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Home My WebLink About220214 MTGMINUTES Eugene City Council Virtual Meeting Eugene, Oregon 97401 February 14, 2022 7:30p.m. Councilors Present: Claire Syrett, Matt Keating, Randy Groves, Emily Semple, Jennifer Yeh, Greg Evans, Mike Clark Councilors Absent: Alan Zelenka Mayor Vinis opened the February 14, 2022, meeting of the Eugene City Council in virtual format. 1. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST ■ Councilor Syrett -noted the Intergovernmental Relations Committee has provided a written update on the status of current state legislative priorities, with staff working quickly due to the short session; noted the City has submitted a request for $5 million to be used for homeless services, including expansion of safe sleep sites, sanitation and support services, and this request is in collaboration with other Oregon cities including Portland, Salem and Bend; noted she and Councilor Groves met with Beyond Toxics to discuss the impacts of the JH Baxter site cleanup and the creation of a public health overlay; discussed plans to bring forward a motion on February 28 to hold a work session on the public health overlay concept. ■ Councilor Groves -thanked Councilor Syrett for bringing forward the motion for a work session on creating a public health overlay zone; noted he had the opportunity to attend the Berkeley Park reopening at 14th and Wilson, and that staff did an amazing job building infrastructure into the park as a result of heavy input from residents; noted he toured the Everyone Village safe sleep site and met with Pastor Gabe Piechowicz and Heather Sielicki, and encouraged key staff and members of Council to visit and see their amazing site and vision for growth. ■ Councilor Semple -noted the HOME Consortium Governing Board approved funding for DevNW's Polk 2.0 site; noted the Housing Policy Board met with the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association, whose organization had a record number of calls for information and assistance; noted the McKenzie Watershed Council met to discuss forestry service and flood plain restoration; gave kudos to the Public Works Department for recent area improvements. ■ Councilor Keating -thanked the Public Works team for their professionalism and responsiveness to overflowing drains; shared the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency has announced an expansion of their Citizen Advisory Committee from nine to 15 members, and interested residents should go to lrapa.org for further information; noted the Human Rights Commission meets tomorrow and the Human Services Commission later next week; asked neighbors with pets to pay closer attention to City Code 4.465, which states that pet waste matter should not be deposited onto any improved property other than that of the pet owner, and that bagged waste not be deposited into other's garbage cans. MINUTES -Eugene City Council February 14, 2022 Page 1 Meeting ■ Councilor Yeh -noted the Police Commission met with the 4J School District Student Wellness and Safety Team to discuss their program and work with the Eugene Police Department; noted that meeting recordings are available on the Police Commission webpage; reported that the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission received a clean audit score, and staff are working very hard to receive a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). ■ Councilor Evans -stated his intent to put forward a work session poll on retaining current affordable housing options in response to concerns over those buying properties and converting them into upscale housing; stated people should not have to worry about being priced out of their homes. ■ Mayor Vinis -reminded all that the Housing Implementation Pipeline incorporates policy on anti-displacement actions; noted area funds received in support of affordable rental housing and the development of shelters is approximately $4. 7 million. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR 1 A. Approval of City Council Minutes -June 30, 2021, Work Session -July 21, 2021, Work Session -September 22, 2021, Work Session -October 11, 2021, Work Session -October 25, 2021, Work Session -November 8, 2021, Work Session -November 10, 2021, Work Session -December 8, 2021, Work Session B. Approval of City Council Tentative Agenda MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to approve the items on Consent Calendar 1. PASSED 7:0 3. PUBLIC FORUM 1. Breach Collective -expressed support for proposed renter protections. 2. Kathryn Dunn -asked questions about the intent behind proposed renter protections. 3. Michael Havlik -shared concerns about proposed renter protections. 4. Jennifer Wyncoop -shared concerns about proposed changes to rental applications. 5. Paul Fenley -expressed opposition to proposed renter protections. 6. Joann Shotola -shared concerns about proposed renter protections. 7. Jessica Greenlee -shared concerns about renter protections' impact on tenants. 8. Scott Zakarian -discussed the impact of Oregon Senate Bill 608 on the rental market. 9. Timothy Morris -expressed support for proposed renter protections. 10. Kevin Cronin -urged council to pass full slate of renter protections. 