CC Minutes - 04/12/00 Work Session

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evaluation decision document) said: "The Corps evaluated the hydrological and habitat characteristics of the site and determined for the purposes of this permit that the areas within the site meet the plan criteria for protection and for development." He noted the Corps again turned down the permit to build in the phase three areas and recommended protecting the area. He said in 1996 the Corps wrote to the City of Eugene and urged the city to protect the site. He suggested the elected officials move forward to protect and restore the site. Bob Cassidy, 1401 E. 27th, Eugene, reported that the wetlands are being filled in to use the land. He said this should be considered when someone suggests jobs. Baynard McConnaughey, 1653 Fairmount Blvd, Eugene, stated he is a Professor of Biology Emeritus from the University of Oregon. He noted that the proposed site for phase three of the Hyundai plant is adjacent to and upwind from the Nature Conservancy Preserve. He said in order to get by without an Environmental Impact Statement, Hyundai lied to the Army Corps of Engineers about the necessity of Phase three, citing they really didn't need it. He added Hyundai had some regulation changed and relaxed in their favor, after promising to abide by all laws and regulations. He commented that the wildlife corridor that is proposed for the back of the factory is inadequate. He reported the discharge of highly toxic chemicals is a threat to the region and poses a threat because they are distributed unevenly, ending up in the food chain. Evelyn McConnaughey, 1653 Fairmount Blvd., Eugene, questioned why the elected officials would now consider whether or not Hyundai should be allowed to destroy more wetlands when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Division of State Lands had already said no. She noted the West Eugene Wetlands Plan balances development and protection calls for protecting the HG site. She said the site contains quality wetlands that should be protected. She quoted the Eugene City Council's memo describing the site. She noted that most of the Willamette Prairie grassland habitat had been destroyed. She suggested to the elected officials to just say "no." Eric Hall, 304 Waite St, Eugene, stated that this is the biggest decision that Eugene has yet made, as it affects the future of the city and county. He said he is concerned about racial bigotry, the people that would wantonly treat citizens unfairly and unequally. He said he has watched the people of Hyundai struggle with the hostility of a loving community. He said that Hyundai tries to do the right things for its employees. He added the 800 new jobs created have indirectly allowed new libraries, schools and wetland banks to be created. He asked why Hyundai is being held to standards that no other companies have been. He commented on the assessment work that the City of Eugene had done in interpreting the existing rules, policies and procedures regarding wetlands. He added that the City of Eugene has some of the finest technical staff and they have worked diligently on this process. He noted that the role of the City of Eugene's staff is to interpret and implement the laws, not to solve the problems created by them. He said the elected officials are supposed to weigh the matters and find solutions to the problems. He urged the elected officials to direct staff to take a creative look at problem solving. Nick Urhausen, 2858 Warren St., Eugene, he wanted the City to reach a reasonable compromise for mutual benefit, to work with Hyundai so the community can come together with environmental and economic interests.