CCMinutes - 02/09/04 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Meisner suggested that the local impact of Ballot Measure 30 had already been felt. He had been asked to serve on an interview panel by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to replace the single person who makes all passenger rail decisions in the state. After the interview process had been completed, Bruce Warner of ODOT indicated the position would not be filled after all. Mr. Meisner anticipated that by the end of the fiscal year, one train would be lost and the other train's funding would be threatened. Mr. Meisner noted that the council received a copy of the 2003 citizen survey in its latest meeting packet. He was discouraged by the fact the council had spent considerable time and energy in the past year on issues of animal control, a service for which the City was not responsible. He said that the first question in the survey asked respondents to rank the following City services, and that included animal control. He thought that was misleading to the public. He noted that the service received a low ranking from respondents. He hoped that was corrected in the future. Ms. Solomon arrived. Mr. Pap~ also was concerned about the impact of the failure of Ballot Measure 30 on the City budget. He urged State legislators to solve the State budget problem. Mr. Pap~ was glad the survey was ready in time for the council's goals session. He encouraged councilors to speak to the facilitator for the session, Julia Novak. Mr. Pap~ requested council consent to move Wednesday meetings to the library. Mayor Torrey suggested that the issue be raised at the two-day goals session. City Manager Taylor endorsed the mayor's suggestion, noting that there were logistical issues involved. Ms. Taylor suggested that the McNutt Room be enlarged when the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department moved out of City Hall. Ms. Taylor suggested that the council was overlooking its goal regarding fair and equitable financing, and advocated for a discussion on the topic. Ms. Taylor continued to be concerned about the impact of development in the south hills, citing logging, overdevelopment, and erosion as specific concerns. She said there was a perception among certain groups that the Planning Division helped developers ~get around regulations" but would not help residents protect their properties. Ms. Taylor also continued to be concerned about the Amazon Headwaters and said it should be part of the City's park system. She said the City sought money for protection of Amazon Creek downstream while allowing its headwaters to be polluted by logging. Ms. Taylor believed the City's tree protection ordinance was inadequate as property owners were still allowed to remove five trees from their properties each year, allowing sequential clearing with impacts on the environment. Ms. Taylor maintained that the council had neglected to discuss the possibility of having a City performance auditor, which was recommended to the council by the Citizen Charter Review Committee. She averred that the council, without discussion, did not put the question of the auditor on the ballot. She said the topic would be discussed at an upcoming City Club meeting and encouraged councilors to attend and learn more. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 9, 2004 Page 2 Work Session