CCMinutes - 01/12/04 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Pap~ pointed out both the State and County used deicers on City streets now. He suggested if the City began to use such products, it could influence the choice of agents used by those jurisdictions. Mr. Pap6 suggested the resolution be modified by the addition of a Section 6 stipulating that such chemicals would only be used after extensive research regarding environmental safety and cost, and only be applied on City streets with the written permission of the City Manager. City Manager Taylor requested council support for the staff proposal so that staff could employ the deicing agents this winter when they might do some good. Mr. Pap~ indicated willingness to lift the prohibition for a trial period due to his concerns about public safety. Ms. Nathanson questioned how frequently Eugene would actually have to use deicers, suggesting that it was likely to be only once or twice yearly. She also questioned whether City staff had consulted with staff of Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) regarding the impact of such chemicals on water entering the river system. Speaking to Ms. Nathanson's first question, Mr. Lankston said that Eugene had not had a significant snow or ice event since 1995. He noted the County's use of deicers was rare, perhaps three or four times yearly, and in ice fogs where temperatures dropped below freezing. Speaking to Ms. Nathan- son's second question, Mr. Lankston said that City staff had not consulted with EWEB. Ms. Solomon said she would support the suggested motion without amendments. She said advances in the technology had occurred, and it was time to give deicers a chance. She appreciated the comments made by City Manager Taylor about giving staff the flexibility to use the technology immediately. Ms. Bettman said the issue was a matter of balancing short-term public safety with long-term public health and safety. She said she could have been persuaded by more information, but did not find enough in the AlS to make a decision. Ms. Bettman understood that calcium magnesium acetate was the most expensive deicer available, and she wanted to see a comparison between sand and deicers in terms of cost and environmental friendliness. However, she also wanted to give staff the flexibility to use and investigate the utility of deicers. Responding to a question from Mr. Kelly regarding the appropriate way to proceed, City Attorney Glenn Klein recommended that the council amend the resolution by making it effective to a date certain. Ms. Bettman, seconded by Mr. Kelly, moved to adopt Resolution 4784 concerning ice and snow removal policies and amending Resolution 4278, and adding to Section 3 of the resolution the phrase ~and shall be effective only until April 1, 2005, at which time Resolution 4278 shall go back into effect as originally adopted." Ms. Bettman accepted Mr. Papa's suggestion for a new Section 6 as a friendly amendment to the motion. That section would read ~An anti-icer or deicer shall not be used unless specifically approved by the City Manager and only after the City Manager has received research that demonstrates its was environmentally safe and cost-effective." MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 12, 2004 Page 9 Work Session