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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2G: Res.on LID/West Univ.EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Action: Approval of Minutes, Finding and Recommendations from the Hearings Official and Adoption of Resolution 4833 Forming a Local Improvement District for Alley Paving in 23 Various Alley Locations in the West University Neighborhood Generally Bounded by Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, and Franklin Boulevard (Job #4172, 4309 and 4310) Meeting Date: May 9, 2005 Agenda Item Number: 2G Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Paul Klope www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-5246 ISSUE STATEMENT The council is being asked to approve the Hearings Official's Minutes, Findings and Recommendations dated May 2, 2005 and adopt a resolution forming a Local Improvement District (LID) for alley paving in 23 various alley locations in the West University Neighborhood generally bounded by Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, and Franklin Boulevard. (See Attachment A for descriptions of alleys.) BACKGROUND The West University Neighborhood is adjacent to downtown and is the City's most densely populated neighborhood. Due to an increase in criminal activity and nuisance behaviors in the last few years, the riot of 2002, and concerns about the decline in appearance of the area, former Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey and University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer formed the West University Neighborhood (WUN) Task Force to develop immediate and long-term solutions to the safety and livability issues facing the area. The task force was comprised of neighborhood stakeholders, such as residents, local business owners, and non-profit organizations. Representatives from the Eugene City Council, Planning Commission, Police Commission, and the Associated Students of the University of Oregon were also included, as was staff from the City and University. The meetings were open to the public and run in an informal manner to invite broad participation by other interested members of the public. The City Council held a work session on June 9, 2003, to review and approve the WUN Task Force Final Report. The City Council directed the City Manager to analyze the recommendations of the task force and provide the council with an implementation plan. One of the high priority, long-term recommendations was to improve the alleys in the neighborhood. The City Council held a work session on November 24, 2003, to review a report from the City Engineer covering the feasibility and estimated cost to improve the unimproved alleys, funding sources, range of estimated assessments, assessment code issues, design standards, timing and a proposed implementation L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050509\S0505092G.doc plan. The City Council directed staff to proceed with the implementation plan to improve the unimproved alleys, and to pursue other potential additional funding sources to replace Community Development Block Grant monies for the non-assessable costs of improvements. On January 12, 2004, the City Council adopted a motion directing staff to proceed with design and bidding of a project to improve the unimproved alleys within the WUN. On May 10, 2004, the City Council revised the assessment code for alleys to assess all costs associated with the alley improvements. The 23 unimproved alleys in the WUN were separated into three bidding contracts and were opened on April 5, 6, and 7, 2005. The apparent low bidder(s) were 2G Construction for Job #4172 and Job #4310, and Brown Contracting for Job #4309. The property owners were notified of the pending Local Improvement District (LID) hearing ten (10) days prior to the hearing as required by the Eugene Code. The LID formation hearing was held on April 20, 2005, to review the bid information, confirm whether the LID should be formed and to identify any special conditions that should be included in the resolution forming the LID. Fifteen property owners attended the hearing (see Hearings Official Minutes). City staff has received correspondence from the Eugene Garden Club that is shown in Attachment C in the Memo to the Hearings Official. The City Engineer responded with a letter to the Eugene Garden Club regarding its concerns. Per Eugene Code, the assessable cost for each alley is calculated and then one-half of the assessable cost is apportioned to the properties based on their front footage abutting the alleys, and one-half of the assessable cost is apportioned to the properties based on the area of the properties within 160' of the alley. The assessments are calculated separately for each alley based on the existing uses and zoning of the property within each alley. The assessable front foot costs are calculated separately for each alley based on the existing use of the parcels, and the assessable area costs are calculated separately for each alley based on the permissible use of the parcels under the zoning of the City. Weighting factors are applied to the front footage and area of each property per the use and zoning of the property as prescribed in the Eugene Code and as listed below: Single family dwelling or duplex 1.0 Other residential 3.0 Commercial or General Office 10.0 Industrial 10.0 Other 1.0-10.0' *According to the most intensive use of the parcel most comparable to the use listed above as determined by the City Engineer. The total assessable cost for each alley and the weighted front foot and area cost for each alley are shown in Attachment E in the Memo to the Hearings Official. L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050509\S0505092G.doc Based on the low bids received, the costs listed below are the total estimated assessment costs plus contingency for the local improvement district. Total Assessable Cost $1,670,779 Total City Cost $ 3,670 Total Project Cost $1,674,449 The non-assessable City share for this project will be funded from the Transportation Utility Fund in the estimated amount of $3,670, and includes repair of several existing alley driveways and street pavement preservation work. Assessments are anticipated to be levied following the completion of construction. Following the levy of assessments, a 1 O-year payment plan through the City, is available to all property owners within the improvement district as identified by Eugene Code, Chapter 7. All necessary steps have been completed as prescribed by the Eugene Code for the initiation and formation of an LID. Delay in the formation of the LID will delay completion of the improvement project. RELATED CITY POLICIES There are no new policy issues associated with this item. COUNCIL OPTIONS Per Section 7.166(3) of the Eugene Code, the City Council can take the following actions: 1. Adopt the resolution forming the LID; 2. Substantially modify the improvements, rebidding if necessary, and then conduct a hearing on the modified improvements; 3. Delay the approval not more than 15 days; or 4. Abandon the improvements. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends approval of the Minutes, Findings and Recommendations of the Hearings Official and adoption of the resolution forming the LID as described. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to approve the Hearings Official's Minutes, Findings and Recommendations of May 2, 2005. Move to adopt Resolution 4833 forming a Local Improvement District for alley paving in 23 various alley locations in the West University neighborhood generally bounded by Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, and Franklin Boulevard (Job #4172, 4309 and 4310) L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050509\S0505092G.doc ATTACHMENTS A. Description of Alleys B. Resolution C. Hearings Official Minutes, Findings and Recommendations D. Map of LID Area FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Paul Klope Telephone: 682-5246 Staff E-Mail: paul.w.klope.~ci, eugene.or.us L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050509\S0505092G.doc ATTACHMENT A Alley No. Description Job No. 4172 #1 between Broadway and Mill Race from half alley to Patterson #2 between Hilyard and Patterson from half alley to Mill Race #6 between 14th and 15th from Alder to Hilyard #8 between Ferry and Mill from half alley to llth #10 between llth and 12th from Hilyard to Patterson #16 between 14th and 15th from Hilyard to Patterson #17 between 14th and 15th from Kincaid to Alder #22 between Ferry and Mill from 10th alley to half alley #25 between Mill and High from 13th to half alley #31 between llth and 12th from half alley to High Job No. 4309 #4 between 13th and 14th from Oak to half alley #9 between High and Pearl from 15th to half alley #14 between Pearl and Oak from 16th to Canal #24 between High and Pearl from 16th to 17th #26 between Mill and High from 16th to 17th #27 between Mill and High from 17th to 18th #30 between Pearl and Oak from 15th to 16th Job No. 4310 #5 between 14th and 15th from half alley to Mill #18 between 14th and 15th from Ferry to half alley #13 between Patterson and Ferry from 16th to 17th #19 between 15th and 16th from Hilyard to Patterson #20 between 15th and 16th from Patterson to Ferry #21 between 17th and 18th from half alley to Patterson #23 between Ferry and Mill from 15th to 16th #29 between Patterson and Ferry from 18th to half alley #32 between 18th and 19th from half alley to Mill Resolution- 3 Q:\PROJECTSLPROJ-2\4172\Corresp\OTHER\4172 WUN Alleys LID Resolution .DOC ATTACHMENT B RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION FORMING A LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR PAVING ALLEYS LOCATED IN THE WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD GENERALLY BOUNDED BY WILLAMETTE STREET, 19TH AVENUE, KINCAID STREET, AND FRANKLIN BOULEVARD. (JOB #4172, 4309 AND 4310) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows: Section 1. After proper notice of the hearings required by Sections 7.165 and 7.166 of the Eugene Code, 1971 (EC), and after receiving the heatings officer's report, the City Council hereby declares it is in the public interest to construct the local improvements described in Section 2 of this Resolution and assess part of the costs thereof to the specially benefitted properties at the alleys located in the West University Neighborhood generally bounded by Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, and Franklin Boulevard as set forth in Attachment A. Section 2. The Council hereby orders the establishment of a local improvement district for alleys located in the west University Neighborhood generally bounded by Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, and Franklin Boulevard and in that district to pave the alleyways and construct the related improvements ("the Improvements'). Section 3. The costs of the Improvements shall be borne by and assessed to the properties in the district in accordance with EC 7.175. Included in the cost shall be the overhead costs specified in EC 7.170 and whatever other special costs, such as acquisition of interests in real property, are necessary to make the Improvements. Upon completion of the Improvements, the final costs therefor will be calculated and the owners of benefitted property shall be notified and the property assessed as provided in E.C. 7.185 to 7.240. The assessments to be levied for the Improvements are hereby characterized for purposes of the property tax limitation in Section 1 lb, Art. XI of the Oregon Constitution as assessments for a local improvement, not subject to the constitutional limitation of $10 per thousand of real market value. Notice of the intent to so characterize the assessments was sent to the affected property owners prior to the adoption of this Resolution. Section 4. The City Council hereby declares that the construction of the Improvements, as well as acquisition of fights-of-way or easements necessary for the construction, is for a public purpose, is necessary for the public welfare, is authorized under the laws of the State of Oregon and Charter and ordinances of the City of Eugene, and is directed by this Resolution. Section 5. The City of Eugene, Oregon expects to make expenditures from its available funds to pay for the costs of improvements for alleys located in the West University Neighborhood generally bounded by Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, and Franklin Boulevard (the "Project"). The City reasonably expects, and hereby declares its intent, Resolution- 1 Q:kPROJECTSLPROJ-2\4172\Corresp\OTHER\4172 WUN Alleys LID Resolution .DOC to issue bonds or other obligations (the "Reimbursement Bonds") and to use the proceeds of the Reimbursement Bonds to reimburse the City for the expenditures made from the City's available funds for the Project. The City expects that the principal amount of the Reimbursement Bonds will not exceed $1,837,857.00, which represents the estimated assessment amount plus a margin of 10%. Section 6. Lines of credit and other evidence of indebtedness authorized by City Council Resolution No. 4807 may be issued to finance the construction of the Improvements. Section 7. Proceeds from unbonded assessments, improvement bonds, foreclosure of liens based on the Improvements and from other budgeted funds including ad valorem taxes, if levied, to pay the debt shall be deposited in the Short Term Debt Fund until the indebtedness issued to finance the Improvements is redeemed. Proceeds so deposited may be used only to pay the indebtedness issued to finance the Improvements. Section 8. The City Manager, or the person designated in writing by the City Manager to act under Resolution No. 4807 may sign the evidence of indebtedness issued to finance the construction of the Improvements. Section 9. