07/27/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ordinances and eventual zoning to implement the plans. They would like the . feasibility cost analysis to take place as soon as possible. The Emerald Waterways Committee has assisted the commissioners and they would like to see this project occur and to join the City to work together and move forward on the project. Commissioner Scott Lieua11en, 1054 Van Buren, urged the council to create a task force to examlne the lssues raised by the cltizens group promoting the canal. The Lane County Commissioners went on record today in unanimous support of this project. Due to the County's difficult financial situation they cannot commit staff or funds, but there are other possibilities for funding and staffing. The issues could be examined. He urged the council to consider formation of ~nd support for a task force. He assumes the County will do likewise in the near future. David Rowe, Director of Campus Planning for the University of Oregon, stated that he had been asked by President Olum to convey the University's enthusiastic support for the creati~n of the proposed task force to undertake the further study of the Emerald Canal. The Eugene Millrace is an important element in the University's history. The University is excited about opportunities to enhance the Millrace and the possibilities for its return as a significant feature of the landscape in the community. The proposed agreement before the council recognizes the concrete benefits which Commissioner Rust outlined. The Univer- sity feels these outcomes are desirable. They feel this will help to create opportunities for the quiet, simple reflection that is essential to the rejuvena- tion of the human spirit in illnidst of an increasingly cOlnp1ex urban way of life. . Mr. Rowe continued and stated that the University has some specific observations and suggestions that the task force might consider. First, the University pumps Millrace water directly into its chilled water lines, bypassing the fuel-fired, steam-driven chillers during the months that natural water temperature makes the practice feasible (normally October through April). If the increased water flow would result in reduced temperature of Millrace water, it might be possible to extend that period of time by one month in both spring and fall, which would result in savings of energy consumed to operate the chillers. They estimate the savings could amount to about 12,000 barrels of Bunker "C" oil or 10,025 units of hogged fuel in that two-month period. Second, the re-estab1ishment of the natural flow of water from the river into the Millrace would permit the Univer- sity to discontinue the use of its pumps which are now the sole means of bringing water into the stream, saving about 25,000 kilowatts per month. Third, inclusion in the study maintenance of the natural shoreline in the phase of increased water flow. Fourth, inclusion in the design of the system a mechanism to stabilize the water level in the stream, which will help prevent denuding the banks of the channel. Fifth, to study methods of trapping debris from the storm drains which drain into the Millrace, to reduce suspended silt in the waterway. Sixth, to give a high priority to a thorough analysis of the canalIs impact upon the supply of reasonably priced housing and consider that construction not adversely affect student housing opportunities. Seventh, to include the Univer- sity of Oregon to the list of agencies with which the task force is mandated to consult, and appoint an institutional representative to the task force so that any adjustments in facilities and operations can be coordinated with the Univer- sity's other needs and planned well in advance. The University wants to publicly . express pride in the leadership that certain individual faculty and students MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 27, 1981 Page 7