06/13/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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-------- Mr. Hansen stated that the City must work with the citizen group to address the e problems such as backyard burning, possibly through a phasing program. He hoped that the City will be supportive of those special issues. Ms. Smith said that that message should be conveyed as soon as possible and that some efforts be made prior to the election because some of the issues could be viewed as nega- tive even though they are resolvable. She encouraged the five individuals to continue their work with staff in this area and thanked them for their efforts. Mr. Ball said that communities always hoped that positive leadership such as shown by the NEAR Group will emerge at critical times. Mr. Holmer said he shared in the delight expressed with regard to the process being made. He asked if any consideration had been given to the annexation of the Southern Pacific island. He noted that the Community Goals document included a proposed amendment to call on Southern Pacific to perform certain actions with respect to its property. Mr. Hale said the area had been purposely drawn out of the boundary, possibly to avoid the controvery, but primarily to avoid making a decision that would affect the entire community. Responding to Mr. Elliot, Ms. Ehrman said the current process will only encourage more public participation by putting the question to the people in an election. She asked for some clarification on what would be done to provide representation to the River Road/Santa Clara area if the annexation were successful. Ci ty Manager Micheal Gleason stated that the City Charter controlled the number of counci 1 seats. He explained that every major annexation required the City Council, L-COG and EWEB to redefine their districts. He added that most cities were limited to eight seats regardless of the city size. He said the council should not attempt to merge the two issues. Mr. Hale stressed that the - council should be clear on the representation issue because the impact of reapportioning the districts would be substantial on the council, the city and the River Road/Santa Clara residents. Mayor Keller said the ward lines have become quite articulate, explaining that the process included the stipulation that no councilor be forced to move or give up his or her seat. He bel ieved that any problems could be resolved. Mr. Edmundson said it was too early to address the representation issue. He stressed that the River Road/Santa Clara had a strong identity and he would be sorry if that identity were lost. Mr. Gleason said the issue of representation was a key point, adding that representation existed at various levels other than the City Council. Mr. Eachus said his group had not addressed the existing representative bodies such as the fire and parks districts. He said they were trying to facilitate the contact between those groups and the City of Eugene but the groups were working with City staff to address their own concerns. Mr. Hansen temporarily left the meeting at this time. In response to a request by Mr. Hale to clarify the work of City staff, Mr. Gleason stated that staff had met with the Santa Clara Fire District to discuss the future of that district after annexation by the City. He said staff was not able to provide clear answers, stating that numerous alternatives existed. He suggested that a group consisting of representatives of both organizations be formed to develop proposals. He said he felt comfortable that some resolutions could be made. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council/Eugene Planning Commission June 13, 1984 Page 5