Item A: Tour of Eugene Water & Electric Board Riverfront Site and Discussion of Relocation Project

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Eugene Water & Electric Board EWEB Relocation Project Review Background. Since the mid-1990s, the Eugene Water & Electric Board has studied whether to move all or part of its operations along the Willamette River in downtown Eugene. Much of the current non-headquarters operating facilities need replacement, and the 27-acre property has access and congestion problems that hinder water and electric utility operations. In November 2005, after a year of detailed review and analysis, the EWEB Board received a “30% design” study which described two alternatives for development of new EWEB headquarters and operations facilities: a) a “combined facility alternative” – providing for relocation of all EWEB functions to a new location near Roosevelt and Beltline, and b) a “split alternative” – where administrative and public service functions would remain downtown and electric and water operations would move to west Eugene. In February 2006, the Board decided on the “split alternative” and directed staff to pursue final design to relocate the utility’s operating and engineering functions to the Roosevelt site. The current administrative staff and customer service functions will remain in the headquarters building on the riverfront in Eugene. Riverfront Site Planning Project. The decision to relocate a portion of the EWEB operation raised the question of how to plan for the functions that would remain on the site, as well as the land that EWEB would no longer need. A project team was formed to develop a project scope for work intended to result in a Board Approved Master Plan that meets City planning requirements. Completion of this planning work is expected by December 2007. Purpose of EWEB’s planning for the Riverfront Site. The scope of work that will guide creation of an overall plan for the Riverfront site acknowledges EWEB’s goals and objectives as well as those expressed by the City of Eugene in the Downtown Plan. EWEB Vision: In April 2000, EWEB Commissioners adopted the following goals to guide planning work for the riverfront site (“Eugene Water & Electric Board Headquarters Visioning”, April 18, 2000, Page 1): 1. Protect the Riparian Edge, 2. Maximize Operational Efficiencies, and 3. Minimize Rate Impacts to our Ratepayers. Eugene Downtown Plan: In April 2004, the Eugene City Council approved the “Eugene Downtown Plan” as “a framework” for Downtown Eugene. The plan calls for the City to “Partner with EWEB to develop a master plan for the EWEB site.” Principles to be applied to the riverfront site include creating a “people place” that is accessible and multi-use; provide appropriate setbacks; incorporate appropriate building and site design and incorporate educational aspects into the site. 2