05/29/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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, CouncilJDanHershner inquired about the 1.05 acres of easement plus sewer assessment in the Cone ownership. Public Works Director explained that the 1.05 acres is the area actually oc~upied by the channel when oonstructed. 2'he sewer assessment is one that was deferred in exchange for easement to run the major portion of a sewer line through that ;property being severed. The Cones will still own the 1.05 acres, re- stricted by the easement. 111:. williams wondered whether that ownership would permit 'building over the easement. Public Works Director replied that it probably could be negotiated with the Corps of Engineers, although not likely because of specific Corps prohibi dons . *** .- Vote ..as taken on tbe lJIOtion lIS stated. IIotion carried unanimously. *** See correction of committee minutes in June 11, 1973 Council, showing City owns 1.05 acres in fee. N. . Underground Wiring, EWEB Inquiry - Inquiry was received from Eugene Water and' Electric Board with regard to oonversion of overhead electric system to under- ground on Franklin Boulevard from Onyx Street to east of Garden Avenue. The in- quiry went to all property owners in that area asking whether they would be will- , ing to participate in the cost and responsibilities of oonversion; if so, to what extent. There was no indication of costs. City owns a strip of property fronting on Franklin Boulevard in that area which EWEB is considering possibili ty of improv- ing as a major entrance to the Ci ty. Present transmission lines are on the north . side of Franklin, there is no indication whether properties on both sides or only , one side cf the street would be assessed for the work. Manager fel t any response ~ to the inquiry would be the Council's indication of whether the undergrounding was considered a good project and whether as one of the property owners the City , would be willing to participate, assuming the costs are reasonable. '__ .. Mayor Anderson expressed his concern about present policy on underground wiring. He felt a broader policy should be developed whereby burying of large transmission lines on major arterials would be the responsibi~y_pf EWEB mu~~_~responsibility for trunk sewers are assumed by the Ci ty, thereby shiftLng-th~ burden from owners of adjacent properties to the entire community for those major installations. Individual neighborhoods then could be encouraged to assume the cost of underground wiring on residential streets. He suggested meeting with EWEB to see whether a policy could be developed. Councilman Williams said he felt it would be better to meet with EWEB and agree on an overall program for the community rather than agreeing to participate in the Franklin Boulevard project. Councilwoman Beaithought it would be well for city and EWEB staffs to develop costs and a proper way to establish some way of paying for underground wiring other than being absorbed by property owners. MIs. Beal moved seconded by Mrs. Campbell that staff arrange a meeting between the Council and Eugene Water and Electric Board at an appropriate time to discuss ways in which underground wiring could be accomplished. Corrun 5/23/73 Approve . Councilman Wood said underground wiring would be of benefit to the entire community, increasing property values where there is that type installation, and he favored the idea of an overall program rather than piecemeal projects. I Manager felt the matter should be pursued as quickly as possible to give staff direction because of improvement projects scheduled on major arterials this summer. He referred to that planned for Oakway and said if present policy is continued it may be better to_leave the overhead, wiring rather than adding its cost to that for the street to be assessed against abutting properties. It was recognized as a complex situation on which development of a plan is needed.soon. Councilman Mf.!..r.r.~y asked that consideration be given in development of any policy to older parts:,?f the City where electric lines go directly across back yards. MOtion carried unanimously. ~--~ ~- ,-- Glen Stadler, EWEB representative, told the Council that background'material his office is preparing for testimony on legislation with regard to underground wiring would be made available to Council members and staff to help understand EWEB's position. ~ Vote was taken on the motion as stated. ~" , oJ Improvement Peti tions ~ ;(:1.. Paving Spring Boulevard from North Shasta Loop to 450 feet. southeast - Petitioned by owne,rs of 49% of abutting properties. The improvement is a short stretch oonnecting paved portion of Spring Boulevard to North Shasta Loop, also paved, on a curve whicJ,. results in front footage on one side being less than that on the other side of the proposed improvement. Councilman Williams fel t since the majority of abutting footage was not represented on the petition, the owners should be notified that the improvement. is being considered. It was understood . a"~ 5/29/73 - 8