07/13/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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~-.-... Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Lyle reviewed the notification procedures which included public notices, letters, and personal contacts. He e said the speed limit on Willakenzie will not be raised after the improvement. Replying to questions from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Lyle said the Willakenzie Grange is not tax exempt. It will be assessed for a 36-foot wide street. He said the staff has sought ways to defer the assessment but none has been found. He said the City Finance Division will work out a payment plan. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to adopt the minutes and approve the local improvement project for Willakenzie Road from Coburg Road to Willakenzie School east boundary. Ms. Bascom said the safety of school children and other citizens is important but the people who have to pay for the improvement of streets are disadvantaged. She said the councilors saw pedestrians and bicyclists on Willakenzie Road and realized it is dangerous. She said someone has to pay for streets but she sympathizes with people when it is their turn. Mr. Bennett said the project is in his ward and he does not like to have his constituents charged unless it is necessary. He said he has driven Willakenzie Road many times and has decided it needs to be improved. It is a narrow, curving road with intermittent shoulders and no bike path. It is dangerous. He said there is much developable land east of the improvement project and the enrollment at Willakenzie School may increase. He said the road probably will become more dangerous if it is not improved. Mr. Bennett said he wondered about mitigating the costs to property owners of e improving Willakenzie Road and he learned the abutting residential properties will be assessed for a 20-foot wide street only. He said sidewalks and bike lanes are needed for safety. He said approval of the staff r.ecommendation seems to be the only solution to the problem. Mr. Bennett said he hopes his constituents know he tries to fairly represent issues. He said he hopes they know he does not vote for assessing property owners unless it is absolutely necessary. In this case, proper research has not produced any other solution and there are good reasons for improving the road. Ms. Wooten said she is concerned about the Willakenzie Grange's assessment. She asked Mr. Lyle to meet with the management and directors of the Grange to see if something can be worked out. The motion carried unanimously, 7:0. Ms. Ehrman recessed the meeting about 7:05 p.m. and reconvened it at 7:10 p.m. She changed the order of the agenda. Mr. Bennett left the dais. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 13, 1987 Page 4