HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/23/2014 Work SessionCity of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY JUNE 23, 2014
The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Jesse Maine Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday June 23, 2014 at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Lundberg presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors Wylie, Moore, Ralston, Woodrow and Brew. Also
present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery, City Attorney Mary
Bridget Smith, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Councilor VanGordon was absent (excused).
1. Planning Commission Interview
Planning Manager Greg Mott presented the staff report on this item.
Three applicants are participating in the review process to fill one vacant position.
The Springfield Planning Commission is a seven member volunteer Commission appointed by the
City Council. The members serve four-year terms that are staggered to avoid more than two positions
expiring at the same time. Of the seven members, two appointments may live outside the City limits
and two appointments may be involved in the Real estate profession. At present Commissioner Moe
lives in the urban transition area and Commissioner Nelson is in Real Estate. Positions are "at -large",
and do not represent specific geographic areas.
The Council introduced themselves to each applicant.
The Council interviewed the following applicants:
Mr. Raul de la O, who resides in the city limits at 5273 "D" Street, Springfield; and is a Counselor
with Emergence.
Mr. Joe Pishioneri, who resides in the city limits at 961 S. 70'h Street, Springfield; and is a Deputy
Sheriff with Lane County.
Mr. David (Dave) Brow, who resides in the urban transition area at 1602 Linden Ave., Springfield;
and is a Real Estate Agent and Owner of Palermo Real Estate.
1. Why are you interesting in serving on the Planning Commission? (Mayor Lundberg)
2. The City is in the midst of evaluating several areas for possible inclusion in the City's Urban
Growth Boundary. What's your opinion about how and where the City should grow? Do you
think expansion is the answer, or do you prefer infill and redevelopment? (Councilor
Woodrow)
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3. What's your opinion or perception about the City's reputation for reviewing and approving
development proposals? Based on this opinion, do you believe the City should make changes
to its approach to development review? (Councilor Wylie)
4. The Planning Commission generally meets two evenings each month and additional evening
meetings are sometimes necessary. There are also materials to be reviewed in advance of
these meetings that may take a couple of hours to read. Given your work and/or family
obligations, will you be able to commit to these new demands on your time as a Springfield
Planning Commissioner? (Councilor Wylie).
5. What is your general understanding of the relationship between the Planning Commission and
City Staff, and the Planning Commission and the City Council? (Councilor Ralston)
6. What do you think is the proper role for the Planning Commission regarding the revitalization
of downtown? (Councilor Moore)
7. How familiar are you with planning laws and policies that apply to Springfield's land use
decision making process? If your experience is limited, what would you do to enable yourself
to more fully participate as a Planning Commissioner? (Councilor Brew)
The Council asked follow-up questions of some of the applicants.
Mayor Lundberg said since Councilor VanGordon is out, she would like to make sure he is provided
with a recording of the interviews so he can weigh in before they make a decision. Council
appointment for this position is scheduled for the Council Regular Meeting, Monday July 7, 2014.
Mayor Lundberg told each applicant they appreciated their time in applying and that a decision would
be made in a couple of weeks.
2. Downtown District Design Standards Phase 1: Concepts for a Downtown Building Fagade and
Property Maintenance Code
Principal Planner Linda Pauly presented the staff report on this item.
This is the first phase of a public planning process that will produce a set of coherent and consistent
design standards to improve downtown's overall image, attractiveness and economic vitality. Council
has directed staff to prepare Downtown District Design Standards to ensure that development projects,
new uses and new public improvements will make positive contributions to improve the look, feel and
functionality of downtown.
At the May 12, 2014 work session, Council provided input on a list of potential Downtown Design
elements to be considered in this project. Staff proposes to address Building Fagade and Property
Maintenance Standards as the initial step in the regulatory update because improvements to the
physical condition of existing downtown buildings and property:
• can be accomplished in the short term;
• can immediately influence sense of safety, comfort, walking behavior and level of downtown
user/visitor/shopper interest (e.g. natural surveillance, crime prevention through design);
• address other fundamental community health, safety and welfare issues (e.g. cleanliness,
weed control, potential hazards); and
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• are separate from matters of style, architectural design and purely aesthetic concerns;
• will encourage utilization of the existing Fagade Improvement Program dedicated funds.
