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HomeMy WebLinkAbout260114 WSMINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 January 14, 2026 12:00 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 January 14, 2026 Eugene City Council Work Session in a hybrid in-person and virtual format at 500 E. 4th Avenue, North Building, Eugene, OR 97401. 1. WORK SESSION: Library Local Option Levy City Manager Pro Tern, Matt Rodrigues, introduced Joshua Bates, Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Executive Director, and Angela Ocana, Library Director, who shared information from polling on the three library levy options. Councilor Discussion: • • • • • Councilor Evans -asked if data existed capturing the preference of the public by ward. Councilor Zelenka -asked staff for the percentage in favor of the 2020 library levy; asked for a description of how the kiosks work, noted in option three; noted his no vote for the 2020 library levy was due to his desire to seek a higher level offunding from voters; indicated the polling in the past was lower than the actual number of voters in support for library services; stated library services are an essential city service, and that voters have the opportunity to show their support every five years; noted the polling questions did not focus on the vending kiosks; asked about the costs of implementing the kiosks as part of option two. Councilor Groves -asked about the 4.9 percent margin of error and if the sample size attributed to that percentage. Councilor Clark -asked for the current budget year levy dollar amount from the 2020 library levy; asked about general fund revenues in future years; asked if option three added additional costs related to hardware and personnel; asked if general fund budget cuts in future years would affect the new positions needed to support the proposed options; noted that his previous decisions on library levies were made based on the promises made to the public and expected budget conversations. Councilor Leech -stated appreciation for options that are responsive to the community needs, specifically the focus on early childhood programs; noted her support for the kiosks; indicated in support for either option two or three; stated interest in learning what option other councilors favor. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session January 14, 2026 Page 1 • Councilor Keating -stated his appreciation for the polling data as Council considers the three options; stated that option two polled the best across all wards; asked for clarification about the $50 average per month household increase; stated support for option two. • Councilor Kashinsky -noted the responses reflected in the polling data about the library not being a top priority could be because its functioning effectively for the community; asked about ramifications if option three is chosen and does not pass; indicated interest in the kiosk option; asked about the potential to implement the kiosk option in the future; indicated in support of investing into the library. • Councilor Yeh -stated support for option two; appreciated the focus on early literacy as an upstream solution; stated the options allow for further conversations about ideas and resources to benefit the public; indicated polling was helpful in highlighting the expansion of services that support the community. • Mayor Knudson -noted that the community's support for the library system remains strong; noted approximately 99,000 library cards have been issued in the community; noted that 61 percent of residents reported using the library in the past year and 76 percent expressed high satisfaction; noted the high return on investment for the community; asked for clarification about the polling specifically why many residents report high satisfaction even if they do not visit the library often; stated early literacy remains a priority. • Councilor Zelenka -indicated Council should consider other options beyond the three presented, such as adding the vending kiosk to option two; asked about adding a friendly to the motion to have staff present information about adding kiosks to option two. • Councilor Clark -stated the current economic realities are different in comparison to 2020; indicated support for option two; indicated the potential of general fund pressures that may require reductions of library services; noted option two appeared the best option giving current funding projections. • Councilor Evans -noted the majority of Council supports option two; asked if adding the kiosks would add to the monthly increase amount; asked that council consider adding the pilot kiosk to the West Eugene area. • Councilor Zelenka -stated his request was to have staff research and present additional options including adding kiosks to option two and its impact. • Councilor Groves -stated support of for placing a kiosk in the Churchill area; noted that West Eugene lacks several basic community amenities; stated support for option two and noted the importance of investments in early childhood development; stated that accessible library resources and youth services are essential for strengthening the community's future. • Councilor Kashinsky -asked for clarification about the February deadline for submitting a levy measure for the May ballot; stated support for a proposal that includes option two and the addition of a pilot kiosk. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session January 14, 2026 Page 2 • Councilor Keating -asked if the kiosks were mentioned in the other options or survey; reiterated his support for option two; suggested moving forward with a motion and then vote on a separate motion to explore a pilot program and cost. • Councilor Yeh -asked how library kiosks work; stated support for adding the kiosk to the Churchill area; asked about potential to make adjustments to lower the costs. • Councilor Clark -stated public' interest in this topic and his support for further discussion; noted interest in moving forward with option two at this time and would prefer to hold a separate discussion on adding the kiosks in the future. • Councilor Zelenka -stated concern for moving forward before additional information is received from staff. • Councilor Evans -stated he is not in support of proceeding with option two at this time; noted there is sufficient time before end of the month for council to make decision. • Councilor Clark -clarified the intent of his motion. MOTION: Councilor Clark, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to have Council move forward with option two and to direct staff to provide additional choices. VOTE: 8:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, Leech, and Groves. OPPOSED: None. The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 p.m. Katie LaSala City Recorder (Recorded by Rosa Roach) Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session January 14, 2026 Page 3