CC Minutes - 07/13/98 Work Session

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Mr. Fart commended the work done by the committee. Responding to a question from Ms. Taylor, Mr. Smith said that the committee proposed to acquire new parkland throughout the community, but the majority of new purchases would be in north and west Eugene. He pointed out potential sites on a map. Ms. Nathanson said that the committee focused on improvements to facilities in areas with an adequate number of parks per capita, and on new parkland acquisition and development of land already in public ownership in those areas without adequate parks. Ms. Taylor asked why more ballfields were proposed to be added to Amazon Park given the proximity of ballfields at Kincaid Park. Mr. Smith responded that Amazon Park had a ballfield that was currently underused because of drainage problems; adjacent to that was another area not used for many activities now that would be converted to a ballfield. He said that currently the community had a very inadequate supply of ballfields. Those that were available were heavily used. Mr. Johnson added that the Amazon Park Master Plan also contemplated the ballfields. Ms. Taylor did not believe that there was actually much parkland left at Amazon Park. Ms. Taylor was disappointed that the committee did not recommend more open space acquisition. Ms. Taylor said that she had been contacted by a committee member unhappy with the final plan. She asked if other committee members were unhappy with the plan. Mr. Smith clarified that the communication Ms. Taylor received was not from a member of the committee but from an outreach coordinator who had assisted with the citizen involvement for the process. That individual wanted a significantly larger package than that supported by the committee. Ms. Swanson Gribskov asked what conversations had taken place regarding potential partnerships with the schools and with such private entities as the Rotary Club or manufacturers of athletic equipment. Ms. Nathanson noted the mayor's receipt of a letter from George Russell, Interim Superintendent of School District 4J, expressing appreciation for the committee's efforts and offering the school district's cooperation and interest in collaboration with the City. She said that most of the committee's discussion focused on maintenance as it related to programming activities. Mr. Smith said that the major focus of current volunteer and collaborative efforts was on programming. He cited Kidsports as an example of such an effort. He noted that Option 2 for the Amazon Pool replacement pool did not cover the entire cost of the improvements envisioned in that option because the City anticipated it would seek donations to pay those costs through a "challenge grant" approach. Mr. Smith said that it was more difficult for a government entity than for a nonprofit to seek donations for operating activities. Responding to a question from Mr. Torrey regarding the remaining life span of Amazon Pool, Mr. Smith said that in three to five years it would become impractical to continue to maintain the pool. Mr. Torrey thanked Ms. Nathanson and the committee for the work they had done to produce the report, and acknowledged the unanimous vote that brought the proposal to the council. He said that the council will need to consider operating costs and maintenance for the enhanced system. He anticipated that some revenue would be produced by additional residential growth and by the expiration of Hyundai's property tax exception. Mr. Torrey also believed there were community MINUTES-Eugene City Council July 13, 1998 Page 3 5:30 p.m.