Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

Home Browse Search

asserted that typically the City undertook its due diligence work after an ordinance for eminent domain had been passed. Councilor Bettman asked how much money was in the stormwater acquisition fund. Public Works Department Executive Director Kurt Corey replied that he would find out for her. Councilor Bettman requested a memorandum with information on the cost of the additional acreage the City was negotiating to purchase for Golden Gardens Park. Councilor Bettman said the City had received a phone call from someone who felt the City should only pay the amount listed on the tax rolls for the Beverly-Green properties. She related that the person made the point that if the property was worth the millions that the developers might want for it, the developers should already be paying taxes on that amount. She thought this was a “good point.” Councilor Zelenka understood his motion to be in line with Councilor Poling’s wishes regarding any action taken. Councilor Ortiz supported Councilor Zelenka’s motion. She did not think the action should be taken lightly. She declared that it warranted more time. Councilor Clark wished to address a “mischaracterization” of Councilor Bettman’s. He hoped the council would address this in a future council process session. He related that Councilor Bettman had asserted that people who oppose acquiring the property hoped the process would be open ended. He felt that assumed that people who wished to have an open ended process were opposed to the acquisition. He said this was not true. Councilor Clark stated that if language for an ordinance was to be considered at a future work session that would move the City toward taking eminent domain he wished to have language prepared that would set aside $3 million for a Santa Clara community park. Councilor Bettman reiterated her question on what the legal standard for the worth of a property was. She thought there needed to be reconciliation in terms of how the cost of the property would “end up.” Councilor Taylor asked how long it had taken in the past for the City to exercise eminent domain. She also wondered how long it would take for the City to exercise eminent domain over the property near Madison Middle School. She said that in the past it seemed to her that the council “just voted for it and it happened.” Mr. Klein responded that he would provide information on past eminent domain takings. City Manager Taylor agreed that this would be useful information. He pointed out, however, that the City was working within the new legal framework dictated by Ballot Measure 39. Councilor Zelenka said this was an important point. He stated that it took more upfront work now than it did before so that the initial offer was an appropriate offer and the City would not be assessed court costs. City Manager Taylor added that there might also be budget amendments and other things to authorize the source of funds. Mayor Piercy supported the motion. She felt the information was necessary and that it was good to continue trying to work toward having willing sellers. She remained committed, should the sellers not be willing, to utilize the tool of eminent domain in order to preserve the Amazon Headwaters land. MINUTES—Eugene City Council July 9, 2007 Page 7 Regular Meeting