City Council Newsletter - 11/15/07

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Rain gardens were originally created to mimic natural water retention areas. Compared to a patch of lawn, these gardens allow 30 percent more water to soak into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies. Pollutants are reduced as plants and soil to provide natural filtration for water traveling to local streams and rivers. As seasonal wind gusts and rain swirls around broad-leaf trees, leaf-plugged storm drains can cause localized flooding. Combined with piles of leaves left out for collection crews, fallen leaves can create a challenge for anyone traveling by foot, wheelchair, bicycle or car. To address these hazards, tips for creating safer passage along local streets and ensuring leaf pick-up on scheduled routes are included. Although it’s been more than 10 years since localized flooding was a problem, evidence from other communities indicates that it’s challenging to predict when the next flood will occur. Residents should know if their property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area and what discounts are available on flood insurance premiums. An extensive article — including a map, floodplain information services, and preparedness tips — answers many frequently asked flood-related questions. Healthy stream conditions help keep the local watershed vibrant and teeming with life. A proposal to improve water quality along certain waterways has been scheduled for mid-January with the Eugene Planning Commission. “Fresh or salty, it’s nothing new” informs readers about water history and the limited fresh water available for local use. Kids (and adults) will find some interesting water facts along with suggestions on how to care for the water they use on “Lily’s Page.” Keeping community members educated and informed about stormwater pollution and ways to protect local waterways is a best management practice in the City’s Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). Articles in Stormwater Connections typically address seasonal or current issues and provide one page of interest for younger residents. The semi-annual newsletter is produced by the Stormwater Management Program to increase awareness of surface water and natural resource issues in the community. Copies of the newsletter are available in the Council Office. For more information or additional copies of the newsletter, contact Kathy Eva, public information specialist for the Stormwater Management Program, at 682-2739. Citizen Committee Presents Recommendations on Rasor Park Project The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Rasor Park Mixed-Use Center project delivered a recommendation to Planning Commissioners on Tuesday, November 13, that unanimously approved further planning in the study area with the current overlay zone as a baseline. Carrying the title “Empowering Innovation: Vital Neighborhoods as Sustainability Engine,” the recommendation supports density at a minimum of 12-units-per-acre in designated mixed-use areas, while strongly encouraging a “community-based vision and decision making approach.” Members of the CAC attended the meeting to personally present their recommendation and to engage in a dialogue with commissioners about how the project should proceed. The culmination of an intensive two month effort, this unique process gave citizens the opportunity to write and present a recommendation directly to the Planning Commission as to how the values and character of their neighborhood could be injected into the planning process. Beginning in early September, the CAC met nine times over a nine-week period, including a four-hour retreat on a Saturday, at Wayne Morse Ranch. Its charge was to make a recommendation as to whether the project should proceed and, if so, what important components needed to be included. Although comprised of eight members, CAC members were tasked with incorporating not only their own thoughts, EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 November 15, 2007