CC Minutes - 04/12/00 Work Session

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Speedway. He noted that no other city in the state had done as much as Eugene in terms of wetland protection and it sets a standard for other cities to follow. He reported that the Eugene Speedway property was eliminated from the approval by DSL and the Corps of Engineers a number of years ago because there was insufficient information to determine whether or not a recommendation could be made for developing or protecting. He said the only thing that was designated on the speedway property was a small area at the southeast comer as a protected zone. He added the City parceled up the speedway property on areas that had been previously plowed or mowed and where there was a presence of sensitive or rare plants. He commented that the speedway property (135 acres) is more complex as there are issues of surface drainage and habitat quality. He added that none of that information is part of the public record, nor has the speedway owner been requested to provide that information. He said it is premature to have the City put designations on such a big and complex site. He requested the elected officials reject the ordinance and not approve the amendments related to the speedway. He added the criteria being applied to the site could be widely interpreted, as there is a criteria that relates to being hydrologically connected to other wetlands and waterways. He stated the property needs to be evaluated in pieces and defining those pieces would be more accurate and reliable. He requested the record be held open so additional information could be provided. Raymer Holtan, 5003 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA, representing the Eugene Speedway, reported he has been involved with the property for three years. He stated he couldn't support the staff report. He supported the efforts that are taking place and wants to see the process brought to a conclusion. He said that staff is seeking to protect more property than is appropriate or necessary for a desirable balance between preservation and development. He said that staft~s proposal effectively denies access to 14 acres of commercially zoned property of the speedway and creates a landlocked situation. He noted that the effort to regulate protection of the site is far inferior to a cooperative effort. He added to regulate protection will create issues and the ultimate resolution will take time and money and put them in limbo. He said he has participated in meetings with staff and other members of agencies and has proposed a means of ensuring a desirable corridor along Willowcreek, involving a sale or gift of certain properties and the restoration of portions of the speedway proper. He said they would be submitting a resolution of the problem that will satisfy all interested parties. He stated they need more time and would appreciate the elected officials' encouragement to appropriate parties to participate in a cooperative effort. He requested that the designations proposed by staff not be presented as an ultimatum, as they are ready, willing and able to participate in compromise discussions leading to a satisfactory conclusion. Misha Seymour, 1313 Lincoln, #306, Eugene, stated that the wetlands need to be restored. He said that Earth needs to be protected and every day should be Earth Day. He said Hyundai should go home as they have not been a good neighbor. Bern Johnson, 1290 E. 25th, Eugene, said he will be submitting written testimony. He said he was in favor of the three ordinances. He asked the elected officials to apply the law to Hyundai as to any other person or company in the community. He said Hyundai came to the West Eugene Wetlands Plan in 1995 and applied to build three factories. He said they applied to the agencies for a permit to build the phase three factory. He said those agencies turned them down. He added that in 1995, as they were building the first factory, they had already been refused permission to build in the wetlands. He quoted from the Division of State Lands in its official findings of fact. He said the Corps of Engineers (in their official permit