HomeMy WebLinkAbout200727 MTGMINUTES
Eugene City Council and
Eugene Urban Renewal Agency
Virtual Meeting
Eugene, Oregon 97401
July 27, 2020
7:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans,
Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor
Mayor Vinis opened the July 27, 2020, meeting of the Eugene City Council in a virtual format.
1. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner updated the council on local protest and law enforcement
activity.
Council Discussion
■ Councilor Taylor - voiced concern that the City is conceding to mob rule and should not allow
destruction of property to occur; asked why large groups are allowed to gather during the
Covid-19 emergency.
■ Councilor Semple - noted these are unprecedented times and decried the use of teargas and the
presence of guns at the protests; said there is no need to bankrupt and burn the city to affect
positive change.
■ Councilor Clark - asked about the health and welfare of EPD officers, noting that people who
intentionally attack officers are participating in in a different level of criminality; asked about
EPD's capacity to prevent damage rather than respond to damage and the council's role in
setting that policy direction.
■ Councilor Syrett - said the Chief is taking a measured approach and that arrests are warranted
if people are attacking the police; commended officers and activists for communicating in good
faith; asked about the use of federal officers in Eugene.
■ Councilor Pryor - appreciated the balance and restraint shown by EPD, noting the importance
of being open to positive change in a very dynamic situation; said meaningful reforms will
occur, but in a thoughtful and measured way; said the rioting and looting is not helpful and
should be treated differently than the legitimate protests.
■ Councilor Evans - thanked Chief Skinner for his leadership and adjustments to the public safety
response; said the Black Unity group has been peaceful and respectful, while others have
appropriated their momentum to further their own agendas; asked how the council can help
Eugene avoid the situation Portland is in, noting that violence and vandalism should not be
tolerated.
■ Councilor Zelenka - recognized the people's right to protest peacefully but assault is criminal
behavior; said video of incidents often misses the lead -up acts of provocation; said it's
important to distinguish the agitators and criminals from the legitimate protestors.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR 1
A. Approval of City Council Minutes
■ June 17, 2020, Work Session
■ June 22, 2020, Work Session
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■ June 24, 2020, Work Session
■ July 13, 2020, Work Session
■ July 13, 2020, Meeting
B. Approval of City Council Tentative Agenda
Initiation of Land Use Regulation Extending the Expiration Dates for Certain Land Use
Approvals
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to approve the
items on the Consent Calendar 1. PASSED 8:0.
3. PUBLIC FORUM
1. Ashley Wright - clarified that outdoor gatherings are not limited in size; supported STAR Voting.
2. Alexi Miller - said the intent of Northwest Natural's public relations campaign is clear.
3. Jim Ball - suggested the Sustainability Commission and City staff work on CAP 2.0 implementation.
4. Maggie Dixon - said the budget for Cahoots is insufficient; defended property destruction for reform.
S. Jim Neu - discussed phasing out the use of natural gas and NW Natural's negotiation tactics.
6. Ken Dragoon - spoke about the burgeoning hydrogen power industry.
7. Clay Shentrup - supported STAR Voting, noting the damage caused by partisanship.
8. Helen Kennedy - said the Democratic Party of Lane County supports aggressive action on climate.
9. Malcolm Wilson - spoke about water district changes, conservation efforts, and water quality.
10. Tony Martins - supported STAR Voting as a means to combat voter disenfranchisement.
11. Erica Lyon - supported referring the STAR Voting measure to the ballot.
12. Julia David - supported STAR Voting and passage of the CAP 2.0 updates.
13. Nara Reicher - spoke in support of the local protests.
14. Zach Mulholland - supported the CAP 2.0 changes and Sustainability Commission's involvement.
15. Antonio Gisbert - spoke in support of the STAR Voting proposal.
16. Brittany Quick Warner - conveyed the Chamber's general support for the CAP 2.0.
17. Margie Trafari - spoke in support of the STAR Voting proposal.
18. Alex Cipolle - voiced concern about police tactics when dealing with local protests.
19. Sara Wolk - spoke in support of the STAR Voting proposal.
20. Tracye May - supported reallocation of EPD funds and collaboration with BIPOC.
21. Anita VanAsperdt - supported adoption of the CAP 2.0 changes and immediate implementation.
22. Mya Lansing - voiced concern that EPD won't commit to not using teargas.
23. Marianne Senhouse - spoke about EPD's policies on demonstrations and protests.
24. Lisa Arkin - said the CAP 2.0 is an evolving initiative and supported a partnership with LRAPA.
25. Naomi Meyer - opposed the Parks Block project and supported reprioritization of funds.
26. Cody Rosenberg - spoke about police brutality and the rise of white supremacists.
27. Kory - said the council is not doing enough to address police brutality; immediate reforms needed.
28. Kaela Schaefer - spoke about the treatment of a protestor; complained that demands not being met.
29. Sign O'Nara - thanked Jessica Gebb for her work; spoke in support of STAR Voting.
30. Krista - said no crimes were committed by the protestors, only property damage.
31. Ethan Tibbs - said police reforms won't work; only total abolition of EPD will achieve goals.
32. Joe Hartman - supported STAR Voting, noting it will address voters shaming.
33. Joshua Korn - opposed the implementation of 5G technology.
34. Jonathan Miller - spoke in support of STAR Voting.
35. Sid Baum - spoke about electric vehicle groups and the CAP 2.0 transportation components.
36. Nicholas Tippins - said climate change is an imminent threat, urged strong action.
37. Austin - supported a ban on EPD's use of teargas.
38. Gracie Schatz - said that violence detracts from the protests; invoked memory of Eliborio Rodrigues.
39. John Thielking - suggested that the protestors refrain from protesting at night.
40. Jay Cincotta - spoke in support of STAR Voting.
41. Aeron Lerch - spoke in support of the CAP 2.0 and defending the police.
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42. Mark Hurwit - spoke in opposition to 5G implementation.
