HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/1936 Meeting
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Council Chambers, Eugene, Oregon
May 25, 1936
.....;.. The minutes of the adjourned meeting of' the common council held at the hour
,~ of 7:30 otclo~k, P. M. May 25, 1936. Council was called to order by Mayor Large,
'4, all councilmen present except Simon. The City Recorder presented the excerpts of
9 minutes of May 11th. no objections appearing the minutes were opdered filed.
! Councilman Reid asked for further explanation concerning the proposal offered
. by the Rughs and acceptance of the same by the city of Eugene. It was explained as
I. follows: The Rugh property in question is all eligible for foreclosure. If the
city proceeded with the regular foreclosure proceedings, the Hughs would have a per-
iod of one year in which to reaeem their property. In order that they could redeem
the said property they would have to pay the city everything that they had against
it. If at the end of a period of' one year the Hughs had not redeemed th~ir property
then the city would.acquire a treasurer's deed. Before disposing of the property,
it would be necessary to proceed with a suit to quiet title in order to give a good
deed. The Rughs have given the city good deeds of bargain and sale, therefore it is
a distinct advantage to accept such offers by reason of the fact that by granting
_ them the one year of redemption period by special contract we are not granting them
1 anything better than they would have had, had we proceeded with foreclosure. Under
foreclosure proceedings the taxes would run until the City received a treasurer's
deed,and recorded the same. Under the Hugh proposal as soon as the city registered
the deeds, the taxes stop. In both instances they could not redeem the property for
any less than the amount we had against it.
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Elwood Bussell addressed the council, asking for the use of the police de-
partment's former patrol wagon. The engineer pointed out that that car was now the
property of the engineering department but as far as he was concerned it would be
perfectly all right for the police department to use the car' so long as their use
did not conflict with that of the engineer department. This question was referred
to the police committee and the city engineer to work out the proper arrangements.
The Judiciary Committee by Chairman Dr. Harris, reported the following re-
commendation for the civil service commission: Dean Wayne L. Morse, Mr. Al Black-
ford, and Mr. Paul D. ~reen. fur. Morse's term to expire January 1, 1938, Mr. Al
Blackford's term to expire January 1, 1940 and Mr. Paul D. Green's term to expire
January 1, 1942, but due to the fact that Mr. Blackford had notified them that it
would be impossible for him to serve on the said commission, it was necessary for
the council to go into a session as a committee of the whole and select another in-
dividual. At this time Mayor Large declared a recess for the purpose of the com-
mittee as a whole to bring in a recommendation in the place of Mr. Blackford. Upon
the comlItittee's return in the council chambers, the Mayor called the meeeting to
order and Dr. Harris made the following recommendation: Mr. Roy Morse for the term
expiring January 1, 1938, Mr. Wayne L. Morse, January 1, 1940 and Mr. Paul D. Green,
1942. The recommendation received unanimous approval of the coun~il.
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At this time the Mayor reported that he had received complaints concerning
the washing of the city streets during the day time. Mr. Lamb reported that they
tried to get most of the street washing done in the early hours of the morning,
but that they would do their best to remedy the 60ndition.
Councilman Bond, Chairman of the Fire and ~ater Committe~, reported that he
had made several attempts to get in touch with the management of the Western Box
Company concerning the city's billing them for the fire hydrant. He requested the
Mayor to grant him an additional two weeks, with the privilege of also informing the
management of this company that they would have to pay for the hydrant or else the
city would remove the same. The Mayor granted the request.
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Chairman Bond further recommended that the petition for a larger light in
6 the alley between Hilyard and Alder Streets be granted. The recommendation was un-
animously approved by the council.
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Chairman Bond pointed ,out that as a result of the complete test of the city'
fire hose that the city has been forced to discard from the city service, 350 feet
of 2~l! hose. Mayor Large at this time pointed out that the League of Oregon Cities
hacl been making arrangements for the purchase of fire hose through the League at a
very decided reduction in price. He stated that they were able at this time to
secure underwriters' hose, standard grade and quality, for 80i a foot and that in
:1 addi tion to this the League was to recei ve ei ther a lO~ or l5i discount per foot.
