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MINUTES Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall September 27, 1999 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Scott Meisner, Pat Fart, David Kelly, Bobby Lee, Nancy Nathanson, Gary Pap~ Gary Rayor, Betty Taylor. The adjourned September 22, 1999, Eugene City Council meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.; His Honor Mayor James D. Torrey presiding. A. Work Session: Update on Amtrak Station Project Mayor Torrey said action would be taken on this item at the council meeting in the Council Chamber following the work session. Public Works Director Christine Andersen introduced the topic and acknowledge the presence of Public Works staff Tom Larsen and Dave Reinhard to respond to questions. She provided background information and noted that the current Amtrak Train Station site was the preferred long-term site for train station service. She said staff had engaged in constructive dialogue with the property owner and continued to negotiate acquisition, with the owner's understanding the City's need to move forward with the authorization for condemnation, at this time, in order to assure Amtrak and federal funding for the project. She emphasized that no City funds were required for the project but given the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, it was important for the council to support the condemnation authority at this time. Ms. Andersen also provided an update on the high-speed rail program, reminding the council that the State Legislature had allocated $10 million to continue the Cascadia service and enhance service in the corridor with an additional train and additional bus connections. Ms. Andersen said one of the reasons Amtrak supported the project was that it provided for a long-term commitment for the location of the station and for an opportunity to maximize the use of that corridor. Additionally, she said, the State had $25 million in federal funds for improvements along the corridor itself that would enhance the safety and travel time. Ms. Andersen added that Hugh Prichard was present to represent the property owner. Mr. Pap~ and Mr. Rayor arrived at the meeting. Ms. Nathanson asked about the potential for coordinating the Eugene Water & Electric Board's (EWEB) utility upgrade along 5th Avenue with the train station project. Ms. Andersen said she was not aware of a direct tie as design options have not been developed, adding that there may be a joint opportunity if there was no delay in this project. Ms. Nathanson said she hoped that what the North End Scoping Group envisioned for the area would be realized. Ms. Andersen modified her response by saying any street and pedestrian improvements that could be done in conjunction with a "street tearout" would definitely be something that the City would take advantage of. MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 27, 1999 Page 1 5:30 p.m.