Active Bethel Community Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Online and In person Petersen Barn General meeting

April 22nd, 2023 1:30 – 3:30pm (PST)

Members in attendance: Lin Woodrich, Sarah Warren, Zach Mulholland, Suzanne O’Shea, Jose Cuauxinque, Amie Anderson-Forbis, Jeremy AAsum, Robin Bloomgarden, Diane Behling, Tai Pruce-Zimmerman

Guest: Representative Julie Fahey, Lyndsey, Councilor Randy Groves, Sheriff Harrold, Lisa Arkin, Lisa Moore, David Farren, Todd Hudson, John Jordan-Cascade, Donna Silverberg, Jim Koch

1:30: Meeting called to order – Lin – went over agenda – In person Petersen Barn General meeting

1:32: Presentation by Sheriff Harrold. Spoke to meeting attendees about types of people in Lane County jail for area. Discussed impact of reduction of police vs. re-recruitment, importance of levy that have passed to help funding of these services. 78% of jail levy funds mental health services. Spoke about Wellness program and how that is used for those incarcerated.

1:53: Floor opened to questions.

2:04: JH Baxter – Lin spoke of current steps about clearing up pollution within West Eugene.

2:06: David Farren (toxicologist) – on core team for JH Baxter clean up group. Gave presentation about soil testing and role of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) in process.

2:14: Todd Hudson (toxicologist) – OHA – gave presentation about JH Baxter health consultation overview. Went over timeline by OHA of work/studies done for JH Baxter.

2:45: Floor opened for questions – LRAPA, OHA, DEQ fielded questions/concerns from public.

3:00: DEQ representatives- gave presentation about clean up efforts. Will be working on a plan to assist those affected with contamination. Read statement from EPA – EPA will take on clean up of JH Baxter site itself. Will be out testing beginning early May including waterway off Roosevelt. DEQ will be sending letter to company for JH Baxter to make sure 24/7 security is in place at site.

3:32: Meeting adjourned – Lin