Future project phases will be developed and presented to the Council for review and adoption later this
year. For example, the City has applied for Code Assistance from the State's TGM program to
prepare a Downtown Streetscape plan and form -based design standards that will be applicable to new
development and to improvements located in and adjacent to the public right-of-way. The project
team will work with a consultant team, the Downtown Citizen Advisory Committee and the Technical
Advisory group to propose a set of coherent and consistent design standards to improve downtown's
image, attractiveness and economic vitality. These actions support the outcomes envisioned in the
Council's adopted Downtown Urban Design Plan and Implementation Strategy.
Ms. Pauly presented a power point on this topic. Some of the things to consider are incentive programs
or other ways to assist owners with upgrades. She noted visibility into the businesses as an important
visual to make people feel comfortable. Many businesses had blocked and covered their windows.
Councilor Ralston said in most cases broken windows need to be fixed. The block style windows are
difficult to come by and replace.
Ms. Pauly reviewed some photos of the private murals on buildings and how they could enforce
maintenance of those murals. Other concerns are visibility of sanitation bins, broken sidewalks, weeds
and vegetation maintenance, fences and walls.
Councilor Moore asked if there could be code language regarding appropriateness.
Ms. Pauly said they could only address the condition of the building.
Councilor Woodrow said she thought this was a good first phase. She felt the health and safety items
should be first such as weeds and other obvious safety hazards. Addressing those issues starts the
conversation with other businesses to try to get them on board to help with appearance standards. The
ideal may not be reachable, but there are things that can be done. Giving the information about style
and what the City wants things to look like in the future, gives businesses something to strive for in the
future to meet those goals.
Councilor Wylie asked if the Fagade Improvement was the grant program and if so thinks it is a good
thing. She would like to evaluate how much it would cost to fix some of these things and in how much
time. Some things can be taken care of easily. She would appreciate some encouragement to the
businesses, rather than imposing strict requirements. She would like the businesses to work with the
City to dress up the downtown. Getting the proper tone and support is important.
Councilor Brew said health and safety are first and foremost. Simple things like weed control and
glass repair are important and could be next. Before they start approaching businesses downtown, they
need to make sure City Hall is taking care of the same things. He suggested that Ms. Pauly and/or Mr.
Laudati talk to the University of Oregon and ask them to have their students do a design project for
individual businesses within a set budget. Those designs can then be handed over to the business
owner.
Councilor Ralston said he, too, would rather encourage than set requirements. It would be nice to
have better appearance and safety, but didn't want to be too prescriptive. Simple language could be
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written out describing what the City was trying to accomplish in regards to appearance and safety to
encourage businesses. Health and safety concerns could be handled individually. He agreed City Hall
needs to meet the same standards.
Councilor Moore asked if there are a number of out of town property owners. Her concern is that the
owner of the property may not live here and may not care as much about the appearance. It is
important to have standards because it benefits everyone. Some of the issues are not expensive to
correct, but are not the responsibility of the business owner but rather the property owner. She would
like to address the absent landlord issue. She appreciated that the parking lot at the Carter Building
had been repaved and thought it looked great.
Mayor Lundberg said often people aren't purposefully neglecting their property, but are busy trying to
run the business and pay the bills to keep the business going. She agrees we need to take care of City
Hall. The Graffiti Abatement and Main Street Program could help. The Main Street Program is in
charge of the Fagade Program with the funds going through the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) program. She would like to look at setting aside CDBG funds for downtown to help address
some of these issues, such as paint (from a set pallet of colors), or repairs. Then business owners
would have a way to get some of these things done. Some of the things to look at are pressure
washing, weed abatement, painting, and removal of awnings in disrepair. Business owners want their
business to look nice to attract more customers. Regarding murals, she would like to consider having
something in place that all murals must first go through the Arts Commission or other committee for
review with certain parameters. We do have murals which bring people downtown. She also thought
the Carter Building parking lot looks good.
Councilor Woodrow agreed with giving the Arts Commission the charge of reviewing murals would
be great.
Councilor Wylie said being congruent with other murals downtown is important.
Councilor Moore said they should acknowledge those that had done great things with something like a
Mayor's award.
Mayor Lundberg said she agreed they needed standards, but they also needed a way to encourage
people especially if they are overworked. We don't want something so prescriptive that businesses
leave Springfield.
Ms. Pauly said she would bring back language for this after the summer recess.
Councilor Moore said garbage is an issue if not taken care of properly.
Councilor Ralston said fences that are see-through don't help if things behind them are unattractive.
They may need to look at either having a fence they can't see through, or determine what is allowed
behind the fence.
Councilor Woodrow said they need to keep in mind that garbage has to be accessible so she didn't
want to belabor that issue.
