04/09/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mr. Holmer said properties in the River Road/Santa Clara area should be annexed because they merit a full range of urban services, but he is concerned about the response of River Road/Santa Clara residents to Eugene taking the lead, or even being a partner, in demonstrating the desirability of annexa- tion. He said it would be better if Lane County officials led the information program about the advantages of annexation. Responding to Mr. Holmer's concern, Mr. Ball said the River Road-Santa Clara area is not the only area which needs to be annexed to Eugene or Springfield to obtain urban services; consequently, Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County are cooperating and County officials have made it clear that urban services should be provided by the cities. He said the information programs should include data that people can use to time annexation efforts because timing is important. He, personally, will do what he can to assist the efforts. Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Brody said the information program of the Urban Services Policy Committee will dovetail with the City's program. She said the committee's work is funded for this year and it is expected to be completed by December 1986. Mr. Miller commented that people get angry because the status quo cannot go on, and they continue to be angry after properties are annexed; but the only alternatives for the River Road-Santa Clara area are annexation to Eugene or incorporation as a new city. He said the residents must consider the costs of each alternative. He said County officials could help River Road-Santa Clara residents by bringing the streets in the area up to City standards, so resi- dents will get the best deal possible with annexation. He said upgrading the streets to City standards will be an additional cost to property owners if the streets are not improved before annexation. Mr. Ball responded that street improvements are being discussed by the County Public Works staff and Mr. Gleason said it is part of the urban services transition process. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to adopt the annexation program as presented in the memo dated April 9, 1986, titled "City Annexation Program." Mr. Holmer said his vote in favor of the motion would not endorse the inten- sity of the information program and the budget implications in it. He does not think the City should advocate annexation so intensely that funds must be expended. Ms. Ehrman concurred with Mr. Holmer because, she said, City funds are needed for many things. However, she said the City has no choice but to advocate annexation and the staff efforts will emphasize responding to interest shown by River Road-Santa Clara residents. Ms. Schue said people become members of a City ward immediately upon annexa- tion and are represented by a councilor. She said the City accepted the River Road-Santa Clara sewer grant "with strings attached" and must meet the connec- tion schedule in the grant. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 9, 1986 Page 5