HomeMy WebLinkAbout251110 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
November 10, 2025
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Eliza Kashinsky, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg
Evans, Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves
Mayor Knudson opened the November 10, 2025, work session of the Eugene City Council in a
hybrid format at 500 E 4 th Avenue, North Building, Eugene OR 97401.
1. WORK SESSION: Airport Terminal Renovation and Expansion Update
City Manager Sarah Medary introduced Cathryn Stephens, Airport Director, who provided
background on the Eugene Airport Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) project.
Councilor Discussion:
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Councilor Groves -asked whether the drop-off and pick-up area at the airport
would be addressed as part of the expansion; asked whether federal funding for
the project would come with restrictive conditions; stated appreciation for
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents working without pay
during the government shutdown.
Councilor Evans -noted he is paying close attention to airport development
because it is located in his ward; asked about the long-standing lack of hotel
development near the airport and how Clear Lake investments might leverage
future development; asked about regional competition and connectivity;
referenced other Oregon airports and the potential for expanded flights to
major destinations.
Councilor Zelenka -stated support for the expansion, citing clear economic and
environmental benefits; noted traditional funding mechanisms would delay the
project by 30 years; asked whether the airport receives general fund support;
asked whether nontraditional funding sources described in the presentation
were realistic or aspirational; asked when the Lift Off Eugene feasibility study
would be completed.
Councilor Keating -asked whether naming rights could include corporate
branding; asked for clarification on recent grant language issues and how they
were resolved; noted constituent concerns about a controversial video played at
the airport; asked about the City's authority over TSA-controlled monitors;
asked whether the proposed expansion would include additional natural relief
areas for dogs; asked whether Ontario Airport in Southern California was being
considered for future nonstop service.
Councilor Kashinsky -asked why the refined terminal expansion alternative
was significantly more expensive than earlier scenarios; asked whether design
changes or constraints led to the selection of the current configuration; asked
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
November 10, 2025 Page 1
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whether building only part of Concourse C would be financially viable;
expressed concern about delayed revenue generation from incomplete gate
construction.
Councilor Clark -stated appreciation for the Airport Director's leadership and
vision; asked about the future role of general aviation at the airport and
whether private pilots would continue to have access; asked whether general
aviation use is expected to increase and how it might factor into future
fundraising strategies.
Mayor Knudson -asked for more detail on the airport's economic impact; asked
how Eugene's lack of existing bond obligations compares to other regional
airports; questioned whether this positions the City advantageously.
Councilor Evans -noted interest in public transportation connections between
the airport and regional universities; suggested a potential transit link between
Eugene and Corvallis-Albany.
Councilor Groves -asked whether the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA)
interest in expanding secondary airports could result in additional federal
funding for Eugene; asked about the future of air freight at the airport and
whether current facilities are sufficient to support industrial growth; asked
whether the airport's cargo capacity could be impacted by expansion at the Port
of Coos Bay.
Councilor Clark -asked whether the airport is planning for increased air cargo
capacity in response to regional freight expansion, including at the Port of Coos
Bay.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Katie LaS a ,,.
City Recorder
(Recorded by Ch e rish Bradshaw)
Link to the web cast of this City Council meeting here .
MINUTES -Eu ge n e City Council
Work Se ssion
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