11/08/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. " e Mr. Bennett moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, except Mr. Holmer who voted nay, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19648) . Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, that the council direct the City Manager to refrain from leasing for the City any office space now occupied by any person or corporation that enters into a lease agreement with Willamette Street Partners, a limited California partnership, unless the City leases are awarded to the low bids in response to public requests for proposals or the council has specifically authorized such lease negotiations in a public meeting. Ms. Schue asked for Mr. Sercombe's opinion as to whether the issue raised by Mr. Holmer is appropriate for council discussion. Mr Sercombe said that the council has the authority to set policy for leasing practices and, therefore, this issue is within the province of the council. Mr. Holmer said that the council does not have sufficient, detailed information regarding the Central Eugene Project to justify a $94 million expenditure. Mr. Rutan agreed with Mr. Holmer that more information must be received regarding this project before the council takes any formal action. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to table this motion. e The motion passed, 6:1, with Councilor Holmer voting opposed. Mr. Rutan said that urban renewal is a valuable financing tool, and it is appropriate for both the City Council and the Urban Renewal Agency to be a part of the development process of downtown Eugene. Mr. Rutan stressed that it is important not to delay this issue indefinitely. Ms. Schue said that the Monday night public hearing was successful, but felt that the council should have had the opportunity to respond to public comment. It is her perception that downtown areas that have been successful in the past have always had assistance from the local government; urban renewal is the only way to provide such public assistance in Oregon. In response to a question from Mr. Rutan, Ms. Schue said that she has not made any decisions regarding expansion of the renewal district, but is willing to consider this as a possibility. Referring to public testimony at the October 6 hearing regarding council/ staff relations, Mr. Bennett said that the council has set policy which the staff is acting on and reneged any notion that staff is making deals without council knowledge or consent. Mr. Rutan demonstrated his full support of Mr. Bennett's statement. Mr. Green said that he is in support of Urban Renewal for the vehicle for which it is being used. He noted that his impression of public hearing e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 8, 1989 Page 7