12/19/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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----- e Ms. Schue requested information about how library patrons travel to the present site. Ms. Hildebrand reported that a March 1986 survey indicated that 90 percent arrived in cars, and 60 percent of those patrons were alone in their cars. Ms. Wooten asked why the proposed utility tax would not apply to fuel oil or fire wood. Mr. Mounts explained that taxing fuel oil consumption would provide a small amount of revenue at a high administration cost. Mr. Wong responded to Ms. Wooten's further questions by saying that utilities would be reimbursed a reasonable amount for their initial costs of setting up billing systems, but ongoing administration costs would not be reimbursed. He added that the projected telephone revenue for the first year would be one-seventh that projected for EWEB. Referring to access issues, Ms. Bascom reported a conversation with Transportation Division staff earlier in the day. She said daily automobile traffic on 8th Avenue was approximately 7,000 cars, or roughly half that on 13th Avenue. Ms. Schue asked for information about the parking situation during special events, specifically the Saturday Market. Mr. Gleason commented that as the downtown core area is developed, parking will become more of an issue. Between 240 and 320 parking spaces are planned for the new structure and Mr. Gleason felt that would be sufficient to handle evening and Saturday parking for the library. He anticipated that permit parking in the Parcade would be e moved elsewhere. Mr. Holmer asked how long it would be before an additional parking facility would be considered. Mr. Gleason replied that additional retail interest and development would occur as a result of the Pankow project and additional parking would be considered in the near future. Council members considered the format for the evening's public hearing and agreed that the public should have an opportunity to comment without the issues being debated or the council's intentions being announced. Mr. Holmer pointed out that if a utility tax were adopted and permanently dedicated to library operations, it would require a charter amendment. Mr. Sercombe noted that 35 days notice would be required to place the matter on the March ba 11 ot . Mayor Obie reported that some people would prefer a vote on a charter amendment instead of on an ordinance. Ms. Wooten observed that the council could take action on the capital portion of the project without making a decision on the utility tax. Mr. Bennett asked if there were alternatives to using tax increment funds for interior library improvements. Mr. Gleason indicated there had been attempts to do that in the CIP and within the scope of the tax itself, but the impact on the CIP would be monumental and there appeared to be few other revenue sources. e MINUTES--City Council December 19, 1988 Page 3 Work Session