HomeMy WebLinkAbout220919 PHMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Public Hearing
Eugene, Oregon 97401
September 19, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Greg Evans,
Claire Syrett, Randy Groves
Councilors Absent: Mike Clark
Mayor Vinis opened the September 19, 2022 Public Hearing of the Eugene City Council in a
hybrid format at 101 W 10th Avenue, Suite 114, Eugene OR 97401.
1. PUBLIC HEARING -An Ordinance Vacating a Portion of East 5 th Avenue Located
Within the Boundaries of the Plat of Town Run
Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt stated that the public hearing for this topic has
been rescheduled for October 17, 2022. Notice for the new public hearing date will be
published in the Register-Guard, posted at 101 W 10th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401, and
mailed to interested parties.
Mayor Vinis gave a statement addressing an incident that occurred at the University of
Oregon football game on September 17, 2022.
2. PUBLIC HEARING -An Ordinance Concerning Fireworks Restrictions and
Amending Section 4.934 of the Eugene Code, 1971.
Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt provided background information and
introduced the topic.
Mayor Vinis opened the Public Hearing.
1. Aaron Taylor -spoke in opposition to fireworks restrictions.
2. Jason Trout -spoke in opposition to fireworks restrictions.
3. Anthony Hopper -spoke in opposition to fireworks restrictions.
4. Pat Koch -spoke in opposition to fireworks restrictions.
5. Thomas Newman -proposed an exception for displays and designated areas for
personal fireworks.
6. Shelley Koch -spoke in opposition to fireworks restrictions.
Mayor Vinis closed the Public Hearing.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Public Hearing
September 19, 2022 Page 1
Council Discussion
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Councilor Syrett -stated that public input is taken at public hearings, as well as
through emails and phone calls; noted her appreciation for the responsible practices
discussed by speakers; stated that some of the public input received varied from
what was given at the public hearing; noted that public input is important and is
considered.
Councilor Evans -stated that he has purchased legal fireworks in the past;
expressed concern over illegal fireworks; noted that he feels that the proposed
amendment would not address this problem; stated that he is open to reviewing
model ordinances from other cities to find middle ground on regulation; stated that
ordinances against fireworks are virtually unenforceable; expressed concern about
revenue loss for humanitarian fundraisers using fireworks sales; noted that he is
more concerned about gunshots than fireworks.
Mayor Vinis -stated that this is a significant regulation that would have some
impact but is intended to address fire and safety hazards that have been difficult to
manage; noted that the input given is valuable to move the discussion forward;
stated that council has explored ordinances from other communities as part of the
discussion.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 5:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
(Recorded by Olivia Clark)
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Public Hearing
September 19, 2022 Page 2