06/09/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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L.City Hall Space Problems - A memo previously distributed to the Budget Committee describing the present space crunch at City Hall was presented again: Staff feels the efficiency is being impaired because of limited space. If the problem is addressed, there are three alternatives: 1) build the tower on the north wing of City Hall - requiring a $2.6 million bond issue; 2) acquire existing office space; or 3) lease existing office space for estimated first year rent of $30,000. All three ~lternatives have been studied and staff feels the 2nd proposal would give a 5-year reprieve and thus some planning flexibility. Building the tower is the most desirable option but that option is not realistic at this time as other ballot measures take higher priority. Staff would recommend acquiring an existing office building in downtown Eugene. Ms. Beal asked what happened to the possible plan of leasing from the county when their building is finished. Mr. Martin said the cost of leasing and difficulty in getting commitments were two factors that ruled out the county building. Mr. Murray expressed that he continued to be bothered about failing to make a real attempt to work something out with regard to the armory. It is rIa building right there, conveniently located". He feels that possibility has never been thoroughly explored. Mr. Martin responded that one of the reasons the county does not want to discuss it is because of the indecision regarding the jail and a possible site for it. The jail has to rank No. 1 and the City does not want to cloud that issue. Mr. Keller agreed with Mr. Murray's thoughts and felt the commissioners should be requested to discuss it and provide input. Mr. Martin felt that waiting for input on the armory could be to the City's disadvantage if the commissioners decide to delay any decision on it until completion of the jail study. Mayor Anderson suggested going into executive session to enable Council to more fully discuss the options. Mr. Bradley wondered if thought had been given to decentralizing some of the City functions. Mr. Martin said it was considered - primarily moving parks - but "interrelationships do not let us do that very easily"'. In answer to Mrs. Shirey's question regarding building of the tower, Mr. Martin said the;e would be a 2 to 2 1/2 year lag between the time it is decided to build the tower and when construction can be started. To start on the project now would be unwise because the City would be looking at a $2.6 million bond issue - then 18 months of construction. No bond issue is needed to purchase a building. Mr. Martin asked that, as a condition for the press to remain in the Executive Session, they be required not to divulge the building in question or property values while negotiations are underway. It was moved and seconded to go into Executive Session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2) to consider staff's recommendation regarding acquisition of property. Motion carried unanimously. Action recommended in May 28, 1975 executive session was authorized. Report was to be brought back on Armory building. M. Lane County Economic Development Association - Copies of proposal for creation of an Economic Development Association and sample resolution endorsing the proposal were previously distributed to Council members. Councilman Hamel reported on the meeting called by Lane County Commissioners to explain the proposal for a commission with the general objective of creating more jobs for citizens now living in the County through economic diversification, stabilization of employ- ment patterns, expansion of existing area industry, attraction of new business and industry. He felt such a commission would benefit Eugene in that it could . work toward spreading new industry throughout the County rather than concentrating it in the Eugene/Springfield metropolitan area. The proposed membership would comprise one member each from Lane County Commission; Eugene, Springfield, and other city councils in the County; LCOG; and Lane County, Eugene, and Springfield chambers of commerce. 6/9/75 - 12 ~l4 -- . Corom 5/28/75 Approve .