3.6.2019 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes

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MINUTES Eugene City Council Harris Hall, 125 East 8th Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 March 6, 2019 12:00 p.m. Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor, Greg Evans Mayor Vinis opened the March 6, 2019, work session of the Eugene City Council. 1. WORK SESSION: Oregon H13 2001 (2019 Regular Session) Principal Planner Alissa Hansen and Assistant City Attorney Lauren Sommers gave a staff presentation about HB 2001, current projects related to the bill, and the City's legislative agenda. Council Discussion: • Mayor Vinis brought council up-to-date about the Intergovernmental Relations Committee discussion and recommendation about the bill. • Councilor Taylor said she would like to oppose the bill, doesn't think it will contribute to affordable housing and prefers the State not tell the City how to legislate. • Councilor Evans said this is a Portland solution—not a solution for Eugene. Would like to oppose it, but it would leave Eugene without a seat at the table to influence its design. • Councilor Pryor proposed opposition unless it's amended so Eugene could continue to have a seat at the table to influence the design of a bill that has a good chance of passage. Would like to see amendments that would allow more local control. • Councilor Clark said the legislature should care what Eugene thinks of the bill—it would be sad if they do not. Would like Eugene to oppose it outright. • Councilor Syrett asked a question about the City's rules about subdivisions in R1 not permitting a subdivision to be entirely comprised of middle housing. Would like to oppose even if she supports some of the bill's goals because it preempts local authority. • Councilor Semple did not like the preemption or lack of citizen involvement in the process. Asked staff for clarification about what direct opposition of the bill will mean for Eugene's ability to impact the drafting process. Expressed concern for whether the City will still be able to set rules about density, and asked a question about parking requirements. Opposed the preemption of home rule. • Councilor Yeh said she does not like the bill, but would like the City's legislative staff to be empowered to influence the bill. • Councilor Zelenka expressed concerns about the IGR process and the ability for all councilors to be kept abreast of developments with the State legislature. Voiced MINUTES - Eugene City Council March 6, 2019 Page 1 Work Session