05/09/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e - Mr. Gleason explained that the design process would begin when the plan was forwarded from the DTC to the Planning Commission. He expected the design to be completed by December 1984 and go out to bid in January 1985. While some preliminary site work would be performed in January or February, he said it would not alter the completion date for mastheads installation. Mr. Schwartz commented that a nine-to eleven-month delivery time for the mastheads could postpone completion of the project until December 1985. Mr. Gleason agreed, stressing the need for completion of the design. Councilor Hansen questioned the feasibility of using the present system for signalization and opening Wi11amette Street to one-way traffic. Mr. Gleason responded that it was the expectation that the project would be completed at one time rather than in phases. Councilor Wooten said she appreciated the comments by staff, but she still wanted to compress the amendment process as much as possible. Mr. Gleason said the City was constrained by State statutes which adopted the National Public Works Standards for street lights. Mr. Schwartz asked if it was possible to proceed with the design process while retaining the present mastheads. Mr. Gleason said numerous alternatives were available for the design process but the City would be constrained by the final design. He said he still believed that the earliest project completion date would be March 1985. Councilor Obie stressed that the council and the DTC should be careful not to encumber the process so that construction could begin at the earliest possible date. In response to a question on the opening of Wi11amette Street, Mr. Prichard said the DTC had discussed removing that item from the Downtown Plan to facilitate its completion. He said the majority of the DTC voted to proceed through the public process. He added that the project could not be hastened because of the need for public input. Mr. Filer said Mr. Prichard's comments were correct, stating that the project was developed as part of the refinement plan. He said the DTC felt strongly that all ideas must be presented to the public. Councilor Obie agreed with Mr. Prichard's comments but expressed his concern about the delay of the project. He said the project should be com- pleted as soon as possible and that the council and the DTC should press staff toward its completion. Ms. Bennett said the DTC compromise on the issue was to hasten the amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan in order to synchronize the two plans. Councilor Hansen said that some frustration was being felt because of the lack of progress in the downtown. He stressed that one area in which progress could be made within one or two years was traffic patterns through the downtown. Referring to the need for communication, Councilor Obie said the downtown was deteriorating and that it was the responsibility of the council and the DTC to correct that situation. Councilor Wooten said she shared Mr. Obie's concerns. She said she appreciated the work of the DTC and agreed that the public should have the opportunity to respond to the plan. She also stressed the need to shorten the amendment process. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 9, 1984 Page 8