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. The foregoing Resolution adopted the 9th day of May, 2005. City Recorder Resolution - 2 QSPROJECTS~ROJ-2\4172\Corresp\OTHER\4172 WUN Alleys LID Resolution .DOC ATTACHMENT C FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS SUBJECT: PROPOSED LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FORMATION FOR 23 VARIOUS ALLEY LOCATIONS IN THE WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD GENERALLY BOUNDED BY W]I.LAMETTE STREET, 19TH AVENUE, KINCAID STREET, AND FR,,ANKLIN BOULEVARD. (JOB #4172, 4309 AND 4310) BACKGROUND The alleys of the West University Area are an important element in the character of the area. The West University area has some of the highest population and usage densities in the City. The West University alleys play an important role supporting these densities. Some businesses in effect front on the alleys, and numerous residences of both single and multi-family character use the alleys as the primary means of access. Unfortunately, the role that the West University alleys play in the life off the area is not always positive. The West University Neighborhood Task Force was formed because of perceived problems related to increases in criminal activity and nuisance behavior in the West University Area (including the 2002 riot) and concerns about the decline in appearance of the area. One outcome of the West University Neighborhood Task Force was an evaluation of needed improvements to reverse negative trends in the area. The Task Force identified the unimproved or deteriorated condition of some of the area' s alleys as a part of the problem. One of the high priority recommendations of the Task Force Report was improvements to those alleys in the neighborhood that were deteriorated below standards. The Eugene City Council received the Task Force Report and held several work sessions on the recommendations. One of the outcomes was a series of actions regarding alley improvements. Starting with a work session on the City Engineer's report on the feasibility of alley improvements, the Council directed the development of an implementation plan, and then issued directions to proceed with design and bidding of a project to improve the alleys in the West Eugene area. The Council also reviewed and revised the Eugene Code provisions relating to assessments of alley improvements. Following the Council's direction, the City Engineer developed a design and plans and sought bids for thee contracts to make improvements to the West Eugene alleys. PROJECT There are 23 alleys intended to be included in the project. The total length of the alley frontage is approximately 7,000 linear feet. There are 160 tax lots that front the alleys. The City design standards will be used to improve the alleys; to develop all deteriorated alleys in the project area to a standard 14-foot wide concrete alley including catch basins and piping from catch basins to the City stormwater system. PROPOSED LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FORMATION FOR 23 VARIOUS ALLEY LOCATIONS IN THE WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD GENERALLY BOUNDED BY WILLAMETTE STREET, 19TH AVENUE, KINCAID STREET, AND FRANKLIN BOULEVARD Page 1 In accordance with the Eugene Code, each alley will be considered as a separate element of the project. Each cost will be calculated separately and the properties along the alley will be subject to assessment based on the characteristics of the adjacent properties. During initial consideration of the issues that led to this project, the Council examined the Eugene Code and made changes to the alley assessment provisions. The assessable cost for each alley is calculated and then one half of the assessable costs are apportioned to the properties based on their front footage abutting the alleys, and one half of the assessable costs are apportioned to the properties based on the area of the properties within 160 feet of the alley. The assessable front foot costs are calculated based on the existing use of each parcel. The assessable area costs are based on the permissible use of each parcel under the zoning of the City. Weighting factors are applied to the front footage and area of each property depending on the use and zoning of the property as prescribed in City Code Single family dwelling or duplex 1.0 Other residential 3.0 Commercial or General Office 10.0 Industrial 10.0 Other 1.0-10.0' *According to the most intensive use of the parcel most comparable to the use listed above as determined by the city engineer. The total assessable cost for each alley and the weighted front foot and area cost for each alley are shown in the Attachment E attached to the City Engineer's report. The Eugene Code calls for most of the costs of alley construction to be assessed to the property abutting the alleys. Based on the low bids received, the costs listed below are the total estimated assessment costs plus contingency for the local improvement district. Total Assessable Cost $1,670,779 Total City Cost $ 3,670 Total Project Cost $1,674,449 The non-assessable City share for this project will be funded from Transportation Utility Fund in the estimated amount of $3,670, and includes repair of several existing alley driveways and street pavement preservation work. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Public involvement in this project has been extensive. The project originated with the West PROPOSED LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FORMATION FOR 23 VARIOUS ALLEY LOCATIONS IN THE WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD GENERALLY BOUNDED BY WILLAMETTE STREET, 19TH AVENUE, KINCAID STREET, AND FRANKLIN BOULEVARD Page 2 University Neighborhood Task Force. The Council has also been extensively involved in both the evaluation of the Task Force Report, and in work sessions considering the Code, and initiation of the project. This public involvement included decisions on which alleys needed attention (all of them not already improved). The property owners were notified of the project, the nature of the proposed improvements, and the estimated assessments. One property owner, the Eugene Garden Club, sent a letter outlining their contributions to the community, and requesting special consideration with regard to the classification of the Garden Club property's use and zoning weighting factors. Property owners were notified of a hearing and opportunity to speak at least ten days before the scheduled hearing. A public hearing was held on April 20, 2005. Members of the Eugene Garden Club and other property owners within the proposed district appeared at the headhg. None of owners expressed objections to the purpose of the proposed project; the improvements to the alleys. Some property owners expressed concerns about the way the directions of the Code provisions regarding alley assessments would apply to their property. More details regarding the public hearing can be found in the minutes of the hearing, attached as Exhibit A to this report. The Eugene Garden Club's request for differential consideration if based on their contribution to the Eugene Community, and their non-profit status. The Eugene Code does not make a distinction between for profit and non-profit organizations. While the contributions of the Eugene Garden Club are well established by the evidence presented, the Eugene Code does not allow such contributions to be weighed in the calculation of weighting factors. The Eugene Code only distinguishes between residential uses and non-residential uses. Within these categories, there is no question that the Eugene Garden Club fits within the non-residential category. The Eugene Code does not allow for the special consideration requested by the Garden Club. Nothing in the Code suggests that the city Engineer has the discretion to alter the basic categorizations specifically enumerated in the Code. The footnote to the open category indicates that it should be used to follow the specific divisions set up, which clearly distinguish between residential and all other types of use. In the same way, the policy question raised by Mr. Anderson has fairly clearly been examined and rejected by the Council. The Council has set a policy concerning street improvements that shares the cost of the improvement among the city as a whole and adjacent property owners. The division that the Council has chosen with regard to streets generally has the City absorbing the special costs of street improvements that account for the larger City use of streets. So for example, the cost of street widths greater than the smallest local street are paid for collectively by the City. As Mr. Anderson noted, the Council has decided that the cost of alley improvements should be borne almost exclusively by the abutting residents. Perhaps the council made this choice because the width of alleys is analogous to the width of local streets. Perhaps the choice was made because alleys are generally less publicly used than streets are. For whatever reason, PROPOSED LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FORMATION FOR 23 VARIOUS ALLEY LOCATIONS IN THE WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD GENERALLY BOUNDED BY WILLAMETTE STREET, 19TH AVENUE, KINCAID STREET, AND FRANKLIN BOULEVARD Page 3 the Council has made a clear distinction, and they reaffirmed this decision with the West University Neighborhood alleys in mind. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION Notice of the public hearing was provided and all the property owners were given an opportunity to participate in the hearings. Appropriate notice was given of the public hearing and the availability of the proposed ordinance for LID formation, as required by the Eugene Charter and Code. Letters informing property owners of the hearing and notification to property owners of the intent of the City to characterize the assessment as an assessment, not a tax, as required by ORS 305.583(5) were mailed to the property owners. The Hearings Officer finds that the project is one for which the assessments are for local improvements as set forth in ORS 310.410 because 1. The assessments do not exceed actual costs; 2. The assessments are imposed for a capital construction project that provides a specific benefit for a specific property or rectifies a problem caused by a specific property 3. The assessments are imposed in a single assessment upon completion of the project; and 4. The assessments allow the property owners to elect to pay the assessment with interest over at least ten (10) years. The Hearings Official also finds that the method of calculation of the area to be assessed and the estimated assessments is consistent with the language of the Eugene Code. The Hearings Official recommends that the Council act in accord with the City Engineer's recommendations, accepting the low bid and forming the local improvement district as set forth in the City Engineer's recommendations. Re~pec~lly s~ubjrdtted, Milo Mecham Hearings Official Dated: May 2, 2005 PROPOSED LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FORMATION FOR 23 VARIOUS ALLEY LOCATIONS IN THE WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD GENERALLY BOUNDED BY WILLAMETTE STREET, 19TH AVENUE, KINCAID STREET, AND FRANKLIN BOULEVARD Page 4 Exhibit A MINUTES Local Improvement District Formation Proposed Local Improvement District Formation For 23 Various Alley Locations In The West University Neighborhood Generally Bounded By Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, And Franklin Boulevard. (Job #4172, 4309 And 4310) April 20, 2005 Public Hearing The hearing began at 6:05 p.m. More than ten property owners attended the hearing. Hearings Official Milo Mecham began the hearing with an introduction outlining the purpose of the hearing and the expected process after the hearing. Present at the hearing representing the City of Eugene were Principal Civil Engineer Paul Klope and Project Engineer Steve Gallup. City Engineer Mark Schoening attended the hearing, but did not make statements or a presentation for the City. Principal Civil Engineer Paul Klope described the project, which involves alley improvements on 23 alleys in the West University neighborhood. The Project began in response to a recommendation of the West University Neighborhood Task Force. The Task Force listed alley improvements as the second most important item on its list of needed improvements in the area. The Task Force felt that alley improvements would improve emergency vehicle response, provide for pedestrian and bicycle use, improve access for delivery and service vehicles. The Task Force also felt that improving the