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HomeMy WebLinkAbout210621 PHMINUTES Eugene City Council Virtual Meeting Eugene, Oregon 97401 June 21, 2021 7:30 p.m. Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, Claire Syrett and Randy Groves Mayor Vinis opened the June 21, 2021, meeting of the Eugene City Council in virtual format. 1. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Vacating Slocum Drive, Songbird Loop, and Public Utility Easement Mayor Vinis opened the public hearing. 1. Mark Grenz (applicant)- stated he has no comments and was present to answer any questions. Mayor Vinis closed the public hearing. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Fireworks Within the City Limits in the Areas South of 18th Avenue or East of Agate Street Through the Remainder of 2021 and in 2022; Prohibiting the Sale of Fireworks in the Areas South of 181h Avenue or East of Agate Street in 2022; and Declaring an Emergency and Providing for an Immediate Effective Date Mayor Vinis opened the public hearing. 1. Emily Fox - supported the ban and sale of fireworks in south Eugene because the ban has worked in the past and continued dry conditions increase fire danger. 2. Jason Trout- supported the ban on fireworks but asked the council to delay implementation until the 2022 fireworks season. Mayor Vinis closed the Public Hearing. Council Discussion • Councilor Semple - commented that she understands the trauma to veterans, animals, and people with breathing difficulties that fireworks can cause; supported a citywide ban due to drought and climate change, noting the equity aspect of this decision; asked what time of year firework orders will be placed for 2022; offered a friendly amendment to include the whole city in the ban. • Councilor Groves - supported implementation of a ban for this year and revisiting the issue in time to enact a ban for 2022. • Councilor Syrett - commented that she plans to put in a work session poll for a citywide ban on fireworks with a two-year implementation timeline; stated a complete ban is easier to enforce than a ban in limited geographical areas; said she believes summers will not be getting cooler and that the danger of fire will only increase. MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 21, 2021 Page 1 Public Hearing • Councilor Zelenka - agreed that the odds of fire danger being lower next year are slim and supported the motion. • Councilor Clark - asked if, procedurally, a motion can be made and voted on at a public hearing. • Councilor Keating - shared there is extreme fire danger in the southwest hills and a municipal ban will arguably send people to rural areas to use fireworks; said he felt the council needs to work with the County to create a unified ban; shared data from national fire protection agencies for fires started on the fourth of July and how many were started by fireworks; urged the council to support the motion. • Councilor Semple - supported a work session to further discuss this issue; stated there is a noise problem from fireworks and shared the idea of a lighted drone show. • Councilor Syrett - in response to the concern that a ban on fireworks in Eugene will cause people to go outside of the city limits to set them off, stated does not believe this to be true but would like to explore this question in the work session; shared the idea of a City -sponsored fireworks show. • Councilor Evans - commented that fire danger does not exist only in the south hills area; expressed concern about the use of illegal fireworks in neighborhoods and supported a citywide ban; said he likes the idea of a City -sponsored fireworks show that is legal, safe, and enjoyable. • Councilor Clark - commented that fires are mostly the result of illegal fireworks and those who use them will ignore a citywide ban; shared that there has been a citywide fireworks show by the 20/30 Club for the past 20-years which benefits children's charities and expressed hope the City can support that instead. • Councilor Groves - said it is easier and more effective to ban fireworks citywide; shared information about the combustibility of needles from trees catching fire on rooftops. • Councilor Keating - asked procedural questions about putting a motion on the table. • Councilor Semple - asked what additional information might come to light over the next few days that could help inform Council's decision. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Keating, seconded by Councilor Groves, moved to adopt an Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Fireworks Within the City Limits in the Areas South of 181h Avenue or East of Agate Street Through the Remainder of 2021 and in 2022; Prohibiting the Sale of Fireworks in the Areas South of 18th Avenue or East of Agate Street in 2022; and Declaring an Emergency and Providing for an Immediate Effective Date. PASSED: 8:0 3. ACTION: AN Ordinance Concerning Parking and Storage of Vehicles on Streets, and Amending Sections 5.010, 5.135, 5.225, and 5.265 of the Eugene Code, 1971 MOTION: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to adopt an Ordinance Concerning Parking and Storage of Vehicles on Streets, and Amending Sections 5.010, 5.135, 5.225, and 5.265 of the Eugene Code, 1971. Council