CC Minutes - 07/14/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mr. Meisner emphasized that the Federal General Services Administration (GSA) had been active participants in the group's work and whatever qualms there may have been have been mitigated by Judge Hogan's interest in the local environment. He expressed disappointment that the committee did not address the 3rd and 4th avenues connectors. He cited the need for local jurisdictions to consider intercity as well as intracity transportation. Mr. Meisner said he was contacted by a citizen who wondered why the East Skinner Butte residential area was not included in the study area. He explained that there was no interest on the committee for integrating that residential neighborhood into a downtown plan. Mr. Rayor moved to not accept page 6 of the report. The motion to amend failed for lack of a second. Ms. Nathanson explained that modifications, including deletions, could be made under consideration of the next steps. Mr. Kelly moved, seconded by Mr. Pap6, to amend the motion by adding the phrase: "noting that recommendations with significant expenditures will come back to the council before implementation." The motion failed, 3:5; with councilors Pap~, Kelly, and Rayor voting in favor. Mr. Rayor moved, seconded by Mr. Lee, to remove the story from the report. Mr. Kelly said he was opposed to the amendment, favoring instead a revision to address the concerns raised by Mr. Rayor. Mr. Rayor pointed out that the story had extreme stereotypes. The motion failed, 2:6; with Mr. Rayor and Mr. Lee voting in favor. Mr. Papd reiterated his concern with the train station as it exists, saying a classic, timeless structure could be built in its place. The main motion passed, 7:1; with Mr. Rayor opposed. Mr. Meisner moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to direct the City Manager to take steps for the acquisition of the train station as soon a possible to meet time table constraints imposed by available federal and Amtrak funding, prepare a work plan and contracts for the rehabilitation and possible expansion of the existing historic train station utilizing available federal and other funding, and to proceed with the train station being owned and managed by either a public or appropriate non-profit entity to assure long-term public benefit; and to direct staff to submit a status report to the City Council in September. Public Works Director Chris Andersen clarified that the acquisition and development of the train station is listed in the current CIP, including its budget with the utilization of federal transportation dollars matched by Amtrak dollars. She noted that at this time no Eugene City funds were involved. She explained that the federal money was earmarked for the project, but Amtrak funding was allocated annually and if the project does not move forward, that funding is jeopardized. Minutes--Eugene City Council July 14, 1999 Page 5 5:30 p.m.