WEBVTT 1 00:05:11.819 --> 00:05:12.740 Good evening. 2 00:05:12.805 --> 00:05:19.394 Before we begin this meeting of the Portland City Council, we have a pre-gavel ceremony to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 3 00:05:19.442 --> 00:05:21.500 Councilor Avalos, I'm going to turn it over to you. 4 00:05:23.858 --> 00:05:27.521 Okay, thank you, Council President. 5 00:05:27.858 --> 00:05:46.295 Um, so colleagues, I am honored to host today's Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance, and I want to thank specifically Nikhil Surya of Equi-Access and our partners at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the Pink Lemonade Project for joining us today. 6 00:05:47.499 --> 00:05:50.964 Breast cancer awareness is about more than reminding people to get screened. 7 00:05:51.509 --> 00:05:59.036 It's about making sure they actually have the opportunity to do so, because early detection can save lives, but only if people can access care. 8 00:05:59.935 --> 00:06:05.535 And we know that too many people face barriers because of cost, language, transportation, or where they live. 9 00:06:06.658 --> 00:06:12.896 As elected officials, we have a responsibility to recognize how those inequities affect the health and well-being of our communities. 10 00:06:13.634 --> 00:06:24.314 I'm especially inspired by the young people participating in EquiAccess's Know, Share, Act campaign, who are showing us that everyone has a role to play in sharing information and supporting one another. 11 00:06:25.197 --> 00:06:35.348 My hope is that we don't just recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, that we use it as a reminder of the work we still have to do to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for every Portlander. 12 00:06:35.396 --> 00:06:35.524 Thank you. 13 00:06:36.425 --> 00:06:40.076 So with that, let me invite our guest speakers to come to the front. 14 00:06:50.887 --> 00:06:54.442 All right, and we are going to kick it off with Nikhil Surya. 15 00:06:54.668 --> 00:06:55.295 Take it away. 16 00:06:57.629 --> 00:06:59.677 Good evening, councilors and members of our community. 17 00:07:00.365 --> 00:07:01.413 My name is Nikhil Surya. 18 00:07:01.750 --> 00:07:05.916 I'm 15 years old, a junior at St. Stephen's Academy, and the founder of Equi-Access. 19 00:07:06.927 --> 00:07:15.423 Some of my happiest childhood memories are with my mom, watching ducks at Laurelhurst Park, exploring OMSI and the Hawthorne food carts, and racing her up Mount Tabor. 20 00:07:16.769 --> 00:07:19.622 And when I was 10, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. 21 00:07:20.136 --> 00:07:23.406 Her mammogram hadn't detected it, but it revealed dense breast tissue. 22 00:07:24.127 --> 00:07:28.358 Her doctor recommended additional screening, as dense tissue can be hard to read on a mammogram. 23 00:07:29.194 --> 00:07:31.346 An MRI found the cancer a month later. 24 00:07:32.245 --> 00:07:35.651 Having the right information at the right time may have saved her life. 25 00:07:37.065 --> 00:07:43.346 But I kept thinking about families who may never receive that information because of language barriers, cost, or access to care. 26 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:50.447 I've been coming before this council to share her story, hoping it could help other families since 2024 when I was 13. 27 00:07:51.362 --> 00:07:57.514 During this time, I also founded Equi-Access, a youth-led awareness and access organization to turn that advocacy into action. 28 00:07:58.670 --> 00:08:06.504 This October, we shared breast health materials with high schools across the Portland metro area and partnered with participating schools on awareness activities. 29 00:08:07.242 --> 00:08:07.934 This October—. 30 00:08:09.089 --> 00:08:09.507 Oh, sorry. 31 00:08:09.812 --> 00:08:13.649 By educating students, we are both informing the next generation and bringing awareness home. 32 00:08:14.564 --> 00:08:18.673 Their voices can inspire parents, grandparents, and loved ones to take action. 33 00:08:19.716 --> 00:08:28.939 I'm grateful to have brought together OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and Pink Lemonade Project to support this year's City Hall event and community awareness efforts. 34 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:36.860 Through partnerships and community outreach, our campaign has had an estimated reach of 12,000 people across Portland this October. 35 00:08:36.860 --> 00:08:39.299 And our efforts extend beyond Portland. 36 00:08:39.500 --> 00:08:51.379 EquiAccess is an official partner of the Federation of African Medical Students Associations for the 10,000 Youth March Against Breast Cancer, supporting fundraising and educational materials for its health village across 5 cities in Africa. 37 00:08:51.379 --> 00:08:51.440 Thank you. 38 00:08:52.582 --> 00:09:07.004 Thanks to all of you here today, as well as the table, for your support, particularly Councilor Avalos, Council President Dunphy, Councilor Koyama Lane, and our partners at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and Pickle and May Project for helping spread awareness. 39 00:09:07.869 --> 00:09:09.022 Tonight I have 3 asks. 40 00:09:09.486 --> 00:09:11.378 First, prioritize your health. 41 00:09:12.130 --> 00:09:19.308 For women ages 40 to 70 at average risk, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every 2 years. 