Jennifer Connors

The meeting commenced with logistics briefings, including meeting recording information. Board members discussed a recent informative tour of the Grand Coulee Dam, noting shared supply chain issues affecting transformer and winding procurement across utilities. Commissioners also shared updates, including a meeting with Fossil Free Eugene. A board member inquired about the response protocol following a vehicle sinking into the Walterville Canal, specifically regarding the deployment of containment measures for potential fuel leaks. Public testimony covered several topics: the energy grid composition, noting natural gas as the largest energy source in the Western power grid compared to local hydroelectricity, and an invitation to a documentary screening about nuclear reactors, 'Atomic Bamboozle.' Another commenter expressed gratitude for the utility's support of the Eugene School District 4J's environmental education programs, including salmon rearing and climate justice initiatives, and highlighted the success of the 'Love Food Not Waste' program. A third commenter raised concerns regarding the perceived contradiction between the utility's carbon credit forestry lab efforts and its contract supporting the Seneca Sierra Pacific biomass plant, citing pollution concerns related to biomass energy. This speaker also questioned EWEB's monitoring of Lane County building permits near the McKenzie River to protect water quality, particularly concerning septic systems near new developments and the monitoring of PFAS contamination under the old Weyerhaeuser Mill. Finally, testimony addressed the need for public education on hybrid vehicle adoption versus all-electric vehicles due to grid load limitations, and supported a proposal for solar electric cells at former West Virginia back to sites.

The meeting commenced with agenda checks and items from board members. Discussions included a board member noting issues with customer service wait times and an appreciation for staff assistance during that period. Another board member shared a positive experience with utility staff regarding HVAC replacement guidance and energy efficiency recommendations. The outgoing chair expressed gratitude to the staff and board for the leadership opportunity. The General Manager reported on the soft launch of interval data for monitoring electricity usage hourly or monthly, noting this is part of continuous improvement for the new metering system, and confirmed water data interval monitoring would follow. Correspondence review included discussion on adding 'Lookout' to the list of approved media representatives. Public input focused on the recruitment process for the next General Manager, emphasizing the need for understanding climate resiliency and affordability, concerns over the new Wamut water source watershed, and the inadequate progress metrics for the Climate Recovery Ordinance and Climate Action Plan 2.0. A public commenter also advocated for an exemption for a resident from smart meter installation due to documented concerns related to prior experiences with racial discrimination and PTSD. Another speaker addressed upcoming discussions on the quote watershed bill of rights initiative, potential impacts of data centers on peak electricity demand, and proposals for nuclear fusion reactors. The board proceeded to unanimously approve Consent Calendar A (minutes and routine contracts) and Consent Calendar B. Finally, the board held elections, resulting in John Brown being nominated and approved as President and Sonia Carlson as Vice President for 2026, followed by a transition of the gavel.

The Quartz Creek Floodplain Enhancement Project focuses on restoring functioning floodplains to enhance ecosystem health and resilience. The project aims to improve fisheries habitat, increase macroinvertebrate populations, and support diverse wildlife including amphibians, reptiles, and birds. It contributes to improved water quality through natural filtration and buffering, increasing the landscape's ability to withstand natural disasters such as climate change impacts, debris torrents, and flooding. Outcomes include cleaner water for recreation and drinking, and reduced water treatment costs by optimizing ecosystem function and biodiversity.

The council meeting, conducted in a remote format, included a public forum with time limits for speakers and temporary video access for testimony. Committee reports covered several topics: a reduction in greenhouse gas inventory emissions for FY 19-20 compared to 17-18, progress on filling the poplar farm unit, a positive pilot program for recycled water use to water street trees, and participation in a COVID-19 testing study with Oregon State University. Councilors discussed concerns regarding the municipal response to homelessness, including commentary on the effectiveness of current strategies compared to other West Coast cities, the upcoming opening of the city's first safe site for the unhoused population, and the displacement of residents from the Lakewood Park mobile home park due to an out-of-state developer's plans for higher-priced units. Further discussion involved COVID-19 vaccination requirements, noting robust requirements at the University of Oregon but a lack of vaccination or testing policies for vendors at Watson Stadium. Congratulations were extended to the Eugene Emeralds for winning the High-A championship.

The EWEB Board of Commissioners convened in Executive Session to conduct interviews for the hiring of EWEB's General Manager, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(a).