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HomeMy WebLinkAbout260511 MTGMINUTES Eugene City Council Meeting Eugene, Oregon 97401 May 11, 2026 7:30p.m. Councilors Present: Eliza Kashinsky, Matt Keating, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, Lyndsie Leech, and Randy Groves Mayor Knudson opened the May 11, 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Knudson led the Pledge of Allegiance, accompanied by the Eugene Police Honor Guard posting the colors, in honor of Memorial Day. 2. CEREMONIAL MATTERS Mayor Knudson introduced proclamations for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Bike Month, Wildfire Awareness Month, International Workers' Day, Mother's Day, KLCC Listener Appreciation Day, and National Public Works Week. 3. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST • Mayor Knudson -stated a former Eugene Police Department (EPD) officer was recorded in January using racist and dehumanizing language which violated City values and community trust; stated the Independent Police Auditor had opened an investigation and EPD had submitted the matter to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standard and Training (DPSST); noted the City will conduct a thorough review of policies, training, and culture; stated every individual regardless of race or circumstance deserves dignity, fairness, and respect. • Councilor Groves -shared updates from the Intergovernmental Relations Committee regarding legislative priorities and policies and preparation for the upcoming legislative session. • Councilor Keating -stated the public is welcome to attend the upcoming Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) meeting; condemned the racist and misogynistic language used by the former EPD officer; noted support for expanded bias training and for the Chief of Police's effort to seek revocation of the former officer's state certification; stated the incident damaged community trust; expressed hope that recommendations from the investigation would assist in rebuilding trust and promoting accountability. • Councilor Clark -noted his strong objection to the conduct captured in the video of the former EPD officer. • Councilor Leech -noted support for the statements made by the Mayor and fellow Councilors regarding the EPD incident. • Councilor Evans -noted the EPD incident highlighted longstanding concerns about the police department voiced by communities of color; stated the City's system of MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting May 11, 2026 Page 1 oversight, including the Independent Police Auditor, the Police Commission, and the Civilian Review Board, was created in response to similar concerns in the past; stated while many EPD officers were appalled by the former officer's comments, he believes there is a cultural issue within the department; noted both personal and community experiences with inappropriate or biased treatment by EPD; stated the need for cultural change, enhanced training, and strengthened hiring and screening processes; stated community members must feel safe to contact the police; stated the incident reflects broader national patterns as well as local conditions; noted his commitment to community change. Independent Police Auditor, Craig Renetzky provided information about an incident involving the former EPD officer and how his office will be handling the investigation. Council Discussion: ■ Councilor Keating -noted the Police Auditor had asked the public to come forward if there any allegations of police misconduct; asked about the window of time to report misconduct; stated his support for extending the reporting deadline. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR 1 A. Ratification of FY 2026-27 Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) Regional Wastewater Program Budget and Capital Improvements Program B. Approval of City Council Minutes C. Approval of City Council Tentative Agenda MOTION: Councilor Kashinsky, seconded by Councilor Zelenka, moved to approve the items on Consent Calendar 1. VOTE: 8:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, Leech, and Groves. OPPOSED: None. 5. ACTION: An Ordinance Amending the Fairmount/University of Oregon Special Area Study Text and Diagram; Amending Sections 9.4205, 9.4215, 9.4220, and 9.9570 of the Eugene Code, 1971; Rezoning the Property Identified as Assessor's Map 17-03-33-32, Tax Lots 07000, 07100, 07200, 07300, 07400, 07500, 07600, 07700, And 07800 to Remove the /EC East Campus Overlay Zone; and Providing an Effective Date MOTION: Councilor Kashinsky, seconded by Councilor Zelenka, moved to reject and not consider the email from Peter Saraceno dated April 20, 2026, with the subject line "East Campus Dorm Expansion" and the email from Arthur Farley dated April 21, 2026, with the subject line "UO Enrollments" because they were submitted after the record was closed to interested parties. VOTE: 8:0 PASSED MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting May 11, 2026 Page 2 IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, Leech, and Groves. OPPOSED: None. City Manager Haruyama introduced the topic and provided background information. Council Discussion: • Councilor Evans -declared an ex parte contact. • Councilor Zelenka -read an email sent May 10, 2026 titled ((INTENDED MOTION on East Campus Plan Amendments" into the record. MOTION: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Keating, moved to deny the applications due to noncompliance with the approval criteria in EC 9.8065(1), EC 9.8065(2), EC 9.8424(1), and EC 9.8424(2) and I move to direct the City Manager to bring back a written decision supporting the denial. Council Discussion: • • Councilor Kashinsky-noted the decision is quasi-judicial and must be based solely on whether the University of Oregon met the approval criteria; stated that after reviewing the criteria and the proposal, she believes the applicant has met the burden of proof; noted the requirement for a transition between