42 00:09:20.238 --> 00:09:25.062 If you have dense breasts or other risk factors, ask your provider about earlier or additional screening. 43 00:09:26.135 --> 00:09:27.962 Second, help us spread the word. 44 00:09:28.779 --> 00:09:32.898 Know the facts about breast cancer and share it with someone you care about and act early. 45 00:09:33.908 --> 00:09:44.052 Third, counselors, please help connect EquiAccess with local schools, educators, and student leaders, because when we educate students, we can reach families and inform the next generation. 46 00:09:44.725 --> 00:09:44.869 Thank you. 47 00:09:45.450 --> 00:09:49.234 Recently, my mom and I went back to the Hawthorne food carts and raced up Mount Tabor again. 48 00:09:49.927 --> 00:09:52.649 Thanks to early detection, she's still here to race me. 49 00:09:53.373 --> 00:09:54.548 And that's what I want for every family. 50 00:09:55.090 --> 00:09:58.058 More memories, more ordinary days with the people that they love. 51 00:09:58.529 --> 00:09:58.870 Thank you. 52 00:10:02.142 --> 00:10:02.822 Thank you so much. 53 00:10:02.951 --> 00:10:03.307 I see—. 54 00:10:03.453 --> 00:10:05.607 Let's, let's see some silent clapping. 55 00:10:07.647 --> 00:10:07.905 Thank you. 56 00:10:07.971 --> 00:10:12.164 Next up, we've got Dr. Esther Chong from OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute. 57 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:15.442 Hello everyone, thank you so much for having me. 58 00:10:15.682 --> 00:10:17.014 My name is Dr. Esther Chong. 59 00:10:17.673 --> 00:10:23.470 I'm a medical oncologist that sees breast cancer patients at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute. 60 00:10:24.577 --> 00:10:30.985 I am so happy to be able to speak to you all today about the importance of breast cancer awareness. 61 00:10:31.658 --> 00:10:39.124 The reality is that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and that's just average risk. 62 00:10:40.085 --> 00:10:48.277 I see patients that have a diagnosis of breast cancer every single day, and the most common thing that I hear is, I didn't think that it would happen to me. 63 00:10:49.142 --> 00:10:49.575 And that's so true. 64 00:10:49.623 --> 00:10:51.355 We just don't think that it'll happen to us. 65 00:10:51.770 --> 00:11:01.693 But the reality is, is that we all know somebody close to us likely that has had a diagnosis of breast cancer, that has been affected by this disease. 66 00:11:02.462 --> 00:11:09.211 The reality is that thankfully our medications are getting better, our research is getting better, and it's getting faster as well. 67 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:09.869 Thank you. 68 00:11:09.950 --> 00:11:20.457 Things are in the works, things are in the pipeline, but the best medicine, the best treatments, the best imaging studies, they're only good if they're able to actually reach the people that need it. 69 00:11:21.533 --> 00:11:29.120 And so I would just like to promote the importance of getting your mammograms, the importance of breast cancer screening. 70 00:11:30.100 --> 00:11:35.778 Um, the USPSTF, just like Nikhil said, starts at the age of 40. 71 00:11:36.196 --> 00:11:38.746 And with mammogram every 2 years, but that's just the beginning. 72 00:11:38.923 --> 00:11:47.972 If he has dense breasts, if you have any other high-risk factors, you should be able to talk to your doctor about getting supplemental screening, getting more frequent screening. 73 00:11:48.261 --> 00:11:54.985 So please advocate for your health because that's advocating for your life, advocating for those people around you because they need you. 74 00:11:55.866 --> 00:11:57.278 Thank you so much for this opportunity. 75 00:11:57.390 --> 00:12:05.269 We at OHSU and the Knight Cancer Institute, we have so many resources available to our patients where we're able to help patients with thank you. 76 00:12:05.333 --> 00:12:09.027 We work very closely with naturopaths, with dietitians, with social workers, and so forth. 77 00:12:09.428 --> 00:12:09.509 We—. 78 00:12:09.813 --> 00:12:17.231 Our goal is for patients to get the best treatment that they can, and we can't do it without our partners here, such as Pink Lemonade and the ACS. 79 00:12:17.393 --> 00:12:19.143 So thank you so much for what you guys do. 80 00:12:20.267 --> 00:12:22.418 If there's anything else that we can do, please let us know. 81 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:25.533 But again, please get your mammograms. 82 00:12:30.703 --> 00:12:31.554 Thank you so much. 83 00:12:32.405 --> 00:12:35.409 Next up, we have Carrie Hampton from the American Cancer Society. 84 00:12:36.004 --> 00:12:40.227 Hi, thank you so much for having us here and initiating this important conversation. 85 00:12:41.224 --> 00:12:43.520 Breast cancer has touched my family very personally. 86 00:12:44.099 --> 00:12:47.921 Both my mother and my mother-in-law were diagnosed with breast cancer the same year. 87 00:12:48.611 --> 00:12:54.602 My mom is a survivor because of early detection and screening, and we are incredibly grateful for that. 88 00:12:55.181 --> 00:12:58.794 But just this August, we lost my mother-in-law to a secondary cancer. 89 00:12:59.307 --> 00:13:07.243 So when I talk about the work of the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Action Network, this mission isn't just professional for me, it's personal. 90 00:13:07.932 --> 00:13:12.725 Our goal is really pretty simple, to save lives and end cancer as we know it for everyone. 