alleys might encourage adjacent property owners to make improvements to the adjacent properties. Mx. Klope also described the review process the Council had undertaken while the improvements were being planned. The City Council held work sessions on November 24, 2003 and March 8, 2004. During these review sessions the Council discussed the alley design standards, the estimated assessment costs and the portions of the Eugene Code that relate to alley assessments. The present Code came out of these deliberations, including the assessment policy which provides for assessing alley improvement costs primarily to the adjacent property owners under a complex formula. Mx. Klope reminded the audience that the City did have in place programs that would allow the assessment to be paid in installments. Mx. Klope also described the City's programs for low income and elderly deferrals of assessments. Mx. Klope explained that the purpose of the proposed improvements was to bring the alleys up to current city standards. The alleys selected included all the alleys in the area that were in poor condition - were not already paved with concrete or not already recently improved or were not still paved with an acceptable non-concrete surface. Mx. Klope described the estimated project cost and how that would be apportioned under the provisions of the Eugene Code. Based on the bids received, the project cost is estimated to be $1,674,449. The assessable portion of this is estimated to be $1,670,779, with the City's costs estimated at $3,670 for some associated street repairs and alley driveway repairs. The estimated assessments for properties in the improvement district are calculated separately for each alley to be improved. According to the Eugene Code, the estimated costs for each alley's improvements are split in half. One half is assessed to properties based on the front footage of the property along the alley, multiplied by a factor assigned based on the present use of the property. The other half of the assessable amount is assessed to properties along the alley based on the permitted uses of the property. A member of the audience asked "where the extra money went." Upon further discussion of the question, Mr. Klope was able to explain that there was no extra revenue earned under the process set up by the Eugene Code. The property areas were calculated and multiplied by the weighting factors, then the total weighted frontage or area was divided by the assessable cost. So the weighting was applied before the costs were divided and thus did not increase the amount assessed. In response to another question Mr. Klope confirmed that this might mean that a square foot of one property might pay three or ten times as much as a square foot of another property on the same alley. A member of the Eugene Garden Club suggested that since the Garden Club did not fit any of the categories, and since no one lived at the Garden Club, their weighting factor should be zero. Mr. Klope explained that the categories in the Eugene Code were designed to be inclusive, and there was no category for zero weighting. A member of the audience suggested that not all of the alleys should have been done, but that the City should have concentrated on the bad ones. Mr. Klope responded that only the worst alleys were chosen, those not up to city standards or not recently improved. Mr. Klope referred to the sign-up sheet of persons attending the hearing, and indicated the City's determination of the permitted use classification of the properties along the alley, based on the City's current zoning of the properties. Mr. Klope listed and explained the weighing factors found in the Eugene Code, and how these were translated into assessable costs for each alley. Mr. Klope concluded his presentation by describing the planned progress of the improvements. If the Council approves the formation of the district, the City anticipates construction this summer, starting in June. Completion is expected in October. After completion of the work, the actual costs will be calculated and the actual assessment amounts will be proposed. Mr. Klope explained that each project had a projected contingency amount included at this stage of the project, designed to allow for unexpected events that would lead to costs higher than the bid expectations. Mr. Klope indicated that, barfing unanticipated occurrences, the City hoped and expected that the actual costs of the project would be less that the projected costs sent out in the estimated assessments. After Mr. Klope concluded his remarks, those in attendance were invited to ask questions or to address the project. Not all members of the audience identified themselves when asking questions. The first question was about speeding in the improved alleys and whether the City might put in speed bumps. Mr. Klope answered that the City had not planned for speed bumps, but that the city would work with any property owner who requested traffic calming devices to see if something might be included in the project. The next question was an inquiry about how the city had classified property that from a casual view appeared to be a single family residence, but was actually being used as a multi-family dwelling. Mr. Klope responded that the City relied on the zoning and use information that it had on file, and did not make a new investigation of properties for the purpose of assessment. Mr. Klope explained that under the Eugene Code up to five unrelated persons could reside in a single family residence. Mr. Jim Anderson asked why, if the purpose of the project was to improve the entire West University neighborhood, only the property owners abutting each alley were being asked to pay for the cost of improvements. Mr. Anderson acknowledged that the Eugene Code provided that the property owners along each alley should pay. However, he did not think that this was a fair or appropriate decision. If the motive behind the project was to improve the City, Mr. Anderson felt a portion of the City's general fund should have been used to support the project. Mr. Klope responded that there had been some discussion of this issue by the Council. During the work sessions the Council had considered the possibility of City subsidies for alley improvements, but after a discussion, the Council had decided that the property owners should be assessed costs without a City subsidy. Ms. Dorothy Cruickshank of the Eugene Garden Club was the next speaker. Ms. Cruickshank urged that the Garden Club be regarded as a special case. The Garden Club did not feel that it could afford the proposed assessment. Ms. Cruickshank stated that the Garden Club wished to be qualified for the city deferrals for low income and for old age, since most members of the Club were in their sixties. Ms. Cruickshank felt that the Garden Club did not fit any of the categories under the City assessment process, and should not be classified under these provisions. The Garden Club does rent the building and has raised the rent to cover the cost of past improvements, but they could not afford so much. If required to pay the Club would either have to move or would have to drop some of its projects. Ms. Cruickshank wanted to make it clear that the Garden Club was not opposed to the project. They very much wanted the alley to be paved. They just could not afford to pay the assessment. Mr. Klope responded that the Garden Club would not qualify for the deferral programs, since they were aimed at residences. Ms. Ruth Phelps of the Garden Club spoke next. Ms. Phelps indicated that while the Garden Club property is zoned R3, their use of the alley does not match other uses. Ms. Phelps indicated that the office building on the south side of the alley used it as an exit from their parking lot. Them were also several rentals on the alley that used it a great deal as well. Ms. Phelps had contacted Tom Schwetz of the Lane Council of Governments concerning comparative traffic use. Given the number of users at the Garden Club, she concluded that it had approximately the same use level as two and one half residences. The Garden Club has only five parking spaces off the alley. They would like to have the parking lot paved as well, but they do not feel that they could afford the proposed assessment. Ms. Phelps discussed the amount of the estimated assessment with Principal Civil Engineer Paul Klope and Project Engineer Steve Gallup. They determined that the Garden Club was using figures that were different than the current estimate of an assessment of $14,700 for the Garden Club. The possibility of installment payment of this amount was discussed. In response to a question from the Hearings Officer, Ms. Phelps and other members of the Garden Club indicated that there were a number of other persons - strangers - who frequently parked in the Garden Club's parking lot. Ms. Phelps indicated that the Garden Club felt like they were being penalized for not having a single family dwelling. Ms. Phelps re-emphasized the contributions that the Garden Club makes to the city, concluding with a plea that the Garden Club not be treated like other commercial uses, because it was not at all similar to such uses. Mr. George Mayer asked several questions concerning the proposed design of the alley pavement, such as the thickness; why concrete was the chosen material and so forth. Mr. Klope indicated that the standards called for concrete seven inches thick, and that concrete was chosen because it was the most durable material available. After the end of the meeting Mr. Klope and Mr. Mayer had an extensive discussion concerning the design and scope of the project. After the Garden Club members were assured that the Garden Club would be eligible for the installment payment process, and a discussion about interest rates for the program, the meeting concluded at approximately 7:10. MEMORANDUM DATE: April 20, 2005 FROM: Mark Schoening, City Engineer TO: Hearings Official SUBJECT: PROPOSED LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FORMATION FOR 23 VARIOUS ALLEY LOCATIONS IN Tile WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGItBORItOOD GENERALLY BOUNDED BY WILLAMETTE STREET, 19TH AVENUE, KINCAID STREET, AND FRANKLIN BOULEVARD. (JOB//4172, 4309 AND 4310) (SEE ATTACItMENT "A" FOR DESCRIPTIONS OF ALLEYS) BACKGROUND The West University Neighborhood area generally bounded by Willamette Street, 19th Avenue, Kincaid Street, and Franklin Boulevard is adjacent to downtown and is the City's most densely populated neighborhood. Due to an increase in criminal activity and nuisance behaviors, in the last few years, the riot of 2002, and concerns about the decline in appearance of the area, Eugene former Mayor Jim Torrey and University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer formed the West University Neighborhood (WUN) Task Force to develop immediate and long-term solutions to the safety and livability issues facing the area. The task force was comprised neighborhood stakeholders, such as residents, local business owners, and non-profit organizations. Representatives from the Eugene City Council, Planning Commission, Police Commission, and the Associated Students of the University of Oregon were also included, as was staff from the City and University. The meetings were open to the public and run in an informal manner to invite broad participation by other interested members of the public. The City Council held a work session on June 9, 2003 to review and approve the WUN Task Force Final Report (see Attachment B). The City Council directed the City Manager to analyze the recommendations of the Task Force and provide the Council with an implementation plan. One of the high priority long-term recommendations was to improve the alleys in the neighborhood. The City Council held a work session on November 24, 2003 to review a report from the City Engineer covering feasibility and estimated cost to improve the unimproved alleys, funding sources, range of estimated assessments, assessment code issues, design standards, timing and a proposed implementation plan. City Council directed staff to proceed with the implementation plan to improve the unimproved alleys, and to pursue other potential additional funding sources to replace Community Development Block Grant monies for the non- assessable costs of improvements. On January 12, 2004, City Council adopted a motion directing staff to proceed with design and bidding of a project to improve the unimproved alleys within the WUN. On May 10, 2004, Council revised the assessment code for alleys to assess all costs associated with the alley improvements. The 23 unimproved alleys in the WUN were separated into three bidding contracts and were opened on April 5, 6, and 7, 2005. The apparent low bidder(s) were 2G Construction for Job//4172, & Job #4310 and Brown Contracting Job #4309. The property owners were notified of the pending Local Improvement District (LID) hearing ten (10) days prior to the hearing as required by Municipal Code. The LID formation hearing on April 20, 2005, is to review the bid information, confirm whether the LID should be formed and to identify any special conditions that should be included in the resolution forming the LID. CORRESPONDENCE Since the mailing of