06/24/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Obie directed the staff to inform the council how it should be involved e in the criteria, the priority lists, and the presentation. Discussing the improvements to Highway 99, Ms. Bascom said it has some econo- mic development value. Mr. Gix said economic development probably will have to involve increasing capacity. Highway 99 will score highest on a need for sa fety. Federal standards, including landscaping, must be met. Ms. Sa scorn reiterated that the City needs guidance about how to package the Highway 99 improvements. Answering a question from Ms. Andersen, Mr. Gix said he knew of no funds specifically for new landscaping. Mr. Obi e sa i d the Ci ty ha s sound a rguments for the improvements to Hi ghway 99. They include economic development because of the $17 million improvement to the airport and people's impression of the community as they arrive and leave it. Mr. Gix suggested that perhaps the term "economic development" could be redefined. Ms. Ehrman said neighborhood groups will probably ask why improvements to the Ferry Street Bridge are not a priority for ODOT funding. Mayor Obie wondered if the Ferry Street Bridge could be tied to the economic development of the Riverfront Park area. Ms. Andersen suggested the bridge could be included in the projects suggested for the Six-Year Plan update. e Mr. Gi x sa i d the Governor's moderni za ti on program is not necessa ri ly an ongoing program; it is aimed at building modernization projects within the next five years. The a dded revenue from HB 2266 wi 11 conti nue beyond tha t, but might be redirected to other highway programs. In response to questions, Mr. Reinhard said new signs on Interstate 5 are being added to indicate mileage to Eugene more frequently than at present. All the councilors were very pleased. Mr. Reinhard discussed the timeline for the 6th and 7th avenue extension. It will be a limited access arterial, so an election will have to be held in early 1986. Ms. Andersen added that it will be important to have one alignment that has public support. The councilors approved the preparations for the 6th and 7th avenue widening and extension by consensus. Ms. Andersen thanked Mr. Gix for his help. Mr. Hansen said Mr. Gix attended all the meetings of the design review committee for the 6th and 7th avenue widening, and his assistance was very benefi ci a 1 . Mr. Hansen appreciated his help. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 24, 1985 Pa ge 6