05/22/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e - the commission and staff's work load would not permit a broader item. Ms. Nathanson noted that there are a number of ongoing studies in the university area; the "University Area Issues" item will allow the commission to review these other studies at once and decide if there is a need for a larger, more comprehensive, university area study. Ms. Bascom did not feel that it is a good time to add this item to the Planning Commission's agenda, which is already too full. Ms. Nathanson said the commission changed the priority rating on several items from medium to low, to help trim staff's load. The following items were changed to low priority: Zone Change and CUP Criteria, BPA Transmission Line Study, Entrance Beautification Plan Implementation, Functional Street Classification Map, and Sidewalk Policy. In addition, the commission added PL Code Revisions to the low-priority category. Ms. Nathanson said that at the commission's work planning session, staff suggested ways to reduce staff's and the commission's work loads. One of these is to request that Lane County hire a consultant to work on the Lane County Fairgrounds Study. Staff also suggested a change in the Capital Improvement Program process, such as adopting a biennial review process with amendments in off years as needed. Mr. Holmer said the work program would be more helpful if it indicated what the studies would entail, what products are expected from the studies, and how much the studies will cost. In addition, Mr. Holmer expressed concern about the time frames established for ~ome of the work plan items (e.g., Awbrey-Meadowview Plan Amendment, West Eugene Wetlands Study). He asked if there is a way to address some of the items more expediently. Ms. Nathanson said the commissioners share the concern that issues are not resolved more qUickly. She added, however, that many of the issues the commission considers are very complex, and it takes a long time to consider all the implications of a study. Pat Decker, Planning and Development Department, said there are a number of issues associated with wetlands: determining the function and value of wetlands resources; examining ownership patterns; examining mitigation options; determining whether the State will allow development of some wetlands and the extent to which replacement of those lands will be required. Ms. Decker stressed that the wetlands process is very complicated. She said the work program reflects the length of time it will take staff to work through these issues. Mike Gleason, City Manager, said that in dealing with wetlands, long-range planning is very important. He said short cuts can be taken now, but these may result in more work over time because inadequate work will have to be done again. Mr. Gleason said the research associated with this issue takes time and energy. He said the process can be shortened by hiring consultants, but this takes money. Mr. Gleason pointed out that currently, Eugene is the only jurisdiction putting forth money to support the wetlands work. MINUTES--City Council/Planning Commission-- Dinner/Work Session May 22, 1989 Page 2