the Notice of Proposed Local Improvement District, City staff received 7 phone calls from property owners. Two property owners have indicated they will be attending the hearing as of noon, April 19, 2005. On April 14, 2005 city staffreceived an e-mail from James Spickerman of the attorney's office of Gleaves, Swearingen, Potter and Scott representing the Eugene Garden Club. Although the Garden Club parcel is zoned R-3, Limited High-Density Residential Zone, Mr. Spickerman states that the structure and occupancy of the parcel, is permanently committed to the Garden Club use and should receive an assessment weighting factor of "1" on the basis that the existing use most resembles that of a single family dwelling (see Attachment C). Also, included in this attachment are other correspondences from the Eugene Garden Club that staff recently received. PROJECT There are 23 separate unimproved alleys in the WUN totaling about 7,000 linear feet. t 60 tax lots front the alleys. The City design standards will be used to improve the alleys which consist of a 14-foot wide concrete alley including catch basins and piping from catch basins to the City stormwater system. Attached is a map showing the limits of the improvements and the properties to be assessed (see Attachment D). ASSESSEMNTS Per City Code, the assessable cost for each alley is calculated and then one half.of the assessable costs are apportioned to the properties based on their front footage abutting the alleys, and one half of the assessable cost are apportioned to the properties based on the area of the properties within 160' of the alley. The assessments are calculated separately for each alley based on the existing uses and zoning of the property within each alley. The assessable front foot costs are calculated separately for each alley based onthe existing use of the parcels, and the assessable area costs are calculated separately for each alley based on the permissible use of the parcels under the zoning of the City. Weighting factors are applied to the front footage and area of each property per the use and zoning of the property as prescribed in City Code and as listed below: Single family dwelling or duplex 1.0 Other residential 3.0 Commercial or General Office 10.0 Industrial 10.0 Other 1.0-10.0' *According to the most intensive use of the parcel most comparable to the use listed above as determined by the city engineer. The total assessable cost for each alley and the weighted front foot and area cost for each alley are shown in Attachment E. Based on the low bids received, the costs listed below are the total estimated assessment costs plus contingency for the local improvement district. Total Assessable Cost $1,670,779 Total City Cost $ 3,670 Total Project Cost $1,674,449 The non-assessable City share for this project will be funded fi.om Transportation Utility Fund in the estimated amount of $3,670, and includes repair of several existing alley driveways and street pavement preservation work. Assessment financing, a 10-year payment plan through the City, is available to all property owners within the improvement district as identified by City Code, Chapter 7. LOW INCOME SUBSIDY Four potential residential property owners were notified of the Low-to-Moderate Income Street Improvement Subsidy program. The subsidy program is available to property owners who occupy a single family dwelling or duplex and meet other program criteria. Owners were sent fact sheets which describe the household size and income levels for the subsidy program which is based on the current Lane County Median Family Income. Property owners were given until May 3, 2005, to return their application forms to determine eligibility. RECOMMENDATION This project is consistent with the recommendation of the WUN Task Force Final Report and is a critical element in creating a safe community for all modes of transportation. The unit prices submitted with the low bids are competitive and based on staff review appropriate for this scale of project. Staffrecommends approval of formation of the LID. ATTACHMENT "A" Alley No. Description Job No. 4172 gl between Broadway and Mill Race from half alley to Patterson #2 between Hilyard and Patterson from half alley to Mill Race #6 between 14th and 15th from Alder to Hilyard #8 between Ferry and Mill from half alley to 1 lth #10 between llth and 12th from Itilyard to Patterson #16 between 14th and 15th from Hilyard to Patterson 917 between 14th and 15th from Kincaid to Alder #22 between Ferry and Mill from 10th alley to half alley #25 between Mill and High from 13th to half alley #31 between 1 lth and 12th from half alley to High Job No. 4309 g4 between 13th and 14th from Oak to half alley #9 between High and Pearl from 15th to half alley #14 between Pearl and Oak from 16th to Canal #24 between High and Pearl from 16th to 17th #26 between Mill and High from 16th to 17th #27 between Mill and High from 17th to 18th #30 between Pearl and Oak from 15th to 16th Job No. 4310 #5 between 14th and 15th from half alley to Mill #18 between 14th and 15th from Ferry to half alley #13 between Patterson and Ferry from 16th to 17th #19 between 15th and 16th from Hilyard to Patterson #20 between 15th and 16th from Patterson to Ferry #21 between 17th and 18th from half alley to Patterson #23 between Ferry and Mill from 15th to 16th #29 between Patterson and Ferry from 18th to half alley 932 between 18th and 19th from half alley to Mill West 'Universi Task Force~.. Final Report to Mayor 3im. Torrey~and University of .Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer , .lune '9, 2003 \ West Universi ,ty Task Force · Jim Croteau, Acting Assistant City Manager, Co.Facilitator · Jan Oliver, Ass~._ iate Vice Preddent, Institutional Affairs, Co.Facilitator · Sheryl Eyster, University of Oregon,Associate Director of Student Life · Captain Elvia Williams, Eugene Police Mitzi Colbath, Planning Commission John Brown, Police Commission Brian Terrett, PeaceHealtlgSacred Heart · Carmen von Klein, von Klein ProPerty Management Paul Reader, Pegasus PizZa · Pastor Ken Henry, Central Presbyterian Church Steve Baker, West University resident/property owner · David Zeiss, White Bird Clinic · Jesse Harding, ASUO Community Outreach Coordinator Jaclde Reed, University of Oregon student, West University risident Christine Lewandouski, Oregon Liquor Control Commissioner · David Kelly, Eugene City Council liaison Sheila Abbott, Rainbow Optics, University Small Business Association Acknowledgements Special thanks to Sackie Reed who spearheaded the neighborhood clean-up effort. The task force would like to thank Central Presbyterian Church for hosting each task force meeting, as well as the Neighborhood Forum and'Clean Up Day. Pastor Ken Henry and his congregation added energy, enthusiasm and support throughout the task force pwcess. The task force would also like to thank Pegasus Pi~.~ and Rainbow Optics for generously providing the food and beverage for all NeighborhOod Forum participants. Contact InformatiOn For more information about the West University Task Nome, please contact: 'Richie Wduman, Urban Services Mm. ager,.541/682-5533 Jan Oliver, Associate Vice President, ~n.~itufional Affairs, 541/346-2820 West University Task Force Final Report June 2003 Background On the night of September 27, 2002,'the West University' area experienced.what has been characterized as Eugene's largest and most destructive riot. Participants in the riot, . mainly young adults who were in the area for parties, caused extensive damage and disruption in the neighborhood. In response, EUgene Mayor Jim Torrey and University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer formed the West University NeighbOrhood Task Force to develop immediate and long-term solutions to the safety and livability issues facing the area. The charge given to the group was three-fold: 1) gather local and national information to assess current conditions and identify opportunities for improvements; 2) recommend immediate and short-term proposals to address public safety issues and the neighborhood environment; and 3) recommend long-term strategies to improve the area as a place to live and work. The task force was comprised neighborhood stakeholders, such as residents, local business owners, and non-profit organizations. Representatives from the Eugene City Council, Pla~nlng Commission, Police Commission, and the Associated Students of the University. of Oregon were also included, as were staff from the City and University. The meetings were open to the public and nm in an informal manner to invite broad participation by other interested members, of the public. Neizhborhood Characteristics and Past Planning Efforts The West University Neighborhood (WUN) encompasses a unique area of Eugene. It is bounded by large institutions - The University of Oregon, Northwest Christian College, Sacred Heart Hospital, South Eugene High School and the commercial areas of downtown and mid-town. The' 'neighborhood has an active and pedestrian friendly commercial spine on 13~ Avenue and is sprinkled with office, commercial, religious, and medical uses. Residentially, the WUN is the densest of Eugene neighborhoods. It is'almost entirely comprised of lower-income renters. Multi-family structures include fraternity and sorority houses, comps, "quads", "quints", and'homes that have been divided and apartment buildings. Despite the number of apartments, there remain many single family homes.sprinl, d, ed throughouL Proximity to the University adds life and ambience to the neighborhood, but not all residents are cra'rent students.. While University students are predominant, WON is' also home to many other residents who either enjoy the ncighborhood's "urban pulse", or who are drawn to the av~lability of rental units at a variety of prices. This neighborhood is old and was designed for the transportation of its day. Nearly every block is intersected by an alleyway in each direction. As the neighborhood evolved, an increasing number of housing units used the alleys as their front door. The alleys, despite their generally poor condition, serve as busy transPortation corridors for pedestrians and vehicles but Can be ..... spooky places at night. ",. West University Task Force Final Report June 2003 West University Neighborhood Scoping Re0ort In 1995 and 1996 a variety of partners closely studied the West University Neighborhood to examine neighborhood conditions and to set goals. The partners included the City of Eugene, The University of OregOn, PeaceHealth, The University Small Business Association, the neighborhood's religious organizations, university students, community lenders and property owners/managers. They came together over concerns about crime, nuisance behaviors, and a decline in appearances. The partners recomraended the implementation of a multi-year .revitalization effort. Four ,'immediate strategies" were presented: 1) increase police patrols; 2) identify a permanent Public Safety Station, 3) increase staffing at the public safety station;and 4) request City Council to support a proposed public safety tax base measure. Each of those strategies was adopted. In addition eleven short term strategies were recommended (ple .ase see Appendix A) and most were . enacted- at least for awhile. The Seeping Report also included long term strategies relating to housing standards, property maintenance, the closed park, and automobile storage. The neighborhood, by all accounts, impwved aider the 1996 Seeping Report. There was a marked impwvement on 13th Avenue in particular. Unfortunately, due in part to the budget cuts related to Ballot Measures 47 and50, most of the longer term objectives have not been realized. Task Force Accomplishments The WUN Task Force was convened in late October 2002 and met more than a dozen times to discuss potential solutions to improve the neighborhood. The first several meetings were devoted to brainstorming ideas to prevent future riots, but also focused on opportunities to address some of the underlying issues that have been facing the neighborhood for many years, such as vandalism, pan handling, and deterioration of th6 physical environment. The group took a walking tour early in the process to get a feel for the general atmosphere of the neighborhood and saw first hand some problem properties, unimproved alleyways and other challenges to the physical environment. The group also reviewed background information on past WUN improvement plans, crime statistics, demographic information, and model pwgrams/s, trategies in other comm~lnities. The Eugene Police Department, the University of Oregon and Oregon Liquor Control Commission gave presentations on their past and proposed future strategies relevant to the task force's charge. In'January, the task force was ready to narrow down a huge list °fpotential solutions .to a set of priority short-term strategies that would provide immediate benefit to the neighborhood. These strategies were submitted to decision-makers in the form of an interim report, dated January 10, 2003. One of the priority short-term strategies cited in the report was to host a Neighborhood Forum to expand public participation and input into the task force's work and to §eilerate interest in a