Item 2A - Minutes Approval - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilor Pap6 said, regarding the availability of acreage south of town, he would appreciate a memorandum from the City Manager. He recalled that the City had an opportunity earlier on to buy the property for $325,000. He thought purchasing it for $600,000 would be a misuse of public funds. Councilor Pap6 appreciated that Crest Drive neighbors came to testify. He said he would like more information on whether there were other neighborhoods on the periphery of the City that had arterials or collectors running through them. Continuing, Councilor Pap6 thanked Mr. Borg for speaking about enterprise zones. He felt the testimony to be very valuable as it spoke eloquently about the benefits of such a zone. Regarding the rail yard, Councilor Pap6 said the City would like to conduct updated planning for all of the city. He welcomed Mr. Handy's input in the Budget Committee process to see if funding could be found for such planning. Councilor Kelly thanked everyone who came before the council and testified. He noted that one thing he heard in the Crest Drive statement was that current standards could be disregarded because they were about to be revised. He asked the City Manager to provide a memorandum in order to clarify what standards were being used. Councilor Kelly related that his understanding of enterprise zones was that they were entirely based upon the forgiveness of property taxes. He asked staff to clarify that for him as Mr. Borg's testimony had indicated he received loans through the zone. Councilor Kelly noted that The Register-Guard had called the property that bordered Nectar Way one of the most distinctive natural areas remaining in Eugene. He hoped the City would give every attention to its importance as part of the Ridgeline Trail system. Regarding the political lawn sign vandalism, Councilor Kelly suggested looking to the City Recorder's office to issue a clear statement regarding such signs. City Manager Dennis Taylor felt this was the appropriate response. Councilor Kelly said much time was spent talking about available land supply and land development. While he realized that the rail yard carded significant challenges, he also felt it carried tremendous opportunity over the long haul as it was approximately 400 acres and centrally located. He expressed distress at staff's response that the City had no money to purchase the property and that it was waiting for someone to offer to buy it. He encouraged staff to be proactive. Councilor Meisner thanked everyone who testified. He shared that he walked along the river path and that Mr. Brown was correct: there were continuing and escalating problems. He noted that the Budget Committee approved and the council ratified fee increases to restore the river bank clean-up program. He requested a memorandum providing a status report as well as information on what is currently not working. Councilor Meisner said, with respect to the River Road/Santa Clara area, that it was an opportunity site and required the City's interest in planning. He acknowledged there were many steps to take, including annexation. He related that he worked constantly with Union Pacific Railroad, mostly on passenger rail MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 27, 2004 Page 5 Regular Session