HomeMy WebLinkAbout260513 WSMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Work Session
Eugene, Oregon 97401
May 13, 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 May 13, 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: Police Auditor's Office and Civilian Review Board Annual Reports
Craig Renetzsky, the Independent Police Auditor introduced the topic and provided
background on the purpose of the annual report and the structure of police oversight in the
City of Eugene.
Councilor Discussion: Police Auditor's Office Annual Report
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•
Councilor Evans -asked about complaints related to federal immigration activity
and how complaints are routed when they involve agencies outside Eugene's
authority; asked who handles follow-up when complaints involve other jurisdictions
or agencies; stated concern about actions occurring within city limits but outside
city authority and emphasized the need for clear public understanding of oversight
boundaries; asked how off-duty or out-of-jurisdiction officers could be reviewed if
misconduct occurs within Eugene; stated appreciation for timely communication
from the Auditor regarding recent high-profile incidents; asked what tools exist to
uncover unacceptable behavior; asked how limitations on reporting timelines may
hinder accountability and noted interest in expanding reporting timeframes; stated
the public often cannot tell the difference between agencies involved in
enforcement; noted confusion about federal versus local authorities and stated the
importance of improving public awareness; stated interest in exploring changes to
ensure non-sworn personnel can be reviewed through civilian oversight.
Councilor Zelenka -asked for more detail about trends in complaint volume and
whether the increase was related to specific issues such as immigration or
technology; asked for clarification on Oregon's sanctuary law and what local law
enforcement agencies can and cannot do; stated interest in preparing public-facing
educational materials to help residents understand these laws; asked if staff could
prepare simple resources that clarify where state and federal boundaries lie.
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
May 13, 2026 Page 1
• Councilor Kashinsky -stated appreciation for consistent communication from the
Auditor's Office; asked what factors lead to dismissal of complaints during the
review process; asked whether complaints about other jurisdictions' officers are
identified and removed early in intake.
• Councilor Yeh -asked about emerging trends in police oversight and how new
technologies might influence future work; asked how the Auditor's Office tracks
broader cultural issues, including internal workplace dynamics; asked whether
trends related to gender equity or internal treatment of employees could be
included in future tracking; stated the Police Commission values the liaison role
with the Civilian Review Board.
• Councilor Groves -stated appreciation for rapid communication from the Auditor
during recent incidents; noted the importance of strong relationships between local
and federal partners for public safety; stated that city resources and information are
often available online and encouraged the public to use them; stated interest in
continued improvements to communication between oversight systems and the
community.
• Councilor Keating -asked whether officers have a mandatory reporting obligation if
they witness misconduct by another officer; asked for clarification on where the
relevant reporting requirements appear in policy; stated interest in reviewing policy
language with the Auditor to better understand reporting expectations.
• Mayor Knudson -stated appreciation for the Auditor's accessibility and for the
professional and collaborative approach of the office; noted appreciation for the
efforts of the Attorney General's Office and specifically for Attorney General
Rayfield's accessibility; stated the public portal for reporting concerns about federal
government actions is an important resource for gathering information and
protecting community members' rights; stated interest in strengthening a culture of
inclusion within the City organization, especially in supporting the advancement of
women in leadership; noted the need for continued attention to how the City can
encourage a more inclusive workplace culture; stated fostering inclusion
strengthens the work of the organization and supports community trust.
Elise Josephson, chair of the Civilian Review Board, introduced the annual report and
outlined the Board's role in the police oversight system.
Councilor Discussion: Civilian Review Board Annual Report
• Councilor Keating -asked how the Civilian Review Board (CRB) handles complaints
involving off-duty officers; asked how complaints against officers acting in a
personal capacity would be processed.
• Councilor Evans -stated concern about a gap in oversight regarding non-sworn
personnel; asked whether a structural change should be considered so the CRB
could review complaints involving community service officers and other non-sworn
staff; stated willingness to discuss potential charter revisions with colleagues.
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Work Session
May 13, 2026 Page 2
• Mayor Knudson -stated she reflected on public comment earlier in the week and
also on the publicly circulated video involving the now-resigned officer; noted the
investigation into that incident is ongoing; stated the work session highlighted the
value and strength of the oversight systems the City has built over many years;
noted many residents are not aware of these oversight systems or how effective
they are; stated other cities, including Portland, are only now beginning to set up
similar structures; asked how the public can most effectively share information
when they witness or document concerning incidents, including situations similar to
what was seen over the weekend; stated in this case the information became public
before the Auditor's Office received it, which changed the sequence of events and led
to the officer's departure within hours; asked how information of this kind should
reach the City so that community trust, safety, and lawful practice can be supported.
• Councilor Clark -asked whether officers are required to report misconduct even
when it occurs off duty; asked to review the policy sections that describe reporting
expectations.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie LaSala
City Recorder
L
(Recorded by Rosa Roach)
Link to the web cast of this City Council meeting here .
MINUTES -Eugene City Council
Work Session
May 13, 2026 Page 3