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Online
January 19th, 2022, 7-8:30pm (PST)
Members in attendance: Lin Woodrich, Amie Anderson-Forbis, Ed Farren, Sarah Warren, Suzanne O’Shea, Charlie Sterling, Zach Mulholland, Travis Johannes, Jeremy AAsum, Ethan Clevenger, Josey Heston, Betsy Tanenbaum, Diane Behling, Robin Bloomgarden, Alison, Ms. Angie, Katie, Janine Henry, Nancy Horner, Nancy Menning, Nancy Horner, Kenzy Seifert, Vjera Thompson, Matthew, Tai Pruce-Zimmerman, Tresa Hackford, Donella Cleveland, Ryan Josef-Maier, and Lacy
Absent: Councilor Randy Groves
Guest: Senator James Manning Jr., Mayor Lucy Vinis, Councilor Greg Evans, Councilor Claire Syrett, Will O’Hearn, Lisa Arkin and Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault with Beyond Toxics
7:04: Welcome and Introduction: Lin
7:08: Meeting called to order and approval of agenda – put forth by Tai
Agenda approved by board
7:09: Meeting minutes put forth by Sarah to be approved – December
1st: Charlie
2nd: Travis
Meeting minutes approved by board
7:09: Guest speaker Will O’Hearn – Bethel Library
Discussion about the services and actions during pandemic by public library. Virtual doors are always open even when physical locations were closed. Open for curbside in June 2020 for books. August 2020 re-opened physical locations. About 95% back to normal. Focus on access for adults and youth. Library card initiative to help people in community be able to qualify for a card – over 1,500 participated in card drive. Additionally focused ADA upgrades such as assistance for those who have difficulty hearing, automatic doors that can open, putting in free sanitary products for women/girls, etc. Worked to increase bi-lingual library park walks where people can listen to a story being read while you walk. Worked to increase partnerships within the community- partnered with the Museum of Natural and Cultural History to provide activity kits for “Fun of the week”. Added multiple hot spots for community use to help keep people connected.
Teresa – Where are story walks?
Will – Along Sheldon Park near Sheldon/Bethel branches and Petersen Park
Library worked to increase diverse author books by at least 30% – purchased and a display. Statistics: 1.6 million check outs
2/3rds of Eugene have library cards
1 4 star library winners- nationwide for efforts in cost efficiency
Included in the library’s community focus were expansions to:
Books, e-books, comics, movies (Hoopla/Kanopy)
Linked on Learning
Seed library – where community can “check out”
Library of Things – sewing machines, Go Pros, etc. to lend out. Fundraiser in Spring to expand program.
Imagination library for Lane County- free use for 0-5 year olds – can get book mailed to them to which they can keep.
Diane – What is done for books not being used?
Will – Used in Book sale.
Katie – Will there be plans for a larger branch in Bethel?
Will – In a few years a community center with a library is a real possibility
Robin – Lucky day – will this program be expanded?
Will – Working on expanding to keep movies, etc.
Donella – How does seed share work?
Will – Downtown has largest collection on 2nd floor located in old card catalog where one can check out packet.
Charlie – Is library a part of the National library passport program?
Will – OR passport is program library is a part of currently – not in near future for joining National passport program but is a possibility.
Diane- Is there a plan for a mobile library?
Will – Have a service that is in place however Bethel might develop a pop-up programming.
Councilor Evans – What is the long-term goal for the branches in our area?
Will – Hot spots are some of the bridge gap measures in place but are temporary. Want to find ways to get out in the community.
Vjera – As a suggestion, with online e-books would like alerts when one can check out items for when at physical locations.
Will – Many factors – largely with when books on wait list are returned as that impacts the ability to alert when next available to check out.
Lacy – Do you receive seed donations?
Will – Yes! Mindy Marsh at the library would be the contact to reach out to if interested.
7:45: Bethel Visioning – Lin
Shared screen with topics.
Zach facilitator – Visioning exercises – S.W.A.T. (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats). Opened up topics to attendees.
8:21: Lisa from Beyond Toxics – update on JH Baxter. Soil, water, air pollution effects being reviewed. Community upset about JH Baxter business practice and its pollution contributions. Elected officials have been asked to shut down JH Baxter.
Arjorie – Frustrated like regulatory agencies are waiting too long to act. Environmental injustice by allowing polluters to continue.
Donella – Soil testing – broader availability to community. Additionally, those who work there may not have another place to do if facility closed down. Could a union be set up if is allowed to stay open to help change from within?
Councilor Syrett – Could speak to how to unionize. This is a challenge – but is up to working to help mediate and form union if people are interested.
Betsy – Limited testing between Roosevelt and Elmira Road per DEQ. Really appreciate Beyond Toxics work.
