City of Eugene Human Rights Commission

City of Eugene Human Rights Commission Human Rights Commission Meeting 6-21-16 Packet Contents Draft Agenda Page 1 Minutes from 5-17-16 Page 3 Budget Update Page 8 Funding Request – CALC Page 9 Anti-Immigrant Ballot Measure Request Page 12 Work Plan Progress 2015-16 Page 13 Quarterly Hate and Bias Report Page 17 Rail Road Quiet Zone FAQ (For public comment) Page 18 Office of Human Rights & Neighborhood Involvement | City of Eugene | 99 W 10th Ave | Eugene OR 97401 | (541) 682-5272  City of Eugene Human Rights Commission The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to promote implementation of universal human rights values and principles in all City of Eugene programs and throughout the wider community. To carry out this mission the commission shall affirm, encourage and initiate programs and services within the City of Eugene and in the wider community designed to place priority upon protecting, respecting, and fulfilling the full range of universal human rights as enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To support and promote human rights, the commission will: provide human rights education, be proactive in human rights efforts, address human rights violations, ensure active public participation, be transparent and open, and be publicly accountable for human rights progress. Human Rights Commissioners: Chris Nunes (Chair), Jennifer Frenzer (Vice Chair), Andrew Thomson, Ken Neubeck, Edward Goehring, Philip Carrasco, Edward McGlone, Arun Toke, Debra Merskin, Bonnie Souza, Councilor Chris Pryor Staff: Mike Kinnison and Jennifer Lleras Van Der Haeghen The Human Rights Commission typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 5:30 – 7:30 PM Meeting Atrium Building, Sloat Room, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene Contact: Jennifer Lleras Van Der Haeghen, 541-682-5619, jennifer.e.vanderhaeghen@ci.eugene.or.us ITEM _______________ACTION______ TIME 1. Agenda/Minutes Review and Approval (Chair) Discuss/Vote 5:30 - 5:35 (5 min) 2. Public Comment (Chair) 5:35 - 5:45 (10 min) 3. Support Request (Chair) Discuss/Vote 5:45 – 5:50 (5 min) - CALC Request 4. Anti-Immigrant Ballot Measure Request to Council (Phil) 5:50 – 6:10 (20 min) 5. Commissioner Transitions and Recognition 6:10 – 6:20 (10 min) 6. Work Planning 6:20 – 6:30 (10 min) 7. EPD Liaison Update – Hate and Bias Report 6:30 – 6:50 (20 min) 8. Work Group Lead Updates 6:50 – 7:00 (10 min) 9. Council Update 7:00 – 7:15 (15 min) 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 |ehroffice@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc 1  10. Commission Liaison Updates 7:15 – 7:20 (5 min) 11. Staff Update 7:20 – 7:25 (5 min) 12. Announcements 7:25 – 7:30 (5 min) Upcoming events, activities or meetings the HRC needs to be aware of: June 26th, 4:00 – 7:00pm, Northwest Youth Corps, Social Justice Summer Party, McKenzie River Gathering Foundation July 12 -19, Next Generation Climate Justice Action Camp, Civil Liberties Defense Center (Ashland) August 13, 12:00 – 7:00pm, Eugene/Springfield PRIDE Festival, Alton Baker Park The Eugene Human Rights Commission welcomes your interest in these agenda items. This meeting location is wheelchair accessible. For the hearing impaired, FM-assistive listening devices are available or an interpreter can be provided with 48 hours’ notice prior to the meeting. Spanish-language interpretation will also be provided with 48 hours’ notice. To arrange for these services, contact staff at (541) 682-5177. La Comisión de Derechos Humanos agradece su interés por participar en los asuntos de esta agenda. El local de la reunión tiene acceso para personas en silla de ruedas. Para las personas con dificultades auditivas ofrecemos sistemas FM para ayudarlo a escuchar, o intérpretes de lenguaje de señas. También ofrecemos intérpretes de español. Si necesita cualquiera de estos servicios por favor solicítelos con 48 horas de anticipación, llamando al (541) 682-5177. 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc 2  City of Eugene Human Rights Commission MINUTES Tuesday, May 17 2016 5:30 – 7:30 PM Meeting Atrium Building, Sloat Room, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene Present: Human Rights Commissioners: Ken Neubeck, Jennifer Frenzer (by phone), Chris Nunes, Philip Carrasco, Edward Goehring, Debra Merskin, Arun Toke, Edward McGlone, Councilor Chris Pryor Staff: Michael Kinnison, Laura Hammond, Kelly Darnell, Leia Pitcher EPD Liaison: CRB Liaison: Heather Marek 1. Agenda/Minutes Review and Approval Motion: Move to approve amended minutes from April 19, 2016. Amendments include removing Edward McGlone as having attended the April meeting adding clarifying text to the motion relating to suspension of non-essential travel to North Carolina and Mississippi. Made By: E. Goehring Second: D. Merskin Vote: Unanimous Motion: Move to approve the agenda Made By: E. McGlone Second: D. Merskin Vote: Unanimous 2. Public Comment Stephen Brown, Lane County Prevention – Presented handout on Tobacco and Homelessness Thomas Price, Sustainability Commission – Speaking on own behalf: interested in greater connection between the Sustainability and Human Rights Commissions. The equity issue is more directly addressed by HRC and there is greater communication needed. Shared that there are common interests for the commissions and shared an example of social equity of transportation network. Matthew Yook, Steering Committee PAC – Concerned by Faye Stewart’s public remarks about Vietnamese refugees. Believes that the public apology was insufficient. Asking for the support of the HRC to hold elected officials accountable. Expressed a need to make sure that this does not to happen again and requested a work group address creating accountability among public officials. 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 |ehroffice@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc 3 Erika Lincango – Interested in letter of support for largest organization representing indigenous people in Ecuador. Specifically this letter will include recognition of constitutional rights being violated when protesting environmentally destructive projects and the rights of leaders/activists being jailed. 3. Support Request K. Neubeck – Requested $60 for the Anti-Disc Work Group to provide dinner at an additional focus group. Motion: Move to approve the $60 in additional funds for the Anti-Discrimination Focus Group. Made By: E. Goehring Second: D. Merskin Vote: Unanimous 4. Healthy Downtown and Public Passenger Vehicle Ordinance Laura Hammond, Communications Policy Analyst and Kelly Darnell, Marketing Outreach Manager. E. Goehring – How do Public Passenger Vehicle companies handle needs of disabled passengers now? I know there is some resistance in industry. How is the City addressing this issue? Laura Hammond – We enforce ADA regulations for companies that provide accessible transportation but there are not many out there. We also make sure companies are not charging extra for disabled passenger needs. Current law does not require percentage of fleets to be equipped to meet the needs of disabled passengers. Right now we’re doing research to see what is possible to encourage better service. A. Toke – Does Ride Source meet our need? E. Goehring – Their service is not sufficient to meet all transportation needs. E. McGlone – LTD provides Ride Source and we hear mixed reviews. It does provide opportunities for those that can’t access fixed bus route transportation. There are different levels of service depending on disability/need and rides have to be booked 24 hours in advance. This is a challenge for people who do not have the ability to plan in advance. Ride Source is a federal unfunded mandate. Fares collected are insufficient to cover actual costs. Unfortunately, there are not many other options as there is only one wheelchair accessible taxi in the local fleet. P. Carrasco – This discussion should be separate from the Uber/Lyft conversation. We should include all Public Passenger Vehicle services when we make rules. The limits on transportation options for mobility impaired people does not allow for full fulfillment of their human rights. How are we measuring what the gap is so proposed rules and regulations are responsive to the need but not overly burdensome? Councilor Pryor – The key element is reasonable accommodation. How is that defined? We will need to strike a balance. HRC input will help define that for Council. This is really the business’ responsibility not government. P. Carrasco – “Spontaneous” needs should extend to everyone within reason. E. Goehring – Isolation is a problem for mobility impaired people. Ride Source restrictions lends to this problem as does lack of acknowledgement of transportation resources for disabled in Public Works transportation options promotion materials. 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc 4 Laura Hammond – I appreciate the input and can come back to share what is being considered as proposals developed. There is not much to report on Healthy Downtown. We are considering ideas proposed at the Mayor’s forum. Council will discuss this topic in July. We are considering targeted areas like around bus station. Kelly Darnell – I’m here to talk about smoke free parks. All parks are being designated smoke free. Public outreach indicates strong support for this change and to include the Park Blocks. We will begin with an education campaign. E. McGlone – We have received feedback from the anti-discrimination focus groups that included perspective of too much smoking in parks and that that is impacting