Discussion • Councilor Syrett - shared that she will vote in favor yet has reservations around this ordinance; commented that there is a plan from parking enforcement to focus on certain areas that are having chronic issues and recognize the terrible impacts on residents in the city; said that this is a challenging vote and requested an update in two to three months to get feedback from staff on this ordinance. • Councilor Zelenka - shared has reluctance about this ordinance but acknowledged it is probably a move in the right direction; supported revisiting this in the fall to see how implementation is MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 21, 2021 Page 2 Public Hearing going and whether there are unintended consequences.; asked how residents who do not have driveways or storage for RVs will be handled. • Councilor Groves - commented that he originally pushed for this ordinance in the west Eugene industrial area and it has been expanded; shared the importance of being responsive right now while the City is also developing the safe sleep sites. • Councilor Keating - said he is deeply saddened by this proposed action and cannot support an ordinance change that would threaten a resident's existence, noting how this will disproportionally impact lower -income people in the community; asked if this proposal can be amended to include the industrial areas only. • Councilor Semple - shared there is a dangerously explosive situation in west Eugene that needs action; expressed concern about how this moves people around when there is nowhere to go; supported the idea to make the ordinance apply to industrial areas only. • Councilor Yeh - commented the situation is clearly out of control and said she would not consider this motion if safe sleep spots where not being worked on at the same time; discussed the critical need to address problematic behaviors and find safe places for people to stay; said she understands the hesitance and cannot ignore the stories from residents because the situation is not safe. • Mayor Vinis - said she also shares a sense of reluctance about this proposed ordinance and recognizes that while changing the code creates some clarity, it also may be seen as a blunt instrument that may impact a larger number of people; asked whether these changes would be enforced on a complaint basis or through monitoring. • Councilor Semple - asked for clarification of rules related to overnight RV parking; asked what the City will do to accommodate people who need to park their RV on the street. Councilor Evans - asked if staff has looked for a middle ground on this issue; shared some negative experiences he has witnessed in his ward; commented that action needs to be taken and Council should communicate why it is taking these steps; said he feels like this is an appropriate starting point. • Councilor Zelenka - stated Council needs to act now and agree to check in after a couple of months to see how it is working; requested a review of the impacts, enforcement, and unintended consequences of the ordinance. VOTE: PASSED: 7:1 (Keating opposed) 4. ACTION: Appointments to Boards, Commissions and Committees Budget Committee MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to reappoint Tai Price -Zimmerman to the Budget Committee for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Siobhan Cancel to the Budget Committee for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021,and ending on June 20, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Ryan Kounovsky to the Budget Committee for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 21, 2021 Page 3 Public Hearing Council Discussion: • Councilor Clark - commented that there has not been a woman who lives in Ward 5 appointed to serve on the Budget Committee; shared some reasons why he believes Brittany Quick - Warner is a better candidate. • Councilor Keating- asked if the number of votes for both applicants can be shared with council. • Councilor Groves - shared his support for Brittany Quick -Warner and said her application was superior to other applicants. • Councilor Evans - asked when it is appropriate to make a substitute motion. • Councilor Keating - asked procedural questions about amending a substitute motion and shared the names of other candidates that he would recommend. • Councilor Syrett - said she would vote against any substitute motions. Councilor Clark - shared his concerns about the process for selecting the boards and commissions members. • Councilor Yeh - said she would not be supporting any substitutions and felt the person nominated has the expertise to do this position well. MOTION TO SUBSTITUTE AND VOTE: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Groves, moved to substitute Brittany Quick- Warner. FAILED: 3:5, councilors Syrett, Keating, Zelenka, Semple, and Yeh opposed. MOTION TO SUBSTITUTE AND VOTE: Councilor Evans, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to substitute Zach Mulholland. FAILED: 2:6, councilors Syrett, Zelenka, Semple, Yeh, and Clark opposed. VOTE ON MAIN MOTION: PASSED 8:0. Civilian Review Board MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to appoint Clay Neal to the Civilian Review Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Alan Leiman to