CC Minutes - 11/20/06 Work Session

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Mr. Poling said he originally supported keeping the patrol function at City Hall. However, based upon Chief Lehner’s vision, the City Manager’s recommendation, and the most recent verbatim citizen participa- tion comments, there appeared to be a preference to have the patrol function outside of City Hall. He opined that issuing patrol cars to officers would save costs by reducing the need to accommodate parking. He added he would support the motion. Ms. Ortiz supported the motion and looked forward to hearing from the community on the issue. In response to Ms. Taylor, Mr. Penwell said the money for construction of the forensics building came from the facility replacement fund. Ms. Taylor suggested there was enough money in the facility replacement fund to build a modest police building. She said she would support the motion. She liked the idea of officers taking their cars home. Mayor Piercy said she had been surprised by the level of interest in having police being located off-site, and how important it was for the City Hall to maintain a connection to the community. Ms. Bettman said it was important to have a police presence at City Hall. She said the bond measure for City Hall would not necessarily succeed, adding she would oppose the motion and a related bond measure. Ms. Taylor said the people who expressed their opinions during the public participation process were self selected and not a broad cross section. The issue had not been reviewed by neighborhood groups and the City Club. The motion passed 7:1, with Ms. Bettman voting in opposition. Ms. Solomon, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to direct the City Manager to bring back to council for the December 11, 2006, work session additional cost information related to site selection for a new City Hall, particularly costs related to site acquisition of the Lane County “butterfly” parking lot. Mr. Kelly hoped there would be sufficient information available on December 11 to make a decision. However, he would not make lack of information a reason to decide one way or the other. He said although he would not be on the council beginning in January 2007, the council should carry the decision into the new year if necessary. He noted land acquisition and relocation expenses increased costs. He said he had received unsolicited input from members of the public that they were excited about the possibility of construction at the butterfly parking lot and the Rock ‘n Rodeo site. Ms. Taylor said it was important for the Lane Board of County Commissioners to have a discussion on the proposal. Mayor Piercy said timing on conversations with the board was critical. City Manager Taylor said he talked with the Lane County facilities director and individual Lane County commissioners. He added that their discussions had included improvements to the Park Blocks and acquiring the butterfly lot during the City Center visioning project. MINUTES—City Council November 20, 2006 Page 4 Work Session