CC Minutes - 03/12/08 Work Session

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In response to a question from Ms. Ortiz, Ms. Muir confirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had included that the hospital would have a level 3 trauma center. Ms. Ortiz indicated her support for McKenzie-Willamette Hospital’s move to the community, adding that she would prefer the hospital be sited south of the river. She would not support providing the hospital with incentives for a site that was north of the river. City Attorney Glenn Klein indicated that once the motion was on the table it would become clear whether Ms. Ortiz would need to recuse herself, though he was relatively certain she would be able to participate in the conversation. Ms. Taylor hoped the hospital would be sited south of the river. She did not approve of providing incentives to the hospital for the Coburg Road site. She was also strongly opposed to construction of the hospital north of the railroad tracks. Ms. Taylor asked if the Sacred Heart Hospital area had been considered. Ms. Muir replied that the sites before the council were the three sites upon which McKenzie-Willamette would consider building. Ms. Taylor expressed concern about both hospitals being north of the river. In response to a follow-up question from Ms. Taylor, Ms. Muir stated that the streamlined timeline for zone and plan changes could apply to any of the three sites. Mr. Poling asked if the Stryker Field property was listed as surplus property by School District 4J. Ms. Muir responded that it was on the list for future development. Mr. Poling recalled a recent article in the Register Guard which indicated that the paper had plans for the property McKenzie-Willamette was considering as one of the three potential sites. Ms. Muir replied that those were discussions happening between private parties. Mr. Poling also understood that the University was “looking at multiple years” before being willing to give up its property. Ms. Muir replied that things could happen regardless of the timeline. Mr. Poling acknowledged that the hospital was the entity that made the final decision. He said it would be nice to see a hospital located within the city zone, but if the hospital decided not to build south of the river the City should still do what it could to ensure the hospital built within city limits. He noted that he had lived in the city for 30 years and always had to cross a river to get to a hospital. He averred that it was important that all three options remain on the table. Mr. Clark asked if the PeaceHealth campus site would remain open. Ms. Muir confirmed that it would. Mr. Clark said a hospital north of the river was needed and he was glad to see it. He remarked that north Eugene was still waiting on a police facility. He supported having another hospital south of the river but it was McKenzie-Willamette Hospital’s choice. He wanted to support whatever choice the hospital made. He underscored that the hospital could bring in $3 to $5 million in property tax revenues to Eugene. He declared that the City needed to work with what the hospital needed rather than try to direct the process. Mr. Pryor appreciated that the hospital was the body that was making the choice. He stressed that the council was determining what it would do to provide incentives. He averred that the one thing the hospital did not have was time and it would be looking for certainty. MINUTES—Eugene City Council March 12, 2008 Page 2 Work Session