neighborhood association. The forum, held on February 23"~, was attended by more than 60 residents, property and business owners. Forum participants were actively engaged in'helping , .. ~.. identify additional solutions for the area, as well as provide feedback on the ideas developed by" W~st University TaSk Force Final Report June 2003 the task force. The forum gave participants the opportunity to talk to experts in each of four Crime, enforcement and sanctions; Neighborhood building; Housing~ and ~ Alcohol prevention/education The transcripts of the fliP charts generated in the small group discussions are attached as an appendix to this report, The task force had a series of additional presentations focused on long-term solutions, Lane County Prevention Coalition was invited to discuss its work on commtmity engagement and measuring differences related to alcohol use by youth; a presentation on the zoning and land use patterns in the area was given; a conversation on the pros and cons. of a housing code was conducted;'property management and landlord/tenant issues were discussed~ and options to. improve/maintain alleyways in the area, a topic of particular concern for many residents, were presented. At the April l0a~ meeting, the group reviewed its updated list of potential strategies and went through another prioritization process, this time focused on just the long-t.ei-m solutions. It should be noted, that there was no exact science applied to categorizing a particular strategy as long-term as opposed to short-term. Some strategies haVe elements that could be considered both short and long-term. In general though, short-term strategies were those that were thought to be relatively easy to implement, without si~.rmificant cost or POlicy considerations.. Appendix C'contains the complete list of POtential short and long-term strategies and solutions compiled during the process. Thes~ proposals were brainstormed during comm~tteo meetings as POtential strategies, but many have not yet been evaluated in detail. This list has evolved over the course of the task force's Work, with new ideas generated.during the process and ~'. ~bse4~enflY added to the list. .., - · ~"~ ofth'~' W~ U~versity T~ VO~ was~the'varietyof'opportunities for pubiie'.~ i~ip~fi~)K ~t"~ach'tr~k for~e meeting' them'was tlme:fo~pUblicTc0mment,' .~d the.pubiic,.was welcome to att~d anyp~t~o.~, The ageadas were known aheadoftime m the Reg~ter GUa~d~ ~athe web rote at: www.cu.eugene.or,us/WUTF, as well as via POstal-mail for .those :on :....~.'~ ~0~; w. eb site'a~_~So '~ve' v~mors an Ol~X)..rutmty to wew'ag~s, ,~mutes, power?omt ~t~i~.'md~a'.E~~'~ti~ed bY th~'~ force.:'N'the resource Was. aVail~]e i~aa .Two other successful public involvement-events deserve mention. The NeighborhOod Forum enabled itrea residents, property and business owners to acfiv~iy'eng.age the' task for~ members West University Task Force Final Report June 2003 and others in discussions about neighborhood conditions and.potential SolutiOns. This input presented new ideas for force members and reinforced concerns identified earlier in the process. The neighborhood clean-up day was another opPortunity for stakeholders to Participate in community care-taking, an important element for empowering residents and changing negative perceptions about the neighborhood. Lone Term $1rategies At the April l0 meeting, the task force prioritized its long-term strategies. The top ten strategies are listed below and are p~esented in the order of their preference by the task force. The task. force recommends that decision makers dedicate resources to pursuing these strategies for the West University Neighborhood's long-term viability.-' Where available, ideas fOr strategy implementation are noted, but are not meant to be considered exclusively. 1. Housing Standards The task force strongly believes ihat changes to the physical environm~t of the neighborhood are necessary to improve.livabiiity and raise community ~aretaking standards for residents and visitors. With very low rental prOPerty vacancy rates in the area, there'has · not been a 'strong economic incentive for property owners to make COstly imprOvements..In other parts'of the COmmunity, but particularly inthe WUN, derelict prOperties are a~ eyesore to neighbors and pose safety risks to. tenants. 'The Task Force'reviewed a mOdel hoUsing:. prOgram in place in Corvallis, which primarily addresses interior habfl~bility standards.. The task force noted several attractive features to thi, program .that. seemed applicable to Eugene. The Task Force enCOurages the City to COnsider implementing basic habitability and Safety " standards'that would also address exterior mainienance a a mec~ f0i~/6sideUti~r · prop managem t ,co .rap. t..o...,.co ei..n. gen .pr0p0rty owns.t0 orthe force, but also orthe rmdcnts. U, ,aved.and poorly ..,co~tl.y. brought up as a prOblem at the N~ghborhood Forum. $0 '~~i.o. ut · · :thai prop.erlies along the.wOrst alleyways WereinnOtiCeably pOOrer ~~g' .. ........ ''·:'. :'.-..":.' .' ':.~..,-..... . · . -"~ola..~l,'a. · '.. 'V~est University Task Force Final Report June 2003 The WUN is Eugene's densest residential neighborhood and has a lot of foot and bicycle traffic. Unfortunately, the area also suffers from I~~l~md overgrown vegetatiOn. .The task force noted that overgrown hedges and trees in combination with ill-maintained light fixtures increase the perception that the WUN is not safe. I~t~t~g~so creates an environment of anonymity, which is more conducive to vandalism and criminal activities. The task force is interested in ~'~o improve the visibility and perception of safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The security lighting program offered tlu'ough EWEB may be a lower cost option for property and business owners to increase lighting in the area. 4, Consistent/~nhanced Police Presence Relative to other neighborhoods, the WUN area has higher than average crime rates, particularly for arson, robbery, bike theft, burglaries and liquor violations. Additionally, residents voiced concern about transients who are involved in public drinking and aggressive panhandling. On several occasions, residents, and business owners questioned if the successful enforcement measures in place along 13t~ Avenue have resulted in, moving problem behaviors into the residential section oftha WUN. Increased police presence in the neighborhood would deter erimi~al behavior and address some of the nuisance behaviors that make residents feel unsafe. This recommendation includes a wide range ofproaedve policing strategies from a dedicated police patrol to focused police presence. It is felt'that consistent assignment of the. same officer(s) to the area would improve relationships between police and residents and help police better identify chronic violators and nuisance properties. 5,. Promote Longer Term Residency The task force believes that providing economic incentives for improving the quality of the housing stock would attract both long=term residents and create a different mixture of" neighbors. Further, more long-term residents would create a greater sense of stability and investment in the neighborhood. Cun'ently, owner-occupants comprise two percent of the population in the West University Neighborhood. The majority of renters are a transient population, often staying in one residence for less than six months. The Multiple Unit Property Tax Exemption (MU~TE) is a tool that can provide a ten-year property tax exemption for new housing..Such housing might include rowhonses, condominiums or more upscale apartment complexes that would appeal to longer term residents and promOte owner occupancy. The low income rehabilitation loan program is another option to provide financial assistance to property owners for needed housing improvements. The Task Force recommends that these and other options be considered for the neighborhood. 6, Out-going Freshman Orientation Most University of Oregon freshman move off-campus al~er their first year in the residence hails. Due to the pricing and availability of h.onsing in the West University Neighborhood, many move to this area. Providing an orientation for freshmen at the end of the school year about basic tenant fights and responsibilities, off'Campus behavior issues and legal culpability would provide a strong foundation for newly independent residents. The task force recommends that such University-community-sponsored Workshops be strongly encouraged for outgoing freshmen. These workshops would also provide an opportunity for West University Task Force Final Report June 2003 partnerships between the University and public safety officials, property management · companies and others to better integrate students into the larger Eugene community. 'West Uni~,ersity Task Force Final Report June 2003 7. Neighborhood Association The task force feels that it is important to actively encourage renewed participation in a neighborhood association to continue neighborhood buildi_ng and resident involvement in area impwvements. The West University Neighborhood Association has been inactive since the mid-1990s. Clearly, the dynamics of this neighborhood pose unique challenges to maintaining an active association. One option to assist in having a viable neighborhood · association would be for the group to modify the existing WUN charter to expand participation to include property and business owners as well as residents. The task force members and interested parties list generated could serve as a foundation for rebuilding the neighborhood association. 8. Modify Student Conduct Code The task force .requests that the UniverSity consider modifying the student conduct code to include punitive measures against students involved with serious criminal conduct, such as rioting, off-campus.. Currently, the UO is undertaking a comprehensive review of the student conduct code. Off-campus jurisdiction 'for serious criminal conduct is one of many issues being examined in the review. The task force believes that sUch a stance is consistent with the University as a learning institution whose mission includes developing .civic responsibilities in its students. Student c~nduct codes from other Universities could be reviewed to see how criminal behavior off-campus is treated by other schools. 9. Patrols by non-police The task force clearly supports the keg list checks that are conducted by OLCC and police officers. As an expansion of this effort, it was also suggested that another entity conduct outreach, education and monitoring efforts to supplement the keg list checks. As an example, student groups could hand out literature to residents atthe be~nning of each term on how to have a safe party. It should be noted that there are potential risks to having residents intervene with party hosts, so this solution would need careful consideration. As another option, the West University area could adopt a neighborhood watch program to assist in monitoring activity in the neighborhood and contact police before parties get out of control. 10. city Nuisance Complaint System The task force beiieves that impwvements to the physical environment of the neighborhOod ( are necessary to provide for long-term Change in the area. There is a perception that the current nuisance complaint system is not responsive enough to'complaints, which could be in part due to lack of resources Or restrictions in the type of nuisances that the City is authorized to respond to. The task 'force recommends that the 'nuisance. complaint, system be reviewed to. see if it can be streamlined 'for ease of access, and enforcement options expanded and/or strengthened to improve its effectiveness. West University Task Force Final Report June 2003 ShOrt-Term Strategi~ The short-term strategies are listed below as prioritized for the interim report distributed to decision-makers in lanuary. Since then, the task force identified several other potential short- term strategies. These.strategies were not considered as part of a prioritization process for the final report, but are included in the complete list of strategies in Appendix C'and are identified as "new". The task force continues to support the items listed below as short-term reconu~endations. 1. Locate and Notify Property Owners and Landlords Notification to landlords/property owners that police have responded to one of their rental propertie~ due to loud noise or other party-related activities can be a useful property management tool, alerting them to potential problem residents. Property owners can request such information through.the West University Public Safety Station staff. 2. Police Saturation and/or Party Patrols Increased police presence'in the area, particularly on nights and weekends, is a proven deterrent to disorderlY behavior and improves response time to complaints regarding large parties. However, this solution is costly and can deflect police resources from other areas of the'city. The task force is interested in a solution whereby a team of officers can be dedicated to patrolling the WUN, particularly during the school year. It may not be necessary for this .. teamto have a regular or weekly presence, but could be effective on a periodic basis when warranted or as an ad hoc basis to re'mforCe expectations about conduct in the neighborhood. The task force suggested that the team have consistent membership to allow officers to become better acquainted with problem.areas and build relationships with residents. 