HomeMy WebLinkAbout210908 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council and Urban Renewal Agency
Virtual Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
September 8, 2021
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg
Evans, Claire Syrett
Councilors Absent: Randy Groves
Mayor Vinis opened the September 8, 2021, work session of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency in
virtual format.
1. WORK SESSION - Downtown Open Space Improvements
COCommunity Development Director AIC Will Dowdy presented potential Open Space improvements
downtown, including the Willamette Connection, a proposed improvement to the public space between
the Hult Center and the Graduate Hotel (also known as the Holt Center Plaza). The presentation
included information on design, estimated costs, and funding options.
Council Discussion:
Councilor Semple - expressed excitement about the proposed project moving forward; voiced
concern about incorporating 6th and Th avenues into the downtown design and supported
sidewalk improvements and reducing bottlenecks; said aesthetics, useability and safety are key
to the project's success; noted efforts to earmark urban renewal funds for open space
improvements.
Councilor Clark - stated that #2.5 million is a lot to dedicate to aesthetic improvements for one
block; asked about the benefits that will be realized from this tax increment financing and what
feedback staff and the council have heard about connectivity problems.
• Councilor Syrett - thanked Councilor Semple for her persistence in setting aside money for
open space improvements; expressed appreciation for planned upgrades to the wheelchair
ramp and said the sloping sidewalk on Th Avenue is difficult to navigate; said the memorial
garden is a hidden gem marking a historic wrong and plans to make it more visible and
accessible are appreciated; supported the plan's focus on two entrances, noting it will create
better connections and lead to enhanced property values.
• Councilor Zelenka - agreed that enhancements to open spaces are important and noted that
there are limitations on how urban renewal money can be spent; agreed that plans for the
memorial garden are worthy; asked about intentions for the "projection wall" and the public
art plinth.
• Councilor Keating - thanked staff for their work; discussed the geographical significance of the
memorial garden as the site where internment registration occurred; noted that many areas of
the city do not have sidewalks; inquired about plans to replace any trees that are removed for
the project; asked about engagement efforts with surrounding businesses and whether any
negative impact on the hotel or Hult Center business was anticipated.
Councilor Yeh - appreciated the detail of the presentation and its consideration of multiple
factors; asked whether the advisory committee included representation from the memorial
garden and encouraged proactivity in ensuring diversity of perspectives on future projects;
thanked Councilor Semple for efforts to keep this project moving forward.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council September 8, 2021 Page 1
Work Session
Councilor Syrett - asked about the status of the Holt Center kiosks at the north and south end of
the plaza; supported using any remaining funds for lighting improvements; clarified that urban
renewal money can only be used within the district; therefore, it is not depriving other areas of
similar improvements.
Councilor Clark - suggested a rededication ceremony for the memorial garden be planned when
the project is completed.
Councilor Keating - asked about the impacts of the project on the PeaceHealth bike share
station and hoped there would be no interruption of availability; asked about using extra funds
for transportation improvements.
• Mayor Vinis - agreed that the existing ramp is a "cattle shoot" and apprecaited the focus on the
memorial garden.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Yeh, seconded by Councilor Syrett, moved to direct
the Agency Director to schedule a public hearing to solicit public comment on
whether the proposed open space projects should move forward and on the
appropriate funding mechanisms for the projects. The Agency Director is further
directed to schedule a work session for the Agency Board to deliberate on the
projects. PASSED 7:0.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency and convened a meeting
of the Eugene City Council.
2. WORK SESSION - Unhoused Response Update
Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt and Public Works Director Matt Rodrigues provided an
update on temporary urban camps and vehicle camping response and actions related to developing
site plans and programming for the establishment of "Safe Parking" and "Safe Tent" sites.
Council Discussion:
Councilor Clark - thanked staff for the work they are doing to implement Council policy and
direction; asked questions about compliance efforts and the data kept in the Homeless By Name
count; asked about the policy position on those in unsanctioned camps who violate the law and
if individuals who are banned for behavior issues from sanctioned camps have an opportunity
to return; supported efforts to protect the community and neighborhoods from criminal
activity; inquired whether Unified Command had access to data about criminal activity.
• Councilor Keating - agreed that safe sleep sites must be safe for the users and the community
and supported a systems approach that indicates the number of people served of each cohort
and the percentage of funds allocated; noted the Governor's mask mandate omits homeless
facilities and suggested that the City consider enacting a policy around masks and vaccinations.
Councilor Syrett - appreciated the efforts of staff and the resources allocated for this work;
reported that her constituents are feeling afraid and fatigued, and the near -constant disruptive
activity at Washington Jefferson Park may lead to a breaking point for many; supported keeping
the pace of the work going and taking into account the number of tents at each site versus the
number of individuals.
Councilor Semple - agreed that many in the community are losing patience and asked how long
it will be until the safe sleep sites are ready; regarding communication efforts, asked where the
funding is coming from, if there are enough port -a -potties, and the timeline for occupation.
Councilor Zelenka - agreed that more is needed faster, noting it is difficult work in a difficult
environment; said the work done to -date has been successful and expressed optimism about
the additional sites; suggested that vaccination cannot be mandated but can be required for
participation in the sites.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council September 8, 2021 Page 2
Work Session
• Councilor Clark - reported that he received an average of 55 complaints a day and the
community is at a breaking point; said he felt the Council's policy is insufficient and it needs to
address unsanctioned camps and the individuals who won't utilize sanctioned camps if drugs
and alcohol use are not permitted.
• Councilor Semple - inquired about the number of COVID cases reported in camps.
• Mayor Vinis - asked whether vaccination status can be included in data collection.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 1:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
60, INa.,vt
Beth Forrest
City Recorder
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES - Eugene City Council September 8, 2021 Page 3
Work Session