HomeMy WebLinkAbout240214 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
February 14, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Greg Evans,
Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves
Councilors Absent: Mike Clark
Mayor Vinis opened the February 14, 2024, work session of the Eugene City Council in a
virtual format.
1. WORK SESSION and ACTION: Right of Way Jurisdictional Transfer Requests of
Annexed County Roads to the City of Eugene
City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced City Engineer, Jenifer Willer, who provided
information on the evaluation of several annexed county roads that are recommended for
jurisdictional transfer.
Councilor Discussion:
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Councilor Groves -asked what the additional costs are of incorporating the Climate
Action Plan 2.0 and Transportation System Plan, and what the plans do to encourage
or discourage development; asked if the incorporation of the Green Hill Road
improvements will make developing the 200-acre parcel located between Ward 8
and Ward 6 easier; expressed interest in exploring the impact of the right of way
transfer on encouraging development.
Councilor Zelenka -noted that there are serval places where roads and climate
change intersect in the City, including the Warm Pavement Program and street trees
which reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs; noted the additional intersection
of bike and pedestrian accessibility may impact climate change; noted the final
intersection, Vision Zero, may increases costs for long-term gain by reducing deaths.
Councilor Semple -asked who pays for the annexation of streets without full
infrastructure and if it had to all be developed in the past before it was annexed.
MOTION: Councilor Keating, seconded by Councilor Groves, moved to
adopt the Resolution at Attachment A to this AIS entitled "a resolution
requesting that jurisdiction over portions of County Road Nos. 1297, 465,
1256, 1551, 1891, 2146, 200, and 540 be transferred to the City of
Eugene."
VOTE: 6:0 PASSED (Councilor Leech and Councilor Clark were not
present for the vote)
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
February 14, 2024 Page 1
2. WORK SESSION: Eugene Public Library-Year 2 Levy Report
City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced the Library, Recreation and Cultural Services
Executive Director, Joshua Bates, and Community Services Manager, Angela Ocana, to report
on year 2 expanded library services made possible with levy funding.
Councilor Leech entered the meeting during Item 2 at 12:38 p.m.
Councilor Discussion:
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Councilor Semple -noted she thinks the libraries are the most successful part of the
City; noted the library is so much more than books; noted the library is a place
where everyone is supported; noted she feels personally cared for at the library;
expressed gratitude for the library staff, patrons, and community members who
voted for the levy.
Councilor Keating -noted that he loves the library and appreciates voters who
supported the levy; believes the library should be open and safe to all; asked if there
has been an increase in library usage after Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting
unauthorized camping within 1,000 feet of an educational facility; asked if there is
data to support a continued increase in library computer usage; asked how healthy
the Library of Things plan is.
Councilor Yeh -noted the library is on the frontline for interacting with the
community; noted that libraries are a great example of what a cultural institution
can and should provide for its community; asked what is on the horizon for libraries.
Councilor Groves -believes the library system is a front door to the City; noted
interest in what the future is for the library; noted that the library is a lifeline for
people, as it provides them access to educational resources.
Councilor Zelenka -stated that he is impressed with the library's resource offerings
and how quickly they have evolved.
Mayor Vinis -noted interest in the recovery of the library and the future
innovations of the library; asked if there are any particular members of the
community who need more specific services; noted her interest in the library's
outreach to the Eugene Mission; expressed appreciation for children's books being
sorted by topic instead of author or title; noted her appreciation for the "It's Your
Lucky Day" and the theme of the month fiction sections in the library.
Councilor Semple -expressed appreciation for the "It's Your Lucky Day" section;
noted her interest in organizing children's books by topic.
Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
February 14, 2024 Page 2
Respectfully submitted,~
a
City Recorder
(Recorded by Natalie Venhuda)
Link to the web cast of this City Council meeting h e r e .
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
February 14, 2024 Page 3