John Schnauzer Taylor

The council held a special meeting to address key agenda items, including the adoption of a resolution to increase solid waste collection rates following a public hearing. Discussions involved the franchise model for waste management, the role of Metro in disposal fees, and the availability of a low-income assistance program. Additionally, the council initiated a public hearing regarding the 2025-2027 biennium supplemental budget.

The meeting was marked by significant disruptions and disagreements regarding decorum, power dynamics, and the conduct of both council members and members of the public. Discussions centered on the adherence to established council rules, the handling of conflict, and the propriety of recording proceedings in a public forum. Due to the high level of tension and the inability to maintain order, the council voted to adjourn the meeting prematurely and defer all remaining business to a subsequent session.

The City Council held a special work session to discuss policy options and receive updates regarding data centers and the local enterprise zone. The discussion focused on environmental protections and regulatory layers for sensitive natural resources, including significant natural resource overlays, FEMA flood plain requirements, and state and federal wetland protections. Additionally, the presentation covered power utility planning, the regional energy infrastructure, and the regulatory framework for large load customers, including rate schedule changes and cost allocation strategies. The Council also requested a future tour of local data centers to better understand their operations and locations.

The council held a work session to discuss data center development within the city. Key discussion topics included an overview of current data center locations, the different types of data centers such as colocation, enterprise, and hyperscale, and the city's approach to land use and zoning. Staff provided information on the development process, infrastructure requirements, and the impact of existing state policies on enterprise zones. The session aimed to clarify facts regarding data center activity, address community concerns, and gather council feedback on potential future regulations and research needs.

The meeting included the presentation of the 2026 Preserving Historic Hillsboro awards, honoring various properties for their stewardship, restoration, and adaptive reuse. A proclamation was issued to declare May 2026 as Historic Preservation Month. The council also approved an appointment to the Planning and Zoning Hearings Board. A public comment session addressed concerns regarding private jet operations at the airport, including noise and environmental impact assessments, as well as discussions on data center enterprise zone tax abatements, transparency, and fiscal impacts on local schools and emergency services.