families. K. Neubeck – How will this be enforced and enforced equitably? I am concerned about people who are unhoused, particularly those in the Park Blocks. Kelly Darnell – Right now we’re looking to other cities to identify best practices. We’re currently looking at education and peer to peer feedback as opposed to enforcement. P. Carrasco – I am concerned about who this impacts disproportionally like people of lower income. Does this include bike paths? Kelly Darnell – I’m not sure, I would need to check on that. K. Neubeck – Would a violation make someone vulnerable to exclusion from parks? Kelly Darnell – Any repeat violation could make one susceptible 5. Faye Stewart and Letter K. Neubeck – We have circulated a letter drafted by Ken with input by Phil, Bonnie and Jennifer. We coordinated with Matthew Yook to make sure it would meet the needs and address concerns of the communities most impacted. We decided not to focus on Faye Stewart and more on the damage caused by public figures that make insensitive comments impacting immigrants. It also reaffirms Principles for Immigrant Integration that Council supported. The letter requests that Council recommit to the principles of that resolution and offers a statement of support to other groups seeking adoption by the County of a similar statement of support for immigrants. It is important to the Asian/Pacific Islander community and other immigrant groups. J. Frenzer – This is the first step in addressing issues of concern by the affected community, there is still more to do. A. Toke – This seems appropriate as we all live in the County and should have a say in County business. P. Carrasco – The public apology was not sufficient. These kinds of insults and slights have a toll on communities of color. The letter is a positive act but more should be done. There is a need for protocols that address respectful behavior of elected officials and calls for accountable actions. The burden on impacted communities is too much to not identify remedies. Stewart should go to the injured community directly and apologize. E. McGlone – I support Phil’s comments and I support reaffirming statement of Principles, particularly in light of current national conversation. We need to make our residents feel safe and welcome. I struggle 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc 5 with where these kinds of actions happen outside the jurisdiction of the HRC, where do we draw the line? We have plenty of needs for response with incidents locally. I wonder if we should reach out to the County’s equity body. I’m not sure if can support Council calling out the Commission. E. Goehring – I share some uneasiness to direct our Council to get involved with something that involves the County. However, he recognizes his own white privilege and that something ought to be done. K. Neubeck – This letter asks Council to lend support to other groups who are asking the County to take action. It doesn’t call for Council to act directly with the Commission. If there are actions that happen or things are said that impact people in the City of Eugene then we should feel like we have jurisdiction. Faye’s comments impacted our residents even though he made them outside of Eugene. Councilor Pryor – There’s the issue and then there is the people. Don’t let the issue be replaced by the person. Let’s keep our focus on the issue. Majority of the letter focuses on the issue and I believe Council would support those elements. I do hesitate going after an individual. Media will spin this as Council going after Stewart and that detracts from the larger issue we’re trying to address. I want to speak assertively and aggressively that we will not tolerate comments that make groups or individuals feel unsafe or threatened. I cannot do that if the focus is on a person. If a Commissioner is removed from reference then you have my support. If you keep it in I believe we will have a hard time getting it through Council. K. Neubeck – The letter exists because it started with Faye Stewart’s comments, it’s hard to ignore that. Council can discuss and take whatever action it wants but it’s important for the HRC to be clear about why it is concerned about this issue. Only asking Council to offer to support other groups seeking similar statement or resolution of support for immigrants by the County. P. Carrasco – Stewart has some of his jurisdiction in Eugene so it makes sense we are involved. Privilege allows us to decide whether or not we engage. We’re not emotionally impacted and our privilege allows us not to name the one oppressing with their comments. E. McGlone – This conversation has changed my perspective. I will support the letter and appreciate the input. Motion: Move to endorse draft as proposed and submit it to Council. Made By: A. Toke Second: D. Merskin Vote: 7-0-1 (Pryor) Councilor Pryor – I am happy to carry it forward to Council. 