HomeMy WebLinkAbout200518 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Virtual Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
May 18, 2020
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Chris Pryor, Greg Evans
Councillors Absent: Claire Syrett, Mike Clark
Mayor Vinis opened the May 18, 2020, work session of the Eugene City Council.
1. WORK SESSION: Resolution Adopting a Supplemental Budget; Making Appropriations for the
City of Eugene for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2019 and Ending June 30, 2020,
City Manager Pro Tem Sarah Medary, Acting Public Works Director Matt Rodrigues, Planning and
Development Director Denny Braud and Finance Director Twyila Miller introduced the item and
gave background about the topic, specifically its connection to the Riverfront project.
Council Discussion:
• Cott ndior Semple - asked for clarification regarding the budget and line items; inquired about
the specific use of bonds and loans and when the bond will be paid off, asked about the City's
capacity to borrow for other projects rather than the Riverfront project; asked about the
potential for creating local jobs with the project, noting possible economic recovery issues.
■ Councilor Zelenka - expressed concern about the level of uncertainty with the developer
partner; supported placing the project on hold and further discussion of expectations with the
Williams and Dame partnership.
■ Councilor Pryor - spoke about comfort levels with risk, project timing, investment, and
partnerships needed to realize the Riverfront project vision.
■ Councilor Taylor - recounted other failed development projects; expressed opposition to the
supplemental budget as it relates to the Riverfront project.
• Councilor Zelenka - discussed the phasing of the project and the risk of investing into the
project at this stage; reiterated support for pausing the project.
■ Mayor Vinis - talked about the risks of a possible delay of the project and waiting for certainty
from developers; spoke about the project's role in local recovery efforts and the creation of jobs.
Mayor Vinis postponed the vote until the Wednesday, May 20 work session, due to the absence of
two councilors.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
6CA L,,-t
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
[Recorded by Carolyn Dimick-Kronberger]
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council May 18, 2020 Page 1
Work Session