HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.9.2019 City Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8h Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
September 9, 2019
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Jennifer Yeh, Alan Zelenka, Mike Clark Chris Pryor, Betty
Taylor, Greg Evans, Claire Syrett
Councilor Taylor opened the September 9, 2019, Work Session of the Eugene City Council in Mayor
Vinis'absence.
1. Committee Reports and Items of Interest
MOTION: Councilor Taylor, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to direct the City
Manager to not begin a process for complying with HB 001 and, instead, work to obtain
a legislative repeal of HB 2001 during the 2020 legislative session.
Council Discussion
Councilor Taylor - stated her objections to House Bill 2001, noting that it pre-empts local
control.
Councilor Clark - supported Councilor Taylor's motion; expressed disapproval for HB 2001
related to housing affordability and housing costs.
Councilor Evans - recounted historical conversation about the bill and supported
compliance with the law while working towards revision or repeal; discussed the timeframe
for compliance with the bill's requirements; voiced support for motion in principle but
practical opposition to the motion because of law passed.
Councilor Pryor - discussed reasons why Council doesn't support HB 2001; expressed
concern about not beginning a plan for complying with the law; opposed the intended
motion and encouraged compliance, followed by work to repeal or revise the law.
Councilor Syrett- said she would not support the motion because the City has an obligation
to comply with a duly processed law; discussed previous work with the City lobbyist and
efforts opposing bill; expressed concern that the motion could cause uncertainty in
development efforts.
Councilor Semple - expressed disapproval of motion despite opposition to law; asked how
much time it would take to be compliant with the law and how much time would it take to
repeal the law; inquired about the consequences if the City has no plan in place for
compliance while waiting for repeal; expressed desire to fight the bill but hesitancy as it has
already passed; supported moving forward with compliance while working toward
revision or repeal.
Councilor Zelenka arrived at 5:50 p.m.
Councilor Taylor - clarified the timing implications of the motion, noting that HB2001
passed by only one vote.
Councilor Clark- inquired about potential model ordinance from Governor, Covenants,
Conditions, and Restrictions (CCR) considerations and litigation concerns; expressed
support for intended motion because of how this bill will be dealt with in the courts; voiced
support for effort to fight the bill due to its negative impact on Eugene citizens.
MINUTES — Eugene City Council September 9, 2019 Page 1
Work Session
• Councilor Syrett - noted that there are currently no alternatives to the fuels used for
aviation; expressed appreciation for efforts to address climate recovery goals by focusing on
those areas of the airport and airport services the City controls; asked council and staff to
mindful that significant airport growth isn't seen as a positive development by everyone in
the community.
• Councilor Taylor - expressed support for flying out of Eugene, noting it is more efficient and
reduces the number of vehicles travelling on the highway.
• Councilor Evans - said there are alternative fuels being developed for airplanes and
supported efforts to adapt to new technologies.
• Councilor Clark - shared his thoughts about some of the inconsequential actions taken by
the City to address climate change while it does nothing to address the major polluters.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Pryor, moved to
initiate a process to consider adopting the updated Eugene Airport Master Plan as
refinement to the Metro Plan. PASSED, 8:0.
The City Manager advised the council that the Sign Code work session would be rescheduled.
Council Discussion
• Council Pryor - discussed the need and process for a code amendment related to digital sign
work session and will encouraged a prompt rescheduling of the topic.
The meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
CRecorded by Samantha Roberts)
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting: here.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council September 9, 2019 Page 3
Work Session
Councilor Semple - asked how long it would take to get the organization in compliance with
the law and whether efforts to repeal can be started on a parallel track
MOTION TO AMEND: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Pryor, moved to
amend the motion to "I move to direct the City Manager to work to obtain a
legislative repeal of HB 2001 during the 2020 legislative session.
Councilor Zelenka- shared reasons for opposition to HB2001; discussed considerations
about how the City can work to repeal the law; requested information from City Attorney
regarding what recourse the City has on preemption.
VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND: PASSED 5:3, Councilors Yeh, Taylor, and Syrett
opposed.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: Move to direct the City Manager to work
to obtain a legislative repeal of HB 2001 during the 2020 legislative session.
PASSED 5:3, Councilors Yeh, Pryor, and Syrett opposed.
Councilor Evans - asked for clarification of the motion as amended.
Councilor Yeh - announced that she was working with Oregon Recovers to bring a
resolution to council on prevention, treatment and recovery support for those suffering
from the disease of addiction; announced upcoming Lane County Walk for Recovery.
2. WORK SESSION: Eugene Airport Master Plan
Airport Director Tim Doll, Assistant Airport Director Cathryn Stephens, and Steve Domino and
Michael Becker from Reynold, Smith and Hills Company presented the updated Airport Master
Plan for the Eugene Airport. The 20 -year, forward-looking document requires City Council to
initiate a refinement plan update process to adopt the Eugene Airport Master Plan as a
refinement to the Metro Plan.
Council Discussion
Councilor Syrett - expressed appreciation for recalibration of airport, noting vision is
appropriate for growth and safety; expressed curiosity about moving general aviation to the
north end; inquired about consolidation of general aviation and movement of other airport
partners; inquired about realignment of left turn into airport.
Councilor Z elenka - asked about the increase of airport use and why there has been a jump;
asked about the percentage of passengers who go to Portland instead of using Eugene;
inquired about and discussed funding mechanisms, including not using General Fund
money to support expansion; raised questions about the breakdown of PAL 1 costs.
Councilor Clark- expressed appreciation for the information; asked whether "people"
versus freight flights were considered in the presentation; discussed industrial
opportunities in the area, retail considerations, and competitor challenges, noting they
might make Eugene more attractive for freight and inquiring if these concepts were
considered; asked how Eugene's climate recovery ordinance fits in with AMP, particularly
related to fuel use; asked for more information on fuel use.
Councilor Evans - inquired if hotel development is a part of the AMP or if is tangential to the
AMP; asked whether Eugene could ever be considered as an aviation hub and if it was part
of a plan to relieve pressure on the Portland airport; inquired about what other commercial
retail development is being considered as part of AMP; asked about public transit options to
and from the airport.
Councilor Zelenka - asked about the AMP's nexus with the 2021 games and how it could
impact travelers and transportation needs.
MINUTES — Eugene City Council September 9, 2019 Page 2
Work Session