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<br /> e The council discussed possible safety hazards which might be posed by the <br /> lack of adequate sidewalks. Mr. Carlson said that property owners have a <br /> variety of choices with respect to the sidewalk options including curbside or <br /> setback. Regarding setback sidewalks with planting strips, he noted that <br /> there is still some question regarding who has the ultimate responsibility <br /> for maintaining the planting strip. <br /> Mr. Bennett pointed out that narrowing street widths, particularly for <br /> residential streets, can effectively slow traffic flow. <br /> Mr. Carlson indicated that the eCI discussed ways in which the City might <br /> motivate property owners to initiate street improvements. Out of this <br /> discussion came two types of low-income assessment programs. The exiting <br /> program includes deferral and extension provisions for low-income seniors. <br /> The second type of program being considered is currently used in Springfield <br /> and utilizes Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to subsidize <br /> property owners' assessment costs. <br /> Ms. Ehrman cautioned that subsidies from low-income assessment programs <br /> should not be used on optional street improvements, but limited to basic <br /> street reconstruction. <br /> Mr. Lyle indicated that this optional design program has been tested on <br /> property owners in two areas of Eugene. Property owners on Whitbeck <br /> Boulevard were opposed to road improvement while property owners on Meyers <br /> e Road were in favor of a 20-foot wide street improvement. <br /> Mr. Holmer said he is uncomfortable with a policy which does not require <br /> mandatory street light installation on streets with medium- and high-volume <br /> traffic. <br /> Mr. Boles cautioned that mandatory street light requirements would prove <br /> costly for property owners and postpone street reconstruction for property <br /> owners with already limited means. <br /> Responding to question from Mr. Bennett, Ms. Andersen said that the cost of <br /> street lights could be reduced by about one-half if they were placed on an <br /> already existing pole. <br /> Mr. Lyle noted that the City supports the concept of having private deed <br /> restrictions and covenants on property so that new owners will become aware <br /> of how the standards for that particular street evolved over time. <br /> Mr. Boles expressed an interest in expanding street requirements to allow <br /> property owners the option of choosing a 20- or 24-foot rolled-edge asphalt <br /> street. Recognizing that these types of streets are less easily maintained, <br /> the City would build the cost of maintaining these streets into the cost of <br /> street assessment. The ultimate cost of maintaining such a street overtime <br /> would potentially be greater and thus inhibit property owners from choosing <br /> this option. Mr. Boles added that the advantages of such an approach would <br /> e <br /> MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 20, 1990 Page 6 <br />