HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.31.2018 City Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8�h Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
October 31, 2018
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Jennifer Yeh, Claire Syrett, Alan Zelenka, Greg Evans, Mike
Clark (via phone until 12:20 p.m.)
Councilors Absent: Chris Pryor, Betty Taylor
Mayor Vinis opened the October 31, 2018, Work Session of the Eugene City Council.
1. DISCUSSION: County Proposed Partnership - Highway 99 Temporary Site
City Manager Jon Ruiz outlined the proposal from Lane County to partner with the City of
Eugene in the establishment of a temporary dusk -to -dawn camping site on Highway 99.
Council Discussion
• The actions recently taken by Lane County and City of Eugene staff were prompted by
the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Martin v Boise.
• Proposed site is a good alternative with a lower impact on the community; consider
creating a pedestrian crossing across Highway 99 if that portion of road comes into
City's jurisdiction.
• Support partnership with County and concept in general; however, the proposal won't
solve the issues downtown.
• The pursuit of a downtown facility that provides needed services for the homeless
should still be a priority.
• Since the proposed camp is low barrier, there is some concern about the concentration
of people with serious mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Small, incremental steps will make a difference in the long run.
• The Highway 99 site will provide a number of services for those who stay there;
recently approved public safety bridge funding will be used in part for downtown
facilities and efforts.
• Local service providers have limited capacity and may not be able to support multiple
day center locations; proposed site can remain open indefinitely, until suitable
alternatives are available.
• The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision will still stand, regardless of actions taken by
council and Lane County.
• Access to showers is needed in any location.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Syrett, in lieu of City
Council's October 22 motion, move to direct the City Manager to work with Lane County
and other service providers to enhance the case management and other services that are
provided to the homeless on Lane County's property and on nearby properties, and to
move forward with piloting a day center in the downtown area. PASSED 5:0.
MINUTES — Eugene City Council October 31, 2018 Page 1
Work Session
2. WORK SESSION: Human Rights Commission FY2019 Work Plan and FY2018 Annual Report
Human Rights and Equity Analyst Katie Babits and Human Rights Commissioner Ela Kubok
presented highlights from the commission's FY2019 Work Plan and FY2018 Annual Report.
Council Discussion
• The council greatly appreciates the efforts of the volunteer commissioners and support staff.
• The work of the commission is difficult and critically important to the well-being of the
community.
• The Marginalized Voices report is excellent; format and content of other commission
reports is very effective.
• More frequent contact between the commission and City Council is needed.
• Current events and political atmosphere make reports on hate and bias crimes essential.
• Community members are more concerned than ever about personal safety; proactive
measures to promote zero tolerance for hate speech and actions needed.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by CouncilorSyrett, moved to approve
the Human Rights Commission FY2019 work plan. PASSED: 5:0.
3. WORK SESSION: Annual Report from Police Commission
Police Commission Chair Bill Whalen and Vice Chair Scott Nowicki presented the Police
Commission's Annual Report.
Council Discussion
• Work of the commission is critically important; the group has re-engaged around its core
mission and is making progress on key issues such as the department's taser and excessive
force policies.
• The Police Commission provides a way for the community to be involved in developing,
reviewing, and changing policies around police services.
• The format of the annual report is helpful to readers.
The meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
,6aA J.U�
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting: here.
MINUTES — Eugene City Council October 31, 2018 Page 2
Work Session