3. Keg Lists Checks and Knock-and-Tslks The task force supports the continued partnership between the OLCC and police department in obtaining the list of residences where kegs of beer will be cOnsumed and then visiting those residences to convey the party host's responsibilities. This strategy both alerts police to where larger parties will be occurring and provides an oppommity for outreach and education to party hosts. 4. Street Light Maintenance As a short-term solutio~i, better maintenance of existing light fixtures would improve ambient lighting. 'It was noted that lighting was dim in some areas because the fixtures were dirty, while others were not functioning at all, evidently needing bulb replacements. 5. Fire Code Enforcement At least one task force member noted that during ride-alongs with police, several of the WUN residences visited appeared to have egregious fire code. violations..The task force suggested that the Eugene fire marshal periodically participate in ride-alongs to enable fire code enforcement of area properties. ' West University Task Force Final Report June 2003 6. Neighborhood Grants The task force suggested that neighborhood grants, with or without a neighborhood association, could be sought to generate funding for environmental improvements to the neighborhood. The task force, was also interested in exploring the feasibility of re.opening the West University neighborhood park or using grants to develop other open space in the area. Grants may also supplement existing alcohol Prevention and education efforts. 7. Neighborhood. Clean-Up/Community Day A neighborhood clean-up or community day was recommended to encourage community bUilding and investment in the area from an otherwise uninvolved population of residents. This event, planned and coordinated by task force member Sackic Reed, was held on May l0~. The City and University are among thc organizations that supported this project. 8. Resource Contact List - The task force sees a user-fiiendly, easily accessible list of important contacts for residents, landlords and businesses as a cost-effective way to inform people of the available resources and options for assistance in the community, share information on legal rights and channels or recourse, and pwmote accountability for problem-solving. Examples of~c type of information that could be included in the resources list includes: contacts at the City' for nuisance complaints, trash, lighting, street sign problems, and abandoned vehicles; names . and rol.es of neighborhood liaisons; 'homeless camping roles and restrictions, and applicable student and police services. · 9. Provide Educational Information with Kegs - - The task force suggested that a pamphlet descr/bing people's rights and responsibilities as .. they pertain to hosting a party be.made available to beer wholesale distributors. The pamphlets could then be handed out to people when they purchase their keg, providing another avenue for outreach and education. 10. Neighborhood Forum This strategy was suggested as a mechanism to gauge interest in forming a neighborhood association, and to actively engage more residents in the work of the' task force..The neighborhood forum was hosted by the task force in February and Was a great success. Several participants indicated interest in forming a neighborhood association. Outcomes and Next Steps Several other positive next steps are being pursued as offshoOts to the work of the task force. To better.respond to the public safety concems. of residents, .thc Eugene Police Department and the University of Oregon are planning to pwvide for a dedicated foot patrol.for the West University. Neighborhood. Beginning August 1, an. officer will be*scheduled to' patwl the neighborhood in the afternoons and evenings, and will be available to supplement other patrol efforts on weekend nights. This position is being co-funded by the City and the UniVersity. ~ West University Task Force Final Report June 2003 On May 10, a neighborhood clean-up day was held. The day included a tree planting by President Dave-Fwhnmayer and Mayor Sim Torrey, as well as participation from residents, the task force members, property and business owners. The task force hopes that commllnity involvement projects such as the neighborhood clean-up can become an annual event. To assist in providing for better lighting in the area, staff requested funding through the Community Development Block Grant to add thi~ecn new lighting fixtures along 14t~ Street. The request, in the amount of $42,250, was approved and the project is scheduled to be completed during the next fiscal year. There has been much energy, enthusiasm, and interest in creating positive change in the West University Neighborhood demonstrated over the course of the task force's work. Mechanisms need to put in place to continue this work after the task force'disbands. Further, the West University Task Force recommends that the decision makers, University of. Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer and Eugene City Council, direct staff to further scope the short and long-term solutions and return with proposals for implementation. ' V~est Uni~ersity Task Force Final Report June 2003 Aooendices: A 1996 West UniverSity Seoping Report This 1996 report contains reference material such as maps and statistics that.have not changed significantly since. B Flip Charts from West UniverSity Neighborhood Forum The flip charts are essentially the transcripts from the Neighborhood Forum and list ideas from forum participants. C. Complete list of short and long-term solutions The list of solutions and strategies is provided to you unabridged. As noted previously, you may.find overlap as well as strategies that cross the gray area between short and long-term solutions. D 2000 Census data for the West UniverSity Neighborhood The [Vest University Neighborhood has a unique population relative to the rest of the City. The 2000 Census data documented that the population is younger and more transient than other neighborhoods. CHme statistics for the West University Neighborhood N"hile many crimes are similar in nature and scale to the City of Eugene as a whole, the statistics, show that there are several crimes that occur much more. often in the West University Neighborhood. ATTACHMENT B Flip Chart Comments from Small Group Discussion West University Task Force Neighborhood Forum Open HoUse February 25, 2003, 5 - 7:30 pm Central PlTe~ sbyterian Church crime, Enforcement and Sanctions Group - Improvements to unpaved alleys - Displacement of transient population fi'om E. 13~ Avenue to West University Neighborhood - Need more patrol early mornings - not student related '- 'Greeks no longer managing parties, gone to private homes, potential for injury - .Support OLCC/EPD keg patrol' - More information to people on how party hosts will be treated/held responsible if call to EPD - "No party" clause in rental agreements - Incentives for landlords to clean up property CPTED for Presbyterian Church - Help get out vote for Police protection - Safety concerns for elmreh clients due to transients - Drug transactions by south Eugene High School students in alleys behind ? (High & Min) - West University Neighbofiaood Bike patrol needed ~ get to know the residents and: offieersConeern about meth labs and environmental & health effects - Alcohol Prevention/Education 'Group ..? - More volunteer counseling when a resident sees someone who needs assistance. - Make alcohol more expense - Create a fund to find a spot outside Eugene to let people go - To provide alternate activities (alcohol free parties) for people to attend - re: First Knight type event or wedding activities Knock & Talks are successful deterrents City should reconsider zoning (number of people - 5 unrelated people in residence ordinance should be changed - different density -perhaps 4-3) - This is one factor- Density (with alcohol problems in commUnity) - Level of accessability with property managers (as it relates to alcohol) - Students don't reallyknow/understand the rules off campus (like they do on campus) - People don't know what to do itYwhen a party gets out of control - more education is needed - Go through ODE - take out full page ads/flyers - Information given to students whenever they purchase alcohol - Have students participate more in commUnity. If all neighbors see is students partying, perception becomes a reality - Amnesty for party throwers, if it gets out of control (students don't understand how this works) - OLCC needs to continue to do follow -up at the residence - drop by to talk to the folks, send a message (Knock & Talk) , - Social event (like Folk Festival) prior to school openings on weekends but also on going activities (tim) that doesn't include alcohol - Restart the Beer Garden in EMU - Party patrol efforts - need to have & be more effective - Need to hold students more accountable for their behaVior (through student code) - No party clause/landlords write them into their lease/contract - Notification by police to landlords when thy respond to address - A lot of people they see are not students - addicts - Availability issues/people having parties during the day- they worry about safety of college students - More access to tax for indecent - More solutions for homelessness - Citations'should be large enough to pay for police/EpD officers - increase $ citations - Alcohol is not the 'only substance being abused. (herOin) - Promote AA - Getting college students involved Housing Land Use Group - Increase in blight cars on lawn, rundown apartments - Apartments going in baclcyards, loss of oPen space - $$00 Park (WUN Park know by that name since that is the fine for being in the park) - Solve the park problem, It was solved in Whitaker with Scobert Park - Need for "neighborhood policy" - Confusion about B & C parking stickers - use universal sticker - Opposed to parking structures - If they go in, need to address impact - ' Ownership enhances neighborhood = Why no redevelopment in area - developers are building elsewhere - Need incentives for new development - Limit density or family size - Req. live-in manager in large apartments - .Midtown patrols help, but cost to businesses is hard to cover - Pushes crime into areas not covered by patrols - Need neighborhood involvement - Give landlords incentives to fix up the unit and improve property - Unim.nroved alleys are a problem o Allow asphalt paving of alleys to reduce the costs, City standards for concrete alleys to costly - Improving the alley would make a big difference - Do mural art using neighborhood match funds - Need eYes in the neighborhood to be aware of what is going on - Homeless in neighborhood are a'problem Neighborhood Building Group ' - Upgrades in the parks space. - Fix alleys. - Check out assessments to bring up to urban standards. ; More parks - only one in the neighborhood. - Fix up the planting strips. - Issues with homeless & drug users in park- sell to developer to so something with it. '- Beautification - pick up htter. - Get together a group who want to do an ongoing clean up effort. - Increase owner-occupied ratio. - Concern with number of multi-unit/conver~ed houses. - Expand community policing - bicycle people who know the community, guides (red caps). - Expand fee based advanced security (Mid-town), increase participation. - Have ways that young people can access security police services. - Better landscape maintenance year-long. Set minimum housing standards. - Work with property management groups to encourage better property maintenance. ... - Require alleys to be paved. - Neighborhood newsletter- encourage student participation. - Encourage neighborliness - personal responsibility in this area. - Neighborhood identity. - Litter barrels. -Not too far apart, easy to put in litter. Hire someone not currently working to empty them. COmmercial businesses let trash be dumped at building. ~ Neighborhood work groups that can do minor maintenance/clean up. - Social shame techniques to encourage improved landlord practices. - Neighborhood identity - Couch in the front yard. - No indoor furniture outside. - Sponsored bonfh'e. ' - Street fair. - More owner occupied. - Require some people live in their own houses. - Block-oriented newsletters. - Lighting alleys (+pave). - More pedestrian lights (include alleys) and encourage home owners to put lights on . motion sensors. - City require landlords to light their Property· - Offer low-interest loans or other incentives for home ownership. - Enforce nuisance codes (e.g. cars on front lawns). - Do not allow in-ffil that allows apartments to be plopped in empty space/baclcyards. - Encourage development that draws long-term residents. - Some apartments are past their prime and need replacementJrehab. - Encourage more units/building. - Too many cars for increased density. Strengthen requirements. - Change land use requirements for number of parking spaces with multi-family density. - Extend MUPTE. - Allows increased quality/feature. - ' Is it possible to move trend away from non-owner occupancy. - Consider mw-houses, condos. - Pave alleys - gravel a problem On sidewalk. - - No parking on lawns. - If you can't pave, grade. · - Incentives to owners for LID costs. , Try polling owners for voluntary assessment to do alleys.' - Instead of only paving alleys, make them bike ways, easements or add landscaping. - Encourage students to participate in neighborhood improvement projects. - Long-term renters - more quality housing. - Incentives specific to housing types (e.g. row houses). -. Revitalize neighborhood association. - Community center that works with students andresidents.. Church? - Feed the homeless and give them a place to sleep: - Do something with the park. - Consider reopening it. Shame that it sits idle. Make it basketball courts. Keep'it closed - dangerous. - More festivals in the neighborhood. Cultural festivals. Kids. - Save 1140 Patterson. - Need neighborhood greeters. Put a smile on people's faces. - Bike taxis, water taxis - Millrace. - Thanks to Public Works - maintaining,'planting trees. - Spring tree-planting parties. - Allow topping of trees. - Preserves historic trees. - Historic review - animal house 25 years! Neighborhood logo needed. West Univer~Ey'Task Force ~: '"" ' List of Potential Short and Lon,q-Term Solution~ ~-u~o~ SHORT~TERM~$OI-' UTIONS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS · · mp~.ama~d~., · 'Add new lighting ~ures in neighbo~ood - Cl~n a~d. Pe~o~basic maint~nan~ ~xisting · . '....' ?.. USe gmat; sach as Communi~ Development 2. Neighbb~ood dean~p~eaut~on eff~ · Create small public "neighborhood spa~s", such as ~et ' ~ -~mmun~-.InV°ivement Day (simiiar to ~mer ben,es -.'