HomeMy WebLinkAbout251210 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
December 10, 2025
12:00 p.m.
Councilors Present: Eliza Kashinsky, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark,
Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves
Councilor Absent: Greg Evans
Mayor Knudson opened the December 10, 2025, Eugene City Council Work Session in a
virtual format.
1. WORK SESSION AND ACTION: Fire Governance Recommendation
City Manager, Sarah Medary, introduced the topic and provided background on the
proposed transition to a new fire governance model.
Councilor Discussion:
•
•
Councilor Groves -stated appreciation for the City Manager, Chief Caven, union
leadership, and staff for their work on the governance issue; noted the importance
of clarity and certainty in future planning for fire services; expressed concern about
the two-year separation agreement and suggested not waiting six months to serve
notice if Springfield is not aligned; emphasized the need for a clear path forward for
the community and department staff; expressed an interest in hiring Sarah Medary
on a contract to continue guiding the process.
Councilor Kashinsky -noted appreciation for the proposed timeline and direction
provided; asked whether unique programs like alternative response services would
be included in the Intergovernmental Entity (IGE); asked about Springfield's
position and whether mutual aid agreements would be pursued if the merger
dissolved.
• Councilor Zelenka -stated support for the IGE recommendation; emphasized the
importance of securing more resources for fire services; noted the success of the
Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) as a model; stated
that if Springfield does not support the IGE, Eugene should move forward on its own
without delay.
• Councilor Leech -indicated support for the City Manager's recommendation; noted
community pressure for a fire district and appreciated the decision to pursue the
most appropriate model for Eugene and Springfield.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
December 10, 2025 Page 1
• Councilor Yeh -stated support for the IG E recommendation; noted the value in the
thorough evaluation process that has taken place; asked whether the current team
is prepared to continue the work after the City Manager's departure; expressed
appreciation for the City Manager's commitment to support the team if needed.
• Councilor Clark -stated full support for the City Manager's recommendation;
expressed interest in hearing from the incoming City Manager before finalizing next
steps; supported the idea of retaining Sarah Medary on contract to assist with the
transition.
• Councilor Groves -stated the limitations of mutual aid compared to the operational
advantages of a merged fire service; indicated the importance of maintaining surge
capacity and standardized equipment and training; stated that separation is not
ideal but may be necessary if negotiations fail; emphasized that maintaining the
current governance model is not sustainable.
MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Zelenka, moved to direct
the City Manager to negotiate the core terms of an agreement with
Springfield, consistent with the recommendations in Attachment D, as a
preliminary step toward forming an Intergovernmental Entity for Eugene
Springfield Fire, and to return to Council in three months with a progress
update.
VOTE: 7:0 PASSED
IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Leech, and Groves.
OPPOSED: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
(Recorded by Rosa Roach)
Link to the web cast of this City Council meeting here.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
December 10, 2025 Page 2