CC Minutes - 02/22/10 Work Session

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Mr. Zelenka was interested in reviewing the analysis and comparison of funding options that would result from passage of the motion as that would inform the council's decisions. He would support the motion. Mntinn 1 _e_ The motion as amended passed, 6:2; Mr. Brown and Ms. Taylor voting no. I move to bring back to the council this spring a proposed ordinance requiring vacant properties to pay Downtown Service District fees $350,000 in revenue. Ms. Ortiz observed that the motion did not initiate fees; it only authorized a review of funding strategies. Mr. Poling asked for information on the downtown vacancy rate. Mr. Clark asked staff to determine from the owners of vacant property if the payment of fees would influence their future decision - making. Motion 1.f. The motion passed, 7:1; Mr. Clark voting no. I move to work with Downtown Eugene, Inc. and the Chamber of Commerce on partnerships and other funding strategies with a goal of achieving $350,000 in revenue. Ms. Muir explained that the intent was to bring all stakeholders to the table to attempt to close gaps in funding for downtown public safety through public /private partnerships. Mr. Ruiz added that one option to be discussed was expanding the size of the downtown service district. Ms. Taylor felt the wording of the motion was too vague. Mr. Brown said he did not understand the implications of the motion and could not support it. Mr. Ruiz said it was part of the $2.2 million package to support the downtown public safety initiative. Strategies that were recommended would come back to the council for action. Mr. Brown saw the downtown guides being phased out if more police officers were assigned to downtown and that was his preference. He could not support the motion. Ms. Piercy pointed out the intent was to bring people together to consider strategies with a goal of achieving additional funding. Mr. Zelenka asked if the intent was to ask DEI and the Chamber to contribute to funding downtown public safety. Mr. Ruiz said the City would participate in conversations to identify additional resources and ways to make the best use of those that already existed, such as the guides. Ms. Muir added that the Downtown Safety Task Team had based its recommendation on the success of a similar effort in the Portland metro area. The motion passed, 6 :2; Mr. Brown and Ms. Taylor voting no. Motion . . I move to direct the City .manager to limit new annual expenditures for the downtown safety initiative to $2.2 million. MINUTES Eugene City Council February 22, 2010 Page 4 Work Session