CC Newsletter - 09/16/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2nd Public Meetinq On Proposed Santa Clara Community Park Slated For September 23 On Thursday, September 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., neighbors in the Santa Clara area are invited to continue the discussion that began in early September about the prospects for a community park in Santa Clara. A unique urban growth boundary land trade will provide 77 acres for the park and 120 acres of "smart growth" neighborhood development. Based on the results of the previous public workshop, this session will focus on hands-on solutions and recommendations that will help guide the project design and land use application process. Participants will have an opportunity to review some alternate design concepts and evaluate the pros and cons of each. The meeting will be held at Spring Creek Elementary School cafeteria, 560 Irvington Drive. Approximately 130 people attended a park planning workshop on September 9. A review of work-to-date was provided, including the site selection process findings, City parks forum efforts, and the work of the Santa Clara Community Park Advisory Committee. In addition, the principles of smart growth and how they could be applied to this project were discussed, as well as opportunities for public involvement, including the park design workshops and public hearings relating to the land use process. Following the presentations, a question and answer session was held during which participants had the opportunity to voice concerns and suggestions. A summary of the first workshop's findings, including an extensive set of answers to questions and issues raised, is posted on the project's web page at www.ci.eugene.or, us/parks/planning/SCCP_proj.htm. A third workshop regarding the project is scheduled for October 14. For more information, call Parks and Open Space Planning Manager Andrea Riner at 682-4909. Lane Community Colle.qe Students Salvaqe Camas Bulbs An ecology class from Lane Community College spent the morning of September 8 learning about wetlands with Eugene Stream Team Coordinator Lorna Baldwin. The students first had the hands-on experience of digging native camas bulbs from a soon-to-be-developed site in Eugene's South Hills. The owner of the private property contacted Stream Team staff about salvaging the camas bulbs after hearing about the program through the media. The salvaged camas bulbs will be cultivated at the program's volunteer-run native plant nursery and ultimately used in restoration projects at natural areas around the city. After digging up hundreds of bulbs, the students visited Bertelsen Nature Park (Stewart Ponds) and discussed the ecological value, social and political history, and current management of the West Eugene Wetlands. "This group was very enthusiastic about finding camas bulbs and quite thoughtful in their discussion of wetlands," says Baldwin. "The teacher said that she was really glad that the class was able to contribute to restoration efforts in a hands- Stream Team CoordinatorLoma Baldwin leads a class discussion at Bertelsen Nature Park on way, and many students asked how they could get involved and volunteer for Stream Team again." Stream Team provides members of the community - from elementary-age children to college students to older adults - with the opportunity to do hands-on environmental work, restoring and caring for the city's waterways and natural areas. This is second time that Lane Community College biology teacher Pat Boleyn has brought her ecology students to participate in a Stream Team project and educational session. Her class last year visited and learned about Delta Ponds. For more information this and other projects and trainings, call Lorna Baldwin at 682-4850 or 913-1292. Traffic Fine Reductions Over The Phone For many years, the Municipal Court has had a Violations Bureau, where a court clerk may reduce a person's traffic violation fine if he or she has a good driving record. This required people to physically come to court and sign a form waiving their right to trial. In Eugene Municipal Court, more than 5,000 people choose this option annually. Beginning September 13, the court has started offering this service over the telephone. It will be particularly beneficial for people who live out of the area, or who have difficulty coming to court during business hours. If a person's driving record indicates eligibility, the court will take payment of the reduced fine by credit card over the telephone and then arrange for the person to receive a waiver. The case will be closed when the signed waiver is received. If a signed waiver is not received by mail or fax within a specified time, the court will find the person guilty by default and he or she will owe the full EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 September 16, 2004