CC Minutes - 05/23/11 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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At the request of Councilor Taylor, City Engineer Mark Schoening reviewed the Eugene Code provision as they related to assessments for undeveloped properties of less than one half -acre, vacant properties of more than one -half acre, and partially developed properties. Councilor Taylor, seconded by Councilor Brown, moved to approve the March 23, 2011, Minutes, Findings, and Recommendations of the Hearings Official. Roll call vote: The motion passed, 6:1; Councilor Clark voting no. Councilor Taylor, seconded by Councilor Brown, moved to adopt Council Bill 5045, an ordinance levying assessments for paving and constructing curbs, sidewalks, medians, street lights, stormwater drainage, and water quality facilities on Crest Drive from Blanton Road to Lincoln Street, Storey Boulevard from Crest Drive to Lorane Highway, and Friendly Street from Lorane Highway to 28 "' Avenue; and providing an immediate effective date. Responding to a question from Councilor Farr, Mr. Schoening explained the parameters of the City's low - income assessment subsidy program as it applied to the project in question. He agreed with a statement from Councilor Farr that citizens from across the city shared in the cost of providing the subsidy. Councilor Farr further determined from Mr. Schoening that the subsidy involved in the project was not significantly larger than the subsidy for the Elmira Road project. Councilor Farr indicated opposition to the motion because the time for applying for the subsidy had been extended, and he opposed the degree of subsidy involved to the property owners in question. Councilor Taylor believed that in a just world, the City would pay for the entire road improvement given all citizens could use the road. She said the application period for the subsidy was extended because people had lost their jobs and the amendment allowed them to apply for the subsidy based on their current incomes, not their past incomes. Councilor Farr contrasted the percentage of children receiving free and reduced lunches in the project area to those living in the Elmira Road project area and suggested that was one accurate way to measure need in the area. He did not want to subsidize those living in higher income areas with the money from lower income residents. Councilor Clark said he would vote no on the motion because upon initial formation of the local improvement district, a sufficient number of residents had remonstrated to postpone it, and he said at the time he would support that action. His no vote was a way to maintain consistency with that position. Responding to a question from Councilor Clark, City Attorney Brotherton confirmed that the motion would not have an immediate effect date if the final vote was not a two- thirds majority of councilors. Mr. Schoening said that would add costs in the form of added interest, which would be paid by the City. Councilor Zelenka asked questions of Mr. Schoening clarifying the parameters of the subsidy program. Councilor Pryor indicated support for the motion as a one -time action. Responding to a question from Councilor Farr, Mr. Schoening said the project would largely eliminate the balance in the City's low- income assessment subsidy fund. Councilor Farr contrasted the assessed value of housing in South Eugene to the assessed value of housing in the Bethel area and said he did not mind opposing the motion because he was concerned that people living in rich neighborhoods were being subsidized by those living in poorer neighborhoods. MINUTES — Eugene City Council May 23, 2011 Page 3 Regular Meeting