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HomeMy WebLinkAbout240918 WSMINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 September 18, 2024 12:00 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 September 18, 2024, Eugene City Council Work Session in a virtual format. 1. WORK SESSION: Airport Terminal Renovation and Expansion Project Development City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced the Airport Director, Cathryn Stephens, who provided an overview on the Eugene Airport Terminal Renovation and Expansion Project. Councilor Discussion: • Councilor Groves -asked if the dollar amounts for 2032 and 2042 were adjusted with inflation or carrying forward today's dollars. • Councilor Clark -asked if any slides in the presentation break down the difference between state and local tax dollar flow. • Mayor Vinis -noted appreciation for the airport tours. • Councilor Keating -noted appreciation for the airport tours; noted concern with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) determination that the Eugene Airport's explosive detection system is insufficient; asked if the baggage expansion plan is the top priority and if it would become a higher priority if federal funds fall short; noted interest in expanding alternative transportation options to the airport; stated the lack of public transportation compared to similarly sized airports; inquired about exploring partnerships with Lane Transit District (LTD) for increased transit options; inquired about the possibility of establishing a solar farm at or near the airport. • Councilor Zelenka -noted larger solar projects around the airport were previously not feasible due to cost and glare issues for planes; asked if the glare issues are still of concern; recognized the Willamette Valley Tule fog could be a concern for solar projects; noted interest in the planning for the integration of electric and biofuel-powered planes; asked if the biofuel storage, pipelines, and electric will be integrated into the Concourse C expansion. • Councilor Semple -noted the City is growing and will need a larger airport; noted Concourse A is crowded; noted enthusiasm for the solar energy initiatives and the potential for improved public transportation options to the airport. • Councilor Groves -noted the Eugene Airport's need for expansion; asked if the Eugene Airport is an Index C airport and how it benchmarks against other similarly situated Index B and C airports for passenger growth; noted businesses MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session September 18, 2024 Page 1 considering locating to Eugene prioritize the ability to get in and out of Eugene; noted concern with the airport falling behind the curve in terms of expansion; asked if the City has interim accommodation plans for managing growth until the expansion is completed; noted interest in having an additional aircraft pad to help with traffic flow; noted appreciation for the airport tours. • Councilor Clark -noted the importance of Eugene having a competitively sized airport; noted he has not flown since the summer of 2000; asked if there has been outreach to former chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Peter Defazio, who lives in Eugene, as there is a reliance on federal funding for the airport expansion. • Councilor Evans -noted many flights arrive and depart outside of LTD's current service times; noted the need for additional capacity for there to be an intergovernmental agreement between LTD and the Linn-Benton County Transit Agency to service the airport from Eugene, Corvallis, and Douglas County; noted people fly into Eugene's airport to avoid traveling to Portland, and the service area is continuing to expand; noted during his time on the LTD board, there were inquiries regarding public transit access to the airport; noted Eugene currently lacks the demand and capacity to implement regular transit service to the airport. • Mayor Vinis -asked if there is another plan for baggage for arriving flights. 2. WORK SESSION and POSSIBLE ACTION: Striker Field Park Renaming City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced Parks and Natural Resource Planning Manager, Carolyn Burke, who provided an overview of the renaming of Striker Field. Councilor Discussion: • • • Mayor Vinis -noted she attended the grand opening of Striker Field; noted the renaming is a great example of building relationships with Tribal governments. Councilor Yeh -noted appreciation for staff and the Northeast Neighbors for their support and collaboration; noted appreciation for the fellow Councilors throughout the process. Councilor Zelenka -acknowledged it was not easy to accomplish the long development process; noted appreciation for the park design and play structures for children, including the "humpy lumpies;" asked how the discussion regarding the naming process went as "umso" did not receive the highest number of votes in the poll; noted his personal preference for the name "ulali," but likes "umso" as well. • Councilor Leech -noted appreciation for the natural elements in the park, particularly for children; noted interest in seeing similar features at other City parks. • Councilor Clark -noted the park is in Ward 4, but he had the chance to work with the Northeast Neighbors as they encompass Ward 4 and Ward 5; recognized the Chair of the Northeast Neighbors, Kevin Reed, and his role in the process; noted members of the Northeast Neighbors expressed their displeasure with the naming process; noted the land would not have been set aside for the MINUTES -Eugene City Council September 18, 2024 Page 2 Work Session park without the efforts of Eugene Water and Utility Board (EWES) Commissioner John Brown and former Mayor Torrey; asked why form Mayor Torrey was not considered as an alternative in the naming process. • Councilor Yeh -noted her involvement in the naming committee; noted some names considered did not meet City requirements or received a very low number of votes. • Mayor Vin is -noted the complexities of the naming process; noted the need to recognize diverse histories and communities while balancing the interests of all stakeholders. • Councilor Keating -noted it was an honor to attend the park opening as he was there with his boss, Senator Manning; noted appreciation for the thoughtful approach to naming community spaces and the importance of community history in these decisions. MOTION: Councilor Keating, seconded by Councilor Groves, moved to adopt the resolution attached as Attachment D titled "A Resolution Renaming Striker Field Park to Umso Park". VOTE: 8:0 PASSED Councilor Discussion: • Mayor Vinis -noted her appreciation for the name "Umso Park." Mayor Vinis adjourned the meeting at 1:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Katie LaSala City Recorder (Recorded by Natalie Venhuda) Link to the web cast 'Of this City Council meeting here. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session September 18, 2024 Page 3