HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.22.20 City Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
January 27, 2020
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark,
Greg Evans, Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor
Councilor Semple opened the January 27, 2020, work session of the Eugene City Council in
the absence of Mayor Vinis.
1. UPDATE: Eugene Public Library - Year 3 Levy Report
Director of Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Renee Grube and Library Services
Director Will O'Hearn reported on the third year of the Library Levy funds.
Council Discussion
• Councilor Clark - told a story of his recent use of the Library; asked whether staff
thought more growth was needed, what the impact of school library closures has
been on the City Library, and what public and private partnerships may be possible.
• Councilor Taylor - expressed disappointment that there were no branch libraries in
South Eugene; asked about the possibility of eliminating fines for adult patrons and
bringing back the bookmobiles.
• Councilor Syrett - expressed appreciation for the good work over the past year.
• Councilor Semple - expressed concern about equity of branch libraries and
supported the elimination of fines for adult patrons; expressed appreciation for the
programming activities and interest in a long-term funding plan.
2. WORK SESSION: City Manager Attributes
Director of Employee Resource Services Randi Bowers -Payne introduced the topic.
Council Discussion
• Councilor Clark- supported changing "proven leadership" to "innovative
leadership."
• Councilor Taylor - read list of attributes important to her: transparency, follow-up,
plenty of information, no pressure to act, a facilitator rather than a leader, open to
all segments of the community.
• Councilor Syrett - agreed with Councilor Clark and was supportive of the attributes
from 2008; agreed with Councilor Taylor that operating with transparency was
important.
• Councilor Pryor - said he thought the City Manager needed to lead the City
organization; noted communication was important and that being able to do so was
a byproduct of being well -organized; agreed with Councilor Syrett that transparency
was key; also wanted someone who was authoritative, authentic and accountable.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council January 27, 2020 Page 1
Work Session
• Councilor Zelenka -said he thought the following four attributes were critical:
works well with council, has budget and fiscal acumen in City matters, approachable
leadership style with staff, and innovative approach to problem -solving.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of City Council Minutes
• December 11, 2019, Work Session
• January 8, 2020, State of the City
B. Approval of City Council Tentative Agenda
C. Adoption of A Resolution Approving a Low -Income Rental Housing Property
Tax Exemption Renewal for Oakwood Manor
D. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Electric Utility
Revenue Refunding Bonds and Providing for Related Matters; and Adoption of
a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Water Utility System
Revenue Bonds and Revenue Refunding Bonds and Providing for Related
Matters.
MOTION: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to approve
the items on the Consent Calendar.
• Councilor Zelenka - asked to pull Item C for discussion.
VOTE: PASSED 8:0
• Councilor Zelenka -recognized the importance of the LIRHPTE program for the
development and retention of affordable housing.
VOTE ON ITEM 3C: PASSED 8:0
The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
16W &U"'t
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
(Recorded by Cos Casados)
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council January 27, 2020 Page 2
Work Session