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HomeMy WebLinkAbout260126 MTGMINUTES Eugene City Council Meeting and Eugene Urban Renewal Agency Meeting Eugene, Oregon 97401 January 26, 2026 7:30p.m. Councilors Present: Eliza Kashinsky, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, and Lyndsie Leech Councilors Absent: Randy Groves Mayor Knudson opened the January 26, 2026, meeting of the Eugene City Council in hybrid in-person and virtual format at 500 E. 4th Avenue, North Building, Eugene, OR 97401. 1. ACTION: Election of City Council Officers for 2026 MOTION: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to elect Lyndsie Leech as President of the City Council for 2026. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Zelenka, moved to elect Eliza Kashinsky as Vice President of the City Council for 2026. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. 2. CEREMONIAL MATTERS Mayor Knudson acknowledged proclamations for Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Mahayana New Year, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 3. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST • Councilor Leech -acknowledged recent tragedies since the previous Council meeting; expressed solidarity with the community and with Minnesota; condemned the actions that led to the deaths; noted staff in the Office of Equity and Community Engagement are coordinating with local service providers and agencies to begin allocating the $50,000 from the Council contingency fund set aside to support families impacted by Federal immigration actions; stated Council leadership has been working on a draft resolution to declare a crisis regarding the actions of the Federal immigration enforcement. • Councilor Zelenka -expressed distress over recent actions by the Trump administration; criticized federal actions as creating fear, chaos, and undermining the rule of law; condemned the killings in Minnesota and described the actions as driven by racism and authoritarian intent; referenced the Minnesota Attorney MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Page 1 General's "three Cs" framework of courts, crowds, and courage, encouraging continued protests and civic engagement; stated support for community members, particularly people of color; affirmed they are welcome in the community and that Council stands with them. • Councilor Yeh -noted Lane Community College is hosting singer Lizz Wright on January 28 for an event in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month; stated Healthcare Workers Against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be hosting a vigil at the federal building on January 27. • Councilor Keating -noted the Healthcare Workers Against ICE vigil will honor nurse Alex Pretti and others harmed or killed by federal officers; stated support for the immigrant community, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), and residents calling for accountability and policy reversal; criticized federal actions as cruel, heavy- handed, and damaging to trust in government and law enforcement; described such actions as unconscionable, unacceptable, and illegal; stated intention to join community members at the candlelight vigil. • Councilor Kashinsky -stated deep sadness and anger regarding federal actions and attacks on residents nationally, particularly in Minnesota; thanked Councilor Leech for work on the resolution to formally express the community's concerns; thanked community members who are protesting and working to protect neighbors • Mayor Knudson -noted she has issued several public statements in recent weeks; stated the importance of ensuring all community members feel at home and connected; acknowledged fear and suffering in the community due to federal government actions; encouraged residents to reach out to one another to strengthen community bonds; affirmed they are committed to protecting residents, upholding local laws, and defending the community; provided updates from a recent town hall with state legislators, including Speaker Julie Fahey; outlined upcoming state level efforts to address federal agency actions and protect Oregon communities. 4. Priority Goal Action: Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Low-Income Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption Renewal for Redwood Park Apartments Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt introduced the topic and provided background information. Council Discussion: • Councilor Zelenka -noted his support for the Low-Income Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption (LIRHPTE); stated it is important for maintaining affordable housing stock in the city. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to adopt the resolution in Attachment B to this AIS, approving a Low- Income Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption for property located at 4103 West 18th Avenue. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. 5. Priority Goal Action: Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Low-Income Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption Renewal for Westtown on 8th MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Page 2 Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt introduced the topic and provided background information. Council Discussion: • Councilor Zelenka -asked about the area median income requirement. • Mayor Knudson -noted area median income depends on the number of people in a household. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to adopt the resolution in Attachment B to this AIS, approving a Low- Income Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption for property located at 265 West 8th Avenue. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. 6. Priority Goal Action: Approval of Resources for Housing Affordable to People with Low-Incomes Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt introduced the topic and provided background information. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to award the City-owned property at 1091 Coburg Road to Cascade Housing Association for development of The Harlow and recommend that the Eugene-Springfield HOME Consortium Governing Board award Cascade Housing Association $1,213,908 of HOME funds for The Harlow. Council Discussion: • Councilor Keating -asked about the balance of the HOME funds account; asked how many units will be built. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR 1 A. Approval of City Council Minutes B. Approval of City Council Tentative Agenda MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to approve the items on Consent Calendar 1. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. 