91 00:13:13.318 --> 00:13:15.049 And we do that in a lot of different ways. 92 00:13:15.722 --> 00:13:23.144 We help people understand the importance of early detection and connect them with trusted information and screening resources in their communities. 93 00:13:23.817 --> 00:13:28.643 We invest in research that leads to better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. 94 00:13:29.269 --> 00:13:34.448 And we support patients and families through what can be one of the most hardest times in their lives. 95 00:13:35.202 --> 00:13:41.202 But we also know that having screening or a new treatment available isn't enough when people can't access it. 96 00:13:41.779 --> 00:13:43.913 And that's why advocacy matters so much. 97 00:13:44.668 --> 00:13:57.277 The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, or ACS CAN, we bring together survivors, caregivers, providers, and people who have just simply been touched by cancer so we can make their voices heard. 98 00:13:57.741 --> 00:14:11.607 We share our stories, we talk to our lawmakers, and we advocate for policies that break down barriers to screening and treatment, improve access to care, and continue our investment in life-saving, saving cancer research. 99 00:14:12.312 --> 00:14:21.081 Because where you live, what you earn, or the resources available in your community shouldn't determine your chances of surviving cancer. 100 00:14:21.787 --> 00:14:24.239 And that's something that we can all play a part in changing. 101 00:14:24.753 --> 00:14:33.392 When we share our stories, raise our voices, and work together, we can make a difference and move closer to ending cancer as we know it for everyone. 102 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:34.350 Thank you. 103 00:14:38.942 --> 00:14:39.638 Thank you so much. 104 00:14:40.947 --> 00:14:44.847 And last but not least, we've got Anne Dvorak from the Pink Lemonade Project. 105 00:14:46.047 --> 00:14:46.451 Thank you. 106 00:14:48.169 --> 00:14:51.298 My name is Anne Dvorak, and I am a breast cancer survivor. 107 00:14:52.518 --> 00:14:54.633 Those are words I never thought I would say. 108 00:14:55.682 --> 00:15:00.023 Breast cancer didn't run in my family, and I wasn't close with anyone who had breast cancer. 109 00:15:01.100 --> 00:15:04.956 The month before I turned 50, I had my second mammogram ever. 110 00:15:06.576 --> 00:15:07.381 They found breast cancer. 111 00:15:08.606 --> 00:15:13.119 In fact, I only went to get my mammogram to get my doctor to quit nagging at me to go get it. 112 00:15:14.438 --> 00:15:18.461 I thought breast cancer was a hereditary disease and it wasn't going to touch me. 113 00:15:18.527 --> 00:15:18.658 Thank you. 114 00:15:19.921 --> 00:15:23.458 And that 85% of breast cancer diagnoses are family related. 115 00:15:24.546 --> 00:15:24.837 I was wrong. 116 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:27.941 Only 15% is hereditary. 117 00:15:29.855 --> 00:15:37.025 Pink Lemonade Project is a local breast cancer organization founded here to help individuals going through breast cancer. 118 00:15:38.573 --> 00:15:44.354 We provide support for patients as supportive care in complement of the medical care that they receive. 119 00:15:45.428 --> 00:15:50.793 Life after a breast cancer diagnosis takes on a new normal in a woman's next chapter. 120 00:15:51.809 --> 00:16:06.474 The day-to-day of how that normal is has cancer medications that are prescribed upward to 10 years, all of which have a broad range of side effects that have to be managed or learned to live with. 121 00:16:07.687 --> 00:16:11.917 There are financial costs of copays if someone's fortunate enough to have insurance. 122 00:16:12.969 --> 00:16:33.948 Or the unthinkable out-of-pocket costs for doctors, hospital stays, treatments, drugs, being out of work for healing and treatment, and the physical toll from surgery or multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and the new drugs our bodies are now adjusting to. 123 00:16:35.746 --> 00:16:43.854 Trying to go to work each day and power through the bad days to make sure you can bring home a paycheck are beyond difficult. 124 00:16:45.269 --> 00:16:51.094 Pink Lemonade Project is here to provide crucial supportive care during and after the medical care. 125 00:16:52.062 --> 00:17:02.698 Financial aid programs, support groups, peer mentors, retreats— this is a community, a place where you are understood, valued, and included. 126 00:17:04.284 --> 00:17:18.605 There will never be a time in anyone's life who has been diagnosed with breast cancer when the most agonizing time of their life is from the time they get a mammogram to finally getting the results of the mammogram, even if she's lucky enough for it to be only a matter of hours. 127 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.612 This fear will never leave us. 128 00:17:22.088 --> 00:17:28.174 Pink Lemonade Project served 4,842 individuals last year, and we are on track for that again. 129 00:17:29.394 --> 00:17:35.070 The need is greater than ever for breast cancer support in all forms and it's only growing. 130 00:17:36.624 --> 00:17:40.974 I would like to share just a few things about the people that we have helped have said. 131 00:17:41.881 --> 00:17:53.788 Heather said, "I was able to exhale because my paycheck was going to be short from taking time off for surgery." Michelle said, "I could not have imagined being a nurse for the past 30 years would leave me penniless. 