06/11/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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"I. .#-:;." ~. ~.' ~'. Council Chamber Eugene, Oregon June 11, 1973 The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by his Honor Mayor Lester E. Anderson at 7:30 p.m. on June 11, 1973, in the Council Chamber with the following council members present: Mrs. B~al, Mr. Williams, Mr. McDonald (arrived later), Mr. Hershner, Mrs. Campbell, Messrs. Keller, Murray, and Wood. I - Public Hearings A. Downtown Development Board - Free Parking District It was explained that the Downtown Development Board has,been working on a program to provide free parking to the user in the central business district, and that plan is being submitted to the Council for consideration; to effect implementation a ballot measure is required and also a levy outside the 6 per cent limitation to those within the parking district. Immediate action on the proposal was felt necessary, as the next election is July 19, 1973. Traffic Engineer Al Williams explained that a year ago the City Council had formed a Downtown Development Board to come back with a parking plan. That Board was an outgrowth of an ad hoc committee of downtown people that had been formed after a group of businessmen, ERA representatives and the City Manager had toured several California cities, discovering that Santa Barbara and Santa Monica had effective parking programs. Traffic Engineer further explained the plan is basically a free parking program, providing free parking time within the boundaries to the shopper, to be supported one-half by a license fee on businesses and one-half by a special property tax levy on property within the district only. One study had indicated that 90 per cent of the shoppers downtown parked for two hours or less. The new free parking plan would include computer checks of those parking in the free district so that abusers of the privilege could be contacted and warned by letter or possibly cited if abuse continued. The cost figures for the program would not include elimination of the lOth and Oak Overpark Assessment District. Only the Penney's property inside the 10th and Oak district would pay the ad valorem tax. If the election is successful, the Council would still be faced with approving the budget and tax rate and license fee based on gross sales, and approve the rate ~f $160.00 per year per professional inside t~at new parking district. Councilwoman Campbell questioned the time period of the 10th and Oak overpark bond. Traffic Engineer answered it was a 20-year bond issue and, when paid off, people inside 10th and Oak District would transfer to the requirements of the overall free parking district. Manager stated that it is hoped to use tax increment monies to complete urban renewal projects. After those obligations are completed, it is hoped the tax increment money could be used to payoff the 10th and Oak overpark 'assessment, freeing the property owners in the district of that burden. Public hearing was opened to those speaking in favor of the proposal. Bob Rubenstein, Chairman of the Downtown Development Board, stated that, in the best judgment of the Board, the proposed plan meets the criteria of fairne9s and equity and would provide an equitable program for the core area. He pointed out that objections raised to the program were (1) boundaries of proposed district, (2) who would pay, (3) overpark assessment burden. In answer to objection (1), the businesses between 6th and 7th on Willamette had requested deletion. The Board decided not to make that exception, feeling ,the plan should have a chance to work for a year before making any changes. In answer to objection (2), the Board felt that the cost-sharing plan put together was the fairest possible plan, with a 50-50 split of businesses and property owners and $160.00 per professional, businesses paying from gross sales. In answer to (3), the Board was convinced that the overpark district must be eliminated at the earliest possible date. He thanked the Council for its May 16, 1973, decision to look favorably upon using tax increment monies to eliminate overpark assessment. Until that happens, the Board has deferred payment for those inside the overpark district if their overpark assessment exceeds the ad valorem tax for the new district. Mr. Rubenstein concluded that free parking would rekindle enthusiasm, benefit businesses, strengthen the retail climate and encourage more people to come downtown. He urged positive action by the Council, stating the need to favorably consider it now in time to be placed on the July 19 ballot. He referred to the community goals and policies for Eugene adopted in 1967 which stated that parking to shop must be free to the consumer in order to be competitive with any outlying shopping centers. He also quoted from a letter from a Eugene citizen who had complained about the extreme unfairness and inconvenience of the present system. 6/11/73 - 1 16fb