CCMinutes - 09/22/04 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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could upon EWEB to make the relocation happen. Responding to a question from Mr. Pap6, Mr. Corey said the City did not control all the elements driving the timing of the project, citing as examples the need for track crossing authorization from Union Pacific Railroad, the need for a greenway permit, etc. The City had no control over the outcome of the regulatory processes or potential appeals resulting from those processes, so he was reluctant to commit to a timeline. He assured the council that staff would do the best it could to expedite the process. Mr. Pap6 asked if the City could begin to work with the railroad now. Mr. Corey said staff had already begun to work with the railroad on the design concept. The City would need to make a formal application to Union Pacific Railroad to eliminate the at-grade crossing for a grade-separated crossing. Mr. Pap6 again reiterated his interest in making progress on the hospital relocation, and urged the staff to make the official application to Union Pacific Railroad, as he anticipated that would be the longest process. Mr. Pap6 also thanked Mr. Orr for his letter. Mr. Meisner also supported the motion. He agreed with Mr. Kelly that the proposal was a win-win for the community and for McKenzie-Willamette/Triad. Speaking to the timeline, Mr. Meisner shared Mr. Pap6's interest in seeing progress. He acknowledged the constraints that existed. Speaking to Mr. Pap6's comments about the length of the railroad's process, Mr. Meisner said that he had discussed the issue with the railroad's vice president at the depot dedication on September 20, and the railroad never said no to an opportunity to get rid of an at-grade crossing. He did not think Union Pacific would impede the process. Mr. Meisner stated for the record that the motion under consideration directed staff to not pursue the extension of Agate Street at this time. Mr. Meisner determined from Mr. Corey that staff contemplated a downward grade of about 5-1/2 percent to get to a clearance of about 17 feet under the railroad tracks. He said the City would not necessarily use the existing Patterson alignment; the railroad crossing could be anywhere within a 300- to 400-foot location along the tracks and may not be exactly at Patterson Street. Ms. Taylor was happy to abandon the thought of extending Agate Street. She asked if the proposed alternative would affect the possible "daylighting" of the Millrace in the area. Mr. Corey said nothing currently under discussion for development in the greater courthouse area appeared to preclude the construction of that project at some point. Ms. Taylor asked about the impact of PeaceHealth's move to Springfield on the project and what would happen if PeaceHealth did not get approval to build in that community. Mr. Corey did not think that was an issue that was particularly germane to the Memorandum of Understanding. Ms. Taylor suggested that if PeaceHealth was unable to move, McKenzie-Willamette/Triad would not be able to build a new hospital. City Manager Taylor did not think that was the case. He believed a certificate of need process would be required for McKenzie-Willamette/Triad regardless of where PeaceHealth moved. Mayor Torrey asked staff to communicate the need for speed to EWEB. He thought the City Council could MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 22, 2004 Page 3 Work Session