Item 3A - Minutes Approval - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

He urged the council to work with PeaceHealth to seek Road Fund dollars from Lane County for the needed transportation improvements. He agreed with Mr. Meisner that the County was often more interested in project funding, and thought the board would say yes to a well-crafted proposal. Mayor Torrey solicited a second round of council comments. Mr. Kelly spoke to the need for an increased connection between Eugene and the University, and suggested that one way to achieve that was through a fixed-rail trolley. Mr. Kelly inquired about PeaceHealth's plans for the former Sony site. Mr. Yordy said that PeaceHealth was still in the process of planning for the site. He said it was possible all medical records would be consolidated at that location. In addition, PeaceHealth planned to do all supply distribution from that site. There were also a series of functions previously planned for location at the RiverBend site that might be potentially located on the Sony site, such as the main production kitchen facility, because the Sony site contained excellent industrial kitchens. Ms. Bettman agreed there were opportunities that existed in the area in question and the area needed better and safer transportation facilities, but pointed out the City had many other outstanding transportation needs, such as its commitment to the transportation improvements associated with the courthouse. She questioned how the projects could be elevated above other priorities at a time when PeaceHealth planned to decrease employment and take down buildings at the site. She suggested that the issue be revisited in the far future when redevelopment occurred and employment was increased. Mr. Meisner also encouraged PeaceHealth to apply for Lane County Road Funds. He hoped the council would support that application. Mr. Meisner said as PeaceHealth refined its vision, he hoped it remembered the City's goal of having off- and on-ramps at the new I-5 bridge; a major consideration in doing so was to make that portion of Franklin Boulevard a major access route to the hospital and downtown. Mr. Meisner determined from Mr. Yordy that PeaceHealth planned for the continued inclusion of space for the police substation at the Hilyard campus. Mr. Pap6 acknowledged the concerns expressed by councilors regarding the Road Fund, and suggested that PeaceHealth employ its political clout to the extent possible to secure funding. Mr. Yordy said he looked forward to partnering with the City in a request for funds. Mayor Torrey said it was important that PeaceHealth, the University, and other interested parties such as Northwest Christian College work out the details of the needed transportation improvements before they approached the City and Lane County for funds. Mayor Torrey solicited a third round of council questions and comments. Ms. Bettman determined from City Manager Taylor that Lane County had committed $1.6 million to the transportation projects associated with the courthouse project. That commitment was in writing. Ms. Bettman asked what Mr. Yordy meant when he discussed providing south Eugene with access to emergency room services. Mr. Yordy said that regardless of where the two hospitals ended up in terms of location or if McKenzie-Willamette/Triad was unable to move to the Eugene Water & Electric Board site as hoped, he pledged that PeaceHealth would work with the community and go through a certificate of MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 2004 Page 7 Work Session