HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.22.2020 City Council Work Session MinutesMINUTES
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
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to direct the
Agency Director to schedule a Public Hearing on the Park Blocks and Farmers Market
projects in order to solicit public feedback on whether the Park Blocks and Farmers
Market projects should move forward, as well as the appropriate funding mechanisms
for the projects. The Agency Director is further directed to schedule a meeting to allow
the Agency Board to deliberate on the projects. The meeting should be scheduled after
the public hearing but prior to July 30, 2020. Also, direct the Agency Director to begin
the process to amend the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan to amend or remove the cap
on Agency funds that may be used on the Farmers Market project. PASSED: 8:0
Mayor Vinis adjourned the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency and opened work session of the Eugene
City Council.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR 1
A. Approval of City Council Minutes
• May 18, 2020, Work Session
• May 26, 2020, Work Session
• June 8, 2020, Work Session
• June 8, 2020, Meeting
B. Approval of City Council Tentative Agenda
C. Appointment to Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to approve
the items on the Consent Calendar 1. PASSED 8:0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Qctb 't
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
(Recorded by Carolyn Dimick-Kronberger)
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 22, 2020 Page 2
Work Session