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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes - 11/21/12 Work SessionMINUTES Eugene City Council 125 E. 8th Avenue, Harris Hall Eugene, OR 97401 November 21, 2012 Noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: George Brown, Pat Farr, Chris Pryor, Alan Zelenka, Betty Taylor Mike Clark, Claire Syrett COUNCILORS ABSENT: George Poling Her Honor, Mayor Piercy called the November 21, 2012, work session of the Eugene City Council to order. A. WORK SESSION: Homeless Winter Strategies The council discussed challenges, options and resources related to homelessness in Eugene. Three focus areas were discussed: 1. Temporary shelter - possible locations and options - MASH style tent was taken off the table as a possible short -term solution for shelter. Can the Egan Center be expanded? 2. Use of funds: Is hiring a coordinator the best use of funds? $35,000 is a lot of money, and it could be used for emergency shelter. 3. Public Bathrooms and bathroom use for Occupy Medical on the weekends. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Farr, moved to authorize the City Manager to spend up to $225,000 on all six identified strategies plus a bathroom for the Occupy Medical Clinic through the winter, plus expansion of the emergency cold weather shelter. Councilor Clark offered a friendly amendment to add the words "Marginal beginning working capital." PASSED: 7:0. Mayor Piercy asked the council to consider asking the Human Rights Commission (HRC) for input on forming a committee to address ongoing homeless issues. Councilor Pryor added that he'd like to see the Human Services Commission (HSC) involved as well as a more comprehensive way to address community concerns around homelessness. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Farr, seconded by Councilor Zelenka, moved to ask the HRC, in coordination with the HSC, take the issue up at its December meeting. PASSED: 7:0. B. WORK SESSION: City Hall Mike Penwell, Kristie Hammitt and Jason Dedrick gave a PowerPoint presentation to the council regarding City Hall options. MINUTES — Eugene City Council November 21, 2012 Page 1 Work Session Highlights of the discussion included: • EWEB site is still an option. • EWEB site would create a civic space near the river yet close to downtown. • It's important to keep an eye on the future. • Next steps: Identify values and support consolidation now, where possible. • A survey to gather more information would be helpful. The meeting adjourned at 1:33 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Michelle Mortensen Deputy City Recorder MINUTES — Eugene City Council November 21, 2012 Page 2 Work Session