01/26/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Haws asked about the purpose of the public hearing. Mr. Gleason responded that the purpose of the public hearing is to receive input from citizens. The EWEB Board has not determined yet what the property should be used for. Staff does not know if EWEB is in a financial bind. The property might be pledged as security on revenue bonds sold by EWEB. Council has not received any formal request from EWEB regarding this property. The land use decision rests with the EWEB Board. Council can listen to the public and make a recommendation to EWEB after the hearing. The City does not have finances above and beyond the $150,000 for park land in this area. Mr. Haws asked if this item might come back to the council later. Mr. Gleason responded that that is a possibility. However, EWEB could develop the park themselves, or if it is surplus, it should be discussed with the council. They are interested in selling, but they have not asked the council to sign off on the property. Mr. Haws asked if this hearing is premature because of the circumstances. Mr. Gleason responded that it may be of benefit in the future. Mr. Gleason said that staff needs direction from the council as to how to proceed with the EWEB Board. Ms. Smith asked if the purchase price has changed. Mr. Drapela stated that the EWEB staff states it would be offered for $475,000 or the price could be raised if the City does not take advantage of this offer. Ms. Smith asked if purchase is necessary at this time. Mr. Drapela responded that it would need to be within this calendar year. Mr. Gleason stated that City staff had been working on this with both the EWEB Board and staff although it has not been discussed in a formal EWEB Board session. e Ms. Smith asked if staff is recommending that this be referred back to the EWEB Board. Mr. Gleason indicated that EWEB's policy direction needs to be made known so that the council can consider their direction. Ms. Wooten asked what formal communication had been received from EWEB and if this is a reduction in price from $600,000. Mr. Drapela stated that the only formal discussion centered around the $475,000 figure. Ms. Wooten stated that she had spoken with Keith Parks, General Manager of EWEB, and they wished to get direction from the council. Her understanding is that EWES thinks there may be room for negotiation. Public hearing was opened. Tim Bloch, 1236 Willagillespie, stated that this area is more than just a mere park, because people must take a long walk just to get there. It gives more experiences than just going to a small, neighborhood-type park. There is a variety of wildlife present and it is open space within the city with a view. It gives people a chance to go there and to collect their thoughts. It is hard to justify the monetary value because uses of this area could be open- ended as Eugene grows. The need will increase in the future for open space e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 26, 1981 Page 4