08/12/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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'"- ~ .< . well as the community school issue. There is a possibility this project would not break even until the fourth year. All of the problems have solutions, but the solutions depend upon the cost. The question is whether the council wants to take the risk or not. Ms. Wooten stated she feels it would be wise to proceed and try to reach agreement for Plan A. She asked what would happen if the demographic information would indicate a need for using this facility as a school in less than five years. She asked if L-COG has this kind of data. Mr. Gleason stated that staff has good data now. If this would happen before the fifth year, then the council would have to decide what to do. Pl anning staff does not think this will happen prior to the fifth year. Ms. Wooten stated that she felt the.potential for this building was great. Ms~ Miller indicated that she would like to have staff directed to pursue this issue. From the projections, Plan A seems more likely to break even. She would like to keep the building open. The closure of the building would have a negative impact on the facility and the neighborhood. That neighborhood has gone through some major improvements in the last six to ten years. The City must continue taking an interest in this area. If 4-J can share in the maintenance costs, the City can carry part of the financial load. Mr. Lindberg asked if there is any indication that non-profit groups are willing to move into this building. Mr. Gleason stated that through LINK, staff has a list of potential lessors but they must be compatible, economically able to lease, and reasonably long-term. The management must be left to the building management staff. He feels the number of the leases will not be the problem but . rather that cost and compatibility will be. Mr. Lindberg stated that he is enthusiastic about the concept but concerned because the CETA Program is an effort to help the community. He would like to see CETA's charges less than 60 cents per square foot. Mr. Gleason stated that staff has been trying to emphasize that CETA is a private sector assistance program. It has an image to maintain. Staff would prefer Plan B with a fall-back to Plan A if necessary. Council seems to prefer Plan A with a fall-back to Plan B. He requested direc- tion from the council. Mr. Obie noted agreement with the concept of using Plan B with Plan A as a safety net, but he is concerned that there are unresolved questions. He would be willing to give conceptual approval but would like more information on projected costs. Mr. Gleason stated that the council could conceptually agree today and staff could bring back more financial data later. They can bring the final lease agreement ~o council for ratification rather than now authorizing the City Manager to sign the agreement. The lease agreements are still unclear at this time. Mr. Obie asked what the parameters are for the non-profit groups. Gary Long, Staff Services, stated that they have been working with LINK and United Way. Both are enthusiastic about locating near each other. They think they could maintain or improve their services if they could locate together. Some other non-profit groups have also come forward. Mr. Obie asked about possibilities for the arts community locating in that facility. Mr. Long stated that staff has not heard from them. Mr. Obie asked how staff will determine who can locate in the building. Mr. Gleason reiterated that staff would be trying to lease space to users that are compatible with the neighborhood orientation and yet provide a rental income. Junior Achievement would be a compatible user . .as an example, as would some others. Goals and guidelines should be written MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 12, 1981 I Page 5