132 00:17:54.530 --> 00:18:05.092 Metastatic breast cancer and the enormous toll of the treatments or impact on my health." savings and retirement, but I'm grateful to be alive and for organizations like you. 133 00:18:05.884 --> 00:18:13.144 Your support gives me hope, restores me, lifts me out of despair, a reminder there is still love. 134 00:18:14.818 --> 00:18:21.442 Together, all of us working together, we can make sure that no one goes through breast cancer alone. 135 00:18:24.936 --> 00:18:26.634 Thank you. 136 00:18:35.832 --> 00:18:53.175 Thank you so very much for sharing your very personal stories, for sharing your knowledge, your advocacy, and for my— for reminding us up here that we have a lot of work to do to make sure that our communities have access to the healthcare they deserve so that nobody has to be alone when facing a horrible diagnosis. 137 00:18:53.545 --> 00:18:57.760 You have support, you have resources, and that's thanks to the folks that are here in our pre-gavel. 138 00:18:57.808 --> 00:18:58.722 So thank you so much. 139 00:18:58.898 --> 00:18:59.428 One more time. 140 00:18:59.861 --> 00:19:00.758 Thank you. 141 00:19:03.342 --> 00:19:04.430 Thank you, Council President. 142 00:19:06.730 --> 00:19:08.211 Thank you all so much for being here today. 143 00:19:08.309 --> 00:19:11.178 Thank you, Councilor Avalos, for bringing this to us. 144 00:19:11.487 --> 00:19:12.709 Um, I really appreciate it. 145 00:19:14.478 --> 00:19:17.718 Keelan, I'm calling to order this meeting of the Portland City Council. 146 00:19:17.766 --> 00:19:18.621 Can we please call the roll? 147 00:19:19.136 --> 00:19:19.587 Good evening. 148 00:19:19.862 --> 00:19:20.346 Clark? 149 00:19:21.313 --> 00:19:21.586 Here. 150 00:19:22.490 --> 00:19:23.297 Green? 151 00:19:23.556 --> 00:19:23.635 Here. 152 00:19:23.814 --> 00:19:24.266 Zimmerman? 153 00:19:26.301 --> 00:19:26.608 Avalos? 154 00:19:27.270 --> 00:19:27.529 Present. 155 00:19:31.068 --> 00:19:31.477 Here. 156 00:19:32.277 --> 00:19:33.109 Here. 157 00:19:34.253 --> 00:19:34.432 Here. 158 00:19:34.891 --> 00:19:35.674 Here. 159 00:19:36.939 --> 00:19:37.942 Here. 160 00:19:40.155 --> 00:19:40.431 Here. 161 00:19:41.547 --> 00:19:41.660 Here. 162 00:19:43.163 --> 00:19:43.356 Here. 163 00:19:44.375 --> 00:19:47.243 And could the city attorney please read the rules of decorum for the chamber? 164 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:49.925 Thank you. 165 00:19:50.007 --> 00:19:50.527 I'm also here. 166 00:19:51.483 --> 00:19:53.089 Oh, hello, Councilor Zimmerman. 167 00:19:53.269 --> 00:19:53.642 Thank you. 168 00:19:54.566 --> 00:19:54.906 Thank you. 169 00:19:54.988 --> 00:19:56.546 Welcome to the Portland City Council. 170 00:19:57.102 --> 00:20:06.314 To testify before council in person or virtually, you must sign up in advance on the council agenda at www.portland.gov/council/agenda. 171 00:20:09.006 --> 00:20:12.686 Information on engaging with council can be found on the council clerk's webpage. 172 00:20:13.748 --> 00:20:18.075 Individuals may testify for 3 minutes unless the presiding officer states otherwise. 173 00:20:18.510 --> 00:20:20.936 Your microphone will be muted when your time is over. 174 00:20:21.906 --> 00:20:23.847 The presiding officer preserves order. 175 00:20:24.655 --> 00:20:34.721 Disruptive conduct such as shouting, refusing to conclude your testimony when your time is up, or interrupting others' testimony or council deliberations will not be allowed. 176 00:20:36.210 --> 00:20:38.970 If you cause a disruption, a warning will be given. 177 00:20:39.635 --> 00:20:42.624 Further disruption will result in ejection from the meeting. 178 00:20:43.630 --> 00:20:47.778 Anyone who fails to leave once ejected is subject to arrest for trespass. 179 00:20:49.390 --> 00:20:53.221 Additionally, council may take a short recess and reconvene virtually. 180 00:20:53.645 --> 00:20:54.281 Thank you, Mayor. 181 00:20:54.965 --> 00:20:58.202 Your testimony should please address the matter being considered. 182 00:20:59.211 --> 00:21:01.808 When testifying, please state your name for the record. 183 00:21:02.272 --> 00:21:03.923 Your address is not necessary. 184 00:21:04.757 --> 00:21:08.522 If you are a lobbyist, please identify the organization you represent. 185 00:21:09.805 --> 00:21:14.516 Virtual testifiers should please unmute themselves when the council clerk calls your name. 186 00:21:15.012 --> 00:21:15.333 Thank you. 187 00:21:15.877 --> 00:21:17.512 Thank you very much, colleagues. 188 00:21:17.560 --> 00:21:21.601 As always, the first item on our agenda is the approval of the daily agenda. 189 00:21:21.846 --> 00:21:24.796 May I have unanimous consent to approve today's agenda? 190 00:21:27.130 --> 00:21:29.251 Seeing no objection, the agenda is approved. 191 00:21:30.730 --> 00:21:32.193 Keelan, can we please call public communications? 192 00:21:32.876 --> 00:21:34.553 First up, we have Jane Monson. 193 00:21:36.483 --> 00:21:36.807 Welcome. 194 00:21:37.520 --> 00:21:37.617 Hi. 195 00:21:37.942 --> 00:21:39.336 Please introduce yourself for the record. 196 00:21:39.401 --> 00:21:41.313 You're welcome to share your pronouns, and you got 3 minutes. 197 00:21:41.977 --> 00:21:45.655 Hi, I'm Jane Monson, the president of the Eastmoreland Neighborhood Association. 198 00:21:46.696 --> 00:21:58.347 At our last board meeting, 90% of the 19 board members who were present voted in favor of presenting our concerns to the City Council regarding a proposed cottage cluster development in our neighborhood. 