Laserfiche WebLink
of a refinement plan and some policies had been adopted into the land use but most the <br />Downtown Plan’s policies were too aspirational to be adopted as evaluative criteria in the land <br />use plan, with the exception of the requirement of a master plan for the EWEB site. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy said her understanding of the implementation strategies was that they were <br />examples of ways to achieve those aspirations and as each opportunity was presented, the council <br />had the opportunity to say it was consistent or inconsistent with the plan. Ms. Laurence agreed <br />that Mayor Piercy’s understanding was consistent with staff interpretation. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly pointed out that the adopting ordinance was in the back of the Downtown Plan and <br />pointed out that the policies were adopted as a refinement plan and the implementation strategies <br />were essentially examples. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to direct staff to undertake a <br />broad, high-level planning exercise to consider potential locations for <br />downtown green space. This exercise should also examine (at a very <br />rough level) potential costs and timelines. The results of this exercise <br />should be brought back to the City Council within four months for <br />further deliberation and direction. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly said it was difficult during discussion of a specific project to step back and have a <br />broader, proactive discussion. He said the plan was mostly silent on the subject of green space <br />and his intent was to generate ideas and potential sites for further discussion. <br /> <br />Mr. Papé said he supported the motion generally and asked if a plaza or piazza would be included <br />in the concept of green space. Mr. Kelly replied it was not included but he did not object to a <br />plaza being included in the context of a larger open space study, but the focus was on green <br />space. <br /> <br />Ms. Ortiz supported the motion as green space would encourage people to live downtown. <br /> <br />The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. <br /> <br />Ms. Bettman, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to direct the City Manager <br />to pursue, hopefully in collaboration with the Board of County <br />Commissioners, interim projects to accommodate the needs of the <br />farmers participating in the Farmers Market downtown. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly questioned the restriction to interim projects and suggested that the term “and longer <br />term” be included. Ms. Bettman accepted the friendly amendment. <br /> <br />Ms. Solomon said she was not opposed to the idea but felt the motion was premature and the <br />issue should be discussed in a separate work session that included consideration of <br />recommendations from a previous task force. She recognized the value of the Farmers Market <br />but wanted to be better informed about options before taking action. <br /> <br />Ms. Bettman said the downtown area was “dead” on days when there was no Farmers Market and <br />supporting the market was a key and immediate step to helping downtown. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 19 Page <br />5 <br /> <br />