Item 2C: Initiation of Public Comment Period on Proposal to Name Willamette/I-5 Bridge

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Initiation of Public Comment Period on Proposal to Name New Willamette/I-5 Bridge the “Whilamut Passage Bridge” Meeting Date: June 14, 2010 Agenda Item Number: 2C Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Beth Forrest www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5882 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY The council is asked to initiate a public comment period to receive testimony about a proposal to name the new Willamette/I-5 bridge the “Whilamut Passage Bridge.” This bridge is a state-owned facility and the council has an opportunity to provide a recommendation to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). BACKGROUND At a work session on May 19, 2010, the council expressed general support for a proposed naming policy that delineates processes and procedures for handling naming and renaming requests. Although the policy has not yet been formally adopted, councilors supported the core elements of the plan. One element of the proposed policy states that the process for vetting any naming request will include a well- publicized public comment period that provides at least one opportunity for testimony in front of the council, typically in the context of a Public Forum. The Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park has requested that this particular naming proposal be the subject of a dedicated public hearing. As a result, staff is recommending that the public comment period begin with the council’s approval of the suggested motion, and end with a public hearing on July 21. Action on the naming recommendation would then take place on July 26. A request for the council to endorse a proposal to name the new I-5/Willamette River Bridge the “Whilamut Passage Bridge” was submitted in May 2010 by the Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. The City of Eugene has no jurisdictional authority over the decision; therefore, the council is being asked only to consider the proposal and send its recommendation to ODOT. Public involvement is a critical component of any naming or renaming process. In accordance with the proposed naming policy, staff will notify the public of the opportunity to submit comments on the proposed name through press release, public service announcement, the City’s website, and other effective means of communication. Notification will contain the following information: (a) A description of the facility to be named, its location, and its proposed name (b) The deadline for submitting comments (c) The address to which citizens may send their comments (d) The dates, times, and locations of the council meetings to be held during the public comment period, at which citizens may comment on the proposed name. Z:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M100614\S1006142C.doc