07.13.2020 City Council Work Session Minutes

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MINUTES Eugene City Council Virtual Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 July 13, 2020 5:30 p.m. Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor, Greg Evans Mayor Vinis opened the July 13, 2020, work session of the Eugene City Council. 1. WORK SESSION: Library Local Option Levy City Manager Sarah Medary and Library Services Director Will O'Hearn provided information about service options and rates for a Library Local Option Levy. Council Discussion: • Councilor Semple - expressed support for Option 1 and for referring a levy to the ballot to maintain services; acknowledged Option 2 may become more of a priority as a response to economic uncertainty; talked about the availability of hot spots. • Councilor Yeh - thanked staff for the presentation; talked about Option 2 and expressed concern about the equity issues it raises by presenting services as add-ons, rather than priorities; suggested consideration of shifting funds to re -prioritize. • Councilor Clark- spoke about equity issues that were raised; asked staff to create more pro and con factual points regarding budget issues and impacts, rather than engaging in advocacy. • Councilor Syrett - discussed other councilors' critiques and concerns regarding equity; expressed support for Option 2; talked about connectivity and availability of hot spots. • Councilor Zelenka - expressed support for maintaining service levels and Option 2, noting post Covid-19 resources will be critical to local recovery. • Councilor Pryor - agreed that the budget to maintain should include equity considerations; expressed support for Option 2. • Councilor Taylor - expressed support for Option 1; expressed concern about increasing taxes and the inherent equity of the library. • Mayor Vinis - expressed support for Option 2; spoke about the equity issues raised in specific areas. • Councilor Clark- noted that conversations about budget cuts due to Covid-19 are still to come and the November election environment may look very different; said it may be a stronger message to cut tax rates while providing the same level of service. • Councilor Semple - said the extent of Option 2 advantages are not known; advocated good stewardship of money through good investments. • Councilor Yeh - inquired about the total Library budget for non -personnel costs. • Councilor Syrett - spoke of the previous positive levy vote; talked about the services provided by the library and its place in the recovery offering both services and diversions. • Councilor Taylor - asked about the Library's involvement with Work Source -like services. • Councilor Semple - talked about the familiarity of the library and the equitable services provided; expressed support for Option 2. MINUTES - Eugene City Council July 13, 2020 Page 1 Work Session