199 00:21:59.054 --> 00:22:05.696 I would like to stress that none of our board members expressed opposition to the city's goal of increasing the amount of affordable housing in Portland. 200 00:22:06.131 --> 00:22:12.886 Our concerns are centered around the city's lack of consideration of the impacts of these developments on the adjacent city right-of-way. 201 00:22:12.951 --> 00:22:13.078 Thank you. 202 00:22:13.608 --> 00:22:21.124 Our board has the same concerns that University Park resident Kate Calvert and Councilor Dan Ryan raised at your October 14th council meeting. 203 00:22:21.477 --> 00:22:26.053 Specifically, we are concerned that the following issues have not been adequately resolved. 204 00:22:26.342 --> 00:22:27.787 One, waste management. 205 00:22:28.429 --> 00:22:38.480 Only one house was demolished for this development, but the proposed 10-unit development can be expected to produce up to 30 carts and bins every week, and more on garbage pickup weeks. 206 00:22:39.027 --> 00:22:42.222 Where will these carts be placed when the street is lined with parked cars? 207 00:22:42.881 --> 00:22:45.034 2, Accessibility of emergency equipment. 208 00:22:45.451 --> 00:22:51.153 Has the Fire Bureau confirmed that they can get their equipment through Rural Street when cars are parked on both sides of this street? 209 00:22:51.634 --> 00:22:53.223 3, Pedestrian safety. 210 00:22:53.818 --> 00:22:57.865 Will the city enforce visibility for pedestrians near this development? 211 00:22:58.460 --> 00:23:04.467 The proposed 10-unit development will produce an additional 15 to 20 cars to a street that's already lined with parked cars. 212 00:23:05.076 --> 00:23:11.295 This will result in cars being parked right up to the corner of the intersection that is only 80 feet away from this development. 213 00:23:11.873 --> 00:23:19.008 Can the city afford another $1.5 million settlement due to an accident caused by limited visibility at this intersection? 214 00:23:19.762 --> 00:23:21.659 4, Availability of transit. 215 00:23:22.173 --> 00:23:27.041 The residents of Rural Street development will drive cars because they have limited transit options. 216 00:23:27.378 --> 00:23:29.821 This location does not have a good transit score. 217 00:23:30.449 --> 00:23:35.423 In fact, the nearest bus service was reduced by TriMet In August of 2026. 218 00:23:36.145 --> 00:23:38.388 5, Impact on sewer and streets. 219 00:23:38.469 --> 00:23:43.853 Can the aging sewer line in our neighborhood handle a development of 10 units where only 1 existed before? 220 00:23:44.637 --> 00:23:56.511 Does the city have a specific standard by which the front of the road in front of this development will be repaired other than a low-quality patch job that will start deteriorating as soon as the project is finished? 221 00:23:57.280 --> 00:24:16.451 All we are asking of the city is that any review and is that the review of any cottage cluster development, not just the one proposed in Eastmoreland, include a waste management plan, review by the Fire Bureau and Public Works, an adequate plan for public safety, and an assessment of available transit. 222 00:24:16.612 --> 00:24:21.229 And if these requirements cannot be met, there should be a reduction of the number of units. 223 00:24:21.885 --> 00:24:30.094 And my testimony and supporting letters from many of the neighbors will be submitted to the County Clerk's Office for distribution to the council. 224 00:24:30.157 --> 00:24:31.873 I appreciate your time and attention. 225 00:24:31.921 --> 00:24:32.065 Thank you. 226 00:24:33.477 --> 00:24:35.488 Thank you very much for being here tonight. 227 00:24:37.789 --> 00:24:40.248 Next up, we have Branigan Lieuallen. 228 00:24:45.769 --> 00:24:46.869 Welcome. 229 00:24:46.934 --> 00:24:49.459 Introduce yourself for the record. 230 00:24:49.508 --> 00:24:51.336 You're welcome to share your pronouns, and you got 3 minutes. 231 00:24:51.772 --> 00:24:52.825 Hi, my name is Branigan. 232 00:24:53.346 --> 00:24:57.718 I'm 21 years old, she/her, and I've lived in the heart of the city since I was 15. 233 00:24:58.707 --> 00:25:01.013 I hope to dedicate my career to homeless outreach. 234 00:25:01.446 --> 00:25:08.626 Through independent research and conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness, I've come to realize just how complicated this crisis is. 235 00:25:09.476 --> 00:25:12.184 I believe compassion and accountability must work together. 236 00:25:13.145 --> 00:25:21.031 One concern I repeatedly hear from individuals who are sober, struggling, and actively trying to rebuild their lives is there simply isn't enough room for them. 237 00:25:21.961 --> 00:25:27.362 Why are people seeking stability still struggling to access shelter, recovery resources, and housing? 238 00:25:27.473 --> 00:25:27.939 Councilor Loretta Smith. 239 00:25:28.771 --> 00:25:32.634 And how are we measuring whether our investments are creating lasting change? 240 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:41.961 In February, Portland disclosed approximately $106 million previously unbudgeted housing funds. 241 00:25:42.955 --> 00:25:52.236 While some funds had spending restrictions and the council has since approved allocations, this discovery raises serious questions about financial oversight. 242 00:25:52.652 --> 00:25:57.797 How could resources of this magnitude remain outside the budget while people desperately need assistance? 