05/14/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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those people ~ith theunderst~di~g that.ifthey could~repare a plan for that project which they could brlng to the Councll wlth SOlld support of cltizens in the neighborhood, the Council might reconsider its action. He presented petitions representing 85 to 90% of prop- erty owners on Echo Hollow, and about 52% of the front footage, stating they are in favor of 40-foot paving to provide two 12-foot lanes with room on each side for sidewalks to accommodate pedes~rians and bicycles, thus supporting the concept of parking on the street. Another petition was presented from residents in the general area favoring the same concept but not owning property which would be assessed. Mr. Williams continued that he felt there is a need for parking on that street. And that combination pedestrian/bicycle use of the sidewalks would be safer than bicycles traveling in the street. The Bicycle Committee recom- mended elimination of the center turn lane to provide room for.,both parking and bicycle lanes on eaCh side of the street if the original plan is not pursued. .- Mr. Williams moved seconded by Mr. Hershner to reconsider award of contract on improvement of Echo Hollow Road. Council questioned several aspects of procedUre for any change because of contract already awarded. Public Works Director explained that the bids were taken on both 44- and 40-foot paving so renegotiating the contract would be no problem so long as any change stays within reasonable limits of those two designs. Councilwoman Beal questioned discussion of the project before a vote on whether it would be reconsidered. Vote was taken on the motion to reconsider. Motion carried, all councilmen present voting aye, except Mrs. Campbell vot!ng no. Considerable. discussion followed on location of bike lanes and parking lanes and types of construction which would accommodate both without overlapping. Couri'cilwoman Campbell felt these things had been taken into consideration by the Public Works Department prior to the bid call. She thought property owners should provide the parking space. Manager said the Public Horks recommendation was based on the Bicycle Committee's original recommendation which they thought was the first choice from a safety standpcirint for bikes and autos on the same thoroughfare. Traffic Engineer explained the Bicycle Committee's thinking in making their recommendation and said they would still choose the.44,..footpaving without parking. If the 40,..foot paving is decided upon there are iriherent safety hazards such as opening car doors on parked cars, movements around parked cars, etc. Manager said the Committee also suggested there would have to be some right-turn lanes which would remove some of the on- street parking. . Councilman McDonald noted estimates were made and contract awarded on that basis and wondered how a change would affect assessments. Public Works Director explained that every improvement cont~act provides forsa 10% leeway in bid quantities. Since this project was bid on both 44- and 40,..foot paving the contract could probably be renegotiated with no change in. unit prices. Owners of abutting properties still would be paying for only a 36-foot width, . anything beyond that would be paid by the City. There was further discussion on whether property owners understood method of assessment, whether a change would.make the project more expensive, and whether changes could be ex- pected on every project instead ,of following the Public Works' recOmmendations. Manager noted that this project was the first effort in Eugene to design an arterial which would accommodate Dikes, pedestrians, and parking. . . - Mr. Williams moved seconded by Mr. McDonald to reaffirm the Council's choice of 44-foot paving, and direct the staff to eliminate insofar as possIble the center left-turn lane in order to provide parking on both sides of the street wherever possible and to provide bike lanes as the staff deems appropriate. There were further suggestions for design of the arterial, consideration of zoning status in the area, possibility of curb cut locations~ Mrs. Beal suggested inclusion of further nego- tiationwith people on Echo Hollow Road in an attempt so far as possible to eliminate side- walk requipementalong the large undeveloped parcels with the idea that they would be in- stalled when the properties are developed. Mr. Williams had no objection. There was fur- ther explanation of intent of the motion with Mayor Anderson suggesting the idea was to re- tain the 44-foot paving, giving staff latitude as to what is most pertinent. Mrs.Campbell was concerned about property owners' objections to assessment for the project. Mr.Williams pointed out thatthe'present proposal would cost less than the one originally acted upon. Vote was taken on the motion, adding Mrs. Beal's suggestion with regard to side- walk requirements adjacent to undeveloped properties. Motion carried unanimously. '. FF. Appointment, Human Rights Commission - Mayor Anderson announced that Don Low, recently appointed to the~Human Rights Commission, will be unable to serve. Comm 5/2/73 File IS'=' "0. . 5/14/73 - 16