CC Minutes - 04/06/98 Work Session

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explained that if the council decided to proceed with a grandfathered option, the State requires a list of the projects along with a "good faith" estimate of their costs. The list then becomes a substantial amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan submitted on May 27. The list of projects may amount to more than the resources as the law will not allow a project not on the list. Mr. Bowers asked the council to add or delete projects to the list so staff can cost them out. He suggested an advisory citizen committee for prioritizing the projects and making recommendations to the council. In response to a question from Ms. Swanson Gribskov, Mr. Klein said if the Atrium Building had been in the Urban Renewal Plan, the council could have used those funds to assist in purchasing the building. The plan could be amended but there may be special procedures to follow. Ms. Nathanson expressed interest in adding to the list an open space project mentioned in the West End Committee report. Mr. Klein indicated that new projects could not be funded with grandfathered options. Mr. Bowers reviewed the options for the Riverfront District: 1) discontinue City participation; 2) reduce City participation; and 3) continue maximum City participation. He noted that the Riverfront Commission has recommended continuing participation at the base option. Mayor Torrey indicated that the University's position is the same as the commission's. Mr. Bowers reviewed the time line, noting an April 13 public hearing. He explained that if the council decided on a grandfathered option, it would require a recommendation from the Planning Commission and comment from Lane County, with final council action by June 1. Addressing a question from Ms. Taylor, Mr. Bowers said it was possible to build a library with grandfather option 1 by having only that on the list of projects. Mr. Meisner wondered why there was not an option for a library only using the base option and local levy. Mr. Bowers said staff analyzed that scenario and it turned out to be less favorable to the taxpayer than those presented. Mr. Tollenaar ascertained that a November election would be exempt from the double majority rule. Mr. Meisner suggested eliminating the "projects only" option and said he agreed with the Riverfront Commission's recommendation. He added that he would not support any option without a public vote. Mr. Farr moved, seconded by Mr. Tollenaar, to delete Option D, Downtown Projects Only, from consideration. Ms. Nathanson said there were still some downtown projects she wanted accomplished. At minimum, she said, she could support a library plus projects. If it turned out that the two could Minutes--Eugene City Council April 6, 1998 Page 3 5:30 p.m.