Item 3C: Resolution Forming LID for River Avenue

Home Browse Search

Exhibit A MINUTES Local Improvement District Formation Proposed Formation of a Local hnprovement District for Paving, Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks, Street Lights, Water Quality Bioswales, and Stormwater Drainage on River Avenue from 200 Feet East of River Road to 100 Feet West of Beltline. June 7, 2006 Public Hearing Hearings Official Milo Mecham convened the hearing at 6:02 p.m. The members of the public present were, for the most part, experienced with the local improvement district process. They began making comments about the project as soon as the hearing commenced. The Hearings Officer interrupted the conversation for a short time to make certain that everyone present know of the process and the place of this hearing in the process. The Hearings Official also asked Principal Engineer Michelle Cahill to make a short presentation to provide everyone with a basic understanding ofthe project. Principal Engineer Michelle Cahill began the City's presentation by briefly describing the project, which involves a major collector street located on the north side of Eugene, running parallel to and connecting to Beltline Road. Ms Cahill noted that, as a result of increased use of River Avenue, the existing roadbed has deteriorated and needs to be upgraded. In addition to its heavy vehicular use, the proximity to the river and the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System is creating a need to accommodate several types of transportation users. Ms. Cahill briefly described the history of the project. The numerous times the project has been reviewed have led to a project that has seen a very high level of citizen input, and the consequent improvement of the project. Ms. Cahill also noted the role of Lane County in the review of the proposed local improvement district. She concluded by noting that it was the opinion of Eugene and Lane County Counsel that the previous approval of the project by the Board of Commissioners remained valid. Ms. Cahill and Project Engineer Joe Ramirez distributed spreadsheets showing the estimated assessments. After this brief overview of the project, the members ofthe public resumed their conversation with the City of Eugene staff regarding the project and the proposed assessments. The first comments came from Mr. Chuck Meeker, a property owner in the area. Mr. Meeker indicated that he was satisfied with the proposed project, especially because of the improvements that were added as a result of the discussions between City staff and the neighborhood community. Mr. Meeker indicated especially satisfaction with the added turn lane for the project, which he felt had been added without an unreasonable increase in cost. Mr. Meeker expressed his opinion that the original objections to the project did not have to do with objections to the design, but with other matters unrelated to design.