CC Minutes - 02/27/06 Work Session

Home Browse Search

rather than projections. Ms. Weiss responded that the growth allocation percentages would not change significantly; however, how they were applied was to be determined. Mr. Pape? questioned how the “projected” project list and the prioritization result in an equitable geographic plan. Ms. Weiss explained that the revised Table 4 identifies capital costs by planning area which reflects the acquisition development totals for each area and the priority ratings. She explained that the plan strives to provide service to all areas of Eugene and that some new acquisition was targeted for the Willakenzie area. Mr. Pape? voiced a concern that as the plan moves forward, it should be equitable to all areas. He then turned to Page 3, Post Projects and Priorities for Programs and Services – Develop a resource manage- ment plan for existing and new parks. He asked if “resource” has a specific meaning in that concept. Ms. Weiss responded that the word was used to refer to management plans for the City’s existing resources. Ms. Weiss noted that there were funding strategies identified in the PROS that were not currently included in the Project List. Ms. Ortiz moved, seconded by Ms. Taylor to direct the City Manager to hold a public hear- ing on the PROS Project and Priority Plan on March 13, 2006. Ms. Taylor turned to page 7, Table 1, and asked for an explanation of “Acquire Additional Amazon Headwaters Properties.” Ms. Weiss said the location was not specifically identified. Ms. Taylor asked if it was possible to add properties that were not currently for sale to the Project List. Ms. Weiss replied that specific parcels have not been identified and, by keeping them general, there was flexibility to target or not target individual properties. Ms. Taylor turned to page 3, Table 2, and asked for an explanation of “Public Information – Marketing Director for Parks.” Ms. Weiss replied that that component would not be funded by the Parks Bond and a Marketing Director has been hired and can be removed from the list. Recreation Division Manager Renee Grube further explained that the Marketing Director position had been vacant for five years and it was deemed necessary to bring it back as the City relies on the public’s understanding of what services were available within the community. Ms. Taylor said that she hoped Parks funds would not be spent for sidewalks that should be dedicated to land acquisition. Ms. Weiss explained that such expenditures would not occur through a parks bond; however, she pointed out that when a park was developed, the City was required to bring such an area up to accessibility standards, which included the installation of sidewalks. Mr. Kelly turned to page 4, Table 1, Civic Stadium. He pointed out that the stadium was an extraordinary community asset, currently owned by 4J School District, and that it has been dropped in priority from 2 to 5. Mr. Kelly said that the stadium was in threat of being demolished and voiced concern that the City would not consider it a high priority in possible discussions with 4J over such action. Ms. Weiss responded that the “living document” comes into action for such a situation. She added that if there was an imminent threat, the priority should indeed be raised. Mr. Kelly asked staff to research the feasibility of the loss of the stadium and advise if an amendment should be added to the motion to adopt the plan. Mr. Pape? questioned why the Amazon Headwaters property was listed as a citywide project, rather than a south Eugene property. Ms. Weiss explained there was some judgment exercised as to what project was “citywide” and in general, the ridgeline trail was considered “citywide” and the Amazon Headwaters Property was viewed as a component of the ridgeline trail. Mr. Pape? asked staff to provide a matrix of a five-year projection, including assumptions, as to what would be developed in all areas of town to ascertain equitability for all areas. MINUTES—Eugene City Council February 27, 2006 Page 10 Work Session