8. Action: Resolution Acknowledging Receipt of City of Eugene, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Page 3 Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt introduced the topic and provided background information. Council Discussion: • • • Councilor Zelenka -noted this item and the following item relate to the City of Eugene's independent auditor review; clarified the auditor reviews all City financial statements and operations for both the Urban Renewal Agency and the broader City budget; stated a report with no findings is positive, indicating no irregularities or issues; stated the City was operating properly from a financial standpoint and in compliance with all applicable rules. Councilor Kashinsky -noted the Council receives many questions during budget season about financial oversight; reiterated the audit is conducted by an independent outside firm; emphasized the report is a public document and is available on the City's website. Mayor Knudson -stated auditors carefully review the extensive financial materials; noted that another clean audit opinion reflects the high-quality work of City staff; expressed appreciation for the City's financial team and their management of complex financial operations. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to approve a resolution acknowledging receipt of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of Eugene, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. VOTE. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. Mayor Knudson closed the meeting of the Eugene City Council and convened a meeting of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency. 9. Action: Resolution Acknowledging Receipt of the Annual Financial Report of the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Eugene for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt (acting on behalf of Urban Renewal Agency Director Matt Rodrigues) introduced the topic and provided background information. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to approve a resolution acknowledging receipt of the Annual Financial Report for the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Eugene for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. Mayor Knudson closed the meeting of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency and convened a meeting of the Eugene City Council. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Page 4 10.Action: An Ordinance Concerning Elections and Amending Sections 2.961, 2.964, 2.974, 2.975, 2.979, and 2.984 of the Eugene Code, 1971 Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt introduced the topic and provided background information. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to approve an ordinance concerning elections and amending sections 2.961, 2.964, 2.974, 2.975, 2.979, and 2.984 of the Eugene Code, 1971. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. 11.Action: An Ordinance Concerning State Traffic Laws; Amending Section 5.005 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and Providing an Immediate Effective Date Assistant City Manager Kristie Hammitt introduced the topic and provided background information. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to adopt An Ordinance Concerning State Traffic Laws; Amending Section 5.005 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and Providing an Immediate Effective Date. VOTE: 7:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Leech. OPPOSED: None. 12. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Lin Woodrich -spoke in favor of a police substation in Bethel and public health standards. 2. Steve Gilbert -spoke about pedestrian safety on HWY 99. 3. Victoria Acosta -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 4. Patti Gordon -spoke about issues with a neighbor. 5. Stefan Strek -spoke against the panhandling ordinance. 6. Bill O'Brien -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 7. Ken Willis -spoke against Police Chief Chris Skinner. 8. Geoffrey Gordon -spoke against automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology. 9. Angela Garner -asked Council to revoke the conditional use permit of the federal building. 10. Marilyn O'Malley -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 11. Kamryn Alexandria Stringfield -asked for ICE to be held accountable to the law. 12. Shelly Devine -spoke against ICE. 13. Andrew Simrin -spoke against ICE. 14. Ruth Wren -spoke against the Amazon E-commerce facility. 15. Will Gibboney -spoke against the Amazon E-commerce facility. 16. Athena Aguiar -spoke in favor reinstating an alternative crisis response. 17. Thomas Hiura -asked for ICE to be held accountable to the law. 18. Lori Harmon -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 19. Wyn Manselle -spoke in favor of boycotting companies that support ICE. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Page 5 20. Linda Kelley -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 21. Liam O'Grady -spoke about collective living and unity. 22. Jo Martorana -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 23. Stan Taylor -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 24. Noah Birnel -spoke about traffic deaths in Eugene. 25. Danny Patch -spoke about City Leadership. 26. Francis Starr OLeary -spoke against ALPR technology. 27. Cole Kastner -spoke in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics. 28. Charmane Landing -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 29. Anna T -spoke against Eugene Police Department's (EPD) support of ICE. 30. Erica Lyon -spoke against the Amazon E-commerce facility. 31. Glenn O -spoke against EPD support of I CE. 32. Faye Rachford -spoke against the Amazon E-Commerce facility. 33. Ky Fireside -spoke against ALPR technology. 34. Rev. Wayne Martin -spoke against the panhandling ordinance. 35. Debby McGee -asked how the Climate Recovery ordinance applies to the Amazon E- Commerce facility. 36. Josh Easterlund -spoke in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics. Council Discussion: • Councilor Yeh -noted she has had a briefing with staff regarding the proposed Amazon warehouse; stated information was not flowing effectively to the community, leading to repeated questions; requested Council leadership and the Assistant City Manager consider scheduling agenda time for a short discussion to review key points with staff so the public can more easily access the information. • Councilor Zelenka -noted the alternative response request for proposals (RFP) is going out Friday; noted ICE Commander Greg Bovina was fired today. Councilor Leech adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Katie LaSala City Recorder (Recorded by Cherish Bradshaw) Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here . MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Page 6