6. Housing First Update J. Frenzer – Can Chris clarify if version of the resolution that was adopted reflected our recommended changes? Councilor Pryor – Yes, they were included. 7. Council Update Councilor Pryor - Councilor Syrett has a pending resolution in support of Refugees. There may also be some effort in future also to make public statement regarding discrimination and hate in our community. 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc 6 Staff delivered a homelessness update to Council. The follow up conversation this week focused on options for reinforcing our sheltering options. The Mission is a private shelter and can create own rules with little oversight. We are coming around to the perspective of there being a need to explore more shelter options other than private ones. City can’t do this by itself and will require public/private partnering. We need to find creative ideas for funding. The Urban Renewal Agency could provide funds but may be challenging to find an opportunity for that within the district’s boundaries. Bond funds are another option. 8. Commission Liaison Updates E. Goehring – Police Commission reviewed progress on work plan. We raised the issue of how different Boards and Commissions act and work with one another (or don’t). There are poor mechanisms for communication between groups. I believe we need to bring groups together with Council to discuss these issues. A. Toke– Can we establish liaisons with other bodies like Sustainability Commission? Can we have liaisons sit at table with us? 9. Work Group Lead Updates C. Nunes referenced Bonnie’s report. No other reports to add. Staff Update A. Toke - We should consider inviting the new commissioners to our June meeting. Announcements P. Carrasco – I want to propose a resolution asking Council to take a stand against anti-immigration ballot measures proposed (circulated draft for review). I will redraft this resolution and request it be on June agenda for a vote. Councilor Pryor – I suggest you ask Council to pass a resolution with the language “actively opposing” the legislation. 99 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 116, Eugene, OR 97401 541.682.5177 | ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us | www.eugene-or.gov/hrc 7 Human Rights Commission Budget Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) DATE REQUESTING GROUP EVENT OR DESCRIPTION SPONSORSHIP OTHER TOTAL TOTAL BALANCE 7/1/15 CHARGES SPENT TD $4,500.00 10/13/15 TransJustice Eug/Spngf Transgender Day of Awareness $200.00 $200.00 $200.00 $4,300.00 10/13/15 Network Charter School Youth Empowerment Symposium (YES!) $200.00 $200.00 $400.00 $4,100.00 10/13/15 SURJ Vocabulary of Change film and discussion $100.00 $100.00 $500.00 $4,000.00 11/23/15 THRIVEugene YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) $200.00 $200.00 $700.00 $3,800.00 11/23/15 IHRD Facility Rental $410.00 $410.00 $1,110.00 $3,390.00 12/10/15 IHRD Promotion $135.00 $135.00 $1,245.00 $3,255.00 12/10/15 IHRD Event Food & Supplies $308.95 $308.95 $1,553.95 $2,946.05 1/18/16 HRC MLK Awards (2) $100.00 $100.00 $1,653.95 $2,846.05 1/18/16 BIG Blacks in Gov't Annual Banquet $150.00 $150.00 $1,803.95 $2,696.05 1/18/16 NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner $320.00 $320.00 $2,123.95 $2,376.05 1/18/16 SURJ Stand Up for Racial Justice Event $250.00 $250.00 $2,373.95 $2,126.05 3/15/16 Archaeology Channel TAC Film Festival $200.00 $200.00 $2,573.95 $1,926.05 3/15/16 DisOrient DisOrient Film Festival $200.00 $200.00 $2,773.95 $1,726.05 3/15/16 Churchill Youth Summit Youth Summit, May Event $300.00 $300.00 $3,073.95 $1,426.05 4/19/16 Ken Neubeck airfare for HRC travel $300.00 $300.00 $3,373.95 $1,126.05 4/16/16 HIV Alliance $100.00 $100.00 $3,473.95 $1,026.05 4/16/16 Nightingale Collective Peer Support Training $100.00 $100.00 $3,573.95 $926.05 5/23/16 Homelessness WorkGrp Youth Art Event (J Frenzer $105.50 print; $95.70 other) $202.20 $202.20 $3,776.15 $723.85 5/25/16 AntiDiscrimination Focus Groups support $329.60 $329.60 $4,105.75 $394.25 6/13/16 Homelessness WorkGrp Youth Art Event:Frenzer outreach supplies $345.70 $345.70 $4,451.45 $48.55 TOTALS $2,260.00 $2,191.45 $4,451.45 $4,451.45 $48.55 011-0730-####-612022 8 9 10 11 The City of Eugene Human Rights Commission as an advisory body to the Eugene City Council would like to ask for the City Council to; not support, and stand against any Anti-immigrant Ballot Measures or Petitions that could become Ballot Measures that are contradictory to our Human Rights City values. 