Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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Crest Drive design. He agreed that the downtown public safety recommendations were a good first step and was eager to discuss other suggestions for downtown revitalization. Councilor Taylor supported the Eugene Storefront Art Project and felt that temporary art in empty spaces would address a number of problems. She suggested that the group work with the Downtown Neighborhood Association. She hoped that the City would explore ways to preserve the Post Office, such as using it for an art museum. She suggested that the council hold a work session on Crest Drive to determine if the design should be modified. She said that a homeless shelter was essential and the State should provide funding. Councilor Solomon thanked those who spoke. She observed that the only people pleased with the Crest Drive design were part of the small, exclusive group who developed the proposal approved by the council. She hoped that staff could evaluate any deterioration of the completed portions of the project and urged the council to hold a work session to determine if any changes were made before the second phase of construction. She said the City owned storefronts downtown and urged the City Manager to involve the City in the Eugene Storefront Art Project. She would poll the council for a work session on vacant property issues downtown. City Manager Jon Ruiz indicated that part of the Downtown Task Force on Public Safety’s recommendations was a proposed ordinance on including vacant buildings in the Downtown Eugene, Inc. assessment process. He said the ordinance would come before the council for consideration. Councilor Pryor appreciated the comments offered during the public forum. He agreed that it was critical to find funding for Buckley Center services as they bridged both public safety and human services needs. He felt Crest Drive was reasonable and inclusive, but perhaps the outcome should be re-examined. He was in favor of the Eugene Storefront Art Project and would support the request for a work session on vacant downtown properties. Councilor Poling echoed earlier requests for additional information on the Oregon Research Institute property acquisition. He agreed with Councilor Pryor’s remarks about the Crest Drive design process and said it was a good idea to revisit the outcome. He was reluctant to modify the design without involving the citizens who originally participated in the process. Councilor Zelenka supported efforts to find funding for Buckley Center services. He commended the Eugene Storefront Art Project and looked forward to hearing about the next steps. He suggested providing the council with copies of relevant ordinances from other communities. He was willing to revisit the Crest Drive issue. He noted that the former Coca Cola property was owned by the University of Oregon and within the Riverfront Research Park. As a public agency the University would need to follow requirements for a public process if the property was sold. He was supportive of a resolution regarding repeal of the “Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell” law. He agreed that the Post Office was an architectural jewel and hoped it would be preserved as part of the community’s heritage. Mayor Piercy related that the City had expressed concern about preserving the Post Office structure when it learned of the proposed sale. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of City Council Minutes of December 16, 2009, Work Session; January 27, 2010, Work Session; February 8, 2010, Regular Meeting; February 10, 2010, Work Session; February 17, 2010, Work Session; February 24, 2010, Work Session; February 26, 2010, Joint Elected Officials Meeting MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 12, 2010 Page 4