HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.26.2018 City Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8�h Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
November 26, 2018
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Claire
Syrett, Chris Pryor
Councilors Absent: Greg Evans
Mayor Vinis opened the November 13, 2018, Work Session of the Eugene City Council.
1. Committee Reports and Items of Interest
• A letter from the Human Rights Commission regarding its opposition to the criminalization
of homeless for the act of sleeping was read.
• The Lane Area Commission on Transportation provided input to the Oregon Department of
Transportation on the impacts of recent repair work on I-105.
2. WORK SESSION: Clear & Objective Housing- Approval Criteria Update
Principal Planner Alissa Hansen and Senior Planner Jenessa Dragovich gave a PowerPoint
presentation on the process to develop code changes around clear and objective standards for
the development of housing.
Councilor Zelenka arrived at 5:45 p.m.
Council Discussion
• This issue began in 2015, when the council was considering which population forecast
number to accept; it was assured at that time that the housing standards issue would be
addressed in parallel with the UGB conversation.
• Questions asked about the timeline for addressing natural resources protections.
• All types of housing are need in Eugene, and each deserves clear and objective standards for
development.
• Clarification requested about the differences between clear and objective standards and
discretionary standards.
• A Metro Plan amendment would be required to add a site covered by natural resource
protections; loss of the 50' buffer zone is concerning.
• Clear and Objective standards provide certainty, but a choice is still available.
• These standards will make housing less expensive for everyone; it's important to do it right.
More resources and expertise is needed to deal with and expedite this issue.
• Neighborhoods want assurance that their livability will be protected.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Taylor, moved to advance the
maintenance concepts and the significant concepts identified in this agenda item summary
as less complex to the draft land use code writing phase. PASSED 7:0.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council November 26, 2018 Page 1
Work Session
3. WORK SESSION: Rest Stop Program Update and Siting Policy Discussion
Policy Analyst Jason Dedrick provided a brief update on the Rest Stop program and siting policy.
Council Discussion
• Rest Stop program was established as a low-cost way to provide shelter for people who
have no other shelter options; not meant to be a permanent solution.
• The benefits of having shelter are proven; rest stops are imperfect, but currently helpful.
• Councilors should be notified if there are problems or challenges at rest stops in their ward.
• Consider additional funding to support operational expenses in the next budget cycle.
• Rethink some of the limitations of the current program; may be adding unfairly to stigmas
and stereotypes.
• Council needs to know what changes can be made to the program to facilitate its expansion.
• Rest Stop program is successful; over 40 percent of rest stop users have transitioned to
more stable housing. Rest stop residents have proven to be good neighbors
• The program limitations contribute to the City's inability to identify sites; education and
outreach important to destigmatizing the rest stop program.
• Rest stops provide safety and security for the residents that needs to be emphasized.
• Consider allocating more resources towards additional logistical support for rest stop site
identification and outreach.
• Giving the City Manager more discretion and authority to designate rest stop sites is
reasonable; more flexibility on rest stop locations is also needed.
• Ward 4 task team will begin looking at potential spaces for shelter options; greater
flexibility would be helpful.
• An indoor shelter and day center is still a priority; reconsider using City Hall lot for
temporary shelter; downtown is ideal location for the unhoused to receive services.
• Rest stop approach may be hindering council's efforts to meaningfully address the issue of
homelessness; a permanent shelter is possible but needs council support.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Semple, moved to extend
the work session by 10 minutes. PASSED 5:2, councilors Taylor and Clark opposed.
• A permanent shelter will not solve the problem of homelessness; a follow-up discussion
with more specifics around options is needed.
• Any changes to the ordinance would require a public hearing, giving people the opportunity
to provide input.
• Success of downtown will depend on everyone working together in good faith.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Semple, moved that the
City Manager prepare for council's consideration a set of options for amending or
revising the rest stop program and ordinance that have the potential to expand the
number of sites established by the City. PASSED 6:1, Councilor Clark opposed.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting: here
MINUTES — Eugene City Council November 26, 2018 Page 2
Work Session