12 FY 2016 Human Rights Commission Work Plan Objective 1: Maintain effective relationships; advise and advocate on human rights issues with City Council, other City advisory bodies, staff, community organizations and institutions. Objective Leads: Andrew Thomson, Chris Nunes Action 1.1 Advise City Council on human rights issues; advocate for human rights perspective. Task 1 Quarterly meetings between HRC chairs and Mayor Action 1.2 Advise, Collaborate and Educate City staff on human rights issues within the City organization Task 1 Quarterly meetings between HRC chairs and City Manager Task 2 Advocate for diverse applicant pool within the HRC, boards and commissions and other City departments Task 3 Request hiring data and demographic statistics from HR Director Task 4 Request diversity training curriculum for review Action 1.3 Support work of other community organizations and institutions that further the mission of the HRC. Task 1 Funding requests and co-sponsorships Task 2 Endorsements (non-funding support, joint statements, tabling etc.) Task 3 Track where funding requests go, which groups do not approach us and advertise for diversity 13 FY 2016 Human Rights Commission Work Plan Objective 2: Proactively address and respond to discrimination, hate and bias activity and violence; including systemic and individual racism. Objective Leads: Edward McGlone, Ken Neubeck and Bonnie Souza Action 2.1 Ally Building and Collaborations Task 1 Ally building training for the HRC Task 2 Strengthen ally relationships through proactive outreach to organizations/activists of color/LGBTQ organizations and activists. Task 3 Work with government and community organizations on issues of concern to LGBT youth and youth of color Action 2.2 Policy Analysis and Advising Task 1 Study causes and trends in hate/bias activity and recommend actions to address them Task 2 Develop specific roles for HRC response and plan of action to execute when hate crimes or bias incidents occur Task 3 Familiarize HRC with new state law on profiling and keep up to date on EPD implementation Action 2.3 Education, Outreach and Events Task 1 Participate in First Fridays Communities of Color and Allies Network to listen and promote the HRC Task 2 Encourage new alliances among groups working on civil and human rights Task 3 Propose an event that promotes freedom from discrimination as a human right 14 FY 2016 Human Rights Commission Work Plan Objective 3: Respond to, advocate and educate on community issues of economic inequality, poverty and homelessness. Objective Leads: Jennifer Frenzer and Debra Merskin Action 3.1 Monitor, advise and advocate ways to respond to poverty and homelessness including collaborating with community organizations Task 1 Advise Council on pressing issues and support/advocate for City efforts to implement a local Housing First Model responsive to area needs for adequate affordable housing options and expanding Emergency Shelter Options. Task 2 Monitor and report on activities of the Lane County Poverty and Homelessness Board and Lane County Human Services Commission and other relevant agencies and governing bodies. Task 3 At work group meetings, host monthly presentations from community organizations and local agencies and, in turn, attend their organizing meetings to improve understanding of the issues facing the homeless and increase collaborating on community responses to homeless issues. Action 3.2 Address civil and human rights of people who are homeless and or living in poverty Task 1 Continue work on a protected class designation for people who are homeless under Criminal Code Intimidation 2 and the Human Rights Ordinance. Task 2 Renew efforts with state and regional housing campaigns to enact a local homeless bill of rights, expand community education and outreach, and build alliances with community groups. Task 3 Engage and consult public officials and educate community members about the local laws and policies that criminalize homelessness and/or create barriers to survival. Ally-build for a change to criminalization. Task 4 Coordinate with our Police Commission liaisons and members of other HRC work groups doing outreach to our local police force in order to improve interactions between people who are homeless and police officers. Action 3.3 Advocate for expansion of shelter and affordable housing options (deleted the word “emergency” before the word shelter) Task 1 Advocate for expansion of car camping, rest stops, micro housing villages and other innovative and effective shelter programs and assess gaps in emergency shelter options. Task 2 Complete assessment and track the Mayor’s Opportunity Eugene Task Force on Homelessness recommendations. Task 3 Continue efforts to bring public attention to youth homelessness and initiate outreach work about seniors, women and disabled people who are homeless as well as other vulnerable groups of homeless populations. 