Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. Bettman raised the issue of recent fee increases instituted by the Planning and Development <br />Department that affected neighborhood groups and residents. She believed that in many cases <br />they were prohibitive. The fee increases were related to appeals to decisions related to <br />conditional use permits and subdivisions. Ms. Bettman said that such developments often had <br />the impact of degrading the value of a resident's house, often that person's most valuable asset. <br />She thought the City was "very eager" to facilitate development, and she believed that in <br />development situation a resident was generally at a disadvantage compared to the developer. Ms. <br />Bettman said that developers were always asking for predictability, but the City was not giving <br />predictability to those residents who were already invested in their neighborhoods. She said that <br />conditional use permits were rarely denied, and she thought it a taking to diminish the value of a <br />house or neighborhood. Ms. Bettman pointed out that often appeals resulted in a better <br />development. She asked staff to reconsider the appeal fees. <br /> <br />Mr. Fart spoke of the recent criticism directed toward the Police Department for its enforcement of <br />the City's camping ordinance and said the department was a professional organization staffed <br />with professionals. The staff worked under policies set by the council and the police had his full <br />support. <br /> <br />Mr. Carlson said that the City's first volunteer recognition event that occurred the evening before <br />at Amazon Pool was very successful. It was the City's opportunity to thank its more than 2,000 <br />volunteers for their hard work throughout the year. The event was attended by about 400 City <br />volunteers. A broad cross-section of departments and services was represented. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey referred to the Ducks on Parade promotion and reminded the council that following <br />the Eugene Celebration, the ducks would be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to the <br />charity of the purchaser's choice. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey said that the new school in Bethel would be served by traffic lights as requested by <br />Mr. Fart. He said that the new skateboard park in Bethel was under construction and progress <br />was being made. Work was also proceeding on improvements to Gilham Park. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey said the City had received undue criticism for its enforcement of the prohibition <br />against camping in the public parks. He said that he was not aware of any city that did so much <br />for the homeless as Eugene. He concurred with the enforcement action from a public health <br />perspective. He acknowledged that some people object to the religious nature of the Eugene <br />Mission, but noted that the mission did not turn down anyone. Mayor Torrey expressed surprise at <br />the age of those protesting against the City for its actions at the Wayne Morse Plaza, saying there <br />did not appear to be anyone at the protest over the age of 25. He said that the City's partners at <br />all levels of government could do a better job to assist the City in addressing the issues of <br />homelessness. <br /> <br />Mr. Farr said that a new high school, Kalapooya Alternative High School, was also opening in the <br />Bethel area. He hoped that the council could attend the opening ceremony later in the month. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor joined in Ms. Bettman's remarks about the increase in appeal fees. <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor suggested that the issue of homelessness be referred to the Council Committee on <br />Intergovernmental Relations as she believed State shelters were needed to serve the homeless. <br /> <br /> MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 9, 2002 Page 3 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br /> <br />