Item 2A - Approval of Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ms. Segal opposed asking the voters to fund more facilities. She said services were lacking and not facilities. She agreed some seismic retro-fitting was needed, but felt the jail and public defenders needed to be staffed first. She felt there were many empty buildings downtown and more buildings were not needed. Dan Herbert, 1913 Potter Street, suggested that prior to consideration of specific projects, a street design that provided the context for the projects was needed. He felt the City should address setbacks, building heights, landscaping, and the types of uses that were being proposed. Mr. Herbert recommended that a public safety building should include related non-governmental and accessory and commercial uses. He thought such things would add liveliness and activity to the street and to the buildings themselves. He lauded the contribution the caf6 and the book store had made to the library. Mr. Herbert commented that whatever building was constructed, it should be built with future uses in mind. He explained that, as a former architect, he had witnessed buildings that he designed growing into new uses. Zachary Vishanoff, Patterson Street, said he provided a packet of information to the council. He questioned the necessity of new construction. He questioned the fairness with which contracts for construction were awarded. He opined that Eugene sought to be branded and this was being conducted quietly without citizen input. He alleged that the multiple-use property tax exemption (MUPTE) would wipe out low-income housing. He thought smart growth was a bi-product of the United Nations. Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing. Councilor Kelly thanked those who testified for the good information. He said the policy principles were scheduled for adoption at the work session scheduled for June 14. He suggested the council discuss the language and not finalize the wording. In particular, he wished to incorporate Ms. Cherry's suggestion that other transportation facilities be included in the language. Councilor Kelly concurred with those offering testimony regarding the promotion of mixed-use planning. He reiterated his interested in having a policy principle regarding the development of housing. Councilor Kelly asked why the LCSO did not prefer the 8th Avenue location that had been proposed for the public safety building. He also wondered why the Good Times lot location had been dropped from the list of potential building sites. He supported the collocation of non-profit victim service agencies in such a building. Councilor Bettman said she had reviewed a report on the cost for a seismic retro-fit for City Hall and, at the time, the cost had been prohibitive. She asked for updated numbers, given that time had transpired and the estimated cost of the proposed building had increased. City Manager Taylor did not think such figures could be ascertained prior to the upcoming work session, but suggested that given that the project was to be phased in over a number of years, there would be time to further study the costs. Councilor Bettman disagreed that retail uses should be incorporated in public buildings. She observed that many buildings in the downtown area were vacant and this could be tantamount to subsidizing space MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 12, 2004 Page 7 Regular Meeting