01/19/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Councilor Schue responded that the council had discussed this policy issue in the past and had agreed to use City funds to maintain the play area at Lincoln School when that school was closed. She asked the council to endorse the concept of maintaining public open space in public use. Councilor Wooten referred to the City's efforts to make the Lincoln School grounds available to its citizens and said she supported Ms. Schue's request. She felt that retaining the Dunn play area in public ownership was in the best interests of the community. Responding to questions from Councilor Lindberg, Mr. Gleason said that the existing agreement with the school district would not preclude the council's making a statement on this issue, nor would it preclude action on the part of the district. He felt it was important that prospective buyers of district properties understand the effect of existing City land use policies including the Metropolitan Area General Plan on the uses to which the properties could be put. Councilor Lindberg said he endorsed the concept of preserving public-trust assets and therefore would support Ms. Schue's request to speak for the council at the hearing. Councilor Obie felt that it would be clear to those who might acquire the Dunn site that use of the property would need to conform to the Metropolitan Area General Plan. e Mayor Keller said he felt it was appropriate for Ms. Schue to testify in a positive way and to encourage the district to consider the issue of retaining public ownership. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the Eugene City Council approve the testimony of Emily Schue before the 4-J School District and encourage the district to consider the consequences of retaining the playground and park surrounding Dunn school as public open space. Councilor Obie asked that the motion be amended to read as follows: that the Eugene City Council approve the testimony of Emily Schue before the 4-J School District and encourage the district to consider the importance [consequences] of retaining the playground and park surrounding Dunn school as public open space and recreation area. Ms. Wooten and Ms. Smith agreed to the amendment. Councilor Obie noted that it would be possible for public use of the play area to be retained through other than public ownership, and gave the example of use of the land by a private research or electronics firm that could combine such development with open space. A vote was taken on the motion as amended. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 19, 1983 Page 2