Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout221214 WSMINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 December 14, 2022 12:00 p.m. Councilors Present: Greg Evans, Matt Keating, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Randy Groves, Alan Zelenka and Emily Semple Mayor Vinis opened the December 14, 2022, work session of the Eugene City Council in a hybrid format at 101 W 10th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401. 1. WORK SESSION: Interim City Council Appointment, Ward 7 Councilor Discussion: • Councilor Evans -asked to clarify the process; deferred making a motion to Councilor Semple. MOTION: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to appoint Thomas Hiura for interim Ward 7 councilor. MOTION TO SUBSTITUTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to substitute for Lyndsie Leech. Councilor Discussion: • • • Councilor Yeh -noted that Dan Isaacson had the best interview, but due to other factors she is moving to her second choice, Lyndsie Leech; found Lyndsie Leech articulate and thoughtful in her interview answers. Councilor Zelenka -noted that Dan Isaacson was his first choice; believes that Lyndsie Leech's background will make her a positive asset to Council; will support appointing her. Councilor Clark -intends to make a motion to appoint Barbie Walker; believes that Lyndsie Leech's political and ideological views are too similar to the recalled councilor. VOTE ON MOTION TO SUBSITUTE: FAILED 3:4 (opposed by Councilor Clark, Evans, Groves, and Semple) Councilor Discussion: • Councilor Semple -believes that Thomas Hiura is a neutral party that could encourage people to listen to each other; noted that Council has received many emails in support of Thomas Hiura; stated her reasons for moving to appoint him; noted concern over political alignment of other candidates. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session December 14, 2022 Page 1 VOTE ON MAIN MOTION: FAILED 2:5 (opposed by Councilors Evans, Groves, Keating, Yeh, and Zelenka) MOTION: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Groves, moved to appoint Barbie Walker for interim Ward 7 councilor. Councilor Discussion: • Councilor Clark -stated that he has known Barbie Walker personally and believes that she is a middle of the road option; noted that she is passionate about the Willamette Greenway. VOTE: FAILED 2:5 (opposed by Councilors Evans, Keating, Semple, Yeh and Zelenka) MOTION: Councilor Evans, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to reconsider Lyndsie Leech. Councilor Discussion: • Councilor Evans -noted that he was impressed with Lyndsie Leech in her interview; noted his opinions regarding the appointment process and concerns about input received; despite reservations regarding Lyndsie Leech's candidacy, believes she is the right choice in the interim. • Councilor Groves -noted that Council needs to look at the interest and welfare of the community; believes that Council should show unity in welcoming a new councilor; will vote in favor of Lyndsie Leech. • Councilor Zelenka -noted that Lyndsie Leech is his second choice for the appointment, will vote in support of the motion. • Councilor Clark -noted that he will not vote in favor of Lyndsie Leech; stated that her views align too closely with that of the previous ward 7 councilor. • Councilor Semple -believes the appointment process has not been smooth and efficient; noted that the recall noted need for a change to Council; does not believe that Lyndsie Leech is in line with bold actions; noted her disappointment in the direction the appointment is moving. VOTE TO RECONSIDER: PASSED 5:2 (opposed by Councilors Clark and Semple) VOTE ON RECONSIDERED MOTION (to appoint Lyndsie Leech): PASSED 5:2 (opposed by Councilors Clark and Semple) 2. WORK SESSION: Eugene Public Library -Year 1 Levy Report Sarah Medary introduced Interim Executive Director of Library, Recreation Cultural Services, Ben Klipfel and Library Services Director, Will O'Hearn, who presented the Eugene Public Library Year 1 Levy Report. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session December 14, 2022 Page 2 Councilor Discussion: • • • • • Councilor Clark -is a big supporter of the library and its services; voted against the library levy due to budget deficits and cuts to other services; noted his concern that the City has budget shortfalls and cannot cut or reduce the services promised in the library and police levies. Councilor Zelenka -asked when the levy was passed and when it is up for renewal; asked what the financial impact was for discontinuing fines; noted that 12,000 kids participated in the summer reading program; asked about the collection size; asked what a Star Library is; asked to confirm that the Eugene Library was in the top one percent of the country for cost effectiveness and utilization; asked what the top three safety issues are at the library; asked if staff feel they have sufficient security inside and out of the building. Councilor Groves -stated that the library is important to the community; has concerns regarding budget restraints and services cuts; asked what kind of programs are available for underserved youth; noted that ward 8 does not have a branch library, community center, pool, or dog park. Councilor Keating -is proud of the library levy; asked staff what the challenges and wish list is for the Sheldon and Bethel Branch; asked if there is a plan for increased book deposit sites, including Amazon Pool; asked if the P.A.A.W.S. (People and Animals Who Serve) program will be restarted; asked about the Library of Things program; noted appreciation for Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the community. Councilor Evans -asked staff if there a way to link bus passes to library cards to increase accessibility; noted that there are federal grant funds available to help fund such a program; noted that there is no branch library in the south and southwest regions. • Councilor Zelenka -noted both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding could be used for a library card/bus pass program; noted that ward 3 has no pool, branch library, community center, or dog park. • Mayor Vinis -noted that the recent community survey demonstrated the importance and value that the library and its programs hold in the community. Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 1:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, dJL Katie LaSala City Recorder (Recorded by Sara McKinney) Web cast of meeting available here. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session December 14, 2022 Page 3