CC Minutes - 03/08/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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to the north. She agreed with Mr. Pap8 that government should not be in the business of land speculation but this was different because the City already owned that property. Ms. Taylor agreed with Mayor Torrey's comments, saying it is very important how that building is used given its crucial downtown location. She said she was not prepared to decide on what to do with the building without more information and a public process. Mr. Lee agreed with Ms. Nathanson, adding he wished to support the staff recommendation but could not do so without more information. He wondered if the decision was time-sensitive. Mayor Torrey said both the architect and committee needed council direction before moving forward. He suggested moving forward with the proposal, reserving the right to revisit the issue of selling the Sears building at a later date. Mr. Johnson said the RFP (Request for Proposals) process could address the issues raised by the council during this meeting. He added that timing was critical and design could not proceed until a decision was made regarding the fourth floor expansion space. Addressing a question from Mr. Rayor, Mayor Torrey said he suggested a 90-day update from the committee, because at that time the City would enter into an agreement with an architect for design of the building of a specific size. The issue was the additional square footage. Mr. Rayor said he supported building the library, but only if the sale of properties was done because that was fiscally prudent. He agreed with placing conditions on use of the buildings so long as the property goes into private hands and generates tax revenue. Mr. Meisner spoke in support of the staff recommendation, saying it allowed the City to recover lease payments and build equity. He addressed Ms. Nathanson's concern by adding he also supported a comprehensive downtown planning process. Mr. Meisner moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to expand the space by approximately 30,000 square feet to the new library, financed by: 1) bonds backed by lease payments from City office use; 2) proceeds from the sale of the former Sears building and old library, and 3) if necessary, a portion of the expected General Fund growth factor in future years. Ms. Nathanson expressed reluctant support for the motion. Mr. Pap8 moved, seconded by Ms. Taylor, to amend the motion by deleting the third item. The motion to amend passed, 6:1; with Mr. Meisner opposed. Mr. Rayor said he was sensitive to Ms. Nathanson's concerns but was convinced that the analysis would address those issues. Addressing a question from Ms. Nathanson, Mr. Johnson said the fair market value of the buildings to be sold would be determined by conditions at that point. The main motion passed, 6:1; with Ms. Taylor opposed. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Minutes--Eugene City Council March 8, 1999 Page 6 5:30 p.m.