CC Minutes - 11/17/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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functions, the site discussed, the estimated cost, tentative funding source, and the fallback alternative for each function. Responding to a question from Mr. Meisner, Mike Penwell, Public Works Department, reviewed the assumptions behind the square footage estimates for the police and fire functions. Mr. Johnson clarified that the 60,000 square foot number for the police did not include the 9-1-1 Center. Mr. Meisner questioned the figures given that the police were not using the 9-1-1 space. Mr. Penwell explained that attempting to determine what was being used by the department was a moving target because the City was always remodeling space in City Hall. Mr. Meisner did not understand the inclusion of the 9-1-1 space in the square footage estimates because that space was being replaced in another facility. He distinguished between space that was planned for and space presently in use. Mr. Bowers noted the distribution of memorandums from Public Works Department Director Christine Andersen and Mr. Rayor regarding the "no build" option. Mr. Torrey asked for comments from other committee members. Mr. Rayor characterized himself as being the minority member of the committee. He said that the real question before the council was whether the City had the money to build a new city hall, particularly given the timing of the GSA's decision. Mr. Rayor said that the City Council should not interpret a no vote on a bond measure as indifference to City employees' safety, but rather as the belief of those who would oppose it that there was a less expensive option. He was concerned about the inflation of numbers in general. Mr. Rayor wanted to ensure that if the City wanted to preserve the 6th Avenue site for some other more desirable form of development, it should make sure appropriate regulations were in place to ensure the butte was not obscured and parking was not removed. Mr. Pap~ commended Ms. Nathanson and Mr. Kelly for their work in getting the committee through a considerable amount of work in a short time. He was thankful that the federal government's actions had brought the issue to the council's attention because he had previously been unaware of the condition of police and fire facilities. He wanted to keep the issue before the council whether or not the City sold City Hall to the GSA. Regarding the options for police facilities before the council, Mr. Pap~ said it was his understanding that the land adjacent to the 2nd Avenue and Chambers Street site was not available. Mr. Johnson said that other proximate sites were available. Regarding the options for administrative facilities, Mr. Pap~ said that he was interested in a longer process that might involve a public/private partnership. He said that areas outside the Sears block should be considered. He believed that there was an opportunity for the City to construct a nice administrative facility that upgraded downtown. Mr. Torrey asked for comments from other councilors. Mr. Lee questioned whether the public would support a $28 million general obligation bond, noting the options included a fallback plan. Given that fallback plan, he said the council should move forward. He believed the community needed a new city hall. He acknowledged that the issue was difficult and if the measure did not pass, there would be some chaos for City staff in the next MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 17, 1999 Page 5 5:30 p.m.