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<br /> Manager explained that the $5.5 million bond'i:;;s,ue'for the au'ditorium/convention
<br /> center was incl uded in the list of capi tal projects' to show its, effect in re1atio,n
<br /> to other projects. It was not intended that a priori ty be assigned since sub-,
<br /> mission of that bond issue ,at the November election has already been authorized
<br />. by the Council.
<br /> ree Bishop, Lane County Auditorium Association, referred to Mrs. Niven's comments
<br /> Ion the Auditorium brochu:.'e and its reference to subsidized housing, saying the
<br /> intent of the statement was merely to call attention to the fact that property
<br /> on which the Auditorium is intended to be constructed may be considered for other
<br /> uses should the bond issue not be approved. He said the entire brochure has
<br /> :been withdrawn from c.irGulation.
<br /> Mr. Bishop distributed ~~j read to Council members two letters from the Association,
<br /> :and announced a public hearing to be h~ld in Eugene on September 8 in connection
<br /> with grant being sought by the Association from the Economic Development Administra-
<br /> tion. He commented on the letters - one, requesting that the Council prior to the
<br /> 'November election issue d statement pledging Audi tori um profi ts and excess room
<br /> tax proceeds to retirement of the Auditorium bonds, with the idea that such a
<br /> 'statement would have substantial meaning to the voters. The other letter re-
<br /> 'quested that the Auditorium bond issue be placed on the November ballot as a
<br /> measure separate from whatever capital projects are submitted, and that the
<br /> Auditorium Association assist in writing the title for the ballot measure for the
<br /> Auditorium bond issue.
<br />. Councilman McDonald with Mr. Teague's concurrence favored listing the Auditorium
<br /> bond issue as a separate item on the ballot, saying the Association will promote
<br /> the measure and should have the Council's support. Mayor Anderson urged the
<br /> Council's determination of priorities, taking into consideration all of the
<br /> ci ty' scapi tal improvement needs, before deci ding how any of the issues will be
<br /> presented on the ballot. He said he is concerned that the capital fund program
<br /> be a total one that can be put on the ballot with the idea that the projects
<br /> are urgent and can be justified economically and socially.
<br /> Tex Williamson, 2778 Friendly Street, asked who would benefit from the construc-
<br /> tion of an auditorium/convention center and said it would be of no use but would
<br /> raise taxes. Discussion followed wi th several councilmen expressing opinions on
<br /> added employment, tourist attraction, etc., that would be generated, and that the
<br /> purpose of putting it on the ballot was to gain voter opinion.
<br /> I It was generally agreed that the total list of improvement projects, amounting
<br /> to some $31,000,000, could not be sent to the voters, and that some deletions
<br /> would have to be made and priorities listed.
<br /> Mr. Mohr asked about insurance rates as they are affected by fire station con-
<br /> structi on. Manager said it is very difficult to evaluate and compare savings
<br />. because there is no way of knowing the number of insured properties in the City
<br /> and beCause they are individually rated. General ratings indicate a considerable
<br /> quantity of insurance, and changing Class 3 rating to Class 4 would entail a con-
<br /> siderable ,dollar value.
<br /> j Councilman Mohr commented on the $1.5 million bond issue listed for corrections
<br /> facility and said he feels a corrections program cannot be prepared in time to
<br /> present a coherent program by November. He would favor deleting this item so as
<br /> ,to have a more defini ti ve program to gi ve to the people before asking for money.
<br /> t,
<br /> :Manager said the program recommended by SUA report which would include a hOldin,fJ.
<br /> :process and provide a detoxification center, alcoholic treatment, work releaSe ,
<br /> 'program, separation of inmates acc;ording to seriousness of offense, etc., gives':
<br /> a general configuration of the facility needed. The only uncertain part is' its, .
<br /> financing. Assistant Manager said there is no significant change in terms of, ,"
<br /> ,space demands from Statewide corrections recommendations, and any eXCLusion of'
<br /> 'physical plant changes from the Council's commitment would seriously hamper
<br /> 'corrections prQgr~ in the communi ty. 11,ayo,r Anderson said therf? i_~.l1_ee!!: ~C!r c,---
<br /> assurance from the voters that the program has their support before general needs
<br /> outlined by the SUA report can be implemented. Mr. Mohr said his feeling is that
<br /> the City would be committing itself to municipal service to be used by other
<br /> 'agencies in that the major part of the jail services are for holding for County
<br />, or State agencies. He would favor a corrections facili ty defined in terms of
<br /> ,City services, rather than a regional facility operated and paid for by the City.
<br /> 'Mrs. Beal felt the item should be retained, since it is evident, she said, that
<br /> something must be done. Manager commented that the City does have responsibility
<br /> for the jail operation at present and there is no way of shifting that responsibility.
<br /> Manager suggested devoting the entire committee meeting August 16 to discussion
<br /> of. th~_ capital prC!.j~ct~~~ith__th.~ idea of official1y adopting a progra~at .!..he ~~--- ---
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<br /> ~43 8/14/72 - 12
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