09/24/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Lowe highlighted several of the proposals contained within the proposed code. He indicated that the most controversial provision in the proposed ordinance is a prohibition on all slash burning within the UGB. This was proposed out of concern for air quality and fire protection. Mr. Lowe noted that at the Planning Commission public hearing, the commission received community feedback regarding exempting City government from tree- cutting permit requirements. Public testimony was almost unanimously opposed to this provision. Ms. Ehrman asked how the proposed ordinance would make it possible to avoid clear cutting. In response, Mr. Lowe said that City staff will have the authority to determine the appropriate level of tree cutting. Mr. Boles noted that one of the ordinance provisions specifies a limit on the total number of trees which can be cut. He asked how this would be monitored. Mr. Lowe responded that tree-cutting permits would be required for cutting to exceed the five-tree-per-acre limit. He noted too that tree cutting, particularly for areas within the south hills, is subject to a great deal of community policing. Those persons who live in the area will likely help the City monitor this provision. Regarding appeal authority, Mr. Boles stated that because the land in question is urbanizable land, the City's Hearing's Official should be responsible for hearing decision appeals. He noted that if that is unacceptable with the Lane County Board of Commissioners, then the e Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) should serve as the hearing body. Ms. Schue said that MPC would not be a good hearing body because each of the jurisdictions on this committee has veto power. Mr. Lowe emphasized that this ordinance is a compromise document. The City will have to work with the County commissioners to resolve this issue. Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow suggested that the council might seek direct verbal contact with the Lane County Board of Commissioners to discuss its concerns on this issue. III. WEST EUGENE WETLANDS STUDY--PROGRESS REPORT Steve Gordon, Lane Council of Governments (L-COG), provided the council with an update on the West Eugene Wetlands Special Area Study in preparation for its November 15 final workshop on the study. He said that preliminary staff recommendations and a draft plan for the restoration and preservation of wetlands will be presented at that workshop. Mr. Gordon said that many community workshops and forums have been held to educate the public and receive feedback on the wetlands issue. Community response has been very helpful. He said that the City will continue to work with State and Federal agencies on wetlands issues. e Responding to a request for clarification from Mr. Bennett, Mr. Gordon said that the City has tried to identify every possible means of funding available for mitigation. It tried to assemble a financing package that ties the costs MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 24, 1990 Page 6