05/24/1982 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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- Don Kimmel, 3105 Lincoln Street, said he was the chairperson of the Crest Drive Neighborhood Association. He asked whether the Joint Housing Committee subcom- mittee meeting referred to by Mr. Andersen had been announced in compliance with Oregon Public Meeting Law requirements. He objected to the appointment called for in the ordinance of all seven members of the commission for four year terms. He felt that the members of the commission would have unusual powers under the ordinance and that it was therefore not advisable to select members for four-year terms. Mr. Kimmel felt that newly elected members of the City Council should take part in selection of the members of the commission. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. Mr. Gleason introduced Michael Tharp, Department of Housing and Community Conservation. Mr. Tharp responded to concerns raised during public testimony regarding the boundaries of the commission. He referred to materials dis- tributed to councilors revising the wording on page 8 of the draft ordinance and adjusting the boundary originally proposed. Responding to the concern raised by Ms. Edwards, Mr. Tharp said that the boundary proposed was only for planning purposes and would not affect the boundary of the existing urban renewal project. He noted that under the ordinance, the City Council would assume the powers currently allocated to the ERA. He said that the Downtown Commission would advise the council on any proposed renewal district boundary changes, but that the council would have the authority for approving any such changes. e Regarding concern for downtown housing, Mr. Tharp said that the nine-member committee had not specifically listed concern for downtown housing as a responsi- bility of the commission but that a call for cooperation with other boards and commissions, such as the Joint Housing Committee, had been included in the ordinance. He said that any refinement plan developed by the commission would go through standard planning processes and would incorporate housing issues. Councilor Hamel agreed that downtown housing was a major concern of the council. He also concurred with Mr. Pietka's suggestion that the council request a review of the workings of the commission in a specified period of time, to evaluate how the new ordinance is working. Responding to a question from Councilor Lindberg, Mr. Tharp said that initial appointments to the commission will be for staggered terms, with members appointed for one-, two-, three-, and four-year terms. Councilor Smith agreed that scheduling a specific time for review of the workings of the commission would be a good idea. Mr. Tharp said that under the terms of the ordinance the commission was required to submit annual reports to the council. Councilor Wooten emphasized for those members of the public who had expressed concern, that the ordinance did not and could not expand the Central Eugene renewal project and that any recommendations from the commission for such expansion would be considered by the council, with opportunity for public testimony. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 24, 1982 Page 5