the Civilian Review Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 7:1, Councilor Clark opposed. Councilor Keating - commented that he would like to see a little more diversity on the CRB; offered a motion to substitute Alexis Hajarazada, but there was no second. Human Rights Commission MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to reappoint Kris Galago to the Human Rights Commission for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Briselda Molina Ortega to the Human Rights Commission for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 21, 2021 Page 4 Public Hearing MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Scott Lemons to the Human Rights Commission for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 6:2, councilors Evans and Keating opposed. • Councilor Keating - offered a motion to substitute Ericka Rhodes -Edwards, but there was no second. Sustainability Commission MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Janice Bohman to the Sustainability Commission for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Mitra Gruwell to the Sustainability Commission for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Hannah Shafer to the Sustainability Commission for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Dennis Reynolds to the Sustainability Commission for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 Toxics Board MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Yvonne Couts to an Industry Rep position on the Toxics Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 7:1, Councilor Keating opposed. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Mikala Larsen to an Industry Rep position on the Toxics Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Ryan Josef -Maier -to an Advocacy position on the Toxics Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Daniel Sharp to an Industry Rep position on the Toxics Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 Historic Review Board MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to reappoint Lesley Yates Pollard to the Historic Review Board for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 21, 2021 Page 5 Public Hearing MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Shannon Sardell to the Historic Review Board for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 Lane Regional Air Protection Agency MOTION: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Jenna Knee to the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021 and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 Council Discussion Councilor Groves - supported substituting Zach Mulholland, noting that he was impressed with Zach's work on the Sustainability Commission and is a natural fit for LRAPA with his with sustainability and climate change expertise. • Mayor Vinis - shared that the nominee was her recommendation and she was impressed with her application; said there is a benefit to bringing new people with a high level of skills and experience into boards and commissions roles. • Councilor Syrett - said she was opposed to the substitution and while she appreciated Zach's work and advocacy on sustainability there needs to be space for new people to participate on the board; asked for clarification of the board's make-up and gender diversity. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Groves, seconded by Councilor Evans, moved to substitute Zach Mulholland. FAILED: 4:5, councilors Syrett, Semple, Yeh and Clark opposed; Mayor Vinis voting in opposition. VOTE ON MAIN MOTION: PASSED: 8:0 Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to reappoint David Sonnichsen to the Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Karl Eysenbach to the Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee for a three- year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Meredith Jacobson to the Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee for a three- year term beginning July 1, 2021 and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Sharon Roberts to the Whilamut Citizen Planning Committee for a three- year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2024. PASSED: 8:0 Planning Commission MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to reappoint Lisa Fragala to the Planning Commission for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 21, 2021 Page 6 Public Hearing MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to appoint Thomas Fiorelli to the Planning Commission for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2021, and ending on June 30, 2025. PASSED: 8:0 Council Discussion Councilor Keating - in response to earlier questions about the LRAPA board membership, stated that of the nine members on the LRAPA board, five are male and four are female. Mayor Vinis - reported that Mistry Frost is stepping down and a woman is replacing her on the board. Councilor Yeh- commented that for a long time, most commissions were all men and having a majority of women on a group is never an inherently bad thing. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, tt� J Beth Forrest City Recorder (Recorded by Niyah Ross) Webcast of meeting available here. MINUTES - Eugene City Council June 21, 2021 Page 7 Public Hearing