15 FY 2016 Human Rights Commission Work Plan Objective 4: Develop and strengthen the capacity of the HRC by exploring new opportunities, creating a leadership development pipeline and supporting the working groups of the HRC. Objective Leads: Phil Carrasco, Jennifer Frenzer, Andrew Thompson and Chris Nunes Action 4.1 Provide support to the HRC and Working Groups to maximize the implementation of the work plan. Task 1 Ensure agenda items for upcoming meetings are sent to the HRC group by Tuesday before each meeting taking place. Task 2 Attend workgroup meetings as needed. Task 3 Check in with working group leads Action 4.2 Identify training and resources for HRC and Working Group members that will increase shared human rights framework and necessary skills. Task 1 Seek out and participate in human rights training opportunities Task 2 Share meeting facilitation techniques and project management Action 4.3 Explore the development of a Human Rights Youth Commission in order to build a larger community of Human Rights leaders, increase input and leadership of youth and provide opportunities for mentorship. Task 1 Meet with stakeholders (youth and mentors) and research best practices for youth commissions Task 2 Have a stakeholders forum where we will identify next steps, process and retention strategies for youth. Task 3 Have community conversations lead by youth, build an exploratory committee and establish two liaisons from the HRC. Objective 5: Bring forward work requests for emerging issues within the Eugene community and City organization that alight with the HRC Mission and capacity of the commission. Objective Leads: Action 5.1 Action 5.2 Action 5.3 16 Human Rights Commission Hate and Bias Crimes Update Quarter Two 2016 April – June 17th 2016* From April to June 17th, 2016 a total of 13 Hate or Bias Crimes were reported to the Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement Office involving the following protected classes: Protected Class Quarter 2 Crimes FY 16 to date Crimes Race 7 9 Religion 2 3 Ethnicity 2 2 Sexual Orientation 1 1 Disability 1 1 Total 13 16 Quarter 2 Crimes Included: • A 15-year-old male reported being chased on foot and later with a vehicle by two unknown white males while walking on a sidewalk near his home. Immediately after the car passed him, it slowed and turned around. One of the suspects yelled a racial slur at him during the chase. • A school employee reported that he had found a swastika carved into the hood of his vehicle. • A 35-year-old black man reported that he had been chased from Scobert Park. He had been sitting at the park drinking coffee when he was approached by a white male, approximately 54 and 5’8” tall with a heavy build, who told him to leave. The suspect grabbed a chain and began swinging it in the victim’s direction, used racial slurs, and threatened to assault him. The victim reported a second involved white male in his 5s with a thin build and beard told him to leave as well, but did not use racial slurs. • A man reported finding swastikas carved into the gazebo-like structure by the baseball field at the Family School. An employee was sent to the school and removed the graffiti before police could arrive. The person who reported the swastikas is of the Jewish faith and felt the swastikas were meant to threaten or intimidate people of the Jewish Faith. The man’s young daughter had seen the graffiti and he had had to explain it to her. • A 32-year-old female was hit and kicked by three unknown men after a comment was made regarding her gender and appearance. By comparison to 2015 at this time 17 Hate Crimes had been reported to HRNI. The protected class break down was as follows: 10 Race, 4 Religion, 1 Sexual Orientation, 1 Ethnicity and 0 Disability. * Data is being provided through June 17th, 2016 in order to report by the June HRC meeting in the second quarter. Office of Human Rights & Neighborhood Involvement | City of Eugene | 99 W 10th Ave | Eugene OR 97401 | (541) 682-5272 17 Questions and Answers about a Railroad Quiet Zone (RRQZ) in Eugene Q. What is a quiet zone?  Quad gates or medians at Van Buren A. A quiet zone is a section of rail line that (depending parking impacts) contains one or more consecutive public crossings in  Fencing – an additional measure to enhance which locomotive horns are not routinely sounded. A safety of pedestrians and bicyclists and quiet zone must be at least ½ mile long. There must reduce trespass which triggers train horns be no other crossings within a ¼ mile of the beginning or end of the quiet zone. Q. Who approves a quiet zone? A. The Federal Rail Administration approves the Q. What safety measures are recommended City’s application to create a quiet zone. The City for use in Eugene? must prove to federal and state regulatory agencies A. Specific recommendations include: that safety measures are in place that are sufficient to  Quad gates – two gates increased to four reduce the risk index within the quiet zone to at or gates at Monroe Street (with pedestrian below the Nationwide Significant Risk Threshold. gates), Madison Street, Washington Street, Pearl Street, High Street (with pedestrian Q. Why do trains blow their horns as they gates), and Hilyard at 8th. travel through Eugene?  