Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

Home Browse Search

Mr. Kelly pointed out that the adopting ordinance was in the back of the Downtown Plan and pointed out that the policies were adopted as a refinement plan and the implementation strategies were essentially examples. Mr. Kelly, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to direct staff to undertake a broad, high-level planning exercise to consider potential locations for downtown green space. This exercise should also examine (at a very rough level) potential costs and timelines. The results of this exercise should be brought back to the City Council within four months for further deliberation and direction. Mr. Kelly said it was difficult during discussion of a specific project to step back and have a broader, proactive discussion. He said the plan was mostly silent on the subject of green space and his intent was to generate ideas and potential sites for further discussion. Mr. Papé said he supported the motion generally and asked if a plaza or piazza would be included in the concept of green space. Mr. Kelly replied it was not included but he did not object to a plaza being included in the context of a larger open space study, but the focus was on green space. Ms. Ortiz supported the motion as green space would encourage people to live downtown. The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Ms. Bettman, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to direct the City Manager to pursue, hopefully in collaboration with the Board of County Commissioners, interim projects to accommodate the needs of the farmers participating in the Farmers Market downtown. Mr. Kelly questioned the restriction to interim projects and suggested that the term “and longer term” be included. Ms. Bettman accepted the friendly amendment. Ms. Solomon said she was not opposed to the idea but felt the motion was premature and the issue should be discussed in a separate work session that included consideration of recommendations from a previous task force. She recognized the value of the Farmers Market but wanted to be better informed about options before taking action. Ms. Bettman said the downtown area was “dead” on days when there was no Farmers Market and supporting the market was a key and immediate step to helping downtown. Mr. Kelly encouraged support of the motion which initiated focused work, consistent with the staff’s request for direction. He said it was consistent with community interest in support for the market and strategies in the Downtown Plan. Mr. Pryor was supportive of the Farmers Market but concerned having only a few minutes to make a decision about on-the-fly motions. He asked for examples of projects that could support the market. Ms. Bettman cited electricity, wastewater and infrastructure issues that could be assigned a cost and considered in the next fiscal year. She said a longer-term project such as a semi-permanent structure could be scoped and brought back to the council. Ms. Solomon, seconded by Mr. Papé, moved to extend discussion time by ten minutes. The motion passed, 7:1; Ms. Ortiz voting in opposition. MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 19 Page 5