02/13/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e cludes priority Federal agenda items from the Lane Transit District, Eugene School District 4J, and the University of Oregon. Ms. Bascom commented that the "short-list" approach has been a cornerstone of Eugene's effectiveness at the Federal level. In light of this, she expressed concern with the number of items which the City has agreed to work on in conjunction with the school district and suggested that the school district focus on one item. She also expressed a concern about the "families in cri- sis/early childhood education" program, in light of the University of Ore- gon's recent budgetary decisions. Mr. Nicholson asked whether the City has any assurance from the University of Oregon that the Center for Housing Innovation will provide direct benefit to the community. He suggested that the council may want to encourage the Uni- versity to move away from theory and into construction. Mr. Rutan reminded Mr. Nicholson that this project is a continuation of an issue which has been pursued in the past and assured him that the University has put forth much effort in this area. e With respect to joint efforts with the University, Mr. Boles spoke about the need for an integrated approach to housing in the community. He suggested that the University's funding request be integrated within the City's housing goal. In dOing so, however, the City needs to be able to demonstrate how this specific project relates to the City's overall housing goals. Mr. MacDonald said that he is discouraged with the University's limited re- sponse to the lack of available funds for student housing. He agreed on the importance of integrating the City's and the University's housing goals. Aside from its list of priorities, Mr. Boles suggested that the City initiate some preliminary discussions with other members of the delegation about re- gional approaches to high-speed rail. The council gave its consent to this suggestion. Mr. MacDonald also asked that the City take a preliminary look at applying for grant moneys for the Public Safety Long-Range Plan and an preliminary effort be made to seeking grant funds from the the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a comprehensive emergency shelter and transition- al housing package. The council agreed to this suggestion. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to approve the 1991 Federal Priorities as amended. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 6:0. Responding to question from Ms. Bascom, Mr. Rutan said that the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Act will be on the City's list of other issues. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 13, 1991 Page 7