243 00:25:57.845 --> 00:26:02.237 Councilmember Loretta Smith, And what safeguards will prevent this from happening again? 244 00:26:03.535 --> 00:26:10.619 Are we measuring success by how much money we spend or how we meaningfully affect people's lives? 245 00:26:11.645 --> 00:26:17.288 Multnomah County budgeted approximately $5.4 million for its harm reduction program this fiscal year. 246 00:26:17.978 --> 00:26:25.318 I recognize the importance of preventing overdose deaths and infectious diseases, but I want to understand how we're measuring the program's effectiveness. 247 00:26:25.383 --> 00:26:25.494 Thank you. 248 00:26:25.993 --> 00:26:31.277 And how people are successfully connected to treatment and whether we're investing successfully in long-term recovery. 249 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:39.964 Preventing overdose deaths matter, but so does providing accessible treatment, recovery-oriented housing, and pathways towards independence. 250 00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:48.766 Another concern is individuals experiencing such severe impairment that they're unable to recognize the danger that they're in. 251 00:26:49.423 --> 00:26:58.109 Consider this: if you suffered a stroke, became disoriented, or couldn't recognize that you needed medical attention, wouldn't you hope someone would intervene? 252 00:27:00.012 --> 00:27:03.557 Why should this principle of care disappear when a person is living on our streets? 253 00:27:04.695 --> 00:27:19.102 I believe that when someone demonstrates the lack of informed decisions or the capability, um, about their immediate safety, medically justified involuntary intervention may sometimes be necessary with professional oversight and legal safety guards. 254 00:27:19.862 --> 00:27:24.625 Sometimes protecting someone's dignity means intervening when they cannot protect themselves. 255 00:27:26.104 --> 00:27:33.784 Accountability from individuals, publicly funded organizations, and the government responsible for overseeing these investments is my main concern. 256 00:27:34.538 --> 00:27:41.028 We cannot confuse compassion with enabling destructive behavior, nor accountability with abandoning people who need help. 257 00:27:41.672 --> 00:27:44.901 I'm not just trying to complain or just have the opportunity to be heard. 258 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:49.511 I'm asking for the opportunity to contribute because they deserve results, and so does our city. 259 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:49.817 Thank you. 260 00:27:50.368 --> 00:27:52.807 Thank you so much for being here tonight. 261 00:27:56.170 --> 00:27:57.665 Next up we have Lacey Sutton. 262 00:28:02.450 --> 00:28:03.095 Good evening, Lacey. 263 00:28:04.013 --> 00:28:07.142 Come on down, introduce yourself for the record. 264 00:28:07.222 --> 00:28:08.755 You're welcome to share your pronouns, and you got 3 minutes. 265 00:28:09.781 --> 00:28:10.443 Lacey Sutton. 266 00:28:11.721 --> 00:28:15.729 I'm here to read you a letter that was written by my neighbor. 267 00:28:17.445 --> 00:28:26.967 Dear city officials, I'm writing to express my serious concern regarding a large tree located in my backyard, extremely close to my home and my children's bedrooms. 268 00:28:27.785 --> 00:28:32.730 I'm a parent of 3 children, and our family lives on the 3rd floor, very close to this enormous tree. 269 00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:39.890 During the 3 years we have lived in this home, branches have repeatedly fallen from the tree, raising serious concerns about its safety. 270 00:28:40.548 --> 00:28:45.605 Our family has lived with constant fear during the winter months, especially when strong winds and storms occur. 271 00:28:46.343 --> 00:28:56.077 On many nights, my husband has woken up in the middle of the night because of the wind, awakened our 3 children, and moved them downstairs to sleep on the first floor, hoping they would be safer there. 272 00:28:57.232 --> 00:29:00.457 No family should have to live with this level of fear in their own home. 273 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:07.721 What makes the situation even more alarming is that a professional arborist inspected the tree and confirmed that it is dangerous. 274 00:29:08.571 --> 00:29:14.747 The arborist warned us that if the tree were to fall, it could cause catastrophic damage, potentially splitting our house in half. 275 00:29:16.576 --> 00:29:23.816 We were also informed that moving our children to the first floor would not necessarily protect them if the tree collapsed onto our home. 276 00:29:24.923 --> 00:29:27.298 As a parent, hearing this was terrifying. 277 00:29:27.972 --> 00:29:35.260 Knowing that even the precautions we've been taking may not protect our children has made the situation extremely stressful for our entire family. 278 00:29:36.143 --> 00:29:39.642 We're not asking for the removal of this tree simply because it is inconvenient. 279 00:29:40.155 --> 00:29:47.523 We are asking because a professional has identified a serious safety hazard that threatens our home and most importantly, the lives of our children. 280 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:57.238 I respectfully urge the city to take immediate action to address this dangerous situation and authorize and facilitate the removal of the tree before tragedy occurs. 