CCMinutes - 04/12/04 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Metropolitan Policy Committee taking action on the State Transportation Improvement Program. Speaking to Mr. Poling's remarks, Ms. Bettman said the zoning map was identified as an item to be addressed in the post-Land Use Code Update work program item. Unfortunately, because of other priorities, that work was postponed. Ms. Taylor shared Mr. Poling's interest in the doggy day care situation. Ms. Taylor expressed concern about increases in the cost of a pool pass, suggesting the increases would make some people unable to afford to use a City pool. She said that there were many people who did not meet the low-income threshold to qualify for City scholarships. She was concerned about that. Ms. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Bettman, moved to direct the City Manager to bring back to the council as quickly as State statutes allow an ordinance to establish a moratorium on accepting or processing applications for retail establishments in ex- cess of 50,000 square feet. Ms. Taylor said she was attempting to protect local businesses and workers. She had heard concerns from those employed at local establishments who feared for their jobs. Ms. Taylor emphasized the motion called for a moratorium, rather than a prohibition, on such establishments. The details could be discussed when the council held its work session. She offered the motion now because it would take a long time to accomplish. She wanted the City to be ready to respond to such development proposals in the future. Mr. Kelly supported the motion because it gave the council time to discuss the issues involved with big box retail uses before a new application was made. He thought it made sense to put a temporary moratorium in place, citing evidence that big box retail establishments hurt local businesses. Responding to a question from Mr. Pap~, Ms. Taylor said her focus was on single-use retail establishments. Mr. Pap~ asked if the City would be required to notify property owners potentially affected by such an ordinance. City Attorney Jerome Lidz said 45 days notice would be required, but he was unsure of the scope of the notice without consulting the relevant statutes. Mr. Pap~ wanted to know more about the costs to the City and the impact on existing property rights from such an ordinance if the motion passed Mr. Meisner wanted more information about what the council could regulate or prohibit in terms of nonlocal businesses of a certain size. He questioned the need for an ordinance apart from an ordinance that might arise from the council's upcoming work session, and also wanted information about the impact of the motion on the Planning Division's work program. City Manager Dennis Taylor said State statutes required the City craft findings to accompany any ordinance instituting a moratorium. He noted the time line required for the process, which included a Planning Commission hearing as well as notice to the State, and said it would be difficult for staff to implement without more information about findings and what retail establishments the council proposed to prohibit, and why. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 12, 2004 Page 2 Work Session