10/28/1968 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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,...-:: 422 ,. -.:;I 10/28/68 - -.- -- .,.-- - --- .- -- -~ - --... ~ "- - - - -- - ~. ~ - ~ - ~ ~ ~ " " - 1 5. Census - The Center for Population Research and ,Census reported the population of Eugene is now 77,00Q. .. 2 6. Oregon Daily Emerald Editorial, Police Department - Copy of a letter from Charles Porter, attorney, to the Editor of the Oregon Daily Emerald was 'presented. Mr'."Porter ' objected to the editorial criticism of the Eugene Police Department and suggested a public apology was due. 3 7. Field Burning Injunction - A letter was read from Paul Hoffman, mayoralty candidate, requesting time on the Council agenda to present a sequence of steps that should be taken to stop grass burning by legal injunction. The City Manager asked if the Council wished to discuss the matter at this meeting, put-it on a future agenda, or refer it to the staff before Council discussion because of its technical nature. Councilman Purdy expressed the opinion that it is wrong for the Council meetings to be used as a forum for po1itica1'candidate~'to express ideas. He said official Council meetings should not be used for that ,purpose unless all mayoralty and council candidates were heard at the same time. Mrs. Hayward remarked that the matter had r- been initiated by the Council and that Mr.~Hoffman should be allowed time to present tJ his ideas. Councilman Purdy said he brought the matter to the Council because of the accusation that it 'had not acted, and because he felt the City Attorney should be allowed to present an opinion as to why nothing could be done. .' ; , Councilman Lassen said he felt the, staff should have,the opportunity to look over . Mr. Hoffman's proposal and'the legal,technica1ties which would be involved prior to -,......~ Council discussion. '.' 'C/ Dr. Purdy moved seconded by Mr. Lassen to table the request until after the Novem- ber 5 election. Motion carried. Mr. Lassen moved seconded by Mrs. Lauris that Items 1a through 7 of the Committee report be received and filed. Motion carried. Councilman Wingard'returned to the meeting" Councilwoman Lauris said one thing which Mr. Hoffman suggested is that,dates be set for field burning and that it be limited to a two-week or shorter period of time. 4 8. Traffic Control, 13th and Agate - The City Manager reviewed ,the history of traffic I] controls at the intersection of 13th and Agate ?s the'result of a reqgest from Mr. Dick Jones, ASUO president, for public review. The Manager said the City has never felt signals were the answer at this'intersection because pedestrians do not observe signals at this and other intersections in and around the campus. He said traffic signals would create greater hazards because:of the habit of students and faculty to wander aGross the streets at 'any time and any place. The staff recom- mendation at this time is for installation of four-way stop signs. Sketch maps of the intersection were distributed'to Council members. Dick Jones said the ASUO is considering a proposal for control at the intersection .~ based on traffic flow on 13th because of increased traffic and increased hazards. A formal presentation will be made 'later. He 'said they concur in the four-w?y stop recommendation. The City Manager suggested that the new traffic engineer work with them. John Lal1as, director of Campus Planning, called Mr. Jones' attentio~to the fact that the recommended four-way stop,is not electric. Mr. Jones withdrew his con- currence in the recommendation and introduced Larry Chadwick who outlined the ASUO ~ proposal for an overhead, four-way flashing red light rather than stop'sign's. ' Mr. 'Lal1as said,the recommended use of'four-way stop' signs' is appropriate, but he felt the flashing red light would create a higher degree 'of visibility. The City Manager explained that it was the staff's intent in recommending the four- way stop signs that they be instal1ed'on a trial basis, with the'idea that they will reso1ye, the major part of the safety program. 'The' Puhl'{c" Works D'irecto'r' -said' 'if it is decided to install electrical controls, poles, light; and other equipment will have to be ordered. He said electrical ~ervice will also have to be brought under- ground to the intersection. Councilman W'inga'rd asked" if there would he' a' probTemo'f" 'tr'afffc "backing: "up because I . of the combination of ,the 'crosswalks south of the intersection, and the stop: The I .....) Traffic .,Engineer said traffic would, back up;' but -that hedidn' t tq.ink that would be' ~ the overriding factor;, I . .~ '- " Mr. Lassen moved seconded by Dr. Purdy to install four-way stop signs as recommended '" by the staff and'continu~ observation of the intersection with review of,the situa- tion to be made in 60 days. The Traffic Engineer commented that in general flashing red traffic lights are used only in thos~ areas wher~ m01;orists may' be canfrantei:f w,i"th',auitomobi1es,- under' totally unexpected conditions. To use this type of light too often when not justified tends to decrease its ef~ectiveness. He said this intersection should probabLy not be 'treated any differently than any other residential intersection. '.ft ~ 10/38/68 - 11