281 00:29:57.977 --> 00:30:01.461 The safety of children and families should always be a priority. 282 00:30:02.648 --> 00:30:08.637 We sincerely hope the city will recognize the urgency of the situation and take the necessary steps to protect our family and our neighbors. 283 00:30:09.313 --> 00:30:11.047 Thank you for your time and consideration. 284 00:30:11.159 --> 00:30:11.288 Thank you. 285 00:30:11.951 --> 00:30:17.758 And I think we should just sit with her dread for a minute. 286 00:30:34.369 --> 00:30:35.286 Thank you. 287 00:30:37.574 --> 00:30:38.027 Councilor Smith. 288 00:30:55.295 --> 00:31:16.798 That sound, the sound of nothing, is all we've heard from Habitat for Humanity since I sent them an email Monday morning thank you very much. 289 00:31:18.830 --> 00:31:20.895 Next up, we have River Scholl joining online. 290 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:24.945 Welcome, River. 291 00:31:26.093 --> 00:31:26.371 Go ahead. 292 00:31:26.567 --> 00:31:28.730 Hi. 293 00:31:30.307 --> 00:31:33.634 City Councilors, it's great to see you all again. 294 00:31:35.329 --> 00:31:38.518 I appreciate those of you who have listened and heard. 295 00:31:40.049 --> 00:31:44.910 For over a year, you've heard Lacey talk about what is happening at Cherry Blossom. 296 00:31:46.483 --> 00:31:51.088 And now the situation has gone just beyond the fire issue. 297 00:31:51.377 --> 00:31:55.628 It's gone beyond a home with recurrent mold that isn't being treated. 298 00:31:56.118 --> 00:32:13.286 It has now become a situation where a 125-foot tree that is 47 inches wide and weighs over 50,000 pounds could fall at any moment under 20 miles per hour wind. 299 00:32:13.626 --> 00:32:17.016 That tree is moving the ground. 300 00:32:18.325 --> 00:32:22.563 Douglas firs are not meant to raise the ground in 20-mile-per-hour winds. 301 00:32:22.626 --> 00:32:23.888 Councilmember Smith, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. 302 00:32:25.622 --> 00:32:29.067 We are now heading, as it is said, winter is coming. 303 00:32:31.064 --> 00:32:47.919 And if that tree is not taken down and the coin flip lands badly, I 100% say that Habitat and the City of Portland will have blood on their hands, the blood of children. 304 00:32:49.595 --> 00:32:53.778 Many of you have spoken here about your defense an advocate for immigrants. 305 00:32:54.134 --> 00:32:57.076 The family that is most affected by this is an immigrant family. 306 00:32:59.913 --> 00:33:04.345 So I need to know that this is not just a campaign promise. 307 00:33:06.223 --> 00:33:11.968 I need to know that when you talk about affordable housing, that you talk about safe affordable housing. 308 00:33:14.689 --> 00:33:16.125 I am not here to be a NIMBY. 309 00:33:17.288 --> 00:33:18.628 I'm here because lives are on the line. 310 00:33:19.759 --> 00:33:33.566 And because the silence has been deafening, the fact that I go to the city auditor and her first response is to deflect this is shameful. 311 00:33:36.984 --> 00:33:39.025 We expect better from you. 312 00:33:39.170 --> 00:33:44.659 If nothing else, this is an election cycle, and I'm going to be a thorn if I don't see something. 313 00:33:45.394 --> 00:34:02.345 I don't mean to be harsh, and I'm sorry, but when there are children facing the end of their lives because of inaction by so, so many who could do something, anything, I will not be silent just because it makes everybody else in the room comfortable. 314 00:34:05.262 --> 00:34:08.057 I have so much respect for some of you, but this is astounding. 315 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:09.603 Thank you. 316 00:34:12.731 --> 00:34:14.231 I honestly don't have more to say. 317 00:34:16.438 --> 00:34:17.295 I need you all to act. 318 00:34:17.601 --> 00:34:19.264 I need you all to make sure this happens. 319 00:34:19.539 --> 00:34:25.434 I need you all to get that tree removed, and I need you to do it before it kills people. 320 00:34:27.838 --> 00:34:28.097 Thank you. 321 00:34:29.306 --> 00:34:29.838 Thank you very much. 322 00:34:29.936 --> 00:34:35.213 And Keelan, before we move on to our next testifier, I'd like to ask, uh, DCA Donnie Oliveira to come up and directly respond. 323 00:34:35.262 --> 00:34:40.873 This is, uh, you know, often we hear about some very specific things that are happening in the community through our communications slot. 324 00:34:41.739 --> 00:34:45.282 This is something that also has been on my radar through— thanks to Lacey and River. 325 00:34:45.425 --> 00:34:48.552 And so DCA Oliveira offered to come and respond directly. 326 00:34:49.193 --> 00:34:50.090 Thank you, Council President. 327 00:34:51.052 --> 00:34:51.742 Good evening, councilors. 328 00:34:51.853 --> 00:34:52.976 Donnie Oliveira for the record. 329 00:34:53.536 --> 00:34:58.121 Councilors, given the interest in this topic, I just want to provide a brief update, just some context. 330 00:34:58.746 --> 00:35:04.085 First, a tree on the property was identified for concern in August, on August 27th. 331 00:35:04.742 --> 00:35:09.503 PP&D's tree division did send an inspector out in September to evaluate the tree. 332 00:35:09.664 --> 00:35:11.635 So that— we have sent an inspector out there. 333 00:35:12.115 --> 00:35:16.460 Uh, the case was deemed to be unfounded and the case was closed on September 22nd. 334 00:35:17.166 --> 00:35:30.791 Uh, the city has received a report from an arborist with a little less detail than we would have liked, but nonetheless, yesterday Tree Division reopened the case and we'll be sending an inspector out again to take another look at the tree. 335 00:35:30.902 --> 00:35:32.746 So we're going to be responsive to the request. 