HomeMy WebLinkAbout181119 WSMINUTES – Eugene City Council November 19, 2018 Page 1
Work Session
M I N U T E S
Eugene City Council
Harris Hall, 125 East 8th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97401
November 19, 2018
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor Mayor Vinis opened the November 19, 2018, Work Session of the Eugene City Council.
1. WORK SESSION: Sustainability Commission Work Plan Sustainability Analyst Chelsea Clinton and Sustainability Commissioner Howard Saxion presented the commission’s FY18 Annual Report and Proposed FY19 Work Plan. Council Discussion
• Appreciation expressed for the work accomplished and the work being proposed for the coming year; issues are complex and important.
• Questions asked about how the commission will incorporate the concept of biophilic design into its work plan and into larger conversation about housing.
• The commission leadership meets annually with the Mayor and City Manager to discuss emerging issues, such as the NW Natural franchise agreement, and identify potential areas that might benefit from Sustainability Commission consideration.
• Since policy issues are brought to the City Council from the Sustainability Commission, it should consider weighing in on the City Hall siting discussion and process.
• The commission is a hard-working, well-run, dedicated group of volunteers.
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Taylor, moved to approve the FY19 Sustainability Commission Work Plan. PASSED 8:0.
2. WORK SESSION: River Road–Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Project Update Associate Planner Eric Brown and Community Advisory Committee Co-Chairs Kate Perle and Louisa de Heer presented information about the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Project and next steps. Council Discussion
• No other neighborhood associations have worked harder to define their character and set goals.
• Vision statement specifically identifies the protection of agricultural land as a value and River-Road/Santa Clara is the area predominantly slated for future development; important to clarify which value is a priority.
• Report provides very real scope of work; there is not necessarily a conflict of values.
• Amount of work, outreach and participation very impressive, with a good balance of broad and specific goals. The bar has been set very high for other neighborhood planning efforts.
• The integrity of the process has instilled a high level of trust among all participants and stakeholders.
• Accountability for the goals will remain when work on the plan is concluded; council will appreciate help dealing with the seemingly contradictory issues.