One-way street with gates at Jefferson A. Except in designated quiet zones, for safety  Closure of Lawrence Street crossing reasons a train engineer is required to sound the (dependent on approval of the design of a train horn with two long, one short, two long blasts, new Amtrak siding) starting 15 to 20 seconds before the train enters an  Medians at Lincoln Street (dependent on at-grade crossing. Approximately ¼ mile prior to the approval of the design of a new Amtrak crossing; the horn is repeated or prolonged until the siding) locomotive occupies the crossing. The horns must be a minimum 96 dB to a maximum 110 dB, measured 100 feet in front of the train. 18 Q. Will train engineers sound their horns, 2017, if the funding were included in the even in a quiet zone? City’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget. A. Train engineers use the horn for a variety of  Once council approval and funding are in reasons. Most importantly, they sound the horn in the place, it will take up to three years to event of an emergency – for example, if a pedestrian complete final engineering, procurement of or bicyclist is on the tracks or within the right‐of‐ safety equipment and installation of the way. UP has a switching yard about 2000 feet north equipment and related construction work. of Van Buren, and trains give a short toot as they Some of the design and construction can start enter and leave the yard. Trains also sound their horn earlier at specific locations if funds are with one short blast when entering and leaving the available. Eugene Depot. The short toots are 1 to 2 seconds, compared to a through train that sounds its horn for Q. How much will it cost to implement the a total of 105 seconds as it passes through the six recommended safety measures? middle crossings on the UP mainline. A. Based on the recommendations of the RRQZ Citizen Advisory Panel, total estimated cost of the Q. Why were the 10 crossings in downtown preliminary recommended safety measures ranges and Whiteaker selected for a quiet zone? between $6,835,000 and $7,350,000. A. Ten crossings on the Union Pacific Rail Road between Hilyard Street and Van Buren Street Q. Where will the money come from? generate about 70% of the routine train horn A. There are three general options for funding a soundings for public crossings in Eugene. Based on railroad quiet zone: the concentration of crossings and the potential for  Approve a new revenue source, such as a reduced horn sounding, the Eugene City Council general obligation bond voted on by citizens agreed to focus initial quiet zone efforts on these 10 of Eugene. crossings. Three UP mainline at-grade crossings  Use existing revenues such as local gas taxes north of Van Buren Street – Irving Road, Irvington and the City’s general fund. However, this Road, and Awbrey Lane – generate about 20% of the would likely require reducing some local train horn sounding in the Eugene area. These three services such as street repairs and crossings are under the jurisdiction of Lane County. maintaining city buildings and parks  Combine new and existing revenue sources. For example, if the Riverfront Urban Renewal District paid about $3.1 million for the crossings and Hilyard, High and Pearl, a $4.3 million general obligation bond could cost less than $15 a year for five years for the owner of a $190,000 home. Q. How long does it take to get a quiet zone in Q. How can I get more information? place? A. Information can be found at www.eugene- A. The Railroad Quiet Zone project has several or.gov/quietzone. This web site Includes detailed phases: reports, notices of upcoming meetings and  The preliminary engineering phase began in presentations, and an online survey and comment March 2015 when the Eugene City Council form. You can also contact Eric Jones, Special Projects directed staff to pursue a quiet zone that Manager, at 541-682-5053 or email would meet federal requirements. eric.r.jones@ci.eugene.or.us. Preliminary engineering is expected to be complete in late 2016. April 5, 2016  Community engagement began in November 2015 with the formation of a Citizen Advisory Panel. Following broad outreach in spring 2016, the panel is expected to present its final recommendations to the City Council in June 2016. The time frame for resolving the question of project funding, particularly if it involves voter approval, is not known at this time. The earliest date would probably be July 19