HomeMy WebLinkAbout230109 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
January 9, 2023
5:30p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark,
Greg Evans, Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves
Mayor Vinis opened the January 9, 2023, work session of the Eugene City Council in a hybrid
format at 101 W 10 th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401.
1.WORK SESSION: Parks and Recreation Funding
City Manager, Sarah Medary introduced Public Works Director, Matt Rodrigues who was
joined by Craig Carnagey, Parks and Open Space Director, Craig Smith, Recreation Director,
and John Harvick with OHM Research to present the results of the City of Eugene Parks
Levy Survey and discuss Parks and Recreation Funding.
Council Discussion: •
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Councilor Zelenka -noted that cleanup and safety seem to be important issues for
survey respondents; asked about strategies moving forward; asked about the election
results for the 2018 levy.
Councilor Semple -asked about the option to add to existing services; asked about
potential cuts to services.
Councilor Groves -asked how close we are to compression; asked if the City has
explored passive safety measures; noted interest in future safety measures; asked about
the meaning of unsanctioned camp cleanup.
Councilor Clark -noted the importance of public perception of services and policy;
noted that the public is interested in preventing illicit behavior and illegal camping.
Councilor Keating -asked about survey respondent priorities regarding present and
future needs; noted interest in increased lighting for parks; stated that if the levy is
renewed at a higher rate the additional funds should go to increasing public safety;
noted that the survey found stronger support for police and security patrols rather than
additional park ambassadors.
Councilor Evans -asked what park system enhancements would improve voter
perception of how funds are being spent; asked how to improve communication with
voters about parks and recreation; noted voters may not realize what improvements
have been made with the last parks levy.
Councilor Yeh -noted concerns about making this decision in the face a budget deficit
and public perception.
Mayor Vinis -spoke about the potential deterioration of programming and facilities;
noted concerns about the cost and the community's concerns about public safety.
Councilor Semple -asked what will happen to parks if no levy passes; noted that it
would be useful for the public to know how budget cuts will affect parks; noted that the
public may not be in favor of using levy funds to pay for more police presence in parks.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
January 9, 2023 Page 1
• Councilor Zelenka -asked staff to create a list of potential cuts in case a levy does not
pass.
• Councilor Evans -asked about additional revenue sources; noted that there may be
equity issues with changing the fee structure.
• Councilor Keating-asked if parks have looked at using tip jars as an additional revenue
source.
• Councilor Leech -noted the homeowner support for Option C; stated that safety and
cleanup are important concerns.
• Councilor Clark -noted the importance of educating the public; asked how much
revenue the current levy is generating; asked about the timeframe for the proposed
levy; asked if the city has a list of potentially salable lands.
• Councilor Yeh -noted that the public should be involved in decisions about potential
budget cuts.
• Councilor Semple -asked when the library levy is up for renewal.
• Councilor Zelenka -noted previous strategies used for cutting the budget.
• Mayor Vinis -discussed the potential creation of an endowment.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
A)__
(Recorded by Cherish Bradshaw)
Webcast of meeting available here .
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Ses s ion
Janu a ry 9, 202 3 Page 2