04/28/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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-- Assistant Manager hesitated to draw a distinction between any moral or legal obligation involved. He said if the Council wished to have any credibility and if the committee action was approved, that commitment should be honored. He reminded the Council that the amount of money that would be spent each year on maintenance would necessarily have to be subject to budget review and judgments by the Council with regard to the property's intended uses. The choices were many and it would be the Council's de- termination, maintenance costs could range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending upon what was done with the property. Mayor Anderson left the meeting and Council President Murray assumed the Chair. Councilwoman Shirey asked if those people speaking against the assumption of maintenance of the Morse property by the city had ever walked thourhg the entire property. Mr. Sweetland answered that he had been on the property, in the main home, and in the other buildings in addition to having observed it from passing by for the past 16 years, and was aware of what it was like even though he had not walked its entire length. He said the state highway fund was already in trouble because of the reduction in revenues derived from gasoline taxes. With regard to donated funds, he said this should be looked at as a solid business venture, not on an emotional basis. And so far as volun- teers for maintaining the property even if it was donated, he referred to the lack of volunteers in helping to maintain other areas in the city [referring to pioneer ceme- teries]. He said that the Morse collections and papers could be set aside in some appropriate public building rather than purchasing this property to be "hung around the neck of. the city" in what was considered a poor park location which would not re- ceive very heavy use. -- Walt Coleman, 1055 Pinewood Terrace, thought the issue was being considered on an emotional basis and that three years at least should be given before a decision was made. He recognized the work of Wayne Morse and the respect it deserved, but he thought the city's priorities should be closely examined to see whether it could really afford the cost this property would involve and whether it was necessary. Mr. Keller moved second by Mr. Hamel to disapprove committee action. Mr.. Keller said he was in favor of action advising the Ways & Means Committee that the Morse property was desirable for park purposes but that the city was not in a position to finance its upkeep and maintenance. Councilman Bradley asked if he could reverse the motion. Then if there was a negative vote the motion as stated could be presented. Council President Murray rules that a substitute motion could be voted on if it was completely the reverse of the motion presented. Vote was taken on a motion to approve the committee action (that the city would maintain the Morse property as a park area should it be acquired, and advise the Ways & Means Committee that the property was considered highly desirable. park land). Motion carried - Council members Murray, Bea1, Williams, Bradley, Haws, and Shirey voting aye; Council members Hamel and Keller voting no. E. Improvement petitions . 1. Paving, sani tary and storm sewers wi thin Wes"tern Industrial Park Subdivision (west side of Bertelsen Road, south of West 5th Avenue) Petitioned by owners of 100% of the land to be assessed. It 2. paving alley between 13th Avenue and 14th Avenue Street to Hilyard Street petitioned by owners qf 56.36% of the land to be from Patterson assessed. '2.. ""3> 0 4/28/75 - 25