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HomeMy WebLinkAbout231127 WSMINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 November 27, 2023 5:30 p.m. Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves Mayor Vinis opened the November 27, 2023, work session of the Eugene City Council in a hybrid format at 101 W 10th Avenue, Eugene OR 97401. 1. WORK SESSION: Intergovernmental Relations -2024 Legislative Priorities City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced Intergovernmental Relations Manager, Ethan Nelson, who provided a presentation regarding the Intergovernmental Relations goals, process, policy document, state priorities, and United Front. Councilor Discussion: • • • • • Mayor Vinis -asked for clarification regarding the four factors of the United Front. Councilor Evans -noted that infrastructure money from the state is needed for Crow Road in order to advance the construction of residential development. Councilor Groves -asked staff to provide an overview of the infrastructure needed to develop Clear Lake Road; stated that manufacturers are unable to locate to Eugene due to a lack of properties meeting their size requirements; indicated that manufacturers are critical for Eugene's financial growth and the creation of more living wage jobs. Councilor Clark-asked to confirm that House Bill 3414 did not pass in the last session and that Representative Fahey was a chief sponsor of the bill; stated Representative Fahey has been working with home builders to develop a compromise; stated that he was in favor of the bill; asked if individuals associated with the City spoke against the bill; asked how individual councilors can help the bill pass in the next session, such as speaking with legislators or providing testimony; asked if a councilor can provide testimony that would not be in alignment with adopted policy. Councilor Zelenka -noted that House Bill 3414 did not pass because it eliminated too many protections and resulted in a loss of local control; highlighted that a Eugeneian built the fountain displayed at the State Capitol; would like to see intergovernmental relations and legislative work come back to the full council before the legislative session begins in February; indicated his support for the four priorities at the state level. MOTION and VOTE: Councilor Groves, seconded by Councilor Keating, move to adopt the recommended changes to the 2024 Eugene MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session November 27, 2023 Page 1 State and Federal Policies document and the 2024 Eugene State Priorities document as approved by the !GR Committee in attachment A and B. VOTE: PASSED 8:0 2. WORK SESSION: City Manager Updates City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced Eugene Springfield Fire Chief, Mike Caven, who provided information regarding the Peace Health's University District Hospital planned closure on December 1, 2023. Councilor Discussion: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Mayor Vinis -noted her appreciation for Representative Nathanson's work at the state level on this issue. Councilor Groves -asked if the wall time has decreased now that the City has begun billing hospitals when paramedics have to wait with patients; asked if the hospitals have acknowledged the problem they are facing; asked if December is the best month to develop a baseline and how it compares to other winter months; indicated his interest in response reliability in the ambulance system for future updates. Councilor Zelenka -noted that the local community still has two great hospitals; stated that public perception of the hospital closure may not be accurate; noted that the hospital moved out of the space some time ago, and only contained minimal services; inquired if the system of transferring patients to River Bend would stay in place; asked how many daily transports were brought to the University District Emergency Room; asked about the nature of the illness or injury of patients brought to University District; clarified that the plan is to transport patients to other hospitals or provide them service in an alternative way; inquired about the urgent care that is moving into the University District. Councilor Keating -noted his intrigue and concern with contracting out services to a nurse navigation program; asked for staff to expand on the triage plan and to clarify what oversight the Fire Chief and staff would have over any contracted services; indicated his concern for local jobs being put at risk; discussed his experience with an out-of-state company that invests in failing, local hospitals; asked what outcomes staff are hoping to see from this investment in contract medical services. Councilor Evans -asked if the hospitals have a plan to replace the West Eugene urgent care and asked if there was a long-term plan to address Eugene's needs; clarified that there is not a set timeline for the plan to be executed; asked what type of ambulances, Basic Life Support or Advanced Life Support, the City has ordered and why there has been a delay in receiving them. Councilor Yeh -asked what the impact on Eugene will be if Representative Nathanson's emergency funding bill is unsuccessful; inquired if there are back up plans if the current plan is unsuccessful. Councilor Zelenka -asked if a standalone emergency room is a viable business model; inquired if a full-service hospital in the metro area would be a challenging investment. Councilor Semple -noted her interest in previously discussed strategies, such as smaller units. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session November 27, 2023 Page 2 Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. R~JJL Katie LaSala City Recorder (Recorded by Natalie Venhuda) Link to the we beast of this City Council meeting here . MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session November 27, 2023 Page 3