Item 2A - Minutes Approval - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

several items on the list needed to be updated, using as an example the strategy to locate, retain, or expand local, state, and federal offices downtown that was actively in progress but not noted as such on the list. He said that supporting the continued residential use of structures in neighborhoods bordering downtown had been a priority for many years but he had not seen any progress on that item. Ms. Bettman asked for clarification on why the agenda item was before the council since no action was requested. Ms. Laurence replied that the first 12 items on the list had taken up available staff resources and funding and staff was seeking feedback from the council on whether there were other items on the list that should receive higher priority as time and funding became available. Ms. Bettman encouraged the City to be proactive in reinforcing the continued use of the Park Blocks for the Saturday Market and Farmer's Market. She said that over 800 vendors rotate through the markets, which act as small business and entrepreneurial incubators. She urged that any items related to improving conditions for the market receive a high priority. She also emphasized the use of environmental design as a crime prevention strategy. Ms. Taylor concurred with the need to move support for the Saturday Market and Farmer's Market to the top priority as they represented major downtown assets. She suggested that the City could stop charging for parking and address the issues of electricity and gray water. Ms. Nathanson raised the issue of new opportunities for owner-occupied housing in or near downtown and encouraged that as a way to improve the relationship and physical connection with the University. She emphasized the need to identify impediments to achieving higher density, mixed-use development and redevelopment downtown and barriers to creating mixed-use spaces for artists' residential and work spaces, as well as begin discussion of a new parking structure. Mr. Kelly acknowledged that all of the items on the list came directly from the Downtown Plan adopted by the council. He concurred with previous comments regarding support for the markets and suggested that when a project, such as electrical improvements for the markets, needed one-time funding or similar assistance that staff should bring the issue to the council. Ms. Bettman expressed surprise that Item 13, relating to helping employers locate, remain, and expand downtown through targeted use of economic tools and incentives was not shown as an active project as it appeared that there was ongoing activity. Ms. Laurence responded that the Development Division worked on that issue continuously as part of its regular work program and she had only highlighted those items that were specific projects. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dennis M. Taylor City Manager (Recorded by Lynn Taylor) MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 10, 2004 Page 8 Work Session