07/24/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bennett suggested that a new committee be formed to process the study. Councilors Boles, Ehrman, and Rutan agreed to serve on this new committee. Commenting on the work plan for the study, Mr. Holmer said he would like the public to have an opportunity to comment on staff's final recommendation. He asked that this be added to the work plan. II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT Gretchen Schutz, outgoing chair of the Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) gave the report. She said the CIC was formed by the City Council in February 1979 and charged with "maintaining a citizen involvement program for the City of Eugene that ensures the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the land use planning process." That charge was expanded in February 1987 to include review of Citywide public information and participation processes. The committee serves as the City's "citizen advisory committee" on citizen involvement in land use planning, as mandated by Oregon's Statewide Planning Goal #1. Ms. Schutz reviewed the responsibilities of the CIC, which are: 1) review and analyze existing processes used to encourage citizen involvement during the formulation and adoption of major policies; 2) review and analyze the process for approval of specific actions under adopted plans and implementing legislation; 3) review existing planning documents (especially informational materials, applications, etc.) for clarity and adequacy; 4) initiate review • of the Citizen Involvement Program every other year; and 5) present annual or more frequent reports to the City Council and Planning Commission. Ms. Schutz said that the CIC has several added responsibilities since the committee's charge was expanded. These include: 1) review of the Citywide public information work plan; 2) assist in developing and reviewing Citywide policies and plans which are identified in the public information and participation work program; 3) continue review and approval of citizen involvement component of all major City plans; and 4) evaluate and make recommendations to individual departments on their citizen participation processes. Ms. Schutz referred councilors to the committee's annual report for a list of the specific activities undertaken by the CIC since its July 1988 report to the council. Ms. Schutz said the CIC has spent a considerable amount of time working on the issue of citizen involvement and development partnerships. She said that local governments are turning increasingly to the private sector for help in building facilities or improving the local economy through joint development efforts. Past site development partnerships in which the City has been involved, such as the Riverfront Research Park and the proposed Willamette Street opening, have caused much controversy. It was apparent that citizens, staff, and policy makers were becoming frustrated with the public process. Members of the CIC began to question whether citizen involvement in these projects was generating more "heat" than "light." As a result, the CIC decided to explore the role of citizen involvement in site development MINUTES --City Council-- July 24, 1989 Page 3 Dinner/Work Session