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HomeMy WebLinkAbout201123 WSMINUTES – Eugene City Council Work Session November 23, 2020 Page 1 M I N U T E S Eugene City Council Virtual Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 November 23, 2020 5:30 p.m. Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, Claire Syrett (arrived 5:49 p.m.), Chris Pryor Mayor Vinis opened the November 23, 2020, work session of the Eugene City Council. 1. WORK SESSION and POSSIBLE ACTION: An Ordinance Adopting an Amended Urban Renewal Plan for the Downtown Urban Renewal District. Co-Community Development Director AIC Will Dowdy and Town Square Analyst Josh Berman shared a presentation on the urban renewal plan for the downtown urban renewal district and a proposed amendment to restore the northwest park block and build a pavilion. Council Discussion  Councilor Taylor - questioned why the cost for the project had doubled; asked what property was purchased and what will not be done as a result of the increased cost; clarified that council can still change the other projects; asked for clarification about the blighted properties.  Councilor Zelenka - acknowledged that his recommendations were thoroughly addressed; said he was impressed by the amount of public involvement and support; asked for clarification about the subsidies for the 1059 Willamette building and the dollar amount that will be left over to complete this project; said he was pleased with the direction the project is headed  Councilor Semple - stated the thorough packet is helpful; voiced concern about the other projects’ funds being exhausted; wondered if this project will lead to increased maximum indebtedness; asked about other ideas to pay for these two big projects; voiced concern about loose bricks on sidewalks downtown and would like to see them fixed.  Mayor Vinis - shared that the cost is conservative not counting on the EDA grant; asked for clarification if the grant money is a possibility. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to adopt the proposed ordinance in Attachment A, an ordinance adopting an amended urban renewal plan for the downtown urban renewal district. PASSED 8:0 2. WORK SESSION: Riverfront Virtual Tour and Construction Update. Planning and Development Director Denny Braud gave an intro and summary on progress on the Riverfront project and Principal Landscape Architect Emily Proudfoot gave a virtual tour and construction updates. Council Discussion  Mayor Vinis- expressed amazement and appreciation for the tour, and for having the capacity and technology to move forward during the COVID restrictions.  Councilor Clark – said he was stunned by the tour, noting this is one of the most important projects for the community; asked for an estimate of the amount of money spent on public infrastructure to-date, what is authorized to spend and what will be spent by summer or fall; MINUTES – Eugene City Council Work Session November 23, 2020 Page 2 requested more details about the private development agreement and whether council can change it: inquired about the inclusion of natural gas in the plans. Councilor Evans - asked for an update on what is happening with the steam plant, whetherfurther investment is needed to start that project and if plans could include housing; said he feltthis will improve the riverfront; asked about quiet zones and needing a sound barrier for trains. Councilor Syrett – expressed excitement about the development’s progress; said she feltredevelopment of the steam plant is important for the overall success of the site and supporteda reimagining of the plan; appreciated all the work done to-date. Councilor Zelenka - asked if there were any deal point changes in the development agreementwith Williams and Dame, shared his concerns about spending the money on infrastructure andthe developer not meeting the deadline; asked if there are any urban renewal dollars left forfunding the steam plant project and about where the non-refundable deposit will go. Councilor Clark - asked what the developer needs to have more certainty about the project. 3.WORK SESSION: Alternative Shelter UpdateCity Manager’s Office Director Brooke Freed and Homeless Systems Policy Manager PeterChavannes presented a status update on the City’s homelessness efforts and the recentlyapproved additional rest stops and asked for Council’s feedback on the alternative location forone of the rest stops.Council Discussion Councilor Syrett - reminded Council of the success of the first rest stop locations and thedecrease in property crimes after construction; asked if the Alton Baker site is larger than theother sites and how many Conestoga huts are planned for that location. Councilor Pryor - recognized the new proposed site is smaller, constrained, and has potential;raised awareness about the impacts of illegal camping in his ward and asked how to promotethis option and be diligent in cleaning up the mess around West 11th; said it is an opportunity toshow the City is tackling the issue in a thoughtful and deliberate manner. Councilor Semple – expressed concern about the proximity of a tavern to the proposed site butis pleased overall about the new rest stops. Councilor Clark – said he understood the state non-eviction orders will end on December 31;asked for an estimate on the demand for these sites when the eviction hold is lifted; voicedconcern that there will be a big wave of unhoused in the winter. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to replace the establishment of a new rest stop at the Bertelsen Nature Park with the approval of a new rest stop within the right-of-way located on the northwest intersection of W. 7th Ave. and S. Bertelsen Rd. as recommended by the City Manager. PASSED 7:1 (Councilor Clark opposed) The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Adams Deputy City Recorder (Recorded by Niyah Ross) Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.