CC Minutes - 05/11/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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issues on Beltline Road that warranted attention. Mr. Pryor indicated his support for the process and the project. He predicted the project could be a major asset to the community into the future. He agreed with the concept that at some point in the process policy makers should be involved in the decision. He thought one way this could occur would be through direction to the SEL representative by elected officials. He remarked that the SEL group did not just "go make stuff up and agree," but rather that their actions were generally a reflection of their policy makers. In regard to funding, Mr. Pryor acknowledged there were many projects that needed to go on. He said as valuable as the project was, it was not likely that the City of Eugene could involve the "lion's share" of its transportation resources. Ms. Taylor agreed with much of what had been said. She thought the entire community should be involved in the discussion. She remarked that she had been alarmed to hear that so few people would be involved in the final decision. Mr. Boyatt responded that he perceived that the three people would represent the will of each of the three general purpose governments. Ms. Taylor averred the City Council should be involved in the final decision. She asked if this bridge would provide relief for the Ferry Street Bridge. Mr. Boyatt replied that such questions would be addressed by Phase 2 of the project. In response to a question from Ms. Taylor, Mr. Boyatt said it was not possible to present design ideas at this phase of the project. He added that a nationally known designer, Brian Ray, would be doing the design work when the time came. Mr. Pap~ thought the ramps from Franklin Boulevard would be a wonderful addition to the system. In response to a question from Mr. Pap~ regarding the height of the bridge, Mr. Boyatt stated that bridge height had some relationship with maritime law. He added that the geometry of the bridge was partially related to the difference between the grades to the south and north of the river. Mr. Pap~ expressed disappointment that this was being parsed into two projects. He wondered if there would be economies of scale should the two jobs be conducted simultaneously. Mr. Boyatt responded that there was some hope on the part of ODOT that the construction jobs would come back together in time to realize some efficiencies. He added that it depended on the will of the affected communities and the processes involved with the plan amendments and NEPA. He said, in response to another question, that the temporary bridge was bound by OTIA III constraints to come down by 2012. Mr. Pap~ pointed out that Mr. Poling's neighborhood and the neighborhood to the north of the river would be affected should the ramps be located there. He recommended their inclusion in the stakeholders groups. Mr. Poling favored the project overall. He conveyed his approval for the Phase 2 project and thanked ODOT for specifically involving the Citizens Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. He agreed with Mr. Pap~ that the Harlow Neighbors should be involved in the process. Mayor Piercy expressed cautious optimism for the project. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 11, 2005 Page 9 Work Session