HomeMy WebLinkAbout141119.WS.SIREMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall,125 East Bf Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
November 191 2014
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: George Brown, Alan Zelenka, George Poling, Mike Clark Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor
Councilors Absent: Betty Taylor, Greg Evans
Councilor Pryor opened the November 19, 2014, City Council work session and noted that Mayor Piercy
was attending a housing policy conference.
A. WORK SESSION and ACTION: Judicial Evaluation/Presiding Judge Reappointment
Judge Wayne Allen gave a brief overview of his work at Municipal Court and his goals for the
future.
Council discussion:
• Commendable on commitment to the job, city, and youth of the community.
• Grateful Judge Allen is willing to continue to serve.
• Look for ways to increase budget to assist with initiatives like mental health programs.
• Recommend more regular and frequent updates on Municipal Court activity.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved to reappoint Wayne
Allen as Presiding judge. PASSED 6:0. .
B. ACTION: Adoption of an Ordinance Suspending Multi -Unit Property Tax Exemption (MUPTE)
Program
MOTION: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved to adopt Council Bi115133, an
ordinance included as Attachment A to extend the program suspension to February 28, 2015.
MOTION TO AMEND AND VOTE: Councilor Poling, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to take
no action and let the suspension expire December 1, 2014. FAILED 1:5, Councilor Poling in favor.
Council discussion:
• Good reason to extend because council has completed revision process yet.
• Having to rush this is improper; projects have been built without MUPTE.
• Specific area development won't happen without help use of MUPTE incentive.
• Extend program suspension but maintain goal to complete revisions by December
• Consider adding maintenance fund requirement.
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION: PASSED 5:1, Councilor Poling opposed.
MINUTES —Eugene City Council November 19, 2014 Page 1
Work Session
C. WORK SESSION: Public Passenger Vehicles
Community Outreach Coordinator Laura Hammond, Code Compliance Supervisor Rachelle Nicholas,
and Planning and Development Executive Director Sarah Medary gave a PowerPoint presentation
outlining public passenger vehicle regulations in Eugene; new technologies and models; proposed
code changes; and possible next steps.
Council discussion:
• This ordinance change makes sense; need to iron out details first.
• In favor of moving to a public hearing.
• Support bringing code up-to-date to accommodate use of new technologies.
• Shouldn't create free for all and put customers at risk; current code protects the public.
• Need more teeth in the administrative rules to deal with noncompliant companies.
• Role of the council is not to block innovation and initiatives, but public safety is paramount.
• Council's role is to ensure a level playing field; action on this issue needed quickly.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Syrett, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved to direct the City
Manager to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance to modify the code as described in
Attachment A. PASSED 6:0
The meeting adjourned at 1:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Chuck Crockett
Deputy City Recorder
MINUTES —Eugene City Council November 19, 2014 Page 2
Work Session