8:35: Lin checked in for any more responses from attendees.
Councilor Syrett – Email between herself, Mayor Vinis and Councilor Groves to City Manager about addressing these issues and are trying to find some impactful movement to address concerns.
Councilor Evans – Addressed Senator Manning – could more partnership between city officials and state officials help to move forward investigations into actions, effects of pollution within Bethel?
Senator Manning – It is a critical topic and working with Beyond Toxics to follow developments. Would like to discuss with city regarding all groups involved and research conducted. Will contact DEQ to find out what is being done about these pollution areas. Need to determine who is responsible for clean-up, etc.
Mayor Vinis – Did ask City Manager about DEQ timeline – timeline that is more detailed within the next couple of days to understand the perimeters to help find ways to protect our community.
Ed – DEQ found Baxter was deliberating getting rid of this waste – can criminal charges be brought?
Councilor Evans – Environmental analysis needed for the Bethel area to identify risks exposed to community for toxic chemicals. Will propose a work session to see what can be done on these issues.
Josey – Could an action plan for JH Baxter to be held accountable covering the cost for soil testing? All soil tests are processed out of state and expensive.
Senator Manning – Will be speaking with director of DEQ on this issue – would like to set up meeting between ABC community and DEQ to go over these concerns.
8:52 – Committee Reports:
8:52 – Finance – Suzanne sent out financial report earlier to board for review. $4,500 for sending out newsletters. Almost $6,400 left for city allocation.
8:54 – Events– Lin – Recycle event – few appointments still open. Emily’s email put in meeting chat. 1/29 is the date for the Recycle event- all by appointment.
8:56 – Beautification – Travis. Working on OHA grant put in community gardens in parks. Herb garden update -opening ceremony in early summer. Working on new projects – meetings every 2nd Thursday.
8: – Pantry – Charlie – Good donations still coming in. Food drive 2/13 10:30-2 for Food for Lane County at Gilbert shopping center.
8:58 – Bylaws – Ed — No new updates.
8:58 – Public Safety – Ed – Disaster preparedness monthly Zoom meetings. In February (2/1) top example of Chlorine spill for how evacuation/planning for this disaster. Getting grant funding to improve emergency preparedness to be able to mobilize.
9:00 – Social Equity – Lin/Travis – Would like to host virtual meeting to do ideas, etc. Will send out an email later this week.
– 9:02 – Motion to adjourn made by: Lin
Approved by board.
Members in attendance: Lin Woodrich, Amie Anderson-Forbis, Ed Farren, Sarah Warren, Suzanne O’Shea, Charlie Sterling, Zach Mulholland, Travis Johannes, Jeremy AAsum, Ethan Clevenger, Josey Heston, Betsy Tanenbaum, Diane Behling, Robin Bloomgarden, Alison, Ms. Angie, Katie, Janine Henry, Nancy Horner, Nancy Menning, Nancy Horner, Kenzy Seifert, Vjera Thompson, Matthew, Tai Pruce-Zimmerman, Tresa Hackford, Donella Cleveland, Ryan Josef-Maier, and Lacy
Absent: Councilor Randy Groves
Guest: Senator James Manning Jr., Mayor Lucy Vinis, Councilor Greg Evans, Councilor Claire Syrett, Will O’Hearn, Lisa Arkin and Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault with Beyond Toxics
7:04: Welcome and Introduction: Lin
7:08: Meeting called to order and approval of agenda – put forth by Tai
Agenda approved by board
7:09: Meeting minutes put forth by Sarah to be approved – December
1st: Charlie
2nd: Travis
Meeting minutes approved by board
7:09: Guest speaker Will O’Hearn – Bethel Library
Discussion about the services and actions during pandemic by public library. Virtual doors are always open even when physical locations were closed. Open for curbside in June 2020 for books. August 2020 re-opened physical locations. About 95% back to normal. Focus on access for adults and youth. Library card initiative to help people in community be able to qualify for a card – over 1,500 participated in card drive. Additionally focused ADA upgrades such as assistance for those who have difficulty hearing, automatic doors that can open, putting in free sanitary products for women/girls, etc. Worked to increase bi-lingual library park walks where people can listen to a story being read while you walk. Worked to increase partnerships within the community- partnered with the Museum of Natural and Cultural History to provide activity kits for “Fun of the week”. Added multiple hot spots for community use to help keep people connected.
Teresa – Where are story walks?
Will – Along Sheldon Park near Sheldon/Bethel branches and Petersen Park
Library worked to increase diverse author books by at least 30% – purchased and a display. Statistics: 1.6 million check outs
2/3rds of Eugene have library cards
1 4 star library winners- nationwide for efforts in cost efficiency
Included in the library’s community focus were expansions to:
Books, e-books, comics, movies (Hoopla/Kanopy)
Linked on Learning
Seed library – where community can “check out”
Library of Things – sewing machines, Go Pros, etc. to lend out. Fundraiser in Spring to expand program.
