12/19/1988 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Ruth Miller, 2460 Malabar Drive, felt there was community consensus for a larger public library and she considered the Pankow proposal an opportunity to have that library at a reduced cost. Because of expressed opposition to the utility tax she encouraged the council to explore other financing possibilities while it moves ahead with construction. She suggested polling the public to determine its wishes regarding a serial levy. LeRoy Erdmann, 1755 Fairmount Boulevard, favored the present library location because of its accessibility and he maintained that it could be expanded. Mr. Erdmann considered the Pankow proposal a way of using the City to further the interests of a private developer. Herman P. Hendershott, 2288 Potter Street, spoke against the Pankow financing proposal, saying the City would be subsidizing an office building. He expressed concern with the projected increase in library operating costs and recommended against building now and financing later. Martha Rice, 2610 Highland Oaks Drive, spoke as the president of the Library Board. Ms. Rice commended City staff for recognizing the need for a new library. While all possible locations would have their own drawbacks, the Library board supports the proposed siting at 8th Avenue and Olive Street, a minimum size of 100,000 square feet, and the provision of at least the existing service levels. Ms. Rice pledged that the board would continue to work with citizens and the City Council to develop a functional design and a branch library system. e Sybil Natawa, 1053 W. 4th Avenue, #17, deplored the deficiencies of the current library and encouraged the council to serve the public interest by providing a library that can be used by all. William E. Eaton, 2311 Willamette, was suspicious of dealing with a commercial developer and said enhancement of business downtown was not an appropriate criterion for siting a library. He said more specific data is needed on financing, parking, and alternative buildings that could be used (for example, the Sears and The Bon buildings). W. J. Mason, 1803 W. 34th Place, said the citizens were being asked to support a tax for a building that might not be completed. He said traffic and parking at the 8th Avenue and Olive site would be a nightmare and more information is needed before a hasty decision is made. Eugene A. Lynch, 48 Adams Street, spoke against the proposed development and utility tax and questioned the council's authority to act on the matter without a vote of the people. Sarah Hendrickson, 1036 Adams Street, identified herself as an EWEB commissioner representing Wards 6 and 7. She expressed skepticism about the proposed public/private financing partnership. Ms. Hendrickson supported the library, but opposed the utility tax because there was no assurance that it would always be dedicated to the library. She spoke of the traditional e MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 19, 1988 Page 6