CC Minutes - 06/14/06 Work Session

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the resolution would come before the MPC for a vote at its July 2006 meeting and he was hopeful about the outcome. Mr. Papé commented that John Hire was a first-class individual and would be missed. He said that the McKenzie River Trust and McKenzie Watershed Council hosted a visit by Oregon Fish and Wildlife deputy director Marshall Jones to view the Willamette River corridor and Green Island at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers. He said Mr. Jones was excited about the potential of joining Green Island with the Finley Reserve near Corvallis and obtaining additional resources. He urged councilors to advocate for the project to Oregon’s congressional delegation . He said the McKenzie Watershed Council was concerned about development in the Horseshoe Bend area by McKenzie Bridge. Ms. Bettman encouraged councilors to accept the invitation from McKenzie River Trust to tour Green Island on June 28, since the council meeting for that date was canceled. She noted that the Eugene- Springfield Metropolitan General Area Plan (Metro Plan) process was being opened and requested a definitive memorandum from staff about whether it was possible to address the housekeeping changes made during the last Metro Plan amendments process that resulted in making sections of the Jefferson-Westside neighborhoods vulnerable because of adjustments to map boundaries. She asked for information on how to proceed in sufficient time to take action. thth Ms. Bettman asked if there was a way to avoid closing Hilyard Street between 13 Avenue and 24 avenues when the project to reconstruct the roadbed was underway. She said the closure could have a significant impact on small businesses in that area. She stated that currently the City required neighborhood residents who participated on a neighborhood board to sign a waiver assuming liability to use any public facility. Noting that the City is self-insured, she asked whether responsibility could be covered so it was not an obstacle to participating in or holding neighborhood events. Mr. Pryor said he attended a 100% Access Coalition meeting at Lane Community College (LCC) and was pleased at the discussion of successes and progress in accomplishing goals through an integrated, unified effort of private and community partners. He said the Human Services Commission budget hearing in May 2006 went very well but too few commissioners were present to conduct a vote so that would occur at the June 19, 2006, meeting. He said there was great appreciation for the contributions from government partners. He said the Churchill Neighbors had new leadership that was breathing life back into the organization. He said there were a number of legislative issues and initiatives that would require close monitoring by the City. Ms. Ortiz thanked Ms. Taylor and LRAPA for their attention to J.H. Baxter and automobile emissions, both of which impacted her constituents. She agreed with Ms. Solomon that the We Are Bethel Celebration was a great success. She spoke at the Charter Network School graduation and thanked Ms. Bettman for recommending her. She applauded the efforts of non-traditional schools. She said the LCC English as a Second Language (ESL) program was grateful that the council reaffirmed its commitment to human rights. She remarked that there was a good dialogue on the City Hall complex at a recent Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting. City Manager Taylor invited councilors to attend the July 7, 2006, farewell for Fire Chief Tom Tallon at 3 nd p.m. at the 2 and Chambers facility. He also invited councilors to the grand opening of River Play at noon on July 8. MINUTES—Eugene City Council June 14, 2006 Page 2 Work Session