04/28/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e the areas mentioned by Councilman Haws would certainly be considered in any bond measure. There was no assurance of such a measure or that it would be passed, but he thought it the most practical approach to park land acquisition. Councilwoman Shirey recognized the untimeliness of the issue, but said there was no choice - this was the last chance to acquire that property and preserve it as open space. She was not interested in doing something here that would detract from the rest of the city, but she felt there was no danger of that. She hoped the figures would not be considered definite, because she thought the property could be used as it now exists for quite a while without expenditure of any funds. She hoped the Council would look at the long-range picture. Councilman Williams asked if the motion would obligate the city to more than open space uses or a farm operation - how far would "multiple" use obligate the city. Mrs. Beal answered that the intent of the motion was not to bind the city to spending money but to recognize the many uses to which the property could be put - hay barn in which children could play, tack room, existing walks and trails needing no development, etc. e Councilman Keller thought if more definite figures were available, looking ahead ten years, he might be able to get a better grasp on the impact. He was taking into consideration inflation and the annual increase in cost to operate the area as a city park. He agreed that it was a "gorgeous" piece of property and that sympathy was running high to main- tain it as a park, but he didn't place the same priority on it as others. He said he would rather know how much it was going to cost for operating it. Assistant Manager didn't think a firm figure could be stated be- cause the operational costs would depend upon uses the community decided upon Eor the area. Mr. Smith added that the costs given were purely estimates, that nothing concrete could be given ten years ahead. He said the main thing was to acquire the land, that should have top priority. Development sometimes didn't happen for eight to ten years, so there would be ample time to come to grips with costs of maintenance of a highly de- veloped park. The attractive thing about this parcel, he said, was that it could be used as a park in its present condition. Councilman Murray commented on Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the incredible number of uses to which that park was put, and the farsighted people who developed that area. If any comparable action could be taken here, he thought it would be ~ighly desirable. Keith Schroeder, caretaker at the Morse ranch, reported that the Legisla- ture had received pledges.for maintenance of the property if it was pur- chased by the state. And it was hoped that the Wayne Morse Historical Park committee would continue to function and establish some kind of a trust fund for maintenance of the property. Vote was taken on the motion as stated. Motion carried unanimously. .e Mrs. Beal moved seconded by Mr. Bradley that the Legislature Ways and Means Committee be advised that the Eugene City Council regards the Morse ranch as highly desirable park land having ad- vantages of outstanding scenic beauty and easy access for the general public and the possibility of a wide number oE educa- tional and recreational uses. Motion carried unanimously. Comm 4/16/75 Approve 4/28/75 - 23 .2,..Ze