CC Minutes - 11/28/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Natural Area ? Promote activity between natural areas through acquisition and development whenever feasible. ? Work with the appropriate government jurisdictions to explore feasibility of trail connections on lands outside Eugene’s urban growth boundary (UGB). Planning ? Continue to emphasize public safety and security in the design and operation of City parks, natural areas and facilities. Ms. Weiss spoke to the public outreach component since December 2004, which she reported included six public forums to gain feedback on the plan. Additionally, she reported that a meeting with the Mayor’s parks advisory committee was held in July 2005 to discuss some of the revisions noted in the plan. Ms. Weiss stated that a significant update was the addition of the Project and Priority Plan. She explained that this information was removed from the comprehensive plan as it needs to be adaptable and flexible and respond to the growth of the community and funding needs. Ms. Weiss further explained that the document would be adopted by council resolution, be subject to a public hearing, and following that process, would be included in the PROS Comprehensive Plan as an appendix. Ms. Weiss clarified that while the plan did include strategies which go beyond Eugene’s UGB, they were aspirational in nature and do not assume any authority over land in Lane County’s jurisdiction. She added that five strategies were revised to clarify that intent. Ms. Weiss spoke to the Eugene Planning Commission’s recommendation that the council approve the PROS Comprehensive Plan with seven amendments. Six of those amendments were incorporated into the revised plan. Ms. Weiss spoke to one proposed amendment that was not included in the plan: To include lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management which were purchased with land and water conservation fund dollars into the Parks and Open Space Inventory. Although this inclusion may show that the natural area of park target was met through the year 2025, other policies may require additional acquisitions within this park type. She explained that by adding the 742 acres into the City’s inventory, a false surplus of lands would be shown in the Natural Area Parks category through the year 2025. This was not consistent with input received from the public which indicated a desire for additional natural area parks. In conclusion, Ms. Weiss announced that a public hearing would be held on the plan on December 12 and following adoption, staff would present the Project and Priority List to the council in February for its review, followed by a public hearing on February 27, 2006. She added that the option of a bond measure would also be a discussion item for the council in mid-January 2006. Mayor Piercy called for council comments and questions. Mr. Kelly stated that Eugene had a superb parks and open space system and applauded staff, businesses, and residents, all of whom contributed to this accomplishment over many years. He pointed to the gaps which have been identified and included in the plan; additionally, a structure for the aspirations. Mr. Kelly then spoke to the complexity of the plan and questioned why it was proposed for adoption as a refinement to the Metro Plan. He pointed out that it did not look like a typical refinement plan and if adopted as a council resolution, concerns around land use legalities would be eliminated. City Attorney Glenn Klein replied that MINUTES—Eugene City Council November 28, 2005 Page 3 Work Session