06.22.2020 City Council Work Session Minutes

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MINUTES Eugene City Council and Eugene Urban Renewal Agency Virtual Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 June 22, 2020 5:30 p.m. Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yell, Mike Clark, Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor, Greg Evans Mayor Vinis opened the June 22, 2020, work session of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency. 1. WORK SESSION: Park Blocks and Farmers Market Update City Manager Sarah Medary and Urban Development Manager Will Dowdy provided an update on the park blocks and farmers market, including design and project process, funding, and options moving forward. Council Discussion: • Councilor Taylor - expressed support for scheduling a public hearing and moving forward with the farmers market; spoke about flexibility of funds and the need for restrooms. • Councilor Syrett - concurred with moving forward with a public hearing and plans for the farmers market; spoke to the impacts of the farmers market on the local economy. • Councilor Clark - agreed to move forward with a public hearing; asked about the SDC funding option and methodology. • Councilor Yeh - expressed appreciation for the potential use of grants; asked about the budget for the small phase option; agreed to move forward with a public hearing. • Councilor Pryor - agreed to proceed with public hearing; spoke about the phasing of the project. • Councilor Zelenka - expressed appreciation about potential grants and the improvements to the design drawings; asked about Type 2 substantial plan amendment; inquired about the park blocks immediate short-term needs and the park blocks stage; agreed to move forward with the farmers market; expressed concern regarding a public hearing and educating the public on the use of Urban Renewal Agency funds; asked about amending the plan and scheduling a public hearing. • Councilor Semple - concurred with moving forward with a public hearing and planning for the farmers market; spoke about pavement issues in the park blocks and the use of SDC s for the project; inquired about the other smaller projects occurring and restroom availability. • Mayor Vinis - asked about the streets and curb work needed for the project; spoke about the park blocks and plaza outdoor events area; concurred with others on moving forward with the farmers market. • Councilor Zelenka - asked about the availability of SDCs and other funding for the project; talked about amending the plan; spoke of the construction of the project as a local stimulus initiative; asked for a shortened process option. • Councilor Clark - spoke of the need for more public comment. • Councilor Zelenka - talked about the need for public comment and the process for moving forward. MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 22, 2020 Page 1 Work Session