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3. Discover Downtown/Main Street Program Update
Senior Management Analyst Courtney Griesel presented the staff report on this item. She introduced
Jim McHugh, Main Street Program coordinator with NEDCO.
The City looks to enter into the FYI contract with the Neighborhood Economic Development
Corporation (NEDCO) for the administration of the Discover Downtown Springfield Program
(originally Main Street Program). In total, through the use of Downtown Urban Renewal funds, the
City provides NEDCO with an amount not to exceed $30,000, approximately 35% of the programs
overall operating budget. The City reviews how NEDCO is meeting with their committees, the Art
Walk and community events they are coordinating.
Provided here are brief highlights of a couple key accomplishments which will significantly impact the
program in the next year.
A New Main Street Manager - The Discover Downtown Springfield Program embarked on a
significant structural shift during FY 14. Previously, the Program was staffed by a NEDCO employee
who split time between Program duties and other duties relevant to NEDCO's mission. NEDCO
determined, beginning in FYI 4, the Program would require a full-time Manager in order to continue
the revitalization momentum in downtown. This decision resulted in the effort to find and hire a
dedicated Manager. The process was lengthy and sensitive as both NEDCO and City staff felt it
pertinent to hire the right person with the right experience, background, set of skills, and personality.
This process took longer than anticipated but resulted in the position being filled in April 2014 by Jim
McHugh who brought with him over 25 years of experience in both downtown revitalization and the
Main Street Four Point Approach.
Roll Out of the Facade Improvement Program — The Program initiated and completed the first
Downtown Springfield fagade improvements through the CDBG funded Fagade Improvement
Program. A total of three downtown businesses benefited from the funds and design guidance
provided through the Program generating an overall investment of nearly $15,648 to downtown
private properties;
• Trash -N -Treasures: $2,500 facade program grant/$9,500 property owner
• Springfield Museum: $325 fagade program grant/$325 property owner
• Berthel Fisher Company: $1,499 fagade program grant/$1,499 property owner
This is an ongoing program with further investments anticipated for FYI 5.
FY15 Goals
The City desires continued partnership and support of the Program as it launches the Downtown
website tool for promoting the many amenities and opportunities in downtown. Businesses will have
the opportunity to engage with one another at `Business -2 -Business Roundtables,' discussing
opportunities for joint advertising, promotional events, and resource sharing. This upcoming year is
about building relationships and moving ideas from concept to action, with an ultimate goal of
launching the Program as its own independent, organization in the next two years.
Mr. McHugh said he has spent a lot of time building relationships with the businesses downtown.
NEDCO had done a great job, but now he can bring a single face and a single point of contact for the
businesses and the City. He has been working with Planning Supervisor Linda Pauly and her staff on
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the design guidelines through the program's Design Committee. He noted some of the businesses that
had received grants for fagade improvements. He is talking with businesses about resources and finds
the businesses want a successful, clean and productive downtown. He discussed the traveling lamp
post and how it was used to light up businesses and their neighbors. It showed the businesses what can
be done. They would encourage more businesses to do that as the new lighting program gets
underway downtown. One of the programs they had introduced was the Business -2 -Business
Roundtable. That came from businesses to do co-op advertising and a business directory. They are
invested in what programing takes place such as events, but also want to create their own distinctive
element as a destination and want to promote it through a video similar to "Five Great Things to do in
Springfield". Social media is another avenue they are considering. The program needs to develop its
own revenue stream which will take some time to develop. They are excited about the Fagade Program
and want to see businesses that really showcase the improvements they make. One of the most
attractive things about this is the relationship between NEDCO, the City and the businesses. They are
working with the arts and cultural groups with the 2nd Friday Art Walk, taking advantage of the murals
and building a printed guide or mobile app for a tour of the murals. They are also working with the
University of Oregon and others with the Duck Downtown Program, and looking into the Park -n -Play
package for people to have a meal downtown, and then get a free ride to the Stadium. They are looking
at the other cultural opportunities. Springfield is very diverse for its size. They want to retain
businesses currently in place, so they provide programs such as the HATCH program. There has been
great participation with the Board and volunteers.
Councilor Woodrow asked if NEDCO was working with the Lane Arts Council or Emerald Art Center
regarding the murals. The Emerald Art Center has a mural tour and pamphlet so it makes sense to
make full use of the Emerald Art Center.
Mr. McHugh said they are working with both. He said they are looking at a variety of options.