I Councilman Bond made the motion t~at the City Recorder be instructed to order 350
i,l feet of21" hose through the League or Oregon Cities from the American Rubber Compan
of California. The motion was seconded and ordered by the council.
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Ivl:r. Zumwal t, Chai rman of the Health Commi ttee, reported that he had, not been
able to get in touch with the new Lane County Health vfficer and asked the Mayor
for addi tional tb,e to talk the s1 tuation over with him. The request was granted
by the Iv:ayor.
9
Counci Iman Zumwalt asked that necessary lumber for conf3 truc t i on of a gate at
the city dump ground be ordered and delivered there. The city engineer reported th t
it Vlas possible thG.t the city had on hand enough lumber of the rToper kind to do
that now. This was referred to the city engineer.
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The Sewer Committee, by Chairman Reid, reported on the Phi Kappa Psi re-
quest for payment of plumbing bill. It was the recommendation of the committee tbat
this request be denied by reason of the fact that the local plumbers all knew that
when they discovered such a situation, that they were supposed to report the same
to the city and inasmuch as they did not do so, the city should refuse to recognize ~
any responsibility for payment. The recommendation was unanimously approved by the -J
council.
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The Pol i ce COIJlJIli t te e, by acting chairrnat1 Bond, recornmerlded tr18 transfer o'f '",":~
11 the license now being held by the ~atkins Coffee Shop to J. H. Kilburn.
12
Mayor Large addressed the council concerning the police radio broadcast
system which is still pending due to possible arrangements whereby the city could
make use of the new state police system soon to be installed. Mr. Herman Kehrli,
Mr. R. S. Bryson of the League of Oregon Cities and Mr. ~arge had gone to Salem
and conferred with Governor Martin and representatives of the State Highway and
Police Departments and that they discussed the feasibility of the city's participa-
tion in the program of police radio service. It was further pointed out that the
state of Oregon is going to construct a number of stations throughout the state and
at the present time they have planned a small station in the city of Eugene and it
is very possible that with city and possibly Lane County cooperation that this
station will be increased to the size necessary and that the county and city could
very well use this system. He pointed out that if such arrangements could be made,
the city would probably be requested to furnish quarters for the station and further
be required to furnish one operator, but no matter ~hat the arrangements with the
state, there is to be no question but that the city will be greatly benefitted by
the joint use of such system and it would be a decided saving to the city. The
question concerning the rolice radio was left in the hands of the police committee
and the Mayor for further consideration.
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Mr. Calkins reported that he had written Mr. Pierce concerning the nuisance
of his machine shop and had not received an answer. In addition to writing him he
had also called. Mr. Calkins asked that the Chief of Police be requested to, make
an inspection of the premises and report the exact conditions surrounding the cir-
cumstances.
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Concerning the Polley ~ilson claim, Mr. Calkins reported that she had been
up to see him and after a short discussion had stated that she wanted to seek furthe
legal counsel before proceeding further.
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In regard to condemnation proceedings, Mr. Calkins stated that it was very
likely that buildings could be removed without the city actually entering into the
regular condemnation proceedings, but that if arrangements could not be made withou
so doing, he would bring the necessary papers to the council for their passage.
Pertaining to the request of Professor Edwin T. Hodge for cancellation of
city liens upon a portion of lots 3 and 4 in,block 30 of the original plat of Pair-
16 mount, Mr. Calkins stated that he could see no justification for granting the ,
request and filed with the city recorder reP9rts from the City Engineer and City
Treasurer's office. Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the city
attorney.
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At this time councilman Hendershott reported that the management of the
Smeed Hotel was registering a complaint at this early d ate concerning the use of
fire works, particularly after the hour of midnight and the police were requested
to investigate the matter.
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Councilman Harris entered a complaint due.to the failure of control of
18 mufflers on trucks in the city. Councilman Lamb stated that during the early part
of the week the truck dt1i:vers had performed very credit-ably and now ,they were be-
ginning to resume their former attitude and the police were asked to check this
very carefully.
Request from Mrs. Josephine rt. Campbell, asking for rebate of interest on,
19 assessments on lot 1, block 6, Christian's 2nd addition, was presented and referre
to the Judiciary Committee, City Attorney and City Engineer to report at the next
meeting.