11. Lin Woodrich -shared concerns about dioxin levels in Bethel area. 12. Dylan Plummer -expressed support for displacement prevention assistance. 13. Jim Neu -discussed affordable access to electric vehicles. 14. Thomas Hiura -expressed support for proposed renter protections. 15. 350 Eugene -shared support for climate action plan and climate recovery ordinance. MINUTES -Eugene City Council February 14, 2022 Page 2 Meeting 16. Scott Smith -shared opposition to proposed renter protections. 17. Mysti Frost -expressed support for proposed renter protections. 18. William Smith -discussed wireless safety and broadband infrastructure. 19. Rajeev Ravisankar -urged Council to pass the full slate of renter protections. 20. David Solice -expressed concerns about the impact of proposed renter protections. 21. Ryan Moore -expressed support for proposed renter protections. 22. Jamie Cornett -expressed support for proposed renter protections. 23. Laurel Butmann -expressed concerns about the impact of proposed renter protections. Council Discussion ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Councilor Evans -recognized Lin Woodrich and her work with the Active Bethel Citizens neighborhood association; acknowledged what has happened with JH Baxter; discussed issues in the Bethel area as a result of the lack of local, state and federal investment for over 30 years; stated the need to start paying attention to this neglected part of the City. Councilor Keating-noted the upcoming (February 24) first of two education sessions on building small-scale housing developments; noted that, looking back to the ban of single-use plastic bags in Eugene, it is sometimes the responsibility of the municipality to lead the way on an issue before major changes happen at the state or federal level; stated he looks forward to the ongoing conversations about renter protections and ways in which good landlords can be incentivized to be creative in satisfying their mutual interests. Councilor Semple -expressed appreciation for the well-articulated passions from both sides; expressed support for proposed renter protections and stated they are always ready and willing to listen to opposing views; stated full support of a plan for the Bethel area; expressed appreciation for residents' continued support for fiber internet. Councilor Syrett -thanked everyone for their comments; reminded all of several million dollar investments in Bethel area's Golden Garden Park; expressed concerns about JH Baxter saying they are unable to pay for site cleanup, but is nonetheless not surprised to hear them say that, noting DEQ would likely pay for the initial cleanup and then pursue Baxter for repayment; appreciated testimony on fiber internet and wants broadband growth to be expanded from the downtown network; commended Thomas Hiura for his cogent testimony. Councilor Clark -thanked all who came out to speak; discussed concerns that existing rental housing policies and renter protections are not as effective as previously hoped if residents continue to experience illegal violations. Councilor Groves -thanked all who testified for their civil and thoughtful testimony; stated support for a planning process in the Bethel area and reminded all about the recent Echo Hollow Pool renovation. ■ Councilor Evans -thanked councilors for reminding all of improvements in the Bethel area; discussed unrealized investments in Bethel area compared to other areas having received a much greater number of investments. ■ Councilor Yeh -asked staff for an update on the current state and plan for the Bethel area. ■ City Manager Sarah Medary -mentioned the upcoming proposed bond funding for Golden Gardens Park MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting February 14, 2022 Page 3 ■ Councilor Clark -advocated for the use of any unallocated funds on yet-to-be- completed Striker Park renovations. ■ Mayor Vinis -thanked all for the constructive evening; noted renter protections are targeting a fair and balanced approach to ensure people are not burdened by undue charges or fear of losing housing; expressed appreciation for conversations about reinvestments in the Bethel area. ■ Councilor Evans -asked what kind of conversations have taken place with Union Pacific about unreported accidents, such as derailments. ■ Councilor Groves -clarified derailments are not the only concern for train cars and chemical reactions, boil overs and other accidental releases must also be considered. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR 2 A. Adoption of a Resolution Annexing Land to the City of Eugene (Assessor's Map 17-04-23-11, Tax Lot 3600 Located at 825 and 825 ½ Horn Lane) (City File: A 21- 13) B. Adoption of a Resolution Annexing Land to the City of Eugene (Assessor's Map 17-04-14-14, Tax Lot 1700, Located at 135 Kourt Drive) (City File: A 21-15) MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to approve the items on Consent Calendar 2. PASSED 7:0 The meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brooke Freed City Recorder (AIC) (Recorded by Jay Ferris) Web cast of meeting available here. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting February 14, 2022 Page 4