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The amended motion passed unanimously, 8:0. <br /> <br />C.Action: A Resolution Approving the Bus Rapid Transit Pilot Project, Eugene Downtown- <br /> East and University of Oregon/Franklin Boulevard <br /> <br />Kurt Yeiter of the Planning and Development Department introduced the item, noting the <br />relationship of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to the implementation of TransPlan. He said the Planning <br />Commission had held a series of meetings and a public forum on BRT and had recommended <br />conditional approval of the project to the council. Mr. Yeiter reminded the council it directed staff <br />to return with a resolution and several changes to the project description. Those changes were <br />attached to a resolution approving the project, included in the meeting packet. Meanwhile, Lane <br />Transit District (LTD) and City staff had begun work on the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), <br />and intended to maintain a close association in the project. <br /> <br />Mr. Yeiter reported that the Springfield City Council, Lane Transit District Board, and Lane Board <br />of County Commissioners would also be considering the pilot project this week. <br /> <br />Pat Hocken of the LTD Board of Directors characterized the project as a partnership between LTD <br />and the local governments. She noted the resolution reached by the Metropolitan Policy <br />Committee (MPC) on the policy language in TransPlan related to BRT, and said TransPlan was <br />close to adoption. BRT was key to that plan. She asked the council to approve BRT with the <br />understanding that the IGA would lay out the respective roles of the two agencies. <br /> <br /> Ms. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Kelly, moved to approve Resolution 4670, a <br /> resolution approving the Bus Rapid Transit pilot project, Eugene-downtown <br /> east and University of Oregon/Franklin Boulevard segments subject to <br /> certain conditions. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner wanted to support BRT but was concerned about the fact the pilot project had turned <br />into an independent, separate project rather than a first phase of a larger project. He hoped it <br />could work independently, but feared it would not. Mr. Meisner was not sure how the local <br />jurisdictions could persuade the federal government to give LTD more money if the system did not <br />produce an increase in ridership. He acknowledged LTD was committed to further planning, but <br />was concerned that LTD was putting all its "eggs in one basket." <br /> <br />Ms. Taylor remained skeptical of the value of BRT. She did not think it was the best way to <br />increase ridership, thinking shuttle buses would do more. She was concerned about the cost of <br />the system. She was concerned about space for system expansion, and wanted to know the <br />latest about the trees along Franklin Boulevard that would be affected and whose removal could <br />require a charter vote. Mark Synder, Urban Forester, reported that he thought it too early to have <br />a complete understanding of the impacts on all the trees. He said LTD was willing to learn about <br />tree protection and had spent a considerable amount of time learning about realistic tree <br />protection. Mr. Synder noted that the City Attorney had determined the removal of the two trees <br />at the two stations did not require a vote because the street would not be widened. He said that <br />his initial assessment was that 52 trees would have to be removed; he had adjusted that down to <br />19 trees. Mr. Synder said that he had reviewed the agency's methodology and thought it <br />accurate. <br /> <br /> MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 14, 2001 Page 3 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br /> <br />