CCAgenda-4/12/04Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ATTACHMENT F MINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session McNutt Room--City Hall March 10, 2004 Noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: Bonny Bettman, George Poling, Nancy Nathanson, Scott Meisner, David Kelly, Betty Taylor, Gary Pap6, Jennifer Solomon. His Honor Mayor James D. Torrey called the meeting to order. A. ACTION: An Ordinance Adopting Amended Riverfront Urban Renewal District Plan Adopted by Ordinance No. 19352 on September 11, 1985 Richie Wcinman of thc Planning and Development Department recalled that on February 25, 2004, thc council reviewed amendments to the Rivcrfront Urban Renewal District, and the motion on thc table was in relationship to thc added parcels. Four scenarios wcrc provided in thc packet. The motion on thc table reflected the staff recommendation. Ms. Taylor indicated she would vote against the motion because the infrastructure that existed at the riverfront research district did not serve anyone. She called the proposal a tax diversion plan. Ms. Bettman said she would also oppose the motion. She said the plan was not written in a way that allowed the council to dedicate the revenue to projects of a high priority to the community. She feared that the result would be that the council would continue to fund such projects as the courthouse-related transportation projects and divert needed tax revenues from the State and school districts. Mr. Kelly said he shared many of Ms. Bettman's concerns about the plan and how the revenues would be used. However, he believed urban renewal in the area could be a positive tool for central city revitaliza- tion and redevelopment. He wanted to have the tool available to the council. He pointed to the added policy that every project other than a loan would be reviewed and approved by the council, and at that time he could evaluate each project on its merits. He said the council needed to be vigilant about such projects. Ms. Nathanson said she had wanted to ensure the council's decision was made on the best information and was pleased with the additional staff work that had been done since February 25. She supported the motion. Mr. Meisner indicated his concurrence with Mr. Kelly. He acknowledged Ms. Bettman's concerns. However, he was interested in connecting the two parts of downtown, and thought the proposal accom- plished that. He asked staff to identify what was before the council at this point. Mr. Weinman said the EWEB property was added and the area containing Good Times was removed, as reflected on Map A-1. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 10, 2004 Page 1 Work Session