CC Minutes - 09/13/99 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mark Peters, 2773 Kismet Way, called for a review of the City tree preservation ordinance. He cited a case on Prairie Road where a large stand of trees was cut down and a fence put up in their place. He called for a site visit from City Councilors. Kevin Hornbuckle, 375 Adams Street, asked why Mayor Torrey had not raised concerns with the Ward 3 boundaries being redrawn when it was happening. He also proposed a charter revision to allow each council member to chair the meetings. He said that Mayor Torrey spoke out of order at the Wednesday meeting and was abusing the authority of the chair. Cindy Noblitt, PO Box 12225, Eugene, spoke against Bus Rapid Transit along residential streets in the Glenwood area. She said that the streets were too narrow for heavy bus traffic and had too many pedestrians for busses to pass safely. She believed that Bus Rapid Transit would lower the quality of life in residential areas. She suggested a northerly route along the Willamette River. Mayor Torrey called for councilor response to the Public Forum. Ms. Nathanson suggested that Ms. Noblitt forward her concerns with Bus Rapid Transit in Glenwood to the Springfield City Council. Mr. Kelly verified the location of the fence that Mr. Peters had mentioned on Prairie Road and Highway 99. Mr. Rayor pointed out to Mr. Hornbuckle that there had been a rule change that allowed councilors to comment/respond after the public forum. Mr. Meisner remarked that the decision to route Bus Rapid Transit through a residential portion of Glenwood was due to an inability to acquire additional right-of-way on the State highway that went through the same area. He said that the Oregon Department of Transportation had not wanted to see any reduction in traffic lanes in that area and choices had been limited. He also noted that there had been extensive public involvement in Glenwood and it was the residents who had spoken in support of a Bus Rapid Transit line on 14th Street through that area because it would provide a buffer between residential and commercial areas. Mayor Torrey said that he would ask staff to look into the issue of the fence in question. Addressing Mr. Hornbuckle's question regarding Ward 3, Mayor Torrey said that he had not been on the council at that time and had not been aware of it. He said that he had apologized for speaking out of order at the Wednesday meeting and provided his reasoning. He offered his apologies again for any councilors that were offended. Mayor Torrey closed the public forum. m. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of City Council Minutes MINUTES-Eugene City Council September 13, 1999 Page 2 7:30 p.m.