CC Minutes - 11/19/03 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Papd commended Mr. Carlson for his accurate report on the meeting he, Ms. Solomon, and Mr. Carlson had attended. He related the experience of the City of Pendleton, which had used non-city dollars via a PAC to survey citizens to gain support for a City Hall building. Ms. Bettman commented that the need for the new police facility should not be ignored because it was not as emotional an issue. She voiced her support for it, adding that the addition of urban renewal moneys would indicate the City's commitment. She asserted that the police should be a higher priority than the parks system. Mr. Kelly thought a discussion of a potential bond for parks should wait until after the Mayor's advisory committee made its recommendation. He agreed that the public should be involved through surveys. Mr. Kelly supported setting a bond measure for the police services building before the citizens for a vote, but felt that November 2004 was too soon. Mr. Kelly commented that as much as the youth programs were vital, he did not want to bring that local option levy back as the City had given the State four years to work the education finance issue. Additionally, Mr. Kelly implored the City Council to consider having a discussion of non-property tax revenue. In response to a question from Ms. Solomon, Mr. Carlson affirmed that urban renewal dollars could be used on a public facility. City Attorney Glenn Klein elaborated, stating that the amount that could be used was dictated by the amount of public benefit. Ms. Nathanson asked the City Manager to comment on the City's goal of having a City Facilities Reserve Fund. She asked how the City reserves were faring. Mr. Carlson, noting the discussion held two weeks earlier, said the City intended to put $7 million down on the police services building from the Facilities Reserve Fund. He reminded the council that $900,000 had been pulled from the Facilities Reserve Fund during the previous year's budget process. Mr. Taylor said staff would be returning in the spring with a funding proposal for a new police services building. Ms. Nathanson remarked that the Eugene Police Department (EPD) was chronically understaffed. She asked how much a discussion on adequate staffing levels would impact the construction of a new building. Mr. Taylor responded that there was a greater need to fill positions for officers out on patrol, rather than in the building. He said the real issue was how the Police Department had to interact with citizens; currently there was no facility for this and much of these interactions had to take place outside the building. As such, he stated the need for the building was not completely related to staffing levels. In response to a question from Ms. Nathanson, Mr. Carlson commented that the Police Department was basically out of space. He said additional square footage would be required for any new office needs. Mr. Meisner expressed hope that the City could find ways to fund the building with one-time moneys. He suggested staff look into which pieces of the telecommunications money could be used toward the facility. MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 19, 2003 Page 3 Work Session