HomeMy WebLinkAbout171213 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
December 13, 2017
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Claire
Syrett, Chris Pryor
Councilors Absent: Greg Evans
Mayor Vinis opened the December 13, 2017, Work Session of the Eugene City Council.
A. WORK SESSION: Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Project Update
Planning and Development Director Denny Braud, and Public Works Director Sarah Medary,
gave an update about the progress towards the redevelopment of the Downtown Riverfront
property.
Council Discussion
• Willamette Greenway land use work was integrated into Parks Master Plan work; the
purpose is to allow access to the Willamette River through permits.
• Runoff into the river is a concern; stormwater treatment built into the system and volume
of flow will be controlled.
• Encourage conversation and collaboration with the University to discuss how the University
and downtown can be connected.
• Not finishing all of the crossings in the Quiet Zone is a concern; should not commit to using
Urban Renewal funds for initial crossings without identifying dedicated funding for the rest
of the project.
• Parks and Recreation System plan indicated that having access to the river is a priority for
the community.
• EWEB has agreed to partly fund park operations and maintenance for the next 10 years at
the proposed park near the river.
• The River Guides will play advisory role to the Urban Renewal Agency Director.
• Hopeful that inclusionary zoning will get passed before development of the site to ensure
housing for all income levels will be included.
B. WORK SESSION: Local Options for Affordable Housing Funding
Housing Opportunities Team Manager Stephanie Jennings presented follow-up information on
funding options for affordable housing, including recommendations developed by the Housing
Policy Board related to a Construction Excise Tax.
Council Discussion
• Questions raised about the economic impact of the additional tax on the marketplace caused
by pricing people out of buying homes.
• Council can decide how to define housing and targeted income levels.
• Money could be used for efforts to help keep people in housing.
MINUTES — Eugene City Council December 13, 2017 Page I
Work Session
• Construction Excise Tax gives Council flexibility in terms of where those dollars get placed
and where Council would think they would have the most impact.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to extend the
Council meeting by five minutes. PASSED 7:0.
Council Discussion
• The HPB recommendation is the starting point for the conversation, there are still questions
to be answered and council should ensure there is an inclusive opportunity to talk about it.
• Revisited how residential CET revenue must be spent, including affordable housing
programs and incentives, home ownership programs, and local affordable housing
incentives.
• The CET would only apply to an expansion of living space.
The meeting adjourned at 1:38 p.m.
Respectfully submit
Elena Domingo
Deputy City Recorder
MINUTES —Eugene City Council December 13, 2017 Page 2
Work Session