02.24.20 City Council Work Session Minutes

Home Browse Search

• Councilor Semple - talked about the need to maintain the surrounding areas; spoke about being cautious of using some of the fund options for the project; discussed the monies needed for the portions of the project; expressed concern about moving quickly ahead with planning but being behind with funding options. • Councilor Clark - spoke to Councilor Taylor's questions about transferring funds; talked about the parking issue and the possibility of partnering with Lane County; discussed the EWEB building and parking options. • Councilor Taylor - spoke about parking issues and future possible parking on 7th Avenue; encouraged taking time to consider and make changes. • Councilor Zelenka - asked about the use of Comcast dollars; inquired about the use of different monies for specific pieces of the project related to the downtown urban renewal district; supported further discussion of the Lane County parking structure option; supported moving forward with the project. • Councilor Pryor - asked about the reserve versus the facility reserve monies; talked about the urban reserves and the remaining LCC downtown center funds; said he is willing to look at an extension of the urban renewal district. • Councilor Semple - asked about spending to -date on the design and expressed her desire to phase the project. 2. Work Session: Eugene -Springfield 2020 Consolidated Plan for Affordable Housing and Community Development Grants Manager Stephanie Jennings spoke about the consolidated plan scope and purpose, community profile and needs, draft goals and strategies for use of HUD funds, and next steps for completion and submittal of the plan. Council Discussion Councilor Taylor - asked for clarification regarding the definition of fair housing. • Councilor Pryor - spoke about his role on the committee that drafted the consolidated plan; discussed the federal poverty level and the residents who qualify for that designation. • Councilor Evans - discussed the issue of segregation of persons in housing. • Councilor Zelenka - spoke about the poverty line of renters and costs of rent; asked about renter protections committee and work related to codes and ordinances; expressed a desire to tackle affordable housing. • Councilor Clark - spoke about renter costs and size of household; talked about an article he read regarding the differences between living in nuclear or multi -generational households and the modern culture of single -person households. • Mayor Vinis - expressed appreciated for the work that went into the consolidated plan. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Beth Forrest City Recorder (Recorded by Carolyn Dimick-Kronberger) Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here. MINUTES - Eugene City Council February 24, 2020 Page 2 Work Session