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Request from Mrs. Geo. Turnbull for waiver of interest on assessment on the
east 50 feet of lots 11 and 12, block 17 Gross Addition was presented and likewis
20 referred to the Judiciary Committee, City Attorney and City Enginee~.
Communication from the Eugene Realty Doard was presented to the council sub
mitting the request that the two old school buildings, Patterson and Geary, be
condemned. It was pointed out by the city attorney that the city could condemn
21 these buildings, if they wished, but inasmuch as the city has a school board set
up under state law, he felt that this uatter should go to them first. Mr. Zumwalt
reported that Mr. Goold, Superintendent of' Schools, had informed him that they were
making arrangements for the dismantling of the Patterson School Building and that
they were boarding up and locking surecly the Geary School. The council requested
the city recorder to make a copy of the Eugene Realty Board letter and submit ex-
cerpts of the minutes to the School Board.
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Communication from the East Skinner Butte Community Club requesting water
for the east and south sides of Skinner Butte with which to maintain the shruTIbery
and trees during the summer months, was presented. Councilman L~b stated that
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last year the street department had been able to save many shrubs and trees by the
use of the sprinklers, but it is an imposition for the street department b have to
continue this because of the shortage of help and the inadequacy of the system.
Councilman Reid wanted to know if it were possible to work out some arrangement
with the Pioneer Museum Association and the Mayor reported it was very doubtful that
22 the Association could be of any assistance. Mr. Clubb reported that in order to
adequately water the Butte that it would be necessary to pump the water to the ap-
proximate level of the old reservoir and he indicated that there was a pump-located
on the Butte for that purpose now and only proper connections would be necessary.
Councilman Zumwalt asked if the pump could be placed near the river and it was
brought out that that would require a greater lift of the water than where it was
now located. This matter was referred to the Fire and Water Committee for them to
attempt to work out some kind of a plan.
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A claim from John T Evans in the amount of ~~9.30 for damages to his car due
to pavement irregulsrities was presented to the council. It was very definitely
agreed that the city should not have to pay such claims. Councilman Reid entered
23 his claim for ~lO.OO for damages to his car window. as a result of heavy gravel throw
I by cars while driving through the streets. The subject was continued until the time
, of presentation of the Resolution concerning this particular subject.
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Communication from the Eugene Morning News was presented concerning the city
24, and county-wide Public Safety Campaign and. was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
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I A letter of thanks was presented from Mrs. Emma C. Preston expressing her
I deep appreciation for the council's ffavorable reaction to her request for erecting
25) a store building out to the property line.' '
I Communication from Pace Manufacturing Company, Inc., concerning parking
'meters was presented and referred to the Police Committee to report at the next
26 meeting.
Report from the Police Chief indicating that the noisy conditions at Tap
Tavern at East 7th 5treet had been investigated and proprietor Charles Munson
27, agreed to see that the nuisance was abated. He also informed the council that the
I graffic officers were instructed to check trucks with noisy mufflers.
! Reports from the Police Matron for the months of March and April were
I presented and ordered filed. The regular monthly report of the Eugene Public Librar
2~1 for the month of April was presented and ordered filed.
II Bids were opened for the insurance to cover the two trucks, license Numbers,
II Ella and EI08, being used in the WPA pro j ects at Skinner Butte Park. The two bids
29)1 of Fred H. Getchell ancl Bryant G. DeBar were presented and councilmen upon motion
i made and seconded ordered tl~t the insurance be placed with Bryant G. DeBar under ou
: existing policy at a cost of ~~17.65
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The report of the Appr'aisal Committee consis ting of FM Cashman, CF Hyde and
Graham b Smith, appraising the following two pieces of property: "The West half of
lot 3, all of lot 4 and 5 in block 2, Harris Addition to Eugene, Lane County, Orego "
value $1000.00. "All of lot 4 except t0e South 3 feet in block 5, Hollenbeck Additi n
30 to Eugene, bane County, Oregonrl, value $500.00 was presented by the city recorder.
In addi tion, the bill for ~f15 .00 was presented and ,upon motion made and secord ed
the same was ordered paid from the Improvement Bond Sinking Fund. The ayes and nays
were called, councilmen voting aye, seven, any, none, absent Simon.
