04.13.20 City Council Work Session Minutes

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Council Discussion: • Mayor Vinis - discussed the focus areas and changing priorities resulting from recovery efforts. • Councilor Clark - spoke about the timeline for recovery, public safety, homelessness efforts, and rebounding economically. • Councilor Pryor - talked about response versus recovery; spoke about the wellbeing and stability of citizens in the context of safety, economics and infrastructure. • Councilor Semple - outlined her priorities as business rehabilitation, caring for the unhoused, community and individual wellbeing, climate, and affordable housing. • Councilor Syrett - said her list of preferences for agenda focus include implementation of the TAC recommendations, riverfront project, town square and farmer's market, and climate action plan. • Councilor Evans - talked about being self -quarantined; expressed thanks to staff and emergency responders; supported addressing economic impacts, climate and riverfront projects, and natural gas regulations. • Councilor Taylor- said her priorities are climate actions, short term rentals, and the need for a homeless shelter. • Councilor Yeh - noted a lot of agreement among councilors on priorities; supported keeping the council goals in focus while addressing emergency needs; encouraged good stewardship of financial resources. Councilor Zelenka - expressed his concurrence with the priorities listed, with emphasis on flattening the curve, recovery, rental protections, economic recovery efforts, local and federal stimulus, climate work, and projects that create jobs. • Councilor Evans - talked about the increase in racist incidents as a result of the crisis and the need to respond effectively; cautioned about the need for clarity about natural gas availability in development plans. • Councilor Clark - agreed that racist incidents were concerning and that the Human Rights Commission should be engaged and involved in any response; said clear direction on the council's natural gas policy is needed for the Riverfront development and housing plans. • Councilor Zelenka - spoke about the Riverfront project; noted that COVID-19 has brought out the best and worst in people, and it is important to maintain civility. • Councilor Yeh - talked about racism and the underreporting of hate speech. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 6" 1,,,t Beth Forrest City Recorder (Recorded by Carolyn Dimick-Kronberger) Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here. MINUTES - Eugene City Council April 13, 2020 Page 2 Work Session