05/14/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Shellenbarger said that the opportunity to increase Millrace water flow has not been considered a part of this proposal. Responding to a question from Ms. Bascom, Ms. Bishow said that Sacred Heart has been supportive 'of t~e concept of a historic district in order to resolve issues surrounding the preservation of historic properties currently under its ownership. Christine Taylor, Planning and Development Department, gave a brief slide presentation depicting some of the historic resources in the Millrace area and some of the most significant historic properties in that neighborhood. Regarding the possibility of having a public walkway along the Millrace, Ms. Ehrman asked about the potential problems and conflicts such a walkway would create in terms of property owner rights and safety concerns. Mr. Shellenbarger said that a great deal of negotiation between the City and the property owners would need to take place before the concept of a walkway could be made a reality. II. RIVER ROAD SEWER PROJECT Terry Smith, Deputy Public Works Director, updated the council on the status of the River Road/Santa Clara sewer project. Mr. Smith said that the City Engineer opens bids for the sewer project on May 11, 14, and 15. The apparent low bid for May 11 was 24 percent below the engineer's estimate. Of the seven total bids, two bids were below the esti- mate and five were higher. He noted that this disparity between projected sewer cost and actual bids will obViously have a significant positive impact on final sewer costs. Mr. Smith said that all bidding information will be tabulated once bidding has been completed. As it appears now, total sewer costs seem to be significantly lower than previously expected. Responding to a question from Mr. Boles, Mr. Smith said that once a contract has been signed, the bidder is legally bound to do the job at his estimated cost. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Smith said that that City divided sewer construction into three separate basins in an effort to create contract packages which would be of a size that would allow several local contractors the opportunity to bid on the projects. Mr. Smith noted that in response to suggestions made at the public hearing held at North Eugene High School, the County is conducting an independent audit of the City's sewer cost estimate; results will be made available soon. Payment for this audit is being negotiated with the County. Mr. Smith stated that at the council's last work session, the concept of deferring assessments for vacant properties and for large, partially devel- oped lots was presented as a way of addressing affordability concerns. At that time, there was some question about the propriety of providing financial relief for all large lot owners regardless of income. In response to this, the staff has developed a way in which assistance could be provided based on MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session May 14, 1990 Page 3