336 00:35:32.907 --> 00:35:38.356 I just want to flag that we have in the past sent an inspector out in person, not through video, to see the tree. 337 00:35:38.405 --> 00:35:38.516 Thank you. 338 00:35:38.840 --> 00:35:39.764 So more to come on this. 339 00:35:40.282 --> 00:35:40.525 Thank you. 340 00:35:40.929 --> 00:35:41.222 Thank you. 341 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:44.900 And we've got a couple folks in the queue, councilors who maybe have some follow-up questions really quickly. 342 00:35:46.025 --> 00:35:47.539 Um, Councilor Zimmerman and then Councilor Kanal. 343 00:35:49.166 --> 00:35:51.210 Uh, thank you, Council President. 344 00:35:51.420 --> 00:36:03.947 With respect to telling an arborist from the private industry that their report doesn't meet the, um, you know, whatever the qualifications are that our own tree inspectors— how do we normally mitigate that? 345 00:36:04.014 --> 00:36:20.902 That this has been an ongoing thing now that I, I thought we were trying to address, um, with respect to when a property owner hires a tree service and that tree service deems a danger. 346 00:36:21.838 --> 00:36:34.028 Um, I have yet to get a really coherent answer why our city employees, uh, seem to push back on that in what's becoming too often a case that has to come to city council. 347 00:36:34.077 --> 00:36:34.269 I just—. 348 00:36:34.269 --> 00:36:35.664 I'm trying to understand where we're going here. 349 00:36:35.717 --> 00:36:35.844 Thank you. 350 00:36:36.726 --> 00:36:47.570 Um, given that the tree services are doing this all the time and the property rights when it comes to danger, this is really bumping up against who has the call here. 351 00:36:47.650 --> 00:36:51.179 And I'm afraid that we're buying the call in a very liable way. 352 00:36:52.077 --> 00:36:55.509 And I'm just curious where your direction is going to go on this, Mr. DCA. 353 00:36:56.070 --> 00:36:56.791 Thank you, Councilor. 354 00:36:56.871 --> 00:37:11.717 In this particular case, Councilor, and I don't disagree with your general premise that we want to trust our experts, the fact that we sent an arborist our own arborist out to the site in person versus a recommendation that came via a video that was sent to the arborist. 355 00:37:11.764 --> 00:37:14.842 So the arborist who sent the letter did not go out on site. 356 00:37:15.226 --> 00:37:16.172 He received a video. 357 00:37:16.827 --> 00:37:21.507 So because of that, to just be triple check, we're going to send another person out. 358 00:37:22.291 --> 00:37:24.471 So we have another on-site inspection. 359 00:37:24.759 --> 00:37:25.063 We would—. 360 00:37:25.063 --> 00:37:35.498 We're just going to trust that an on-site inspection for a tree, especially given the testimony you heard earlier, is more likely to be, um, more valuable than a video review. 361 00:37:37.034 --> 00:37:39.878 I think that that's helpful context, so thank you for that. 362 00:37:41.659 --> 00:37:42.405 Thank you, Councilor Zimmerman. 363 00:37:42.487 --> 00:37:43.023 Councilor Kanal. 364 00:37:43.688 --> 00:37:45.375 Yeah, I appreciate Councilor Zimmerman's questions. 365 00:37:46.952 --> 00:37:55.065 The, uh, the folks who have been sent and are being sent, are they the team that was moved out of Urban Forestry to PP&D last budget cycle? 366 00:37:55.483 --> 00:37:55.579 The—. 367 00:37:55.806 --> 00:38:00.300 That team, I, I don't know if the individual— we've had some new hires, but in that that team, yes. 368 00:38:01.226 --> 00:38:02.056 Okay, thank you. 369 00:38:07.840 --> 00:38:08.496 Okay, thank you. 370 00:38:11.159 --> 00:38:19.922 We call our last— Folks, this is a disturbance. 371 00:38:21.492 --> 00:38:22.710 I need order in the chamber, please. 372 00:38:23.900 --> 00:38:24.574 Thank you. 373 00:38:24.889 --> 00:38:26.934 Thank you. 374 00:38:27.094 --> 00:38:28.543 Contracts. 375 00:38:28.623 --> 00:38:29.284 When do we want it? 376 00:38:29.655 --> 00:38:29.751 Now. 377 00:38:30.797 --> 00:38:31.505 We don't get it. 378 00:38:31.682 --> 00:38:32.697 Shut it down. 379 00:38:33.809 --> 00:38:34.297 What do we want? 380 00:38:34.492 --> 00:38:35.436 Contracts. 381 00:38:35.614 --> 00:38:36.672 When do we want it? 382 00:38:36.769 --> 00:38:37.030 Now. 383 00:38:37.159 --> 00:38:38.250 We don't get it. 384 00:38:38.315 --> 00:38:40.070 Shut it down. 385 00:38:40.280 --> 00:38:40.909 Contracts. 386 00:38:40.989 --> 00:38:42.005 When do we want it? 387 00:38:42.344 --> 00:38:43.036 Now. 388 00:38:43.956 --> 00:38:45.713 Shut it down. 389 00:38:45.972 --> 00:38:48.228 Contracts. 390 00:38:52.702 --> 00:38:52.815 Now! 391 00:38:53.253 --> 00:38:54.159 Show me now! 392 00:38:54.563 --> 00:38:57.929 All right, Keelan, can we call the last folks for public communications? 393 00:39:00.800 --> 00:39:02.965 Next up we have John McDonald. 394 00:39:04.418 --> 00:39:06.097 Contact! 395 00:39:07.309 --> 00:39:07.373 Now! 396 00:39:10.565 --> 00:39:11.844 John McDonald. 397 00:39:13.074 --> 00:39:14.710 Contact! 398 00:39:16.414 --> 00:39:16.577 Now! 399 00:39:17.211 --> 00:39:20.527 Um, our alternate tonight is Tino Juarez. 400 00:39:22.210 --> 00:39:28.061 I think Tino might be joining us from the overflow room. 401 00:39:32.030 --> 00:39:34.713