07/16/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Maxwell, however, would be unable to develop his property without city services, he said, and since it appeared the property eventually would become a part of the city because of its location and nature, now seemed an appropriate time to annex. .- Fechtel continued that the area was within the urban service area, Mr. sewer service would provide the opportunity for development thereby adding an industrial area to the city's tax base, proposed development would conform to the General Plan diagram, other city services are available, and the area would create no burden on park and school systems. In fact, he said, there was no adverse state- ment by the planning staff with regard to this annexation. He said that the Lane County Health Division has indicated future growth in that area would depend on sewers because of marginal conditions and high water tables. Existing homes there could be expected to experience sewage problems during high water seasons. Mr. Fechtel thought the reasons for annexing this property were overwh~lming and the only stated reason for denying the petition was the fact that remonstrances were anticipated. He noted that SP land had as recently as last year received addi- tional service even though it lies outside the city. He urged favorable action on the petition for annexation, saying it was proper and should occur at this time. Those opposing the annexation were Paul Hoffman, 2177 Elysium Street, representing "voters who oppose the annexation;" John Rodda, 975 Oak Street, attorney repre- I-A-2 senting Cabax Mills; Dan Deschamps, 2235 Azure, representing Boise Cascade; and Ken Herber, tax agent for Southern Pacific. For the most part their objections were because they felt sewers would be of no benefit to their properties. They were already adequately served with septic tank systems and other services that would be provided through annexation; annexation would increase taxes at a time when the lumber industry was experiencing a "slump." Mr. Herber said that SP was satisfied with the present level of municipal services in view of the more e than $1 million tax bill paid each year to Lane County, much of which goes to the city. Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony presented . Assistant Manager commented that not many of SP's tax dollars come to the city of Eugene. He said that the basic question was whether to recommend annexation of the entire area, and from staff's standpoint there were not strong reasons to indicate this area should not come in to the city. However, residents in the area are opposed and staff felt they could petition an election on the issue, incurring public expense, and dispose of the issue by vote. With regard to the Maxwell property, he said, staff is averse to recommending a policy change that would permit extension of sewers-to that property through contractual arrangement. In response to Councilman Haws with regard to criteria on which judgment in this matter was made, Assistant Manager said the criteria used in considering ~ny annexation request was used. The city has no authority to mandate an annexation, he said, when it was neither an enclave nor a health hazard annexation. Mr. Chenkin explained that property petitioned for annexation is checked to make usre it is within the urban service area close to city limits, city services are available, resulting taxes will cover cost of urban service extension, etc. The General Plan is also checked, he said, to determine whether conflicts would develop with regard to land use or problems with extending services to the result- ing city boundary line. Assistant Manager added, in further response to Council- man Haws, that the Maxwell property would fit very well within the urban boundary considering, Belt Line Road as the dominant boundary. Also, that the enlarged -- area included about 14 residences. Don Allen, public works director, also in response to Councilman Haws, said that the only city service Southern Pacific has other than water service is access to the sewer system at the south end of Polk Street. Also, SP has been assessed and has paid for sewer installed on Bethel Drive. 7/16/75 - 2 3SS