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She did not think the outcry over lack of a ramp to the courthouse translated into lack of <br />community support. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor stated she supported the courthouse project. She agreed with earlier remarks that the <br />Eugene Celebration was wonderful and well-attended. She asked if the meeting with Lane <br />County to discuss issues relating to replacement of the Transportation System Maintenance Fee <br />(TSMF) had been scheduled. Assistant City Manager Jim Carlson replied that there had been a <br />preliminary meeting to prepare for a joint meeting that was expected to be held in October. He <br />said the County commissioners were not planning to discuss the issue until October 1, 2003. <br />According to Mr. Carlson, a joint meeting of representatives from the 12 Lane County <br />jurisdictions was planned for the end of October. He said staff was preparing information to <br />assist County commissioners to understand the issues and financial impacts. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor expressed her willingness to be the City's representative at the late October meeting <br />of all jurisdictions. <br /> <br />Mr. Poling reported he had attended a Harlow Neighbors meeting and there was a lengthy <br />discussion of the Willakenzie site, with several questions regarding Parks and Open Space. He <br />thanked Sarah Medary, Parks Maintenance Manager, who was present and answered questions, <br />for her participation. <br /> <br />Mr. Poling also expressed support for the courthouse project and hoped the City would continue <br />to work with the GSA, the community, and the federal government to keep the courthouse in <br />Eugene. <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson thanked City staff and partners for a very successful collaboration that jointly <br />funded and managed wetlands and natural areas, in some cases in close proximity to developed <br />neighborhoods. She said it received very favorable comments from the Bureau of Land <br />Management officials who visited the City recently. <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson expressed shock over the GSA's questioning of the City's commitment to the <br />courthouse project. She said the City had demonstrated its commitment by purchasing the land, <br />assisting a business to relocate, clearing the site, and supporting ongoing planning activities to <br />develop the neighborhood around the courthouse, including transportation issues. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner agreed with Ms. Nathanson's remarks and noted the several community <br />organizations that had actively participated in the City's planning efforts. He said observed that <br />many of the transportation improvements in the courthouse area would be paid for by federal <br />funds. He stated the City had demonstrated its commitment and continued to demonstrate its <br />support for the new federal courthouse project. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner thanked the many volunteers at the Eugene Celebration, which had record <br />attendance. He expressed hope that the joint session planned with the County to discuss TSMF <br />would also explore the subject of combining Public Works Maintenance operations for efficiency. <br /> <br />Mr. Carlson reported that the courthouse site was ready to transfer to the GSA. He said the City <br />had requested more specificity from GSA officials on the nature of their concerns regarding the <br />City's commitment to the project. He explained the site package for Fire Station 1 had been <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 22, 2003 Page 2 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br /> <br />