02/09/1976 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilman Williams asked whether criteria for grant of a conditional use permit for satellite ambulance stations might include location at least three blocks away from any existing structure and commercial thoroughfares. Mr.Saul answered that such a condition could be established. He said there is a broad grant of power to the hearings official and a long list of conditions on which 4IJ approval of a permit may be based. Councilman Haws wondered if it would be correct to assume there was enough available commercial property in various areas of the city where property could be purchased at this time for ambulance facilities. Mr. Saul thought it debatable - most commercially zoned properties that under the code could accommodate ambulance services were relatively substantially developed. The problem with C-2 properties, he said, would be trying to assess the degree of availability - practically any piece of property is available if enough money is offered for it. Changing the code to allow ambulance stations in any com- mercial zone, he said, would present the same objections that would be raised if they were permitted in residential zones, since C-l zones in Eugene normally are in areas surrounded by low-density residential areas. If they were allowed just in C-l zones, the range of existing uses would have to be expanded. Councilwoman Beal mentioned the recent site location for a fire station and the relatively few areas found suitable after a computer systems check - none in a C-2 or C-l zone. So it seemed to her that if response time is the main criteria for ambulance services, perhaps as much latitude as possible should be given, recognizing that conditional use permit criteria would con- trol the development. Councilman Bradley thought the recommendation to include ambulance services as part of fire stations should be explored. Manager said it was explored, by both the applicant and the city. Because of anticipated problems in terms of actual use of the fire facilities, space, etc., the applicant felt such an arrangement would not work satisfactorily. Mr. Saul added that the nature of agreements between the city and ambulance services would present a particu- lar problem since the ambulance services are considered almost what might be termed a franchise operation wherein an exclusive right to the operation is granted in turn for the city's establishment of rates, requirement for an ade- quate level of service, etc. This type of agreement, he said, could become embarrassing should the ambulance facilities be housed in fire stations and then a decision has to be made whether an adequate level of service is being provided if someone else wants to provide ambulance service. e Councilman Murray thought consideration of revising the commercial zoning code might be a desirable option, perhaps more flexibility would be a suitable alternative to locating the facilities in residential zones. Councilman Williams wondered if a building housing a franchised ambulance system could be constured as a semipubl,ic building within the language now in the code relating to fire stations. Mr. Saul answered that that aspect could be pursued. He added that it raised a number of questions with regard to other franchise operations - telephone company, gas company, etc. Councilman Bradley couldn't reconcile the limiting of ambulance services to C-2 and industrial zones and, to that extent, placing an obstacle for the necessary response time when that did not occur with regard to fire stations. ~e felt ambulance services essential to the health and welfare of the community ~ and said he would be in favor of the conditional use approach. ~ Councilman Keller asked how many emergency trips out of a satellite station on a given basis - daily or monthly could be expected. Mr. Leonard said about 2/9/76 - 10 7~