HomeMy WebLinkAbout220926 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
September 26, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Claire Syrett, Matt Keating, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans,
Randy Groves, Emily Semple, and Alan Zelenka
Mayor Vinis opened the September 26, 2022, work session of the Eugene City Council in a
hybrid format at 101 W 10 th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401.
1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The executive session was held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) consultation with legal
counsel about litigation.
2. WORK SESSION: Public Health Overlay Zone Concepts and Other Tools
City Manager, Sarah Medary introduced Development Investment Liaison, Allie Camp,
Building and Permit Services Director, Lydia Bishop and Planning Director, Alissa Hansen
who presented information regarding the public health overlay zone concepts and other
tools.
Council Discussion:
• Councilor Clark-stated he would like to know if there are other concerns to consider
beyond the risks that are already known based on previous issues with J.H. Baxter;
noted he would like to see a map that indicated any residential areas immediately
adjacent to or near industrial zoned lands to know where any potential conflicts exist;
noted that there are other zones, such as agriculture that may also need to be
considered for potential risk factors; asked staff to create a map with the potential risk
areas shown.
• Councilor Evans -asked staff to explain 11, 12 and 13 zoning differences; asked staff
what percentage of west Eugene identifies as Latino/Latina; asked how many more
people of color reside in Ward 6 now versus ten years ago and what the economic
impact of this on the area is; asked staff for maps that can address the information he is
requesting.
• Councilor Syrett -asked if the work session for the vibration ordinance has been
scheduled yet; noted that the public health overlay does not have to create new
regulations and could be a framework of allowed activities; noted that the screening
tool provided by staff is helpful; noted that this work session was initiated to find ways
to reduce the negative impacts on residents in the community; stated that she is
intrigued by the actions that Minneapolis took.
• Councilor Zelenka -noted regulating pollution is handled by Department of
Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency; stated his concern is
to prevent another situation like the one that occurred with J.H. Baxter; noted that it is
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
September 26, 2022 Page 1
difficult to correct the balance in legacy areas where residential and industrial zones
have met; noted that in undeveloped areas like Clear Lake, issues can be prevented;
stated that he would like to see mechanisms in place to hold companies and people
accountable for any damages, including J.H. Baxter; stated he is in favor of setback and
buffer zones to prevent future issues.
• Councilor Groves -noted the risk bonds work session was intended to look at holding
companies accountable for damages in the future; noted that the Department of
Environmental Quality has a fund that helps to assist residents to repair damages
caused by an industrial issue; stated the health overlay zone is designed to put a
separation between residential occupancy and industry that could cause harm; noted
that he would like to see a strategy for engaging business and industry; stated that he
spoke with a representative from Department of Environmental Quality about the
overlay zone; noted he has concerns about chemical exposures for residents.
• Councilor Yeh -stated that no Eugene resident's health should be at risk due to the
location of their home; noted that there should be a combination of land use code
changes, incentives, and other mitigation efforts; stated support for buffer zones;
questioned how to implement buffer zones in developed areas; asked staff if the overlay
zone would focus on developed areas, undeveloped areas, or both; asked staff to bring
back information on how land use would be regulated.
• Councilor Keating -noted that pollution impacts residents throughout Eugene; stated
support for expanding the overlay zone throughout the city; asked if it is better to ban
specific uses or review uses as they are proposed; stated interest in Minneapolis' action
on clean green zones; stated he is interested in learning more about air protections
from Department of Environmental Quality and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency;
stated favor for a smog check system in Eugene, asked if the City has the authority to
enforce this process; noted that there is not an Lane Regional Air Protection Agency
process for smog checks at this time; noted that actions taken by other municipalities
provide a good starting point; noted that this issue requires public participation and
input.
• Councilor Evans -asked staff to follow-up with the human rights office for a robust
outreach to the Latinx community regarding this topic to bridge the language and
cultural gap; noted the importance of having input from residents; noted a desire for a
robust outreach to the Trainsong neighborhood; stated he would like to involve 4J and
Bethel School Districts to ensure there is efficient outreach and education on this topic.
• Councilor Groves -noted appreciation for Councilors Syrett and Evans for their work
on this topic and finding solutions to this issue; noted that he wants Council to continue
the work on this topic and see it through to the end.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.
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Work Session
September 26, 2022 Page 2
Respectfully submitted,
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
(Recorded by Sara McKinney)
We beast of meeting available here.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
Sept ember 26, 2022 Page 3