Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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ATTACHMENT F Dave Fidanque, ACLU, noted that the proposed 12 square foot size of signs is smaller than the standard size of flags and banners, which could possibly create a code violation where one was not intended. He said the ACLU would not be opposed to increasing the size to 15 square feet to accommodate the size of most standard flags (3 x 5). He said the ACLU would be opposed to a decrease in the size if it fell below 12 square feet. Justin Thorp, Portland resident and attorney working with the Eugene ACLU, supported the proposed sign code amendments as long as the size didn’t drop below 12-square-feet. Bob Macherione noted that he put a sign in opposition to the West Eugene EmX on his property and the City required a permit and fee for the sign, which launched a review of the sign code. He also noted that additional fines were levied against him while negotiations with the ACLU were underway. He felt this was unfair and unjustified. Josef Siekiel-Zdzienicki supported the size of the signs at 12-square-feet or larger. Mayor Piercy closed the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING: An Ordinance Vacating a Portion of High Alley, Located 4. Between East Broadway and East Broadway Alley (VRI 12-2) Mayor Piercy opened the public hearing. Paul Redhead supported the proposed alley vacation. He provided background on the previous uses of the old Eugene Hotel building. John Lawless, TBG Architects, supported the proposed alley vacation and noted that all the local utilities and abutting property owner also support this action Mayor Piercy closed the public record. ACTION: Resolution 5068 Annexing Land to the City of Eugene (Getty - A 12-2) 5. Councilor Brown, seconded by Councilor Farr, moved to adopt Resolution 5068, which approves the proposed annexation request consistent with the applicable approval criteria. Staff introduced the item. Discussion occurred about why this item is coming before the council if it is not contiguous to the city limits. Councilors also discussed deferring City tax implementation for a 10-year period of time or if the property is sold or otherwise transferred. Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Brown moved to substitute to initiate a phased or progressive tax structure which would start at 69% and increase over the 10- year period of time to 100%. Several councilors noted that a tax deferral option for currently un-annexed property owners in the River Road and Santa Clara area who wish to annex, but can’t afford the higher tax rate at this time, might be willing to annex if a deferral or phased option were available. Councilor Zelenka’s substitute motion failed, 6:2, with Councilors Brown and Zelenka voting in favor. The original motion passed unanimously, 8:0. Page 3 July 23, 2012 MINUTES-Eugene City Council Regular Meeting