HomeMy WebLinkAbout230315 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
March 15, 2023
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Matt Keating, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Randy Groves, Alan Zelenka,
Emily Semple, Greg Evans and Lyndsie Leech
Councilor Groves opened the March 15, 2023, work session of the Eugene City Council in a
hybrid format at 101 W 10th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401.
1. WORK SESSION: Proposed Wastewater Expansion to serve Goshen and the Short
Mountain Landfill
City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced Public Works Director, Matt Rodrigues who was
joined by Lane County Public Works Director, Dan Hurley and Lane County Special
Districts Manager, Rob Woodard, who presented information regarding a Proposed
Wastewater Expansion to serve Goshen and the Short Mountain Landfill.
Councilor Discussion:
•
•
•
•
•
Councilor Clark -believes that the proposed expansion is beneficial; believes this
can expand opportunity for industry that is distanced from residential areas.
Councilor Zelenka -is concerned the expansion could create violations of the Urban
Growth Boundary; noted previous efforts for an expansion into Coburg would not
have been cost effective; asked how this expansion is different from the Coburg
expansion; asked how Goshen user hook-up fees would be addressed; asked to
confirm that the buy-in fee would be used to cover the cost of the new
infrastructure; asked if there would be a limit for residential and commercial hook-
ups; asked about the line size for this project.
Councilor Groves -noted the importance of leaving land buffers between industrial
areas and residential, schools, and parks areas; noted concern for development
outside of the Urban Growth Boundary; noted that some industrial level properties
outside of Eugene are receiving metro level fire protection service without
renumeration; asked if it would be optional for residential and industry in Goshen to
join; would like a report for the price and length of service anticipated for the
pipeline; noted that Bulk Handling Systems is putting an operation in Goshen that
will reduce greenhouse gases and extend the life of the landfill by 25 years.
Councilor Keating -is concerned about the impact of concurrent expansion of Urban
Growth Boundary and wastewater service; is concerned about an impact on current
rate payers; would like more information about the green opportunities that were
mentioned in the presentation.
Councilor Semple -thinks the sustainability options are great; is concerned about
the proposed line size and the impact on existing users; noted there are many
benefits to this expansion.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
March 15, 2023 Page 1
• Councilor Yeh -noted that Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission has
been working on this project for some time; noted that trucking waste is not a good
long-term solution, and this expansion solves that issue; is in support of the
expansion project.
• Councilor Zelenka -would not support subsidy going into the Goshen industrial
area; asked how increased cost to existing rate payers would be prevented; asked
about the calculation used to determine the Short Mountain line capacity and ability
to expand; asked about limitations to hook-ups; would not support expanding
residential and commercial customers outside of the Urban Growth Boundary;
noted that Bonneville Power would not be able to support added service in that
area.
• Mayor Vin is -is supportive of the proposal and the reduction in greenhouse gases;
noted that industrial development along Interstate 5 would be beneficial to the
economy.
• Councilor Semple -stated that job creation is an important benefit to this
expansion; is concerned about the commute of workers that would staff industrial
jobs in Goshen; believes residential needs would increase in the area; asked if
additional treatment plants are anticipated if residential needs expand.
• Councilor Groves -asked if Goshen would need expanded water service in addition
to the wastewater expansion; noted that Council is interested in further information
about the impact on rates.
• Councilor Semple -noted appreciation for the positive nature of the proposed
expansion.
2. WORK SESSION: Updates from the City Manager
City Manager, Sarah Medary, provided updates on the following topics:
• Proposed purchase of the EWEB Headquarters building.
• Status of the referendum petition.
• Public Health Overlay Zone and Bethel Area Plan on Council's upcoming calendar.
Councilor Discussion:
• Councilor Zelenka -asked if the university area would be included in plan
development in the upcoming schedule.
Councilor Groves adjourned the meeting at 12:45p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/Jf)JJ»L
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
(Recorded by Sara McKinney)
Web cast of meeting available here .
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
March 15 , 2023 Page 2