HomeMy WebLinkAbout240909 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
September 9, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark,
Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves
Councilors Absent: Greg Evans
Mayor Vinis opened the September 9, 2024, work session of the Eugene City Council in hybrid
in-person and virtual format at 500 E. 4th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401, North Building.
1. WORK SESSION and POTENTIAL ACTION: Interim Police Auditor
Central Services Executive Director, Mia Cariaga and Council President Keating discussed
the appointment of an Interim Police Auditor.
MOTION: Councilor Keating, seconded by Councilor Groves moved to
appoint Mark Gissiner as the Interim Police Auditor and authorize the
Council President and Vice President to negotiate and execute an Interim
Police Auditor employment agreement with compensation including a
base salary, living allowance, and incidentals not exceeding the
maximum annual amount currently budgeted for the position of Police
Auditor.
Councilor Discussion:
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Councilor Groves -asked how the current situation compares with similar past interim
appointments.
Councilor Zelenka -noted he had enjoyed working with the previous police auditor, Mark
Gissiner; stated he would be glad if Mark Gissiner came out of retirement and served in the
interim role; noted there would be no impact to the budget.
Councilor Clark -asked about the role Mark Gissiner would play in the selection of a
permanent police auditor; asked about the cost of consulting with Mark Gissiner to fill the
role; suggested adding a friendly amendment to the motion to empower Council officers to
negotiate counseling services with Mark Gissiner; noted it may be valuable to clarify if
recruiting would be part of his role as interim auditor.
Councilor Zelenka stated he expects assistance with the recruitment of a permanent
auditor is part of the interim auditor's duties; noted it may be useful to send Mark Gissiner
to the police auditor conference in October as a representative of the City; spoke in favor
of hiring additional consulting services to assist in the recruitment process.
VOTE: 7:0 PASSED
MINUTES Eugene City Council
Work Session
September 9, 2024 Page 1
2. WORK SESSION: Financial Condition
City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced Twylla Miller, Chief Financial Officer who
presented on the financial condition of the General Fund.
Councilor Discussion:
• Councilor Groves -noted his appreciation for the presentation; asked if inflation is causing
the additional budget gap in Fiscal Year (FY) 26; asked if there is a discussion about
property tax reform at the state level; stated the importance of good communication with
the public as discussions of tax reform develop; noted concerns about implementing a fire
fee.
• Councilor Keating -noted concerns about implementing a fire fee; noted he misses the
interactive budget feature on the City website; asked if there is a place on the City website
that breaks down non-departmental programs and their cost and impact on the city;
stated he is looking forward to learning more about the proposed fire service fee.
• Councilor Zelenka -stated the importance of context when discussing the City's budget;
noted 13 of the last 16 budgets have been cut budgets; noted the City has the lowest
number of employees per capita in 18 years and is still providing excellent service to the
community; stated while the budget deficit is concerning, he is optimistic about the
direction of the City.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
(Recorded by Cherish Bradshaw)
Link to the web cast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
September 9, 2024 Page 2