02/11/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Mr. Lindberg agreed that other groups that are not involved with neighborhood groups should be allowed to apply. The SNAP program, sponsored by the Mott Foundation, encourages neighborhood organizations to reach out further and stimulate neighborhood action. Some groups are very weak and perhaps this will strengthen them. Ms. Miller indicated that she feels it is appropriate to encourage proposals such as these to go through neighborhood groups but this adds another layer of bureaucracy so she would not want that to be the only avenue. VIII. UPDATE ON SCHOOL CLOSURE ISSUE--INFORMATIONAL (memo and background information distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Jim Farah, Planning. e Mr. Farah stated that the background information was provided to the council in their packets. The Planning Department will provide a liaison to the 4-J Task Force to help them along with L-COG to provide data. He and Gary Chenkin will be working with the task force. The task force met February 9, 1981. Their charges are to recommend a list of schools to be closed, to determine ways in which they could save $50,000 to $125,000 per school year, to determine how they can have a minimum of 250 students per school, and to recommend alternative uses of the buildings. The task force should have their recommendations com- pleted by May 29, 1981, and their next meeting will be held February 16, 1981. This is a normal process of community growth. He will report back periodically. Ms. Wooten stated that the City should be more assertive instead of waiting until an opinion is requested. She asked that a City position come from the specific neighborhoods where specific school closures could occur. She asked how the procedure will work. Mr. Farah responded that they would like to start with the Metrq Plan and help the task force understand land-use allocations. The task force is aware of community goals and policies and those issues can surface through the task force. The council can then step forward to make other comments. Ms. Wooten asked if after the task force makes a determination, but before the school board makes a determination, would be an appropriate time. Mr. Gleason responded that it would, but that Planning staff will not be passive participants in the meantime. Superintendent Dorland had stated that they are interested in the council's viewpoint. They would appreciate assis- tance. Then as the process unfolds, the City can determine a response, but the City will need to let this process evolve. Mr. Lindberg asked if there had been discussion on the relationship between closing schools and the community schools program. Jim Farah responded that the task force has not discussed that yet. Mr. Gleason responded that he, Super- intendent Dorland, Dave Whitlow, and Ernie Drapela, have discussed this, but - MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 11, 1981 Page 11