03/11/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e sent to the City staff from the Citizens for a Liveable Future citing elements of the notice that were misleading. The letter stated that the interests of those opposed to the widening and removal of historic street trees have been harmed by the notice. The letter asked the City to publish a retraction of eleven statements. She said Citizens for a Liveable Future would like the Council to respond to its request by Friday, March 15, 1985. II. RESOLUTION CONCERNING MAYOR'S TREE AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION (memo, resolution, background information distributed) Councilor Bascom thanked the other councilors for working with her as she organized the Mayor's Tree and Beautification Commission. She read the proposed resolution. Res. No. 3905--A resolution accepting the Mayor's recommendation for creation of a Tree and Beautification Commission. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Mr. Hansen, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; the motion passed unanimously, 8:0. Answering a question from Ms. Bascom, Mayor Obie said commission members could be solicited immediately. Ms. Bascom hoped the commission would be appointed soon, so it can be working by April. e III. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Van Buren Railroad Crossing (memo, background information distributed) City Manager Michea1 Gleason introduced the agenda item. Pat Decker of the planning department presented the staff report. She said the Southern Pacific Railroad had requested the Public Utility Commissioner (CPUC) of the State of Oregon to close the at-grade crossing of the Southern Pacific Railroad's main line at Van Buren Street between 1st and 2nd avenues after the Chambers Connector overpass is completed and opened. The public hearing will give the council an opportunity to hear testimony and, if it wishes, to take a position, Ms. Decker said. She distributed a map which indicated the residences of people who had signed petitions asking the council to oppose the closing. The City had received a letter from a representative of the 4-J School District indicating the school board will discuss the railroad crossing closure April 3. A series of draft findings had been distributed to the council. The council could adopt them as distributed, modify them, or postpone a decision, Ms. Decker said. After reviewing City policies and planning documents, the staff suggested that a position opposing the closure would be consistent with City plans and policies. The adopted plans and policies assume through traffic will use the Chambers Connector and the at-grade railroad crossing at Van Buren Street will be maintained for traffic on arterial streets. ~ MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 11, 1985 Page 2