Tualatin City Council Regular Session - January 12, 2026

The Tualatin City Council held a regular session on January 12, 2026, beginning at 8:00 AM. The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions of new staff, public comment, a grant presentation from the Pili Group, the IDEA Committee annual report, approval of a contract for a major intersection study, and council communications regarding community safety and immigration enforcement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included:
  • Approval of the regular meeting minutes from December 8, 2025.
  • A business license (doing business as Miller's Homestead Restaurant).
  • Resolution No. 5940-26 authorizing the city to accept a grant from the Oregon Water Resources Department for the water reservoir seismic improvements project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• BJ Park (resident, former IDEA Committee member) expressed opposition to the proposed land acknowledgment, stating it falsely declares Tualatin as "stolen land" and undermines the legitimacy of the U.S. He claimed he was removed from the IDEA Committee under false pretenses because of his stance, and noted that a white woman was reappointed while he was not, calling it hypocrisy.
• Chris Paul (IDEA Committee Chair) responded, clarifying that Park was not reappointed due to attendance issues (missed meetings) and not because of his opinion on the land acknowledgment. Paul stated he takes Park's views seriously and the committee is carefully considering the issue.

Special Reports

Pili Group Grant Presentation

• Marilu Serrano (representing the Pili Group) and Betsy Rodriguez Roof (Community Engagement Coordinator/translator) presented on the group's work supporting Hispanic women through workshops, Zumba, mental health classes, and a community cookbook. They noted that attendance has dropped from an average of 20 to 10 participants due to fear of ICE enforcement in the community. The group uses grant funds for facility fees, materials, and events. Council members expressed gratitude and offered support, with Councilor Gonzalez providing a personal message of encouragement in Spanish.

IDEA Committee Annual Report

• Chris Paul (Chair) and Aaron Stimson (member) presented the committee's 2025 accomplishments and 2026 recommendations. Achievements included supporting city proclamations for Transgender Day of Visibility and Pride Month, community outreach at Viva Tualatin and the Pride concert, and providing feedback on food cart regulations and the CORA downtown revitalization plan. The committee's work plan focuses on culture and identity, community engagement, and housing/public safety. Recommendations to Council: incorporate accessible transportation, affordable housing, and community gathering places into CORA; and prioritize community gathering and multicultural food carts in food cart regulations. Councilor Brooks asked about the committee's diversity and biggest gaps; Chris Paul noted the need for better public engagement. Councilor Hillier encouraged the committee to provide input on TriMet's transportation listening sessions. Councilor Sacco thanked the committee for leading a food drive that collected 100–125 pounds for the Tualatin food pantry.

Discussion Items

Resolution 5939-26: Awarding Contract for Tualatin-Sherwood Road/Boons Ferry Road/Railroad Intersection Study

• Mike McCarthy (City Engineer) and Abby McFetterage (Engineering Associate) presented the project. The intersection is one of the highest-ranked for crashes and congestion, with train delays of 20–30 minutes. Phase 1 will evaluate options including a "big build" (bridge or tunnel), a "smaller build" (surface turn lanes), and a no-build alternative. The consultant team (Kittelson) will provide high-level cost estimates, feasibility, and visual renderings. The full timeline for a big build could extend to 2037. Council discussed the need for creative solutions, railroad involvement (Portland and Western), and potential impacts of longer trains. The resolution was approved unanimously via roll call vote (all ayes).

Advisory Appointments (Budget Committee)

• Councilor Pratt and Councilor Sacco (CCAA committee) recommended three appointees to the Budget Committee for terms expiring December 31, 2028: Chris Brun, Elizabeth Michaels, and Daniel Bach Huber. Council approved the appointments unanimously.

Council Communications

• Councilor Brooks raised two items: a pending Supreme Court case on Roundup (glyphosate) liability, and a proposed battery plant with overhead wires near the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (a federal preserve), noting potential impacts on downtown redevelopment.
• Councilor Brooks also requested a work session to discuss information from a recent community training on immigration enforcement, legal rights, and public safety. She expressed concern about incidents of violence and the need to inform the community about what city police can and cannot do. Councilor Gonzalez noted the city's limited role under state law, and Councilor Pratt suggested sharing the training materials and recording with all council members. The council agreed to disseminate the information and consider a future work session.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the consent agenda (three items).
• Unanimous approval of Resolution 5939-26, awarding a contract to Kittelson for the Tualatin-Sherwood Road/Boons Ferry Road/Railroad intersection study (Phase 1).
• Unanimous approval of three appointments to the Budget Committee.
• Next steps: The city will share the community training materials (PowerPoint, recording, contacts) with all council members. A work session may be scheduled to discuss the role of local law enforcement and community resources regarding immigration enforcement.