CC Minutes - 11/26/07 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zachary Vishanoff , Ward 3, related that he had noticed that the Sustainable Business Initiative meeting did not include time for public input. He supported the inclusion of public input in those meetings. Mr. Vishanoff averred that siting the proposed City Hall at the current location would preclude adaptive reuse of the existing building. He believed that many people wanted a public hearing on this issue. He supported the integration of sustainability into historic preservation. He added his feeling that the City was “colluding” with the university on the basketball arena. He felt the existing basketball arena was well-loved and there was not public support for a new one. He remarked that “super projects” affect peoples’ lives. He felt that everyone had to “stay away” from the arena project because it would cause “human rights violations” should the university decide to exercise eminent domain. th Gail Newton , 1885 West 24 Avenue, spoke in support of the solid fuel space heating device ordinance. She said it would tighten the standard for small heating devices that put out particulate matter. She related that she had spent the past weekend “suffering” from her neighbor’s wood stove. She noted that she had filed a complaint with the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) and had been informed that the ordinance was on the evening’s agenda. She hoped that the tighter restrictions would bring more public awareness regarding the effect particulate matter had on peoples’ health. th George Brown , 60 West 17 Avenue, reiterated that the voters had rejected the increase in urban renewal spending. He opined that it was time to sunset both of the urban renewal districts after the library was paid off in 2009. He believed that voters wanted to divert the money into street repairs, schools, the general fund, and social services. He thought the money could also be utilized to address the “looming budget deficit.” He declared that voters had indicated with their votes that they wanted the money not to go to “private speculation,” but rather to sustain the infrastructure. He said in the meantime the City needed to “roll up its sleeves” and get to work filling the holes in the downtown area with housing. Mayor Piercy closed the Public Forum. In response to a concern expressed about the lack of public comment allowed at the Sustainability Commission meeting, she clarified that it had been the first meeting and once it started more regular meetings there would be a portion of the agenda dedicated to public comment. She also wished to welcome the Boy Scout troop that was visiting the council meeting. She called on the council for questions and remarks. Councilor Clark stated, in response to Mr. Ivanoff’s testimony, that there were a couple of foot patrol officers who walked beats in the downtown area every day. He also extended a warm welcome to the visiting Boy Scout troop. Councilor Zelenka reiterated that the City was not involved in the university’s use of eminent domain. He did not condone taking such action. He remarked that the arena project would be the largest project built in Lane County “ever.” He felt it behooved the City and the council to take a close look at it. He said University or Oregon President David Frohnmayer had agreed to a process to address the concerns expressed by neighborhood residents. Councilor Zelenka underscored that the first meeting of the Sustainability Commission had been to outline agreements and rules. Councilor Ortiz also welcomed the Boy Scouts to the meeting. She asked if the process for the first Sustainability Commission had been part of the training effort for new board, commission, committee, and work group members that she had requested. City Manager Angel Jones affirmed that it was. MINUTES—Eugene City Council November 26, 2007 Page 3 Regular Meeting