CC Minutes - 05/23/12 Work Session

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Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Farr, moved to direct the City Manager to bring a resolution placing a $43 million general obligation bond measure to fix streets on the November 2012 resolution, consistent with the proposed project list included as Attachment B. Mr. Farr observed that the proposed amount was approximately $1.50 a month, which had different ramifications for different residents. It was equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee. He commended the work of Mr. Corey. The motion passed, 7:1; Mr. Zelenka voting no. B. WORK SESSION: Capital Project Funding for Washington- Jefferson Park Parks Planner Neil Bjorklund joined the council and provided some background on the proposed City Center Skate Park. Councilors asked questions clarifying the costs involved and the nature of the park proposed. There was general support for further exploration of the proposed skate park project, although several councilors expressed concerns about the timing of the expenditure, the source of funding, and the costs of ongoing maintenance. Councilors generally agreed about the benefit of such a facility for youth. Speaking to the issue of timing, Mayor Piercy pointed out the City was taking advantage of public - private partnerships and an opportunity for ongoing maintenance funding as well as the current high level of public interest. In addition, Mayor Piercy believed there was a compelling need for the parkland to be used in a positive way in the area for entire community, for the nearby Whiteaker neighborhood, and in particular for youth. Speaking to the source of funding, Mr. Clark sought assurance that the funding would not come from the money set aside for the Santa Clara Community Park. In response to councilors' concerns, City Manager Jon Ruiz said staff was seeking to gauge the council's interest in moving forward with the project. Staff was not seeking direction on a specific funding source. City Manager Ruiz noted that City Attorney Glenn Klein had had raised concerns about using the revenues from the 2006 Park and Open Space bond measure to build the park because the bond appeared to be limited to acquisition. If the council approved the staff - recommended motion, staff would return with more information about the project, including its ongoing maintenance costs. Ms. Ortiz asked for information about the funding that remained from the 2006 bond and was specifically interested in knowing if the funding allocated for the West Eugene Education Center had been used. Mr. Brown determined that City Manager Ruiz interpreted the staff - proposed motion as meaning that no potential funding source was eliminated from initial consideration. Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Farr, moved to direct staff to bring information on alternative funding options back to the council for discussion and consideration, including: Description of the process needed to utilize each funding source addressed; Timing implications for utilizing each funding source; MINUTES— Eugene City Council May 23, 2012 Page 3 Work Session