university and residential uses does not provide specific requirements; stated the proposal provides more transition than exists in many similar areas of the city; stated concern that either decision could result in an appeal; noted she believes supporting the application is the more defensible position; stated she will vote against the motion to deny. Councilor Zelenka -stated while the East Campus Plan is not specific about transitions in building heights, the associated ordinance provides clear numerical standards; stated the proposal is inconsistent with those adopted standards. • Councilor Leech -stated she supports the motion; noted the application seeks to rezone property, change the refinement plan, alter height limits, and modify the overlay zone all at once; stated such broad changes conflict with the purpose of refinement plans and neighborhood planning; noted concern that approving the application would disregard established code and neighborhood impacts; stated hope that denying the application will lead to a collaborative redesign that the neighborhood, community, and University can all support. • Councilor Groves -asked the City Attorney to comment on the differing positions expressed by Councilors and the Planning Commission regarding whether the University of Oregon's application meets the approval criteria. VOTE: 3:5 FAILED IN FAVOR: Keating, Zelenka, and Leech. OPPOSED: Kashinsky, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Groves. MOTION: Councilor Kashinsky, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to approve the Ordinance amending the Fairmount/University of Oregon MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting May 11, 2026 Page 3 Special Area Study, amending the Eugene Code, and rezoning property that is included as Attachment B to this Agenda Item Summary. VOTE: 5:3 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Yeh, Clark, Evans, and Groves. OPPOSED: Keating, Zelenka, and Leech. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Lin Woodrich -spoke about the We Are Bethel neighborhood celebration. 2. Kevin Cronin -called for the resignation of Police Chief Skinner. 3. Tim Lewis -spoke about releasing the video showing an EPD officer's misconduct. 4. Misty Strawberry Bowman -spoke about the effects of dark skies to increase public safety. 5. Latiffe Amado -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 6. Justin Burns -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 7. Andrew Becker -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 8. Sarah K -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 9. Emelia Faulkes -spoke about experiences with EPD. 10. Jane -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 11. Alice Warner -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 12. Trisha Campbell -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 13. Jetty Etty-spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 14. Cloe Rice -spoke about the need for an emergency room in Eugene. 15. Holly Graves -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 16. Demond Hawkins -spoke in favor of increasing accountability at EPD. 17. Chloe Longworth -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 18. Matt P -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 19. Alfredo Gormezano -spoke in favor of safety for delivery drivers. 20. Ember -stated concerns about erosion of public trust. 21. Stefan (Ace Dog) Strek -spoke about experiences with EPD. 22. Naphtali Renshaw -stated concerns about safety, policing, and historical inequities. 23. Rebecca Scott -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 24. Madeline Woodward -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 25. Levi Simmons -spoke in favor of increasing accountability at EPD. 26. Ken Willis -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 27. Amanda Walberg -spoke about human trafficking. 28. Shelly Devine -spoke about culture and management issues at EPD. 29. Josh Easterlund -spoke in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics. 30. Wyn Manselle -spoke in favor of increasing accountability at EPD. 31. David Igl -spoke about local historical events. Council Discussion: • Councilor Yeh -stated appreciation for community members who attended the meeting; noted good leaders take responsibility for what happens on their watch; noted she values the work of the Police Auditor and the Chief; noted the issue reflects a broader community problem, not solely a police department problem. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting May 11, 2026 Page 4 ■ Mayor Knudson -stated appreciation for community members who attended; noted the public comment process reflects the City's commitment to protecting First Amendment rights; noted the video of the former officer was upsetting and infuriating; stated the City's systems for capturing information, reports, and data are part of ongoing improvement efforts; reiterated the City's commitment to reviewing policies, training, supervision, and organizational culture; noted the recorded conversation involved individuals in West Valley, Utah; stated officials in West Valley would be contacted regarding the investigation; stated this work requires continued commitment across the city, county, state, and nation. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR 2 A. Resolution Annexing Land to the City of Eugene(Assessor's Map 17-03-08-44, Tax Lot 00400, Located at the Northeast Corner of Majorie Avenue and Downing Street) (City File: Marjorie Avenue; A 26-03) MOTION: Councilor Kashinsky, seconded by Councilor Zelenka, moved to approve the items on Consent Calendar 2. VOTE: 8:0 PASSED IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, Leech, and Groves. OPPOSED: None. Mayor Knudson adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Katie LaSala City Recorder L (Recorded by Cherish Bradshaw) Link to the web cast of this City Council meeting here . MINUTES -Eugene City Council Meeting May 11, 2026 Page 5