HomeMy WebLinkAbout210614 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Virtual Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
June 14, 2021
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Jennifer Yeh, Claire Syrett, Matt Keating, Randy Groves, Alan
Zelenka, Mike Clark
Councilors Absent: Greg Evans
Mayor Vinis opened the June 14, 2021, work session of the Eugene City Council in virtual format.
1. Applicant Statements for the Planning Commission
Council President Yeh outlined the interview process. City councilors heard from the applicant
for the open position on the City's Planning Commission. The applicant presented a three -
minute statement regarding their interest in serving the community through commission
membership.
Planning Commission
1. Scott Lemons
After presenting his three -minute statement, the Planning Commission candidate answered the
following three questions:
1. What key issues would you hope to address as a member of the Planning Commission?
2. Asa group, the Planning Commission often works on lengthy processes and decisions.
Describe your skills, experience and approach that will assist you in working in a
constructive, collaborative manner.
3. The Planning Commission must often consider and balance complex issues when
reviewing planning documents and making land use decisions. In your opinion, what are
the most important factors for the Planning Commission to consider in these efforts?
2. WORK SESSION: Vision, Values, Goals and Process
City Manager Sarah Medary continued the discussion around the Council's vison, values, goals
and operating agreements, presenting proposed updates and modifications.
Council Discussion
• Mayor Vinis - noted the significant motions proposed by Councilor Zelenka; outlined
thoughts on potential options for Council to proceed on these topics.
• Councilor Clark - noted he does not have any changes and that Councilor Zelenka should
state his motions.
• Mayor Vinis - clarified her point was to determine if Council wanted to allow staff more
time to come back with responses and information on Councilor Zelenka's motions.
• Councilor Syrett - stated she had not been able to see Councilor Zelenka's motions yet but
agreed he could make them tonight; proposed Council discussion of the motions tonight but
MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 14, 2021 Page I
Work Session
also table them for later to allow staff time to gather information on their implications;
asked staff if it was possible to display list of speakers to the public, once the queue had
been established.
• Councilor Keating - stated his desire for all Councilors and necessary staff to be present to
discuss the matter and his agreement to table the topic for the future.
• Councilor Groves - stated that, although a lot of time has been spent on the topic, he would
like to discuss Councilor Zelenka's motions further; asked about the most equitable way to
hear from as many people in the community as possible.
• Councilor Yeh - noted her belief that Councilor Zelenka's motions were to create a more
equitable and accessible environment; expressed importance of staff input on this issue for
further discussion.
• Councilor Zelenka - agreed that a more in-depth discussion with staff input will be
necessary for this issue; stated his belief that Council set a bad precedent of discussing
significant public policies late at night; shared his intent with raising these motions are to
have Council priority goal items happen before Public Forum, to have new voices prioritized
in speaking order to Council and to limit the time for Public Forum to 60 minutes instead of
90 minutes.
• Councilor Keating - asked for process clarification around motions due to his intent to
amend them to extend talking time for speakers at Public Forum.
• Mayor Vinis - summarized the agreement of Council to table the topic for future discussion
and staff input.
The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brooke Freed
City Recorder (AIC)
(Recorded by Julie Adams)
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
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Work Session