.',.' plant.mom S~et ~es 'Ma NeJghbo~oods . : .... BusineS~SP0ns0md dean~plplan~ng even~ 3. Add g~dge ~,~m~cling. ~n~ine~ throughout West UnNemi~ Park Proje~ (r~open or land ex~ange for new ': 4 .... App~.f0r NelghbO~o~. Matting Grants for ama Invite UO design fa~l~/studen~ to paAicipate in WUN · ·. impm~men~ · improvement proje~ .. :'6~ : ..- "--" ' .""'"'.. .. Alle~aylmpmvemen~Pa~ng .' ...'. , - Review policy about asphalt vs. ~ncmte in alleys . aw. , 2oo ~'~'~'~ 'i'~ ';"~"~:" West University Task Force List of Potential Short and Lon,q-Term Solutions· '. ? ~;~-. SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS ~ I..:~':5~?~:~ .... - Request City Council to consider local improvement ....... ~. ?~ ',. district as funding mechanism for paving · .?';-,-~';~,~,.,.~.~. ;~;~?~; '", "~,.~;' '..;~_,.-.~:,.~'-:.:;:,~ ~..~',.:;;...:~ ? .... ....... - Approach property owners along worst alleys,, about -'~'. ~:~;.~. ~.~-,-~3s .c~.~:~,:.,~.'...~..:;~.~:?,;~'~ .~:'.~:?~_,i,'~.{~,,:."~: :..~,' assessment process 'and public safety benefits to gauge ..... .... · .... - .................................................... interest in cost-Sharing options 7. - ".. .. ........ ..;.,..: .............. · =. Create incentives to encourage redevelopment and other · .. .. '?' ~'~*"'~'~?~"~'"~'=<;~?':"'~ ~'*:i*?:~"-'~"~ .... neighborhood improvements -". ~.~i.~;.~.. -' Enact Urban Renewal District " . - Multi-Unit Property Tax Exemptions .~- ~ ~.~ ~ ~. ~,.. ' - -. ,~. -~ ~r., {'?~..','~-~.~..~.~: ~;~-~;~:~,.., :..~..' .~,:. Install safety call box along 14a St. :!' .~, .,~;.,.'..~ '~,:.... ~ ~., ~.. ,.~, ,~ :Education/Outreach/Dialogue g.' · :. Imp~ ~' ~a~~~ ~-tt~§ ~fforts Provide·info~ation to s~den~ on flgh~, responsibilities, and .-'- · · ..~ ?.. "- ~;.-; ~l~.~e~d~;~ P~de o~reach totheir ' ... msour~s '' "':'-;.:.-.' ~. ,~~..:t~ ~.o~.~ ~;~.~ .... :..' . - Freshman orientation about basic tenant figh~ and ... ~..,.-'.~em~f Magne~ ~ student ~gh~ and ' responsibilities, ~mpus behavior issues, legal '.' ' ' ~' ' ':~Si~llitles~ASU~PmJ~) ~ ..~. . culpabili~. Require students living off-~mpus to a~end '.,. ;,,.,~,j,BeEer.~ni~fl0n amongst business ownem ~ . ~~~, ~~ Admissions*do~men~/pm~dums include strong ................ . .... ?~.~=.~ ......... ;-~: ....... ?. .... .; .......... message on al~hoFpa~ies · ~ · - ; Develop/di~ute a list of ~n~:.and. phone . - :-. numb~f0r Ci~e~s (fl~"m~hal,-nuiSan~ . BOo~e~ebsite for studen~ about being good tenant "~"* ~'~' ~:~;'..*'*':-"~-~'~'~-~b~i-~[~{*~!e~'~:~: * and mn~l ratings (ASUO Apa~ment Guide). . '. · .. · , - . ; ~ . ..". ..*-*_:' ~.;..... . · · -* Edu~te ~iden~ about nu~n~.la~ and ~ -~. ('.~ ~... ,..' ~-.~:. * ~.~ .... . ..~ ,~ ...:..: .. .'. ~.. .. . West University TaSk Fome '. .... ' .. List of Potential Short and Lon,q-Term Solution~ .... ' .... ~7~.F;;r;:.SHO~,~RM SOLUTIONS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS ] ~~U~~',~f~.W~ ~vemen~ Standing Joint Forum, including EPD and uO represen~tives ' . ....... ~.~, ~esu~_ne~h~o~ a~odaaon for neighbom, students, business ownem on WUN issues ' ~q~s o~a~ ~. ~mmu~i~ and volunteem, d~[ag.~base.~.~mmuni~.volunteem '- ::~--::E~blish:~nne~on thmugh'a liaison be~een pmpe~ manag~m~n~ s~ools, ci~, unNemi~, -. ' ~a~' ~ ~aent'gmups not representea on ' . . .: ..~..~....,... .... ~ .,_, ..... . .. . Involve residen~ in proa~ive problem-solving around loud · neighbo~ ~9nE~s, .~ ..~, .:,~., :.. pa~ies/d~nking i~ues · : .Ni~{~ ~~ s~O~ld pa~dpate in - Resu~d neigh~rh~d/student pa~ inte~ention team '::"pOll "~lp~gs to get ahead of problem - - ' ~Pa~n~e ~e:WUN ~mmuni~ for ~anges ~i~j =, 2oo3 , 3 West University Task Force List of Potential Short and Lon,q-Term Solutions SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS 12. Informafibn :sha~irig about safe partieS/alternative social ''Address landlord/tenant and property management issues events .- ~... .. - Create brochure for landlords/property owners about - Give. out educational info to beer wholesalers to renting to young adults ,, pass outwith sale ' Create mechanism for complaints about property ~. Continue.keg list check "knock-and-talks" prior to mana, gement issues to be sent to owners via property · . parties ~.gives party hosts ample warning about management companies choices.and .potential consequences Forum for better communication between Developan.dpromote more landlords/owners and area tenants extracurricular/recreational options and non- alcohOlic parties-as alternative social events Educate residents about tenant rights and .... . ~ ~. - , responsibilities party hOS.t trainir~g'~ HOW to have a safe Party/what'to do. if police show up, etc.? '-' '.' ,' ' .'~'.-:L '.'..~ · .~ ~ '. '. 13. Create...oPportunities..... ..., to. :....address. . landlon:l/tenant. Issues Deal with root Issues around alcohol use and precursors (e.g. - - IsSue,oriented.sessiOns between alcohol sales) landi~rds/(i~ers:and tenants to air and address - Restrict alcohol industry advertising/sponsorship of Concerns events, particularly sports related - -c(~mpli~;~hd.dts'~bute Information to residents, "landiord{~andmat~agers,.a.~out how to deal with Pmi~ern tenahts · 14. Pursue i~iiit :'~'"e~:i~nb' for edu~ati°n/Public ~fehes~. caml~ignS, f0cUsed on personal safetylalcohol.use~.etc~ i~'~: i~ ~,** ~.,- ".. · 15. Student..-Oriented Education Efforts .. Outreach to faculty senate, re: possible ~ - involvemen, t in education e ~frorts- M 2003 ." ~ 4 West Univ rst~y Task Force · List of Potential Short and Lon,q-Term Solutions '. .:~, :': .,.:'* "' ...*. ~.is~0RT-~ERM. SOLUTIONS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS Involve coaches, and ,athletes in promoting resPOnsiblebehaVibr.......~.. P011ce visits residence hallS/Classes, etc., to talk about expectations and respons!bilitles ,. 16..J Educate people about how to ·behave when theysee a riot or a.potentiat rio~ learn how. to take responsibility , ,..,~-," ~- '. .... ·. Enforcement/Sanctions/Compliance Incentives ;' ' "r'i '*r ~ ':;"* ' ' '": ;:" :' 17: Better*syStem for police toloCate property owners Develop housing standards to ensure residences meet basic '" quickly.when :.responding to ~(~omplaints habitability and safety requirements 18. Fire marshal participation: in pollce ride alongs to Create disincentives for property owners not maintaining improve.~ire-code violation enforcement property 19. Hold .riOters accountable for actions Strengthen/streamline city nuisance complaint system - . post riot photos on website to remove anonymity and enc0urage-PUblic assistance in identifying partidpants · ... · . - offer.rewards for Information on those who .. destroyed;proporty.and,started fires 20. Provide betterpropertY management tools create positive incentives to alcohol vendom for lack of violations and for adhering to standards .- Notify landlords and property managers when · " Po!I' .ce.. respond ~to :.their rental units - NotifYJa, odlords/prope~ owners of high call- ' vo!urfi~ ~rbpertli~s'~boi~t sit~jatiOn, and. possible liabilities Encourage no-keg lease and. rental agreements May. 22, 2003 5 West University Task Force* List of Potential Short and Lon.q-Term Solutions SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS / 21. Create neighborhood party/noise complaint hotline Increase fines for violationS in certain geographic areas for some offenses (e.g., Hots, furnishing alcohol to minors) 22. Police Enforcement Improvements Increase police patrols in area ,, - PurChase' alcoholdetection flashlights for officers - Allocate resources to establish consistent party patrol to better detect underage ddnking team Make adjustments to Special Response, Fee - Dedicate resources for consistent police presence in ordinance (reduce the number of participants at neighborhood - i.e., beat officer for WUN complaint location and/Or extend effective time period - Create police overtime budget for WUN saturation · patrols on weekends Where*lots of party activity is anticipated 23. Fund increased enforcement through fees/deposits from Conduct weekend and evening enforcement of illegal parking at beer.and keg sales., beginning of school year 24. InVestigate/address drug.dealing impact on · Modify the UO student conduct code to address serious illegal neighborhood, livability r activity off-campus (i.e., rioting) 25. -Continue OLCC c0mplian, ce initiatives . - Discourage student drink specials at local bars; · . VIP./ResPOnsible Serving doctrine violatiOns - Continue sting. 0Perations (cops in shops; undercover operations) to-discourage underage drinking and selling, alcohol to minors 26. Public shame for truly awful Property owners, such as newspaper advertisem'en~s .. · · ~'· West UniverSnY'Task Force " List of Potential Short and LonR-Term SolutionS '~- SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS Other Solutions 27. .. Create incentives for 'neighbOrhood friendly" commercial land uses' 28. Increase the percentage of owner-occupied and long-term rental units.through partnerships with UO~ etc. 29. " ,. , .' Develop all ages club/community center for young adults 30. '. Form a non-profit to manage contributions by various partners · May 22, 2003 .... 7 Census Data Snapshot: West University Neighborhood as compared with the city of Eugene · Please find information below on age, housing tenure and race comparing Cen.sus Tract 38 (the West University Neighborhood) with the City of Eugene as a whole. ' Geographic Region:. The.West University Neighborhood is generally considered to be the ama bounded by · Franklin Blvd. On the north, High and Willamette streets on the west, Kincaid and the University campus on the east and 18t' Avenue to the south. Quick Facts: · There are 5,200 residents in 3,000 housing units in the West University NeighborhoOd · 2 percent of hOuseholds are owner-occupied, compared with a,,54 percent citywide average ° 70 per.cent' of residents are aged 15 - 24 years, compared with 21 percent citywide 'in that age range Subj ct CenSus Tract 38 Citywide (W est University) number/percent . number/percent Age 15 to 19 years 916117.3% 11,585/8.4% 20 to 24 years ' 2,757/52.2% 17,390112.6% 25 to 34 years 827115.6% 20,591/!4.9% Housing Tenure Owner-occupied 48/1.8% 30,105/51.8% Renter-occUpied 2,628~98.2%~, .. 2.8,005/48.2% 15 to 24 years !,633/6:2,1% 7,815/27~9% 25 to 34 years 552/2t0% 7,609/27.2% DP-1. Profile of Oeneal Oemographi~ C~:2000. Ceft~s 2000 su~mary Fie 1 (~=1). IO0~M'Da~ C, ensu$ T~aCt 38:Lane County, Omgoft and Eugene, Oegon. Oecam~e~ 2000. W~: U~. I~t d ~. B~reej ol'~e Ce~us. Census Data Snapshot: West University Neighborhood as compared with the city of Eugene Race -Total Population 5,286 137,893 W hite 4,052/76.7% ' 121,546/88.1% Black or African-American 108/2.0% 1,729/1.3% American Indian or Native 59/1.1% 1,281/0.9% Alaskan Asian 7i 5/13.5% 4,916/3.6% Native Hawaiian or Other 26/0.5% 294/0.2% Pacific Islander Some other race 6611.2%- . 3,003/2.2% Two or more races 26014.9% 5,124~3.7% Hispanic or Latino 17413.3% 6,84315.0% 'DP-1. Profile of General Demographic cearacleri,~cS: 2000. Census 2000 Sunnma¥ Fie 1 (SF 1). 100'Percent Data. Census Tract 38. Lane County, Oregon and Eugene, Oregon. December 2000. Washington: U.S. Depatlmont of Cm~efce, Bureau of ~e Census. ' (hap'~/fad~inder.census.qov/servlet/aaslcFactsSer~et) WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME STATISTICS ' 1 1 37 3% 10 15 116 13% 61 68 910 Sex Offenses ~ 8 12 192 6% 4 0 26 o% Family Offenses 2 0 2 76 3% 74 80 882 9% Theft 411 422 5201 8% Car Theft 27 48 641 7% Arson 5 21 85 25% 68 54 1674 3% Vandalism/Graffiti 120 118 1625 7% Abuse 66 57 1451 4% DUll 18 14 429 3% 214. 