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HomeMy WebLinkAbout180509 WSMINUTES Eugene City Council Harris Hall, 125 East 8 th Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 May 9, 2018 12:00 p.m. Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Chris Pryor Councilors Absent: Greg Evans, Claire Syrett Mayor Vinis opened the May 9, 2018, Work Session of the Eugene City Council. 1. WORK SESSION: University of Oregon Hayward Field City Attorney Kathryn Brotherton gave context to the Historic Review Designation process in the City Code and how it relates to the Hayward Field East Grandstand issue. Council Discussion • • • • • The University did not provide any opportunity for public engagement before the announcement of its plans for Hayward Field; Council felt it was important to have a forum for testimony on this issue. The intended motion signifies the University's and Council's commitment to work together on the project while engaging the community and addressing concerns; it does not rule out any creative ideas that may use or preserve the East Grandstands. It is important to respect and honor history, but at the same time move forward and think about future needs. Support the historic designation of the East Grandstand, Delaying the demolition and construction process is acceptable in order to consider all options. Concerns about losing the historic aspects of the track and field facility are valid, but there are ways to preserve those elements by using salvaged materials to tell the story. MOTION: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to not proceed with a historic designation for the Hayward Field East Grandstand and to direct the City Manager to: (1) offer to work with and support the University of Oregon as the University engages the community in discussions regarding the preservation and storage of east grandstand elements, including the University's community process to develop recommendations on reuse of salvaged materials as much as feasible; (2) offer to work with the University and surrounding neighborhoods to assure that the University mitigates the impacts of the new track and field facility construction; and 3) offer to work with the University as it establishes a noise, parking, and traffic plan, and on-going neighborhood assessment process, for events occurring at the new facility before it goes into operation. Council Discussion • The motion encompasses two separate issues: historic designation and direction to the City Manager to work with the University. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session May 9, 2018 Page I MOTION: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Taylor, moved to divide the motion into the historic designation part and then to direct the City Manager from then on would be the other motion. PASSED 4:3, Councilors Semple, Taylor, Zelenka, and Mayor Vinis in favor. MOTION: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to not proceed with a historic designation for the Hayward Field East Grandstand Council Discussion • Questions were raised about the effect of moving forward with historic designation process for the Hayward Field East Grandstand. • The historic designation would not stop the demolition process; it would be a symbolic gesture only. • If Council moved forward with an historic designation, it could adversely affect the University's timeline. • The mission of the University is to look towards tomorrow and build on its legacy. VOTE: PASSED 5:1, Councilor Taylor opposed. MOTION: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to direct the City Manager to: (1) offer to work with and support the University of Oregon as the University engages the community in discussions regarding the preservation and storage of east grandstand elements, including the University's community process to develop recommendations on reuse of salvaged materials as much as feasible; (2) offer to work with the University and surrounding neighborhoods to assure that the University mitigates the impacts of the new track and field facility construction; and 3) offer to work with the University as it establishes a noise, parking, and traffic plan, and on-going neighborhood assessment process, for events occurring at the new facility before it goes into operation. Council Discussion • Encourage the University to take public engagement seriously. Appreciate President Schill's commitment to work with the City and community to mitigate impacts. • More information requested about the cost and staff time that the City would invest if the project continues and the sacrifices that would have to be made to support these efforts. VOTE: PASSED 6:0. 2. Committee Reports and Items of Interest Council Discussion • • • • • Interest expressed in having more extensive City Council minutes and publishing meeting notices and agendas in more places. Downtown needs are growing; more emphasis needed on addressing downtown issues . The Housing Policy Board is talking about ongoing efforts around affordable housing - homelessness and housing have become high-focus issues and more resources are needed. The LCOG performance evaluation showed that there has been great improvement in the organization over the last few years. The main challenge is to publicize the services they provide. Consider reestablishing the position of Public Service Officer . MINUTES -Eugene City Council Werk Session May 9, 2018 Page 2 • A s helter would help mitigate some of the iss ues downtown a nd g ive people a p lace t o socialize a nd s tay warm. • Chief Chri s Skinner introduced him self and talked about his first few days in office. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m . Respectfully submitted, Ele~ De puty City Re corder MINU T ES -Euge ne City Co uncil Wo rk Sess io n May 9, 201 8 Pa ge 3