Imagination library for Lane County- free use for 0-5 year olds – can get book mailed to them to which they can keep.
Diane – What is done for books not being used?
Will – Used in Book sale.
Katie – Will there be plans for a larger branch in Bethel?
Will – In a few years a community center with a library is a real possibility
Robin – Lucky day – will this program be expanded?
Will – Working on expanding to keep movies, etc.
Donella – How does seed share work?
Will – Downtown has largest collection on 2nd floor located in old card catalog where one can check out packet.
Charlie – Is library a part of the National library passport program?
Will – OR passport is program library is a part of currently – not in near future for joining National passport program but is a possibility.
Diane- Is there a plan for a mobile library?
Will – Have a service that is in place however Bethel might develop a pop-up programming.
Councilor Evans – What is the long-term goal for the branches in our area?
Will – Hot spots are some of the bridge gap measures in place but are temporary. Want to find ways to get out in the community.
Vjera – As a suggestion, with online e-books would like alerts when one can check out items for when at physical locations.
Will – Many factors – largely with when books on wait list are returned as that impacts the ability to alert when next available to check out.
Lacy – Do you receive seed donations?
Will – Yes! Mindy Marsh at the library would be the contact to reach out to if interested.
7:45: Bethel Visioning – Lin
Shared screen with topics.
Zach facilitator – Visioning exercises – S.W.A.T. (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats). Opened up topics to attendees.
8:21: Lisa from Beyond Toxics – update on JH Baxter. Soil, water, air pollution effects being reviewed. Community upset about JH Baxter business practice and its pollution contributions. Elected officials have been asked to shut down JH Baxter.
Arjorie – Frustrated like regulatory agencies are waiting too long to act. Environmental injustice by allowing polluters to continue.
Donella – Soil testing – broader availability to community. Additionally, those who work there may not have another place to do if facility closed down. Could a union be set up if is allowed to stay open to help change from within?
Councilor Syrett – Could speak to how to unionize. This is a challenge – but is up to working to help mediate and form union if people are interested.
Betsy – Limited testing between Roosevelt and Elmira Road per DEQ. Really appreciate Beyond Toxics work.
8:35: Lin checked in for any more responses from attendees.
Councilor Syrett – Email between herself, Mayor Vinis and Councilor Groves to City Manager about addressing these issues and are trying to find some impactful movement to address concerns.
Councilor Evans – Addressed Senator Manning – could more partnership between city officials and state officials help to move forward investigations into actions, effects of pollution within Bethel?
Senator Manning – It is a critical topic and working with Beyond Toxics to follow developments. Would like to discuss with city regarding all groups involved and research conducted. Will contact DEQ to find out what is being done about these pollution areas. Need to determine who is responsible for clean-up, etc.
Mayor Vinis – Did ask City Manager about DEQ timeline – timeline that is more detailed within the next couple of days to understand the perimeters to help find ways to protect our community.
Ed – DEQ found Baxter was deliberating getting rid of this waste – can criminal charges be brought?
Councilor Evans – Environmental analysis needed for the Bethel area to identify risks exposed to community for toxic chemicals. Will propose a work session to see what can be done on these issues.
Josey – Could an action plan for JH Baxter to be held accountable covering the cost for soil testing? All soil tests are processed out of state and expensive.
Senator Manning – Will be speaking with director of DEQ on this issue – would like to set up meeting between ABC community and DEQ to go over these concerns.
8:52 – Committee Reports:
8:52 – Finance – Suzanne sent out financial report earlier to board for review. $4,500 for sending out newsletters. Almost $6,400 left for city allocation.
8:54 – Events– Lin – Recycle event – few appointments still open. Emily’s email put in meeting chat. 1/29 is the date for the Recycle event- all by appointment.
8:56 – Beautification – Travis. Working on OHA grant put in community gardens in parks. Herb garden update -opening ceremony in early summer. Working on new projects – meetings every 2nd Thursday.
8: – Pantry – Charlie – Good donations still coming in. Food drive 2/13 10:30-2 for Food for Lane County at Gilbert shopping center.
8:58 – Bylaws – Ed — No new updates.
8:58 – Public Safety – Ed – Disaster preparedness monthly Zoom meetings. In February (2/1) top example of Chlorine spill for how evacuation/planning for this disaster. Getting grant funding to improve emergency preparedness to be able to mobilize.
9:00 – Social Equity – Lin/Travis – Would like to host virtual meeting to do ideas, etc. Will send out an email later this week.
– 9:02 – Motion to adjourn made by: Lin
Approved by board.
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