CC Minutes - 07/22/98 Work Session

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Mr. Fart complimented the committee's work and expressed appreciation for the consideration given to the Bethel area. Mr. Lee wondered if there were time to honor Ms. Taylor's request. Mr. Johnson responded that the council needed to take action no later than its August 5 meeting prior to the summer break, adding that staff could easily add $5 million to the proposal but it would not have committee support unless it was asked to reconvene at the council's request. At Mr. Lee's request for comment, Ms. Nathanson said it would be hard to develop more proposals but the committee could perhaps hold a briefing for interested councilors to share the process and major discussion topics used to develop the plan. She noted that the council could alter each individual park plan as it came before the group for review. Mr. Lee urged councilors concerned with the plan to use the process to address those concerns. He opposed the motion. Ms. Swanson Gribskov said it was obvious the entire council wants additional parks, although there was some disagreement about the details. She expressed confidence in the committee's work. Ms. Taylor reminded the council that committee recommendations were advisory to the council. Among the options coming back, she asked that one "to increase the amount for open space" and another option "to dived some of the money which is scheduled for development to open space rather than development if we keep the amount the same as it is." She reiterated her concern with what she called "a very fast process," adding that she has voiced her concern about additional land from the outset. She attributed Iow attendance at the public hearing to vacations and other summertime activities. Mayor Torrey called attention to Item H of the resolution, noting it allowed subsequent opportunities for public input. He urged the council to move forward. Mr. Lee noted that the project's process was a year long and a public hearing had been held. Mr. Tollenaar reported on a comparative study that ranked Eugene fourth in its supply of natural areas and metropolitan parks out of 12 or 13 comparable cities. On the other hand, he said, Eugene ranked at or near the bottom for ball fields and active recreation facilities. He said he was satisfied with the committee's report but favored a more modest proposal. He moved the previous question. The motion failed, 1:6; with Ms. Taylor voting in favor (Mr. Meisner was out of the room.). Mr. Fart moved, seconded by Mr. Tollenaar, to adopt the Resolution 4568. Ms. Nathanson asked that staff provide a summary report on the major issues raised at this meeting and at the public hearing to make sure that, as the design process unfolds, those elements are addressed. She enumerated some of those elements as follows: lighting, security, sensitivity to development in established neighborhoods, and minimize or eliminate additional parking. Mr. Farr clarified that neighbors would be involved in design. MINUTES-Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 5 5:30 p.m.