02/15/1984 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Councilors proceeded to individually question Ms. Ehrman on a variety of issues from prepared questions. Councilor Schue asked Ms. Ehrman to comment on specific Ward 3 issues such as the planning process, the parking program, the woonerf, etc. Ms. Ehrman said that she has lived in the ward as a student and as a professional for six or seven years. She became familiar with the woonerf setting when she was a student, and felt that it was accomplishing its objectives of diverting traffic and retaining the neighborhood atmosphere. She described the physical boundaries of the ward area, stating that the bulk of the residential area was the West University Neighborhood. While she does not live there, she said she had an understanding of the goals of the neighborhood refinement plan. She felt that the parking program had not been in operation long enough for the council to make an evaluation. Bike paths and transportation are major issues of the ward, as well as downtown development. Councilor Smith asked Ms. Ehrman if she could address some of the major issues facing the city as a whole. Ms. Ehrman believes that the number one issue is economic development. She supports the Six-Point Plan but feels that State support is needed for the success of this plan. She felt that her legislative experience could be a help in accomplishing this, and all councilors could assist with State contacts. Eugene's downtown development is a major issue, and incentives for business location should be developed. Major retailers, such as Nordstrom's, should be pursued; the athl etic cl ub shoul d be supported. Financing and taxation are other issues, and perhaps the City should consider some alternate methods of financing. The Hult Center operation and Airport upgrading are major concerns, too. Councilor Wooten asked Ms. Ehrman to explain some of her priorities should she become a City Councilor. Ms. Ehrman referred to her experi ence in San Jose, in that they lost 1 ivabil ity at the expense of excessive economic growth. She felt it was important to retain Eugene's reputation for uniqueness in being a good place to work, rai se a fami ly, and enjoy recreational activi ti es. The Community Goal s Confer- ence demonstrated that citizens have a commitment to retain this uniqueness. Councilor Ball asked Ms. Ehrman if she would object to a combined delivery of the services now delivered by three governmental bodies. Ms. Ehrman said that she would not object if it meant lower costs to the citizenry. Councilor Hansen asked Ms. Ehrman if she thought the Council handled the 6th and 7th Avenue widening issue correctly. She said she had attended the council meeting at which this was discussed, and agreed with the Mayor's comment that lithe process worked". A compromise was achieved by citizen participation. She said that if she were analyzing the issue, she likely would have drawn on her legal background and precedent philosophy. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 15, 1984 Page 2