Item B: West Eugene EmX Extension

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session and Possible Action: West Eugene EmX Extension Meeting Date: March 9, 2011 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Public Works Engineering Staff Contacts: Rob Inerfeld, PWE; Tom Schwetz, LTD www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Numbers: 541-682-5343; 541-682-6203 ISSUE STATEMENT The City Council has this opportunity to continue the discussion from February 23, 2011, regarding the th proposed extension of EmX service to West 11 Avenue. Additional information, as requested by the council, has been provided by Lane Transit District (LTD) in Attachment A. The council may take action at this meeting. The project review schedule was organized to provide the council an opportunity to select a preferred build route during the March 9 work session. The LTD Board’s discussion to consider delaying a decision until June/July did not automatically change this schedule. BACKGROUND th On October 9, 2006, the Eugene City Council voted to identify West 11 Avenue as the City’s priority for planning the next extension of EmX. The LTD Board of Directors endorsed the Eugene City Council’s action. Based on this direction, staff began planning the West Eugene EmX Extension. On January 24, 2011, the City Council received an update on how 58 alternatives had been reduced in response to preliminary environmental review and issues raised by area residents, businesses, and affected property owners. On January 31, the Joint Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) Committee thth made a draft recommendation that the 13 – 11 Avenue mitigated alternative become the locally preferred alternative for further environmental review along with the No-Build alternative. Public open houses were held on February 1 and 8 to highlight the mitigation measures incorporated into the project design and to reflect the Joint LPA Committee’s recommendation. A public hearing was held on February 8, at which time members of the three deciding bodies (City Council, LTD Board of Directors, and the Metropolitan Policy Committee) had an opportunity to submit written questions. On Monday February 14, the Joint LPA Committee made its final recommendation (from draft minutes): Mr. Pryor, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved that the LTD JLPAC recommend to the Eugene City Council, the Metropolitan Policy Committee, and the Lane Transit thth District Board of Directors that the West 13-West 11 Avenue Mitigated ththth Concept Alternative (3MC) and the West 6/7/West 11 Mitigated Concept Alternative (5MC) be forwarded along with the No-Build Alternative into the \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110309\S110309B.doc