Hillsboro council approves sewer, zoning and speed changes; adopts park SDC methodology

HILLSBORO, Ore. — The Hillsboro City Council on Jan. 7 adopted several ordinances and resolutions covering utility charges, land-use standards, a local speed limit and park system development charges, and advanced an annexation measure to a second reading.

The items were taken largely without extended debate. Mayor Steve Calloway opened and closed the public hearing on the sanitary sewer and surface-water rates before the council moved to adopt the governing resolution. Councilors then approved a community development code amendment, a temporary speed-zone ordinance, and a parks-related methodology update. After the swearing-in and a brief ceremonial portion, the newly constituted council adopted an order for an applicant-initiated annexation and advanced the implementing annexation ordinance to first reading. The council also adopted a resolution establishing a process to appoint a replacement for a vacant Ward 1 seat.

Why it matters: The actions change local utility billing policy, adjust development standards used by applicants and staff, set a temporary traffic speed limit on a city arterial, and update the methodology used to calculate park system development charges for a new subdivision. The annexation moves a development project through the city’s land-use and annexation process; the appointment resolution sets the method to fill a council vacancy.

Key votes and outcomes

- Resolution No. 2868 — Sanitary sewer and surface-water rates and charges (includes a 2% administrative fee on clean water service charges and an adjustment to the local portion of the industrial sewer rate). Motion: “So moved.” Mover: Councilor Pace. Second: Councilor Martin. Roll-call…