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With respect to the accessibility issue, Ms. Phelps said that one accommodation utilized is a video tape of the upper floors which is shown as part of the public tours. House Manager Sherry Narin talked about the original vegetation in the area, and when the original owners began planting various trees. Mr. Amonson pointed out the sleeping porch addition from the 1920s and the gutter system, both of which were in need of repairs. He concluded the outside portion of the tour. Mr. Black referred to a chart showing the breakdown of anticipated capital costs for the rehabilitation of the historic house. He also discussed seismic retrofitting. He anticipated that the porch and the south facade could be completed with the available funds, barring an extra- ordinary problems that might be discovered during the work. A contingency fund would need to be set up to cover possible unforseen costs. He noted that an earlier facility condition report had only addressed the interior work that needed to be done. Mr. Black said he planned to have the structure bid package out this summer. Mr. Torrey suggested that if the council wanted to proceed with the maintenance work, it should consider the full package for the restoration. Mr. Torrey left the meeting, and Mr. Meisner assumed the chair. In response to questions from the councilors, Mr. Johnson explained that no action was needed by the council since the capital funds were designated for the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House. He said that the nonprofit managers had been looking at ways to raise funds for the operation and maintenance of the house. Ms. Phelps remarked that it was important to outside funding sources to see visible evidence of the work proceeding. Board co-chair Maureen Russell provided information on the board. The consensus was that the house could serve as a historic anchor of the downtown area, be a community asset, and provide a valuable educational opportunity. Mr. Meisner discussed the goals of the North End Scoping Group, and the possible coordination of opportunities for the whole area. He said the safety of 3rd Avenue for cars, bikes, and pedestrians would have to be addressed. Mr. Rayor suggested breaking the restoration ~lans into segments for bidding purposes as a way to get a clearer picture of the projected cost. Ms. Narins gave some background on the original owners of the house and the property. Mr. Kelly stated that the house provided a "sense of place" for Eugene, and suggested that the City work in conjunction with the nonprofit in outreach and fund raising efforts. He believed the exterior problems were a pressing concern. Mr. Meisner recommended a full restoration of the exterior, and suggested looking at the possibility of using a professional fund raiser. Mr. Johnson remarked that the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House was only one of 100 City buildings and funding was limited. He said it was difficult to balance existing facility requirements and still provide for an historic structure like this house. He said the council had several options MINUTES--Eugene City Council- Special Meeting May 5, 1999 Page 2 11:30 a.m.