HomeMy WebLinkAbout230222 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
February 22, 2023
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Matt Keating, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Randy Groves, Alan Zelenka,
Emily Semple and Lyndsie Leech
Councilors Absent: Greg Evans
Mayor Vinis opened the February 22, 2023, work session of the Eugene City Council in a
hybrid format at 101 W 10th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401.
1. WORK SESSION: Eugene Airport Advanced Terminal Planning Study
City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced Airport Director, Cathryn Stephens, who
was joined by RS&H's Mark Ip, Rikki Scantlan, and Frank Gratton, to present
information on the Eugene Airport Advanced Terminal Planning Study.
Councilor Discussion:
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Councilor Zelenka -asked staff to discuss recent awards and recognition the Eugene
Airport received; asked if a greenhouse reduction analysis has been done related to
flying local; asked how electrification and alternative fuels infrastructure would
integrate into the expansion plan; asked if this expansion plan would be subject to
the state requirement for green energy technologies; asked to confirm that the $200
million cost would not come out of the general fund; noted that the airport can
increase capacity while decreasing environmental impact.
Councilor Groves -noted that the airport needs increased capacity; asked if there
are any Federal Aviation Administration grants that can help fund this project;
would be like to see how the project would be done in phases and how that would
work; would be interested in conference rooms for local business to rent at the
airport; is in support of exploring all options, including the alternative fuel options.
Councilor Keating -asked staff to outline Eugene's 2020 Airport of the Year award;
asked about strategy to address revenue growth and to increase staffing to match
industry standards; noted an opportunity to expand and utilize advertising in the
airport; asked staff to expand on any plans or work to increase transportation and
lodging options; interested in an outdoor pet friendly space at the airport.
Councilor Leech -asked staff to explain the need and projected volume for a charter
terminal.
Councilor Yeh -asked staff to confirm airport capacity and if this project would help
to increase revenue and other opportunities such as hotels and transportation;
supports the plan to explore all options for the expansion project and alternative
fuels.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
February 22, 2023 Page 1
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Councilor Zelenka -asked staff to discuss weapons confiscated at security .
Councilor Groves -asked for a projected cost information report; asked if the
Eugene Airport is at capacity for air cargo.
• Councilor Keating-asked how the project will impact Lane Aviation Academy at the
Eugene Airport.
2. WORK SESSION: Civilian Oversight System
Mayor Vinis introduced Police Auditor, Leia Pitcher, who presented information on
the Civilian Oversight System recommendations.
Councilor Discussion:
• Mayor Vinis -noted the meeting will be extended 10 minutes and a follow up work
session will be scheduled to provide appropriate time to discuss the topic.
• Councilor Groves -is concerned that the proposed changes are meant to expand the
process; is concerned with maintaining objectivity and neutrality as well as the
public perception of such; supports the addition of mediation; would like
information on improving the current processes without expanding or drawing the
auditor in to the process.
• Councilor Zelenka -believes the system is effective as it stands; would not support a
motion to overhaul the system; is concerned that some suggestions from the ad hoc
committee are not appropriate; asked if there are other recommendations from the
ad hoc committee that were not presented.
• Councilor Yeh -noted that policy oversight is an important aspect of the auditor's
job; would support exploring the options brought forth in another work session to
consider improvements to the processes.
• Councilor Keating -would like to hear commendations as well as complaints that
come through the auditor's office; noted concern with police policies being coupled
with hiring; asked if there have been complaints about the hiring process; asked the
auditor to bring back answers to the following questions: does the police auditor
process align with national police reform plans, what are we trying to fix, do we
have an oversight system that we are proud of currently, are we trying to solve a
problem that does not exist, and how do the recommendations impact the job of the
police chief; believes another work session is needed before Council can consider
taking action on any recommendations for change.
• Councilor Leech -supports another work session to discuss and consider the
recommendations brought forth.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 1:41 p.m.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
February 22, 2023 Page 2
Respectfully submitted,
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
(Recorded by Sara McKinney)
We beast of meeting available here.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
February 22, 2023 Page 3