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The reco:'der presented another offer from Mr. and Mrs. H. 'T. Witlshire
for the city-uwned lot, located on the east side of Washington Et., between 15th and
16th in the amount of $500.00. Without bringing the interest up-to-date and by
adding the amount of the charge of the appraisal, the city has $603.63 in the said
31 piece of property. Councilman Hendershott objected to selling the same for $500/00.
Mr. Zumwalt also objected. Motion was made and secorrled that the offer be re-
ferred to the Judiciary Committee and City Attorney with power to act and aut~ori-
zing the Mayor and City Recorder to execute the papers upon the basis that the city
receive what it has in the said piece of property at the present time and the motio
was passed by the council.
Ordinance providing for the acceptance by the City of Eugene of a credit of
$1500.00 in payment for the West half of Lot 3, and all of lots 4 and 5, Block 2,
32 Harris' Addition to Eugene, was read the first time and passed its second and third
readings by title, under suspension of the rule, by the unanimous consent of the
council, and was placed upon its final passage. The ayes and nays were called, coun
cilmen voting aye, seven, nay, none, absent Simon. The ordinance was declared passe
and numbered 8474.
I The Recorder reported that the Carroll Drug Store and the Lucky Cigar Store
Ihad presented t~eir applications for liquor licenses and paid their deposit fee in.
11935 on the following dates: Carroll Drug Store, April 8, 1935, Lucky Cigar Store,
I March 28, 1935. Return of the deposit fee of ~p5.00 was agai'n rei'erred to the police
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committee to report at the next meeting.
The Recorder presented the Canvass of Election Returns for the S~ciil'
Election held in the City of Eugene on May 15, 1936, directing the Common Council
to adopt by Ordinance a civil service system for its full-time paid policemen.
Returns of said election were 500, Yes, 3868, 501, No~ 804.
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A resolution wa~ presented concerning the city's contracting to make the re-
pairs of the streets of the city as a result of laying new water mains and the smme
35 was passed with this provision that Mr. Frank Dillard, contractor, shall pay in
addition to the sum stipulated, $2184.32, the two claims, namely, that of J'ohn T
Evans, ~9 .30 and A A Reid, $10.00, that were presented to the council as a r'esul t of
the condition of the streets.
The Recorder reported the following applications for rebonding delinquent
assessments: '
No.
Name
Amount
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
Fred Bostick
Walters Bushongs Lbr Co.
Mabel Johnson
Fred Walters
Gordon C Griffin
C. 1. Good
C. I. Go od
vVi 11 iam Johnson
$331.45
88.00
, 68.86
684.28
93~38
210.94
79.29
177.74
The City Hecorder reported that a complaint had been received concerning the
debris left by ~illiamson Company after completion of a plumbing job in the neighbor
36 hodd of 1843~ 17th. Removal of the same was referred to the Police Chief.
I Mayor Large stated that he had been requested by Earl Drew for a renewal of
lease for use of the grounds on the Skinner Butte Park camp by the CCC. Councilman
37 Hendershott objected as he believed ,some of the ground could be used to advantage
by the playground commission. Mr. \liayne E.~ens stated that the local Girl Scouts
I could use part of one building for a period of six weeks. This discussion was
held for further consided:"tion to determine whether or not the buildings and grounds
could be used jointly.
, The Lane County Relief COIIlm'ttee are moving into the space provided for by
38.! the council at the city shop and after the necessary remodeling is,comPleted, they
will start paying $25.00 per month rental. The City Engineer is requested to make
provisions for proper rest room facilities for the quarters.
The Mayor asked the City Engineer to pp'esent to the counci 1 the proposal
concerning plans for a Sewa~e Disposal Plant. Mr. Clubb reported that no appropria-
tions had been made for it, but that they would like to have an application on file
so as to try and get the appropriation through this session of congress. He further
39 stated that it would be necessary to file complete plans with the application. It
was moved ;::,nd seconded that the Engineer should file the proper application forms
so long as there was no additional expense to the ci ty for furnishing of detail
plans. The City Engineer is to handle this work.
On motion the council adjourned.
C. M. Bryan
City Recorder.
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