City Council Meeting - Cornelius

Councilor Heinrich remarked that in requiring high densities, Metro does not seem to consider
quality of life. Smaller towns should have lower density requirements to create their own
uniqueness and then let people decide.
Councilor Harrington responded that unfortunately, the bar has been raised on everyone,
especially as funding for basic infrastructure needs is not as available from the federal
government as in the past. Cities must provide for more utilization and a larger return on
investment than in past. Additionally, demographics have changed as well as market
preferences and Metro must respond to that environment. She agreed various family-style
housing options are needed, but the community has to make those decisions when planning
larger areas, adding that local communities can rezone within their cities as well.
Mayor Dalin stated it is against Metro’s charter to forcibly up zone any community and
requiring up zoning in order to expand was a direct violation. Councilor Harrington clarified that
Metro cannot up zone existing areas or neighborhoods in cities, but that did not apply to
expansion areas.
Mayor Dalin noted the City was scolded multiple times by Metro for planning outside UGB area,
and even threatened legal action. Now, Metro says it is an expectation. Metro rewarded others
for what Cornelius was told would result in legal penalties. Cornelius was admonished by Metro
for planning in the same cycle that Hillsboro did when they received a UGB expansion. He
continued noting the various Metro requirements that Cornelius had fulfilled, including density
and successful private/public partnerships. Not getting the UGB expansion resulted in huge
missed opportunities because interested and willing property owners would now develop to
County standards. Cornelius could have had full urban development with a 26-acre park and 40-
acre site for a new high school. Local builders would be building if Cornelius had gotten the
expansions east of town; now they were leaving the area for work. Builders said every house in
the expanded UGB would have been sold. Also, without additional industrial lands, spin off and
support companies could not provide light industrial family wage jobs in town. Cornelius
residents will continue to be exported to work elsewhere. He did not understand how past
performance will be counted any differently next time. Metro’s decision was unjust and
inappropriate, which is why the City sought legislation to see what could be done.
Councilor Harrington said she respected the Council’s and City’s positions and would continue
to do what she could to bring resources to bear for the City of Cornelius. She continued her
update, noting Martha Bennett was now Metro’s new Chief Operating Officer. She reviewed
Metro’s projects with regard to new community-based and integrated corridor transportation
planning, greenhouse emissions, and brown and green fields. She also described the regional
collaborate efforts Metro is involved in, including Greater Portland Pulse, The Intertwined and
the TIGER II and Regional Sustainable Community's Planning Grants. She responded to clarifying
questions from the Council. Additional information is available on Metro’s website, as well as at
www.portlandpulse.org and www.theintertwined.org. She noted the information packet she
distributed as well as copies of a trail use snapshot and some presentations Metro received.
Discussion for early next year would involve how to show that bike lanes and trails are being
Cornelius City Council Meeting
Minutes-November 7, 2011 Page 5 of 8