05/23/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e considering the Sears Building as a possible siting option, an extensive public process would need to be undertaken. Mr. Bennett said that the cost estimates for the Sears building remodel look promising and expressed an interest in continued consideration of this location as a possible siting alternative. In consideration of the current property ,owner, Mr. Bennett emphasized the importance of making a decision regardin~council interest in this site soon. Ms. Sch~e reminded the council of its decision to allow voters the ultimate decision on library siting. , Respondirg to a question from Ms. Schue, Carole Hildebrand, Assistant City Librariap, said that a 75,OOO-square-foot remodel would be sufficient capacity\to handle short-term space needs. She noted that the Universal Donor Ca~d will likely increase the long-term capacity needs. With respect to the Sears building site, Mr. Holmer pointed out that because the area is a parking exempt zone, the estimated costs for the Sears building are not representative of what financial resources might actually be required of the City to meet parking demands in that area. e Mr. Rutan remarked that the council should mobilize a decision-making process that will allow library construction to begin more quickly than the anticipated spring of 1993. In particular, he suggested that the council put together an extensive public information campaign designed to educate community residents and elicit feedback on possible siting alternatives. Mr. Rutan pointed out that the Broadway and Charnel ton site is particularly noteworthy because of its potential for a mixed-use development. Ms. Ehrman suggested that the community attitudes survey, which is presently being formulated by the City, should contain questions on library siting. Responding to a question, Barbara Bellamy, City Manager's Office, said that State election laws prohibit the City from asking any ballot questions which require voters to prioritize a list of options. Mr. Holmer indicated that the voters should be presented with the council's single best recommendation on library siting and financing alternatives. He emphasized that if information from public consultation is taken into account when making this decision, it should be possible for the council to put forth a recommendation which will be satisfactory to the voters. Ms. Ehrman concurred. Mr. Boles expressed concern that if the council places a single option before the voters and it fails, the council will not be in a position to make any further decision on library siting. He recommended that the council give citizens the opportunity to vote on multiple siting options with multiple financing alternatives. He added that before this goes to election, the council needs to have a clear understanding of what the results might mean. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 23, 1990 Page 4