agenda. He also urged explicit pursuit of amendments to SB 974 (related to housing planning timelines) and more definition for HB 3115 (homeless camping) revisions.
    • Council President Wolf supported biennial federal review but wanted an annual progress report. She questioned SB 974 and learned from staff and Assistant Community Development Director Skyler Warren about technical issues (shot clock, planning commission removal, design standards). Wolf favored modifications over repeal.
    • Councilor Robins noted that SB 974 might be difficult to repeal and supported amendments.
  • Motion: Councilor Schlack initially moved to approve the state legislative agenda amended to pursue repeal of SB 974. After discussion, he withdrew that motion and moved to approve the agenda with amendments such that SB 974 be "further revisited and modified." The motion passed unanimously. The federal agenda will be refined and brought back in early 2026.

Discussion Item: Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Strategic Plan Update

  • Economic Development Manager Danal Hother and Econ Northwest Director Cadence Petros presented findings from an environmental scan and a November 18 workshop with staff and partners. Tigard’s local TLT generates ~$750,000/year, with a fund balance exceeding $2 million due to conservative spending.
  • Draft Vision Statement: "Through a thoughtful and balanced approach, supported by strong partnerships, Tigard uses TLT funds to attract visitors, strengthen a recognizable brand identity, and foster year-round experiences that highlight Tigard's recreation assets, entertainment offerings, and destination appeal in ways that benefit the community, businesses, and visitors alike."
  • Proposed Expenditure Priorities:
    1. Promotion and marketing
    2. Destination improvements (e.g., wayfinding, regional trails)
    3. Events and entertainment
  • Council Feedback:
    • Councilor Robins supported year-round experiences and partnerships.
    • Councilor Gurdosi wanted flexibility in the vision to allow for large capital investments (e.g., a signature facility) if opportunities arise, suggesting "expansion" in destination improvements.
    • Councilor Schlack asked about incorporating retail (like Washington Square) as a tourism draw; Petros confirmed business travelers count as visitors and retail marketing is eligible.
    • Council President Wolf inquired about capacity for a major facility; staff noted operating costs exceed current revenues but a $2 million balance could be earmarked, and a TLT increase would likely be needed for such projects.
  • Next Steps: Staff will incorporate feedback into a draft framework memo by mid-December; council will review and adopt at the January 13, 2026 meeting.

Discussion Item: Identify Finalists for Council Appointment

  • The council received 14 applications for the vacant seat (term ends December 2026). All applicants were eligible; two submitted materials after the deadline.
  • Council conducted a two-round selection process. In round one, each member selected 3-5 applicants. Four candidates received at least four votes: Ali Haddadi (4), Kate Ristau (5), Gabriel Velasquez (4), Pia Wilson Body (6). Tom Anderson received three votes. After discussion, the council decided to include Anderson as a fifth finalist.
  • Each councilor explained their criteria: community engagement, local government experience, fresh perspective, balance, professionalism, and priorities for the 12-month term.
  • Motion: To interview five finalists: Tom Anderson, Ali Haddadi, Kate Ristau, Gabriel Velasquez, and Pia Wilson Body. Passed unanimously.
  • Reference Checks: Council agreed to use a standard form with five questions, modified to specify "involved in the Tigard community." Each finalist will provide two references, with forms due by noon on December 8, 2025. Interviews are scheduled for December 9, 2025.

Public Hearing: Process for Hiring an Interim City Manager

  • HR Director Laura Gomez presented the recruitment process: minimum qualifications (bachelor’s degree, 10 years’ experience, 5 years leading staff), scope of work, and a preliminary timeline—posting by December 3, candidate list by next week, interviews in mid-to-late December, start in January 2026. The interim role is expected to last 12–18 months until a permanent city manager is hired.
  • Public Testimony: None.
  • Motion: Council adopted the hiring process as presented. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Ordinance No. 25-07 for the Sanders Annexation (0.47 acres) with sewer connection. (Unanimous)
  • Adopted the 2026 state legislative agenda with amendments to seek revisions to SB 974. (Unanimous)
  • Directed staff to refine the federal legislative agenda and bring back for adoption in early 2026.
  • Validated the draft TLT vision statement and three expenditure priorities; staff will return with a final framework in January 2026.
  • Selected five finalists for the vacant council seat: Tom Anderson, Ali Haddadi, Kate Ristau, Gabriel Velasquez, and Pia Wilson Body. Interviews will be held on December 9, 2025.
  • Authorized the recruitment and selection process for an interim city manager, with a target start in January 2026.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good evening, everyone. I will call this uh Tiger City Council to order. Um City Recorder Craiger, would you please conduct a roll call? Yes, Counselor Helleck. Here. Counselor Gerdosi. President. Mayor who? Here. Counselor Robins. Here. Counselor Slack. Here. Counselor Shaw. Unable to attend. Council President Wolf. Here. All righty. So everybody please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, everyone. Council and city staff, do you have any non-agenda items? None from us, Mayor. All right, seeing none. Let's move on to the public comments. So I'm supposed to say that public comment is not dialogue. Either I or the staff will follow up to address the issue brought forward in these comments. The calling number is 503-966-4101. And those wishing to comment should call now to get into the queue. Anyone present wanting to comment should sign up on the public comment form at the front of the room. And for in-person uh comments, we have three people sign up. So when I call your name, please come forward and turn on the mic and state your name and your uh city uh residents, and after that you all have two minutes. So the first person I will invite up to speak is Alfred John Nicholas Brummer. Alfred? Hi. Hi, welcome. Uh not yet. You can take a seat if you want. There you go. Okay, thank you. Um thank you, by the way, all of you. I appreciate your time. Um I'm here on uh I read an article in the uh newspaper recently about the new park that will be going in, and you guys wanted some comments and suggestions for the park. Um my my younger brother, back when they started the plans for the the skate park that you have right outside the doors here, was on the design team initially, and it was supposed to go at Bower Jr. High. There was a phase one and there was a phase two. Well, the that ended up getting the kabosh because of the endangered turtle that was found and protected the land. So they ended up going here and had to have some changes to it. And I I have a daughter and I got into jewelry there and then I also got into Postles because of the jewelry influence. So I started getting the fossils and learned that turtles were rampant around here in this area was you know a set of islands. And I've been I've learned a lot of history about it.

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