Mayor Lundberg said she is very excited to see this moving forward and about the Fagade Program
and roundtable. She will be very excited to see ads about downtown Springfield like they have in
Albany and Corvallis. She will talk to staff about getting the Carter Building Plaza area cleaned up so
it can be used. She suggested holding the National Night Out downtown near the Justice Center next
year. The City is encouraging businesses go leave their lights on inside their building at night and the
Emerald Arts Center received CDBG funds for lighting in their windows. She asked how often the
Council would receive reports on the Discover Downtown Springfield Program.
Ms. Griesel said she would like to provide reports quarterly, with a final recap annually.
Councilor Moore said she is excited about Mr. McHugh and the job he is doing. There are so many
things happening with SPROUT, the Museum and other things downtown, and it continues to grow.
Mayor Lundberg asked for a copy of the contract.
Ms. Griesel said Council had the scope of work. The rest of the contract is boiler plate contract.
Mayor Lundberg said she has high expectations and is very excited about the program.
Mr. McHugh said anytime they have functions or program scheduled, they would share that
information with the Council and invite them to participate.
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Councilor Moore said the Friday Artwalk posters were great.
Mr. McHugh said those are produced by Sara at NEDCO.
Mayor Lundberg asked NEDCO to send those posters to the Council in their email to remind them of
the events.
4. Graffiti Abatement Community Event in Partnership with Neighborhood Watch
Senior Management Analyst Courtney Griesel and Maintenance Manager Brian Conlon presented the
staff report on this item.
The reduction and elimination of graffiti blight in Springfield continues to be a priority of City Staff.
Staff is excited for the opportunity to partner with the Springfield Area Neighborhood Watch
Organization to embark on a community -wide graffiti abatement project, tentatively scheduled for the
August 5th week of National Night Out. Staff proposes this event in response to the Mayor and
Council's identified desire for a 2nd Community Clean -Up Event.
Staff continues to work with volunteer groups to combat the ever persistent blight of graffiti. While
these efforts have made a positive impact on the number of large tagging sites around the community,
the future of abatement efforts might begin to focus on community partnerships, empowering property
owners to take pride in the abatement of the graffiti on and around their own property.
At the request of the Springfield Neighborhood Watch Organization, the City is beginning the process
of planning a multi -faceted Community Graffiti Abatement Project. This project would incorporate
the clean-up of private property and right-of-way and easements into one large community abatement
event during the August National Night Out week.
Private Property Abatement — The Springfield Neighborhood Watch Organization manager has
volunteered to organize Neighborhood Watch Coordinators around creating graffiti abatement events
throughout the City based on Watch neighborhood boundaries. The City would work to provide
citizens and coordinators with an overview of why graffiti is problematic and best practices of
abatement. The City would also fund the initial purchase of abatement supplies, including paint to be
managed by each Coordinator during the event.
City Right-of-Way/Easement Abatement — City staff and interested volunteers would abate the
graffiti along the EWEB Bike Path (Attachment 1). The clean-up of this site would require
communication and partnership with surrounding property owners. This portion of the abatement
event would be managed by City staff.
The National Night Out movement aims to bring neighbors together for crime prevention. This goal
aligns with a coordinated effort to bring property owners and neighbors out of their homes, into their
community, to improve the spaces they live in and around. For this reason, the proposed event would
be coordinated with the August National Night Out event. In total, staff proposes a budget not to
exceed $7,000 in total supplies. This budget would include a mix of Transient Room Tax and other
DPW funds. Supplies would include paint and supplies for Watch Coordinators and volunteers as well
as City Staff and volunteers focused on the clean-up along the EWEB Bike Path.
Ms. Griesel noted the great work done by Operations and Police volunteers in assisting with graffiti
abatement. The City partnered with Willamalane Parks and Recreation District as well. This has been
a joint effort, at a minimal cost, and has made a difference. They have reached a point where the
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program could benefit from a shift from public property to private property. Staff has been talking
with private property owners about the benefit of them taking over the responsibility of maintaining
their fence lines, including the back of their fence.
Ms. Griesel said staff had been approached by Pam Freeman to coordinate volunteers from the
Neighborhood Watch Program in partnership with the National Night Out to get into the
neighborhoods to start a Graffiti Abatement Event. This is one way to capitalize on the Mayor's
initiative to do more about graffiti. The concept is to have an event that coordinates with National
Night Out in August. During this event, there will be a private sector side with block captains who
received paint and supplies and coordinate graffiti abatement within their block. At the same time,
City staff and community volunteers will abate the graffiti on the Eugene Water and Electric Board
(EWEB) bike path fence line which stretches for a long distance. The Neighborhood Watch
coordinated event will include City purchased paint that will be given to the NW Captain, along with
information about why we abate graffiti and the best way to go about it. It is an opportunity to get
people out of their homes, working together in their neighborhood, and gives the City an opportunity
to have a public event with volunteers.
