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HomeMy WebLinkAbout260610 WSMINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session Eugene, Oregon 97401 June 10, 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 June 10, 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i)(Review and Evaluate Employment-Related Performance) 2. WORK SESSION: Municipal Judge Evaluation Process Mayor Knudson introduced Becky DeWitt, Employee Resource Center Assistant Director, who provided a brief introduction and noted this work session offered Council an opportunity to complete the annual evaluation of Municipal Court Judge Gregory Gill. Councilor Discussion: • • • • • Councilor Groves -stated appreciation for the work of the Municipal Court; noted the value in restorative justice efforts and how they can reduce pressure on the Circuit Court; asked about the transition to becoming a court of record and lessons learned during this transition. Councilor Yeh -stated appreciation for the judge's leadership; noted how clear communication during the transition to a court ofrecord strengthened community understanding; stated the court's focus on long-term public safety, service connections, fairness, transparency, and compassion reflects values important to the community; stated the Municipal Court's work often goes unseen and deserves greater recognition. Councilor Keating -stated appreciation for the judge's communication and commitment to fairness and restorative justice; asked what aspect of the Municipal Court the judge is most proud to share with those unfamiliar with Eugene; asked what reforms might improve outcomes for defendants who are unable to stand trial due to qualifying mental disorders, and whether any legal or procedural changes at the local or state level could support more timely restoration processes. Councilor Zelenka -stated support for earlier comments praising the judge's work; stated the Municipal Court is functioning well under his leadership. Councilor Kashinsky-stated appreciation for the judge's continued communication with Council and noted gratitude for the work of the court and its staff. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session June 10, 2026 Page 1 • Mayor Knudson -stated the communication during the transition to a court of record was excellent; stated this transition was a major event for the community and expressed gratitude for the way the Municipal Court and its staff managed the process; stated Judge Gill's efforts ensures the court continues to reflect the community just as the City's municipal laws reflect the community; thanked him for upholding fairness throughout the process; stated appreciation for the opportunity this session provided to share this work with the public. • Councilor Leech -stated appreciation for the judge's steady leadership, compassion, and commitment to fairness; stated these qualities serve the community well and the City is fortunate to have such leadership at the Municipal Court. MOTION: Councilor Leech, seconded by Councilor Kashinsky, moved to recognize Judge Gill's positive contribution to the City. IN FAVOR: Kashinsky, Keating, Zelenka, Yeh, Clark, Evans, Leech, and Groves. OPPOSED: None. 3. WORK SESSION: Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update City Manager Jenny Haruyama introduced the topic and Travis Worthington, Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal for Eugene-Springfield Fire who presented information about the wildfire protection plan annex to the Lane County plan including general information about wildfire risk assessment, community engagement, and draft mitigation goals. Councilor Discussion: • • • • Councilor Kashinsky-asked how much of the proposed defensible-space and home-hardening work is voluntary versus required; asked what funding sources support wildfire mitigation work and noted that some strategies appeared to rely on community safety payroll tax resources and state grants. Councilor Evans -asked whether wildfire risk analysis included lower-elevation areas such as West Eugene and Bethel; noting a recent brush fire posed neighborhood risk; emphasized the importance of wildfire planning remaining comprehensive to address risks across varied terrain. Councilor Keating -asked whether state-level programs could expand funding for defensible-space support so that municipal residents could access the same resources as nearby county residents; stated concern that renters lack authority to mitigate risks on their properties; asked how renters can raise concerns or request assessments; asked whether the City should shift fireworks restrictions from an educational phase to an enforcement phase. Councilor Groves -asked whether state or national fire organizations are working with insurance companies to encourage more consistency in risk-related expectations; asked whether youth conservation crews remain involved in vegetation mitigation; stated that environmental protection should be included among the plan's primary goals; asked whether fire agencies were addressing risk at MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session June 10, 2026 Page 2 the Wild Iris Ridge area, where youth activity and small fires pose seasonal concerns. • Councilor Zelenka -stated support for adding environmental considerations to the goals of the wildfire plan; asked whether insurance companies were influencing homeowner premiums in high-risk areas; stated public perception of wildfire risk has increased significantly in neighborhoods bordering forested areas; noted recent wildfire incidents in Laurel Hill Valley; stressed the importance of community education and clear communication; noted concerns regarding limited access routes near Hendricks Park and asked about policies regarding gate closures. • Mayor Knudson -asked where community members should sign up for emergency notifications, including wildfire and evacuation alerts; asked about the timing and location of wildfire fuels drop-sites offered as part of community engagement efforts. The meeting was adjourned at 1:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Katie LaSala City Recorder (Recorded by Rosa Roach) Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here. MINUTES -Eugene City Council Work Session June 10, 2026 Page 3