Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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Ms. Ortiz said she met with some neighbors of Jacobs Landing interested in seeing a crosswalk near that development. Ms. Ortiz indicated she would ask the council to support a one-day training in May to take advantage of the Lee Mu Nuah fact that , a renowned facilitator, was coming to Eugene to work with the School District 4J that month. Ms. Ortiz reported she would be attending an upcoming police training on the use of force the following week. Ms. Ortiz agreed with Mr. Pryor that the HSC budget picture was very somber. She expressed appreciation to the Board of County Commissioners for the leadership it had shown. City Manager Taylor said a lot of work had been done preparing for the April 25 council meeting on downtown development. He noted that the time set aside for the public hearing on April 16 was available due to a lack of public hearings, and the mayor and he arranged for a public workshop of individuals to discuss downtown challenges. He anticipated a good, broad-based panel. City Manager Taylor said that several bills related to annexation were introduced, and on the recommenda- tion of Intergovernmental Relations Manager Brenda Wilson, time was set aside at the Wednesday meeting for more discussion of that topic. City Manager Taylor said he viewed five of the Beam and KWG projects in the Portland area and thought a tremendous experience to see that work firsthand. The companies offered to be available on April 21-22 to conduct the council on a similar tour. Mayor Piercy pointed out that April 21 was Earth Day, which created a conflict for many councilors. Ms. Bettman thanked staff for completing the improvements associated with the Farmers Market prior to the opening of the market. She thanked the council for its financial support. Ms. Taylor agreed, saying the market had more space for walking. Ms. Taylor agreed with Ms. Bettman about the consultant’s report. She thought it up to the council to ensure something more happened. Mr. Clark congratulated staff for its receipt of the Innovation in Government award. B. WORK SESSION: Ordinance Concerning Eminent Domain—Two Parcels Adjacent to Madison Middle School for Community Park Purposes The council was joined for the item by Parks and Open Space Manager Johnny Medlin. Mr. Medlin provided a brief update, reminding the council it had been trying to develop a community scale park in the Santa Clara area for ten years. He voiced his support for the City’s “willing seller” approach. However, the City had been unable to find willing sellers in the area. Staff determined that two parcels adjacent to Madison Middle School would be an appropriate site. Since the council directed staff to prepare a condemnation ordinance for its review, staff continued discussion with the property owners and still had no willing seller. However, staff was not recommending the council move forward with eminent domain at this time pending the outcome of a Ballot Measure 37 claim related to one parcel and the legislation being considered by the current legislature. Mr. Medlin said the other property is under dispute with regard to MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 9, 2007 Page 4 Work Session