CC Minutes - 04/27/09 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mayor Piercy closed the public forum. She thanked those who spoke and called for comments from the council. Councilor Clark thanked those who spoke and expressed his interest in discussing the possibility of a City Club program related to the river. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of City Council Minutes of February 11, 2009, Work Session; February 11, 2009, Executive Session; February 23, 2009, City Council Meeting; March 9, 2009, Work Session B. Approval of Tentative Working Agenda C. Approval of 2009/10 Funding Allocations for Federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Programs D. Reprogramming of Community Development Block Grant Funds E. Resolution for Authorizing Eminent Domain for Condemnation (Delta Ponds Bridge) F. Ratification of Intergovernmental Relations Committee Minutes of February 25, 2009, March 4, 2009, and March 11, 2009 Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to approve the items on the Consent Calendar. Councilor Clark pulled Item E from the Consent Calendar. Councilor Ortiz pulled Item F from the Consent Calendar. The Consent Calendar, with the exception of items E and F, was approved, 8:0. Councilor Clark asked why the City wanted to initiate eminent domain proceedings for acquisition of property for the Delta Ponds bridge project. City Engineer Mark Schoening explained that there was some urgency because a portion of the project was financed with federal economic stimulus funds and construc- tion needed to commence in the summer and provide jobs. He said if Oregon was able to obligate its entire stimulus funding there was a possibility that it could gain funds from states that did not entirely obligate their allocations. He said the project was also funded with federal transportation enhancement and earmark dollars. Councilor Clark remarked that he had received many comments from citizens about the bridge. He understood the need to create jobs, but there were other ways to cross the Delta Ponds area and the project had the feeling of a “bike bridge to nowhere.” He asked if there were other options for use of the funds, given the City’s backlog of street repair projects and other transportation needs, which would also create jobs. Mr. Clark, seconded by Ms. Solomon, moved to postpone the item until April 29 in order to investigate options more fully before instigating eminent domain proceed- ings. Mr. Clark felt it was incumbent on the council to assure that it had explored options for using the money for higher priorities. MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 27, 2009 Page 2