Mr. Conlon said having more eyes on abatement of graffiti is better and having people from the
private sector involved with identification and cleanup will help immensely. Ms. Griesel was
instrumental in working with agencies with marketing and database to get information out to people.
Ms. Griesel said Ms. Freeman's meeting with the Mayor helped staff find a way to get into and
involve the neighborhoods.
Mr. Conlon said this was on point with Council direction.
Councilor Woodrow said it gives another opportunity to add to the Neighborhood Watch program and
adds cohesiveness and responsibility to the neighborhoods. It provides more opportunities for
relationships and shared awareness. This is a step in giving people a sense of pride and responsibility
beyond watching to see who is in the neighborhood.
Councilor Moore asked where the Neighborhood Watch neighborhoods are located.
Ms. Freeman said she has just updated all of the ward maps.
Councilor Moore said that was great.
Ms. Griesel said they can bring those maps to the Council.
Mayor Lundberg said one of the areas for substance abuse prevention was feeling part of and caring
about a neighborhood. A well taken care of neighborhood contributes to the safety and security of
belonging to a neighborhood. She noted that John Brown was involved in graffiti abatement, in part
because it affected property values. She is very anxious to get the EWEB path cleaned up.
Ms. Griesel said John Brown's group has been contacted and they will contact him with date to see
how they might incorporate their group in this event.
Mayor Lundberg said this was prioritized by Council in their goals and this is a doable version of a
second cleanup. She thanked Ms. Freeman for her role in getting the Neighborhood Watch involved.
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Councilor Wylie asked if they could get a report from the Police Department about graffiti.
Captain Lewis said most of those caught who have done the graffiti are caught by the School Resource
Officers through discussions with the students.
5. City Attorney Presentation on Sick Time
City Attorney Mary Bridget Smith presented the staff report on this item.
Mayor Lundberg said she asked to have this item added. The City of Eugene is considering a sick
leave requirement ordinance similar to one adopted by Portland, which has repercussions broader than
Eugene.
Ms. Smith said there is a memo in the agenda packet which outlines the Portland sick leave ordinance
which was passed in 2013. It is their understanding that Eugene's ordinance would be similar, but they
have not seen it yet to know for sure. Eugene will hold a public hearing on July 21 on the ordinance.
The County is holding an informational meeting on this topic tomorrow. The policy analyst for the
County would be presenting information on the ordinance and any next steps. If based on the Portland
ordinance, this ordinance would require businesses providing services within the City of Eugene to
provide paid sick leave to their employees. Each employee would have forty hours a year they could
use to call in sick and be paid. It would also involve not only businesses in Eugene, but a business
based outside Eugene with employees that work in Eugene a certain number of hours. Employers
would have to track the time taken and given, and carried over to the next year. It didn't get cashed out
upon separation. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Oregon Medical Leave Act (OMLA)
allow a worker to take time off for a sick child. It didn't guarantee the employee would be paid, but
guaranteed they would not lose their job. There are different requirements for those types of jobs,
such as 25 employees or more in a company, whereas this sick leave ordinance was for businesses
with six or more employees.
Councilor Brew said as an example, a Springfield business may send plumbers into Eugene to work
one month, but not another month. He asked if this business would need to track their workers as if
they assumed they would accrue the time set in the ordinance.
Ms. Smith said that is one of the strategies the proponents recommended. She discussed other options
for tracking time. Portland contracted with BOLI for enforcement.
Councilor Brew said there could be disparaging treatment between employees if one was working
more in Eugene.
Councilor Ralston said an employer could send different workers on a job to avoid reaching the
threshold of hours. It would be very unfair.
Councilor Woodrow referred to a memo regarding the fire department.
Ms. Smith said if this was the same as the Portland ordinance, Springfield firefighters working in
Eugene could possibly be subject to this ordinance. Portland excluded public employees from the sick
leave ordinance, Seattle agreed to waive it for unions that had a sick leave benefit, and Connecticut
exempted other types of jobs.
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Councilor Moore asked about Springfield employees who work at the sewage treatment plant and if
they would be excluded. She asked if they already received paid sick leave.
