HomeMy WebLinkAbout201116 PHMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Virtual Meeting
Eugene, Oregon 97401
November 16, 2020
7:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Jennifer Yeh, Greg Evans, Alan Zelenka, Chris
Pryor, Claire Syrett
Councilors Absent: Mike Clark
Mayor Vinis opened the November 16, 2020, meeting of the Eugene City Council.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Adopting an Amended Urban Renewal Plan for the
Downtown Urban Renewal District
Community Development Co -Director Will Dowdy gave a brief overview of the proposed
amendment to the Downtown Urban Renewal District for improvements to the Farmers Market.
Mayor Vinis opened the Public Hearing.
1. Ginevra Ralph -voiced concern about increasing spending cap; said more public input needed.
2. John Barofsky -supported the amendment; encouraged using remaining funds for housing.
3. Jack Richardson - supported the amendment, noting the Farmers Market many contributions.
Mayor Vinis closed the Public Hearing.
Council Discussion
• Councilor Syrett - said council has discussed this issue thoroughly and additional outreach is not
needed; addressed concerns about the loss of parking, encouraging the use of alternate modes
and noting the site's proximity to public transportation; said council is looking at ways to
support the 10S9 Willamette project with additional funding; acknowledged the benefit of
meeting in a virtual format for those who live farther away from downtown Eugene.
• Councilor Zelenka - requested a list of all of the public meetings the council has had on this topic,
all of the public involvement processes for the Farmers Market improvements, and all of the
times council has discussed the project's cost, to be available at the next meeting.
• Councilor Taylor - said the current state of affairs can make it difficult for many in the
community to focus on specific local issues; encouraged council to give consideration to
concerns expressed about the cost of the project.
• Councilor Pryor - addressed concerns about shelter capacity, noting that at a recent Human
Services Commission meeting it was reported that beds are available to those who want them,
but they are not being used.
• Councilor Evans - requested information about the overall plans for the Downtown Urban
Renewal District, and the utilization of those funds in phases to address the planned projects,
including the timeframe as it relates to inflation; asked for the big picture on what is planned for
that space.
• Councilor Syrett - said the Farmers Market is a critical component of Eugene's economy and the
area's Covid recovery efforts.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council November 16, 2020 Page 1
Public Hearing
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Adams
Deputy City Recorder
Wehcast of meeting available here.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council November 16, 2020 Page 2
Public Hearing