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HomeMy WebLinkAbout230123 WSMINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 January 23, 2023 5:30p.m. Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, Lyndsie Leech, Randy Groves Mayor Vinis opened the January 23, 2023, work session of the Eugene City Council in a hybrid format at 101 W 10th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401. 1. WORK SESSION: Outline of Terms -University of Oregon Autzen Complex Expansion City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced Planning & Development Executive Director, Denny Braud, who presented an outline of terms regarding the University of Oregon Autzen Complex Expansion project proposal. Councilor Discussion: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Councilor Evans -asked about access to the Moshofsky Center for other sports and entities; asked staff the deal provides like value for both the City and University of Oregon. Councilor Zelenka -noted that the current offer is more beneficial for the City than for University of Oregon; noted the proposal would increase and improve parking for the Science Center, Alton Baker Park, and for disabled individuals; asked staff to clarify the land ownership on the lots south of the river; asked staff about the University's plan for that land. Councilor Keating -asked if the City plans to build parking on the lots south of the river adjacent to University owned land; asked if the Science Center is in support of the proposal; asked if this proposal has been discussed with Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee; asked how common it is to have proposed $1 million donation for an undetermined mutually beneficial community project; noted concerns about the proposed donation; noted concerns with the University's proposal to build a third practice facility. Councilor Yeh -noted that the Science Center is losing parking and access for patrons; asked about next steps if Science Center lease cannot be negotiated satisfactorily; stated that she is concerned about the impacts to the Science Center; asked about the University of Oregon's role in deciding how the $1 million donation will be used; noted potential difficulties negotiating the use of the donation. Councilor Semple -noted concern regarding impact on the Science Center; asked about the length of the agreement regarding game day parking revenue between the Science Center and University of Oregon; noted appreciation for the mutually beneficial proposal; noted support for the proposal; asked for an update on the quiet zone project. Councilor Clark-is in favor of the land swap proposal; asked about the square footage of the Science Center; asked what the Science Center pays in rent to the City; MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session January 23, 2023 Page 1 asked about potential impacts if the University of Oregon changes sports conference affiliations; asked if student enrollment increases will impact this project. • Councilor Groves -noted that the impact on the Science Center is a concern, but believes it can be worked out; noted that this proposal is a good value for the comm unity; noted concern about the overall end design of the new facility; asked staff to clarify the City's approval authority over the final designs; noted the importance of aesthetics and design for a large building at a main entrance to the City; stated interest in hearing the details of the deal as they unfold. • Councilor Yeh -noted that the details of the proposal are important; stated that mitigating operational impacts on the Science Center are necessary for a positive outcome; asked staff to clarify if the Science Center would have access to the proposed new parking;; noted she would support the proposal. • Councilor Zelenka -noted that the donation could be used for more than one project; noted that the donation placed in an escrow account would gain interest; stated that a joint project with the donated funds could be mutually beneficial; noted that moving the fence around Cuthbert Theater would improve the proposal. • Mayor Vinis -noted appreciation for the work done to improve the proposal from the original proposed offer from the University of Oregon; noted the importance to remain committed to the Science Center's continued services. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Groves, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to approve the Outline of Terms included in Attachment A and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the UO consistent with these terms. VOTE: PASSED 7:1 (opposed by Keating) 2. WORK SESSION: Strategic Planning Update City Manager, Sarah Medary, and City Manager's Office Director, Brooke Freed, provided and update on strategic planning. Councilor Discussion: • • • • Councilor Semple -noted that the Strategic plan has not changed; noted an interest in next steps; noted concern over the amount of time action has taken. Councilor Zelenka -asked staff how the strategic plan focus areas relate to the goals and outcomes from June 2021; asked if sustainability is still a focus area; noted that in the community survey housing, homelessness, public safety, and climate change were the primary concerns but are not outlined in the strategic plan; will wait to see how the strategic plan connects to the goals and outcomes. Councilor Evans -noted concern over belonging and access to services throughout the City; noted that some parts of the community do not have the culture of belonging; noted that the Bethel area feels disconnected from the City; stated the culture of belonging should be extended from the City as an employer to the City's residents. Councilor Yeh -noted that it takes time to develop a strategic plan; stated preference for connecting our core values into the strategic plan and then into actions; noted concern over confusion to the public and making sure that the plan is clear and understandable. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session January 23, 2023 Page 2 • Councilor Clark -stated that he was unable to connect in all parts of the strategic planning divisions at the September workshop; noted concern over how the phrase a culture of belonging was interpreted; spoke in favor of a better sense of belonging to carry throughout the City. • Councilor Yeh -noted agreement that a stronger culture of belonging is needed throughout the City; noted that strategic plans are for a limited period of time; stated that not every concern can be addressed in a strategic plan. • Councilor Evans -recommended a book on the culture of belonging in an organization; noted the importance of listening to the needs of the community. • Mayor Vinis -noted that the list of urgent community needs is missing climate change and economic development; stated it is important to look forward. Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Katie LaSala City Recorder (Recorded by Cherish Bradshaw) Web cast of meeting available here. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session January 23, 2023 Page 3