08/09/1976 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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failing that, he said, the Board recommended an immediate meeting between the full Council and the Water Board for the purpose of trying to reach agreement on the proposed Charter revisions affecting EWEB. Councilman Murray expressed appreciation to citizens giving public testimony, . ) especially after having discussed Charter revision over the past few weeks in "almost empty'rooms." He said he thought the issue of appointment vs election of Board members had become a matter of "making a molehill into a mountain." He said it was not the original intent to act precipitately in changing the manner of selection of EWEB members. After more thought, he said, it now seemed to him that given recent experience of public interest in important energy policies, it would be untimely to change the selection procedure or cast any doubt on that procedure at this time. He said he would offer a motion under the consent calendar to include language in the Charter that would clearly call for election of Board members. With regard to timing of election on the Charter revision, he said he felt no great compulsion to rush the revision to the voters. He thought time should be taken to look at it more carefully, that increased input and a stronger and better Charter with more public support was worth pursuing. Discussion was closed off, and it was understood further discussion on ,.Charter revision would be scheduled. D. Parks Land Acquisition Program 1-B-9 Manager noted that the proposed $5 million, IS-year serial levy was recommended by the Joint Parks Committee and approved by the Council for hearing at this meet- ing. He said this proposal was reduced from the original proposal which included more land and certain improvements to existing park lands. It would provide acquisition of open space in the South Hills area for growth control as well as, aesthetics and recreation. Ed Smith, parks director, explained details of pro- posed land acquisition contemplated under the serial levy - about 600 acres -- in the South Hills, 25 acres in Willakenzie area, three areas in the central city, seven acres in Delta/Goodpasture area, and 30 acres in the Bethel area, all of which he pointed out generally on a map. He also pointed out locations of park development under the bond issue originally proposed and said the present levy would cover land acquisition only. The present proposal, he estimated, would result in a tax rate of about 27~ per $1000 of assessed valuation. Public hearing was opened. Speaking in favor of the acquisition program and urging presentation of a ballot measure to the voters were George Alvergue, 430 East 46th Avenue; Scott Lieu- allen, 1190 West Broadway; David McClurg, 602 West 28th Avenue, Crest Drive Citi- II-A-l zens; Twila B. Voorhees, 535 Kingswood, speaking for the League of Women Voters and presenting a written statement; Phyllis Earley, 3945 Mill Street; Cheryl Reyn~lds, 225 West 35th Place; Rosalie Lemert, 10 East 40th Avenue; Peter Wengert, 530 West End Avenue, New York, N.Y. (formerly 1629 Moss Street); Sandra Bishop, 1190 West Broadway; Jean Reeder, 1645 Fairmount Boulevard, president of Fairmount Neighbors. The general thrust of their testimony was that future population growth in this area would justify the need for open space acquisition now, in the city core area as well as in the South Hills. Acquisition in the South Hills would be consistent with adopted goals and policies of preserving maximum open space and maintaining the distinctive topographical features of the ridgeline, natural forest areas. livability of the area, etc., as well as continue Eugene's history of land acquisition to maintain open space for future enjoyment of its citizens. Also, city acquisition of South Hills property would act as a partial barrier - to the south which would help promote compact urban growth and prevent develop- ment sprawl over the ridgeline. It was thought that more land should be acquired in the western part of the city for open space, not necessarily for developed parks. 8/9/76 - 8 3qL.f