HomeMy WebLinkAbout170308.WS.SIREMINUTES – Eugene City Council March 8, 2017 Page 1
Work Session
M I N U T E S
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
March 8, 2017
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, George Poling, Mike Clark,
Greg Evans via phone, Claire Syrett via phone, Chris Pryor
Mayor Vinis opened the March 8, 2017, meeting of the Eugene City Council.
A. WORK SESSION and POSSIBLE ACTION: An Ordinance Concerning the Prohibition
of Dogs within the Downtown Core except in Certain Circumstances; Amending
Section 4.427 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and Providing for a Sunset Date of
November 1, 2017
City Manager Jon Ruiz gave a brief background on the proposed amendment.
Council discussion:
This is really about the kinds of people others don’t want downtown.
Dogs are not the problem; enforce existing laws.
The concentration of people and unrestrained or aggressive dogs creates an
unwelcoming environment.
More discussion about the importance of enforcement downtown needed.
This is a pilot project; the goal is to address an acute problem downtown.
Concerned that the proposed map includes the Dining Room; it should be excluded.
Proposal is an idea that has been successful in other parts of town.
Police support piloting this prohibition to determine if it’s an effective tool.
Proposal is classist and unfair; wrong approach; give people a place to go.
Unintended consequences could include dogs left in cars in the summer months.
This is a pilot; if it doesn’t work and creates problem, council can end prohibition.
Concerned about impacts caused by displacement into surrounding areas.
MOTION AND VOTE with friendly: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark,
moved to adopt Council Bill 5170, an ordinance prohibiting dogs in the downtown
core, as provided in Option B, with a friendly amendment of proposed EC 4.427(3)
to exclude Food for Lane County’s Dining Room from the dog prohibition so that is
states: “Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, no dog owner shall
permit a dog to be within the downtown core as that area is defined in section 4.871
of this code, except for the publicly owned property and rights‐of‐way abutting the
Dining Room located at 270 W. 8th Avenue.” PASSED 6:2, Councilors Taylor and
Semple opposed.
MINUTES – Eugene City Council March 8, 2017 Page 2
Work Session
B. WORK SESSION and POSSIBLE ACTION: An Ordinance Concerning the Prohibition
of Smoking within the Downtown Core and Allowing Certain Properties outside
the Downtown Core to Opt In; Amending Section 6.230 of the Eugene Code, 1971;
and Providing for a Sunset Date of November 1, 2017
City Manager Jon Ruiz gave a brief background on the proposed amendment.
Council discussion:
If smoking is prohibited downtown there must be alternative places for people to go.
Smoke dissipates outside; proposal is too extensive and targets a class of people.
Proposal may have a detrimental impact on businesses downtown.
No evidence of dangers of second‐ hand smoke outdoors.
Proposal will push smokers to the edges of the district; won’t affect smoking rates.
Smoking‐related diseases are the leading cause of preventable death in community.
There is no constitutionally protected right to smoke in public places; ban may help
people quit.
Would consider some limited exemptions as long as they don’t undermine the health
benefits.
It is not the role of the government to tell people what to do with their personal health.
The opt‐out prevision addresses the concerns of businesses.
The opt‐in/out is confusing; may lead to conflicts.
Consider providing more ashtrays and “Clean up your butts” campaign for downtown.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to adopt
Council Bill 5171, an ordinance prohibiting smoking in the downtown core, as provided in
option B. FAILED 3:5, Councilors Zelenka, Syrett, and Evans supported.
The meeting adjourned at 1:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Forrest
City Recorder