HomeMy WebLinkAbout260217 PHMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Public Hearing
Eugene, Oregon 97401
February 17, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Eliza Kashinsky, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark,
Greg Evans, Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves
Council President Leech opened the February 17, 2026, Eugene City Council Public Hearing in
a hybrid in-person and virtual format at 500 E. 4th Avenue, North Building, Eugene, OR 97401.
1. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Amending the Willakenzie Area Plan Text; Rezoning
the Property Identified as Assessor's Map 17-03-16-23, Tax Lots 04000, 04100, and
04200 from C-1 Neighborhood Commercial to C-2 Community Commercial, and
Providing an Effective Date
Council President Leech opened the public hearing in quasi-judicial format.
City Manager Pro Tern, Matt Rodrigues, introduced the topic and provided background
information.
Council President Leech provided time for Council to disclose any bias, conflicts of interest,
ex-parte communications, or abstentions pursuant to EC 9.7065.
1. Kim O'Day-spoke as the applicant representative in favor of the ordinance; provided
information regarding the future use.
Council President Leech closed the public hearing and the record for this item.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Concerning Municipal Court Becoming a Court of
Record; Adding Section 2.771 to the Eugene Code, 1971; Declaring Compliance with
ORS 221.342(2); and Providing for an Immediate Effective Date
Council President Leech opened the public hearing.
City Manager Pro Tern, Matt Rodrigues, introduced the topic and City Attorney, Kathryn
Brotherton, provided background information.
No testimony was provided for this item.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Public Hearing
February 17, 2026 Page 1
Councilor Discussion:
• Councilor Groves -asked if not moving forward with the ordinance would be
detrimental; asked if the April 1, 2026 date is realistic as a starting date for the court
of record process.
Council President Leech closed the public hearing.
3. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Concerning Increased Public Health Standards
Coordination; Amending Sections 9.2460, 9.2461, and 9.4165 of the Eugene Code,
1971; and Providing an Effective Date
Council President Leech opened the public hearing.
City Manager Pro Tern, Matt Rodrigues, introduced the topic and provided background
information.
1. Joe Liebersbach -spoke in favor of version 4 of the code amendments.
2. Tiffany Edwards -spoke in favor of version 4 of the code amendments.
3. Dana Siebert-spoke in favor of version 4 of the code amendments.
4. Eric Richardson -spoke in favor of version 3 of the code amendments.
5. Robb Evans -spoke in favor of version 4 of the code amendments.
6. Tai Pruce-Zimmerman -spoke in favor of the ordinance and asked Council to
continue doing more research.
7. Lin Woodrich -spoke in favor of version 3 of the code amendments.
8. Travis Knudsen -executive director of Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA)
spoke in favor of version 3 of the code amendments.
9. Chris Edwards -spoke in favor of version 4 of the code amendments.
10. Joy Pendowsky-spoke in favor of version 4 of the code amendments.
Councilor Discussion:
• Councilor Kashinsky -asked if this would only apply to land use permits or other
types of permits, like building permits; asked if the ordinance would cover industrial
use in other zones, beyond E and I; asked for clarification between the differences of
version 3 and 4 of the code amendments and the attestation requirement.
• Councilor Clark-noted what happened with J. H. Baxter was a failure of the
regulatory system in place at the time; asked staff to prepare a memo outlining gaps
in the regulatory system and enforcement before Council makes a decision.
• Councilor Groves -noted his appreciation for the testimony provided by the business
community, advocate groups, and neighborhood associations; spoke about the
importance of moving forward with some changes; stated the positive improvements
in the relationship between the City and the regulatory agencies; stated that clear
rules and simple procedures are needed.
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Public Hearing
February 17, 2026 Page 2
• Councilor Zelenka -reiterated the main difference between version 3 and version 4 of
the ordinance is an attestation and that no additional permits or actions are needed;
noted due diligence regarding permits needed for new developments should be
routine; stated that disclosing their understanding and knowledge of the permits
needed for their development should not slow economic development.
• Councilor Kashinsky -noted that in the C-2 zone, industrial uses are only allowed if
they don't require an air quality permit; asked if the same allowances would apply to
specific zones that are dependent on what permits might be required for that zone;
stated it would be helpful for staff making determinations if there are places in
addition to Clear Lake and C-2, where there is nuance based on what permits are
required.
Council President Leech closed the public hearing.
Council President Leech adjourned the public hearing at 6:29 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
Public Hearing
February 17, 2026 Page 3