43. Zondie Zinke - voiced concern that EPD has been unresponsive to a recent incident of intimidation.
44. Matthew Yook - said Eugene is facing a number of important issues; supported STAR Voting.
Council Discussion
■ Councilor Syrett - asked about the Cahoots funding notation; inquired about EPD's attempts to
communicate with the protestors.
■ Councilor Evans - supported the STAR Voting proposal as a means to empower the electorate;
expressed confidence in local police reform efforts that engage a diversity of voices; supported more
funding for social services.
■ Councilor Yeh - thanked all those who are protesting peacefully; said the council has accepted
responsibility for listening to marginalized communities and taking meaningful steps towards reform.
■ Councilor Clark - thanked speakers for their diversity of perspectives.
4. ACTION: APPOINTMENTS TO POLICE COMMISSION
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to appoint
Shawntel Robertson to the Police Commission for a four-year term beginning July 27,
2020, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED 8:0.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to appoint
Bonnie Dominguez to the Police Commission for a four-year term beginning July 27,
2020, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED 8:0.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to appoint
Maisie Davis to the Police Commission for a for a four-year term beginning July 27,
2020, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED 8:0.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to appoint
Dallas Boggs to the Police Commission, to the unexpired term of Terry Robertson,
ending on June 30, 2023. PASSED 8:0.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting of Eugene City Council and convened a meeting of the Eugene Urban
Renewal Agency.
S. URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY ACTION: Park Blocks and Farmers Market Projects and Funding
Senior Planner Will Dowdy gave an overview of the proposed project and the actions for council
consideration.
Council Discussion
■ Councilor Clark - asked council to consider using the EWEB headquarters for City Hall and
freeing up money for the Parks Blocks and Farmers Market projects.
■ Councilor Semple - said she is not in favor of any of the proposed projects but supported
building the new Farmers Market.
■ Councilor Yeh - said it is a priority to ensure completion of the housing project; any additional
funds should be directed to the Farmers Market improvements.
■ Councilor Pryor - noted that options A and B are feasible and there will be opportunities to
leverage more money for the downtown LCC building redevelopment; supported putting any
extra resources into Farmers Market improvements.
■ Councilor Zelenka - agreed that the LCC housing project should be the top priority and
additional funding should be pursued; said it's time to proceed with the Farmers Market
improvements.
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Councilor Syrett - said she preferred Option B; expressed frustration with the lateness of
agenda materials.
Councilor Semple - asked about the cost of other open space; suggested changing the other
open space category in Option B from "not funded" to "minimal."
MOTION: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to direct the
Agency Director to commence the Park Blocks & Open Space and Farmers Market
projects using Urban Renewal funds, with the understanding that in order to fully
fund the Farmers Market project with urban renewal funds the Downtown Urban
Renewal Plan must be amended to remove the $4.5 million spending cap for the
Farmers Market project. The first phase of the Park Blocks & Open Space project
shall consist of a free-standing public restroom, improvements to 8th Avenue and
streets adjacent to the northwest Park Block concurrent with improvements to that
block, and the continuation of the project design. The Farmers Market project shall
consist of the full project design and construction. And, change the words "not
funded" to "minimal" for the open space line.
Council Discussion
■ Councilor Zelenka - asked for clarification of what the revisions to the proposed motion mean
in terms of funding allocations.
Councilor Evans - asked questions about the sunset date for the downtown urban renewal
district and what the impacts of extending the URD term would be.
Councilor Taylor - asked what the impacts of the motion will be on proposed changes to the
Parks Blocks.
VOTE ON MOTION: PASSED 8:0.
6. ACTION: Resolution Calling a City Election on November 3, 2020, for the Purpose of
Referring to the Legal Electors of the City of Eugene a Charter Amendment that Elects the
Mayor and City Councilors Using the Score Then Automatic Runoff (STAR) Voting Method
Council Discussion
■ Councilor Evans - asked questions about the cost of implementing the STAR Voting system if it
passes.
■ Councilor Zelenka - said this is the wrong time to be considering this proposal; there are higher
priorities for council to address.
■ Councilor Pryor - expressed concern about the council bypassing the initiative petition process;
said referring this measure to the ballot would set a bad precedent.
■ Councilor Yeh - said if people believe the system is broken or applied incorrectly, their efforts
should be on making changes to the system; said she hasn't had time to fully consider the stated
benefits of STAR voting to determine if sending it to the ballot is warranted.
■ Councilor Clark - said he is opposed to the STAR Voting system but supportive of allowing
citizens to vote on it; said the signature verification process is too subjective which is failure of
the County and State processes.
■ Councilor Taylor - supported referring the measure to the November election.
■ Mayor Vinis - said that council referrals should be supported by a council majority and they
should be prepared to champion the measure.
■ Councilor Yeh - asked about the outcome of past initiative petitions.
■ Councilor Pryor - agreed that the council should support any measure it sends to the ballot.
■ Councilor Clark - asked for clarification of the council's obligation with regard to the Voters'
Pamphlet Proponent Committee.
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MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yea, moved to adopt a
Resolution Calling A City Election on November 3, 2020, For the Purpose of Referring to
the Legal Electors of the City of Eugene a Charter Amendment that Elects the Mayor and
City Councilors Using the Score Then Automatic Runoff (STAR) Voting Method. FAILED
4:5, councilors Zelenka, Yeh, Syrett, and Pryor opposed; Mayor Vinis broke tied in
opposition.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Adams
Deputy City Recorder
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
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