Mr. Towery said the City does provide sick leave, but had not compared our sick leave accrual rates
with the standards in the ordinance. One of the complicating factors was that some employers
provided paid time off, but it was not distinguished between vacation and sick leave. It is not clear if a
Eugene ordinance would recognize a paid time off system as being consistent with the ordinance.
Councilor Wylie asked why the City couldn't ask that Springfield based businesses or residents be
excluded from their ordinance.
Ms. Smith said they can ask. Under home rule, cities can make laws about their own jurisdiction.
Eugene may say that while in Eugene, employers need to follow their rules. She is not sure if there is
a legal response if this was passed by Eugene. In looking through the task force notes, there was
discussion about different types of exclusions but not regarding jurisdictions.
Councilor Wylie asked if there had been any discussions at other levels and how it will affect other
jurisdictions.
Mayor Lundberg said the Mayor's Roundtable was meeting this week and she asked this topic to be
discussed during that meeting.
Councilor Brew said years ago, the City of Eugene proposed an income tax on all people employed in
Eugene even if they drove from Springfield. He noted that Springfield city employees accrue at a rate
greater than listed in the ordinance.
Mayor Lundberg said she was appalled that they have to have this discussion. It is not something she
supports and feels it is overreaching in its scope. As someone who used to manage HVAC technicians,
she knew it was difficult to track the workers, and then there were office staff that wouldn't accrue any
time. She asked if they could send a letter to Eugene to consider the impact of this ordinance on
others and perhaps this is not the proper venue. She is not against figuring out how to make a work
environment doable for everyone. The issue is one jurisdiction taking action without consideration of
how it affects another jurisdiction's citizens.
Ms. Smith said there will be opportunity to speak during the July 21 public hearing.
Mayor Lundberg said she spoke with Councilor VanGordon who said he was in favor of a letter to
Eugene.
Councilor Moore asked how Portland dealt with his since they also impacted surrounding
communities.
Ms. Smith said there has been no enforcement yet of the Portland ordinance. As far as she knows, the
surrounding cities are trying to comply.
Councilor Moore said she was in favor of paid sick leave for parents and others, but she is having
difficulty with a mandated ordinance that affects Springfield. She would prefer something that would
provide an incentive to employers to provide their employees with sick leave.
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Councilor Ralston said he would support a letter stating Springfield Council's opposition.
Councilor Woodrow agreed. She did not have an issue with providing sick leave, but mandating in one
city what happens in another is wrong.
Councilor Wylie said they could include in the letter examples of the disparity within businesses that
have employees going to Eugene and others staying in the office.
Councilor Woodrow said they are also adding the expense of an additional employee to track the
hours, plus the cost of sick leave.
Mayor Lundberg said this becomes a topic nationally when looking at economic development because
businesses looked at the region. They might look at this as government interfering with the business. It
takes away the ability for businesses to make decisions.
Councilor Brew said Eugene would say this is not a determent, but would attract the type of businesses
they want. On the other hand, businesses that don't want this will look negatively on both Eugene and
Springfield.
Councilor Wylie said the best of intentions sometimes had unintended consequences. This would
adversely affect small businesses and non -profits that have already had to raise minimum wage and
now would have to offer benefits, while they receive a reduction in funding.
Councilor Woodrow said new businesses might have concern that Eugene might enact other things
that could affect Springfield.
Ms. Smith said she would create a strongly worded letter with the following information: Council is
not against sick leave; this type of ordinance was overreaching to Springfield; it could impact
economic development regionally; it could be difficult for small businesses to track employees
(include examples); increases costs to have staff to track hours; removes flexibility for employers with
their relationship with employees, or their ability to expand or change their services; and is particularly
difficult for small businesses or non -profits who are already dealing with tight budgets.
Councilor Ralston said it is government telling businesses what they can do, and is overreaching in
general.
Councilor Woodrow said she would prefer if the language stated that the Springfield Council was not
in favor of mandated sick leave.
Councilor Moore said the government did require other things of businesses, such as paying social
security and unemployment. Requiring an employer to pay sick leave is also a service. Springfield is
in favor of benefits for employees, especially low income. She didn't want to come across as not being
in favor of benefits of employees.
Councilor Woodrow said their concerns are specific to this ordinance, not sick leave in general
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Council Work Session Minutes
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ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m.
Minutes Recorder — Amy Sowa
Attest:
Amy Sowa
City Recorder
1< al A `
-1ii g
-Mg}e,r-
Hillary Wylie
Council President