Rachael Helen Bateman

The Council Creek Regional Trail Master Plan provides a comprehensive strategy for the development of a 15-mile multiuse pathway. This trail will connect the cities of Banks, Forest Grove, Cornelius, and Hillsboro, spanning rural, suburban, and urban areas for both recreational and transportation purposes. The plan outlines preferred trail alignments, types, and treatments, alongside implementation guidance, including cost estimates, partnership identification, and a detailed phasing plan prioritizing the West-East Corridor due to its urban concentrations and lack of interim alternatives.

The agenda for the City Council meeting includes an Executive Session followed by the Urban Renewal Agency meeting. The Regular Session covers announcements, including open applications for the Civic Leadership Academy and upcoming office closures. The Consent Agenda features approval of City Council Meeting Minutes from December 1, 2025, and January 5, 2026, a Liquor License Renewal Application, an Administrative Map Update for Ordinance No. 2026-02, and the Resolution to apply for the Public Safety Building Seismic Retrofit Grant. The meeting also includes Public Comment, Recognition for 20 years of service by Erika Martinez, and Presentations and Appointments covering the City Audit Report, Council Creek Regional Trail Update, Cornelius Police Report, Elected Official Trainings, a Budget Committee Appointment, and a Proclamation for Black History Month.

The agenda for the regular session included holding elections for the Chair and Vice-Chair positions, and addressing the consent agenda, which involved the approval of the Urban Renewal Agency Board Meeting Minutes from May 5, 2025, and January 5, 2026. The session also featured a public comment period, a presentation on the 2025 Annual Report delivered by the City Manager, and no items under public hearings, unfinished business, or new business.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a Type III Legislative Amendment (Omnibus Title 17 Amendments, Case File No. CMCA-02-25) to the Cornelius Municipal Code (CMC) Sections within Title 17 Land Division. The proposal aims to address inconsistencies in the final codification of a previous amendment (CMC 01-24), particularly clarifying applicability, adding time limits for approval for middle housing land divisions, and updating procedures for expedited land divisions. The Commission recommended approval of this legislative amendment to the City Council, with minor specified corrections. Announcements covered upcoming Planning Commission meetings regarding an FEMA Ordinance, Cornelius Elementary School Field Lighting, and a rezone for annexation on N 10th. Director Fryer also discussed the upcoming Boards and Commissions Dinner and a regional transit and safety improvement project.

The Planning Commission meeting focused on two main topics. The first involved an overview of Cornelius's path to compliance with the State of Oregon's Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) parking reform requirements. The discussion centered on compliance via Option 3, though Option 2 was also extensively discussed. Staff indicated that follow-up questions and options would be presented to the City Council for legal review, with anticipated return to the Council in August. The second topic included a presentation on the Cornelius Anti-Displacement Plan, developed by ECONorthwest, covering its research process, key strategies, and next implementation steps. Announcements included scheduling for future hearings and noting that potential new applicants for appointment would be introduced.