12/03/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jim Bernhard, chairman of the Joint Housing Committee, stated that this program . does not set up opportunities for building housing units, but provides a vehicle for economic rental housing in the downtown area. They are asking for con- ceptual approval and to broaden the scope of the program. Some decisions in this program will be arbitrary, but those decisions will be well documented. The success of the program is contingent upon the continuing support of School District 4-J. The committee would like to refine the program, go to School District 4-J and request their input, and then come back to the council. Ms~ Johnson distributed invitations to the Open House at Abbie Lane, at 10:30 a.m., December 11. Mr. Lieuallen stated that he would like to see a report brought back regarding the nature of tax structures which affect developers' decisions to get involved in these projects. He would like to know what benefits exist currently and how those balance with efforts to encourage downtown housing. Housing demand and tax structures affect this project. He supports the program. Ms. Schue stated that the Joint Housing Committee is primarily interested in low- and moderate-income housing but this program can be used for any multi-unit housing within the boundary area. This is an attempt to make something that is difficult a little easier. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve in concept the Joint Housing Committee recommendations on amending the Multiple-Unit Property Tax Exemption Program. Roll call vote; . motion carried unanimously. VI. OFFICE SPACE NEEDS--STAFF PRESENTATION (memo and additional information distributed) . , Mr. Henry stated that the office space needs were evaluated in a study done by Morgan and Driscoll. The conclusion is that the City is approximately 30,000 square feet short of adequate space to meet the lowest standards of comfortable and productive workspace. These are conservative figures. He stated that Ed Smith, Development Director of Eugene Performing Arts Center, would give further information on the needs and possible solutions, and this would be followed by a council Executive Session to discuss acquisition costs and Gillespie Butte. Mr. Smith stated that City Hall I has been remodeled as much as it can be and space is being leased elsewhere to meet City space requirements. He presented a summary of office and work station requirements, which are based on minimum standards for space. At present, 574 work stations are necessary and by 1990, using conservative figures, 813 work stations will be necessary. He also produced a summary of square footage inventory and noted that the shortages are most striking in Finance, HCC, and Personnel. There is a shortage of over 28,000 square feet now; by 1990, there will be a shortage of 68,000 square feet. The figures for the Manager's Office include the area within the City Council Chamber. He presented five different scenarios to the council, and the con- struction requirement for each represents a 10- to 15-percent escalation of the . MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 3, 1980 Page 6