09/09/1985 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Answering a question from Councilor Holmer, Ms. Decker said there will be no e relaxation of existing City standards concerning hazardous materials and toxic wa stes. Ms. Wooten added that the council will be considering a proposal that will have enforcement provisions to protect the whole community from pollu- ta nts. Responding to Councilor Hansen, Mr. Hibschman of the Eugene Development Department said tax increment financing can only be used for "public purpose" improvements. The proposed tax increment plan will end in twenty years, but it could be extended. Answering a question from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Farah said the Riverfront site was not identified in the Metro Plan as a site with archaeological value. If archaeological value is proved, Statewide Goal 5 would require a balancing of the need to maintain the site with the need to develop it. The proposed Metro Plan amendments contain an expedited process for balancing needs. Councilor Bascom discussed the good experience she had visiting a research park in Sweden that is similar to the proposed Riverfront Research Park. Councilor Schue said part of the responsibility for the development of the Research Park is the council 's and part is the university's. The major responsibility for the investment of funds is the developer's. The council has to be sensitive to the other responsibilities. The classified research issue is important, but it belongs to the university and testimony about it should be directed to the university. The council should be concerned with e providing sewers and streets and responding to Land Conservation and Develop- ment Commission issues. Ms. Schue said the Riverfront property is not very attractive now, but it has great potential. The project has many purposes. Agripac needs and recrea- tional needs are important parts of the project. She said the financial proposal seems logical. She emphasized that Riverfront tax increment funds will not exist if the project is not approved; therefore, the project will not cause existing tax districts to lose funds. The council is exhibiting respon- sible stewardship by considering the project promptly because of a possible change in a State law which would make the tax increment district less advan- ta geous. She would support the project. Ms. Wooten will support the project with the two assumptions that (1) no research will be permitted which will harm human life and (2) that an analysis of toxic and hazardous waste pollutants and a report concerning the protection of the Willamette River will be completed. She will withdraw her support if those things change. She does not want any construction started until Eugeneans are protected from toxic and hazardous pollutants. She has heeded the testimony and comments about the project. Ms. Wooten said the economy must be diversified and efforts to diversify the economy must be diversified. She said the developer will determine the eco- nomic feasibility of the project. She said the process is publicly account- able and public improvements will go through the City's budget process. -- MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 9, 1985 Pa ge 6