198 1088 18% Disorderly Conduct 77 42 506 8% Offense g 8 161 5% All Other 3 140 148 2139 7% NOTES: The West University Neighborhood represents about 4% of the Eugene population. * September 2002 data is preliminary. I Not forcible rape or prostitution. 2 Child abuse, neglect, custodial Issues; not domestic violence. 3 Includes curfew, runaway, prostitution, gambling, etc. E-MA/L CORRESPONDENCE April 14, 2005 Phone: (541) 686-8833 Steve Gallup - cepwen~2~_.ci, eu~ene.or.us F~x: Engineering Division (541} 345-2034 City of Eugene 975 Oak Street Eugene, OR 97401 Suite Eugene, Oregon Re: West University Alley Improvements 97440-1147 Eugene Garden Club Assessment M~,ng Address: P.O. Box 1147 Dear Mr. Gallup: Eugene, Oregon 97440-1147 I have been contacted by the Eugene Garden Club concerning the Emaih potential levy of assessments for alley improvements against their info~orbu~aw, com property at 1645 High Street. Web-Site: www. orbuslaw, com Eugene Garden Club is a nonprofit service and educational Frederick A. Batson organization. The Club uses the building several times a month but Jon v. Buerstatte also makes it availdble to other nonprofit organizations, including Joshua ^. Clark A.J. Giustina Audubon Society, Rock Garden Society, Fuchsia and Begonia Thomas P.E. He~mann* Society and Bonsai Society for meetings of their members, ra~st~ E.Kernutt Additionally, the Club members give hours of service and hundreds Stephen O. Lane of dollars to improve the City. Projects include the restoration of the w~am H. Mamn* Laura T.Z. Montgomery* gardens at Sheldon-McMurphy House, sponsorship of three first Tanya C. O~Ieil grade classes at McCornack Elementary School, work at Pearl Buck Standlee O. Potter School, Oasis Senior Programs and the Lane County Fair. The Ian T. Richardson average age of the Club members is approximately 69 years of age Mart_ha J. Rodman Douglas R. SchUltz and the Club has very limited financial resources. Malcolm H. Scott James W. Spickerman The Eugene Garden Club parcel is zoned R-3, Limited High-Density Kate A. Thompson Residential Zone. The structure and occupancy of the parcel, Rende C. Wyser-Pratte however, is permanently committed to the Garden Club use. EC 7.175(6)(a) states that footage "shall be weighted, on the basis of *~aso admitted existing use of the parcel under the zoning of the city...' (emphasis in Washington added). The Club wishes to confirm that the use would be classified . as "other" and that the "factor" under EC 7.175(6)(a) be that of "1.' Steve Gallup April 14, 2005 Page 2 It would appear that the most intensive existing use of the parcel is comparable, at the most extreme, to "single family dwelling or duplex" use. On behalf of the Garden Club, I would ask to receive some assurance that the classification and assigned factor would be as discussed above. Assignment of another factor would be disastrous for the Club, as the assessment at the "other residential" factor rate alone would exceed the entire annual budget of the organization. The large assessment would be particularly onerous since, under the Code, the Club would not be eligible for any of the deferral programs, term extensions or income subsidy program. I look forward to speaking with you soon concerning this matter. Very truly yours, James W. Spickerman spickerman(D, orbuslaw.com jca cc: Ruth Michaelson, President of Eugene Garden Club As a member of the Eugene Garden Club, I am concerned about the amount being assessed for this summer's pavement of the alley behind our clubhouse which is located at 1645 High Street. Neither of the programs in the document the city put out regarding "Street and Alley Assessment Payment Programs" describing the Income Deferral Program and the Income Subsidy Programs fits our circumstances. We do not "reside on the property". We are a non-profit service and educational organization and the estimated assessment of around $18,510 is more than the entirebudget we raise each year for support of our club program and to pay the regular bills and upkeep on the clubhouse. We have about 70 members some of whom are not active due to age and illness. We estimate the average age of our members is around 69. We conduct money raising events during the year such as plant sales, a holiday greens sale, a plant nerd night which sponsors local nurseries selling plants. These activities enable us to keep the clubhouse and property in satisfactory condition. The assessment for the alley is an amount that would deter us from our purposes for years to come. Our budget each year not only includes clubhouse costs but such activities as: -working with the children at Pearl Buck -sponsoring 3 first grade Youth Garden Clubs at McCornack Elementary School -working to restore the historic gardens at Shelton-McMurphy-Jolmson House -working at the Lane County Fair by sponsoring a Children's Day Booth and a Senior's Day Booth and providing for hostesses and awards in the Floral Department -donating money and time at Mt. Pisgah, The Oregon Harden, Habitat for Humanity -yearly donations to National Flower Club Scholarships and World Gardening -speaker fees for monthly programs which are open to the public Surely the specifications set out by Eugene's Engineering Department did not take into consideration our circumstances, but only looked at the many apartments, businesses, and residences in the area. We ask you to look at our situation and see if there is some way the assessment can be redueext or ~ nade to fit the Income Deferral Program or Income Subsidy Program. ;i ¢'FRIBUTED TO: ~AYOR __ Thank you, M/CC_ ~ Sincerely' &~/Ct.~/~ ~.~ , ,-;? MGR 4"w' ~\.,~ ~b"' 727 Elm Drive ~ Eugene, OR 97404 April 6, 2005 ~ECEIvED P'Y Cl'l'y MANAGEt~ DenniScity of EugeneTayl°r; City Manager API~ () (5 2005 777 Pearl st. Eugene, OR 97401 Dea~: Mr. Taylor, As a member of the Eugene Garden Club, I am concerned about the cost of the paving of the alley behind our clubhouse located at 1645 High Street. We are a non-profit organization and the estimated assessment of $18,510 would be a tremendous burden. We have fundraising events during the year such as plant sales to enable our members to do volunteer activities with children at Pearl Buck and the first grade classes at MeCornaek School. We have monthly meetings open to the public. Other garden- related organizations use our facilities as well. We feel that our particular situation is not covered by the specifications set by the Eugene Engineering Department. We do not "reside on the property" nor are we a business. We ask that you look into our case and hopefully find a way to reduce our assessment or allow us to be covered under the Income Deferral Program or Income Subsidy Program. We would be very grateful for any support. Sincerely, Peggy Funkhouser ,: i'i'~ii~UTED-[0 RECEIVED , ~ April 3, '2005 ~ .~ . .' CCC._ as~e~g~Gar~n C~m concerned about th~ amount b~,ng assessed for this su~r's~~y behind our olubhous~ which is located at 1645 ~ S~t. N~i~r of~ pro~s ~ ~ d~m~nt ~ oi~ put out r~g~d~g "S~t ~d All~y Assessment P~nt Pro~s" 'd~sofib~g ~ Noom~ D~f~l Pro~ ~d ~ Noom~ Subsidy Pro.ms fits our oiroumst~o~s. W~ do not "r~sid~ on th~ prop~". W~ m a non-profit s~io~ ~d educational org~i~tion ~d ~ ~st~at~d ~s~ssm~nt of ~o~d $18,510 is mor~ ~ ~ ~nt~ budget w~ rais~ ~aoh y~ for sup~ ofo~ ~lub pro~ and to pay th~ r~l~ bills and upkeep on th~ clubhouse. W~ hav~ about 70 m~mb~rs som~ of whom ~ not ~otiv~ du~ to ag~ ~d ilN~ss. W~ ~stimat~ th~ awrag~ ag~ of our m~mb~rs is ~o~d 69. W~ conduct money raising ~wnts during the y~ such ~s plant sal~s, a holiday ~e~ns sal~, a pl~t n~rd ni~t which sponsors local nurseries s~lling pl~ts. Th~s~ activities ~nabl~ us to k~p ~ dubhous~ ~d pro~ N ~fisfaoto~ condition. ~ ~s~ssm~m for ~ ~ll~y is ~ mount ~at would deter us ~m o~ pu~os~s for y~ to oom~. O~ budget ~aoh y~ not only Noludes olubhous~ costs but such activities as: -working with th~ children at P~I Buck -s~nso~g 3 fi~t ~d~ You~ G~d~n Clubs at MoComagk El~m~n~ Soh~l -work~g to ~sto~ ~ historic g~d~ns at Sh~lton-MoM~hy-Jo~son Hous~ -working at th~ Lan~ Coun~ Fair by sponso~ng a Children's Day Booth and a Senior's Day Booth and providNg for host~ss~s and aw~ds in th~ Floral ~pmm~ent ~ona~g money ~d ~e at Mt. Pisg~, ~e ~gon~den, Habitat for Humani~ -ye~ly donmions to National 'Flower Club Schol~ships and World G~dening -s~er fees for mon~ly pro~s which m open to ~e public Surely the specifications set out by Eugene's Engineering Depaamem did not take imo consideration our cimums~ces, but only looked at ~e many aparhnents, businesses, and residences ~ the ~ea. We ask you to look at o~ situation ~d ~e if~ere is some way ~e ~sessmem c~ ~ reduced or made to fit ~e hcome Defeml Pm~ or ~come Subsidy Program. ~k you, Sincerely, ~ ..... Original Message ..... From: James W. Spickerman [mailto:spickerman@orbuslaw.com] ~ent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 10:57 AM T : cepweng2@ci.eugene.or, us Cc: mgenereth@aol.com Subject: Eugene Garden Club Assessments/West University Alley Tmprovements Mr. Schoening, I received your letter assigning the Garden Club to the highest category of traffic use. I have difficulty seeing the comparison to an office use when there is not regular daily use of the building and the club does not even have phone service there {the bridge club has a line and plugs in a phone when they are there.) I would expect uses would be categorized in accordance with ITE trip rates since the City relies on those for SDCs. It is difficult to see how General Office came to be ranked with Commercial in the assessment table, other than the fact they are both commercial-type uses (which the club is not.) That certainly is not consistent with the ITE trip rates. It cannot be reasonably claimed that the Garden Club use will generate a level of alley traffic comparable to a Commercial use, particularly since there are only six parking spaces on the site. I would ask that you reconsider the categorization of the Garden Club. I also request you enter this and my past correspondence in the record by inclusion in the Council packet. Thank you for your consideration of my comments. JWS 5/4/05 ..... Original Message ..... Fr m: BROGDEN Lynn Sent: Thursday, IVlay 05, 2005 9:58 AM To: 'spickerman@orbuslaw.com' Subject: FW: Eugene Garden Club Assessments/West University Alley ]'mprovements Dear Mr. Spickerman: This e-mail is in response to your e-mail (below) in which you misconstrue the information that was provided to you in a letter from me dated April 21, 2005 regarding the land use factor selected to determine the proposed assessment for the Eugene Garden Club for alley improvements. Contrary to your written statements, the land use factors in the assessment methodology for alleys are unrelated to the vehicle trip generating characteristics associated with the use of an individual property or its allowed use under the zoning. Furthermore, the assessment methodology is completely unrelated to the transportation system development charge methodology. The section of the Eugene Code pertaining to alley improvement assessments does not include any language regarding vehicle trip generation rates. The table in Eugene Code 7.175 (6) simply assigns a factor from 1.0 to 10.0 to a land use category and for those uses not listed in the table, directs the City Engineer to select a factor according to the most intensive use of the parcel most comparable to the uses listed in the table. Your letter dated April 14, 2005 has been included in the Council packet. However, your e-mail dated May 4, 2005 was submitted too late to be included in the Council packet. However, copies of your e-mail will be distributed to the Council in advance of their consideration of the formation of a local improvement district for alley improvements in the West University Neighborhood. Sincerely, Mark Schoening, P.E. City Engineer ..... Original Message ..... From: .]ames W. 5pickerman [mailto:spickerman@orbuslaw.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 10:57 AlVl T : cepweng2@ci.eugene.or.us Cc: mgenereth@aol.com Subject: Eugene Garden Club Assessments/West University Alley :Improvements Mr. Schoening, I received your letter assigning the Garden Club to the highest category of traffic use. I have difficulty seeing the comparison to an office use when there is not regular daily use of the building and the club does not even have phone service there (the bridge club has a line and plugs in a phone when they are there.) I would expect uses would be categorized in accordance with ITE trip rates since the City relies on those for SDCs. It is difficult to see how General Office came to be ranked with Commercial in the assessment table, other than the fact they are both commercial-type uses (which the club is not.) That certainly is not consistent with the ITE trip rates. It cannot be reasonably claimed that the Garden Club use will generate a level of alley traffic comparable to a Commercial use, particularly since there are only six parking spaces on the site. I would ask that you reconsider the categorization of the Garden Club. I also request you enter this and my past correspondence in the record by inclusion in the Council packet. Thank you for your consideration of my comments. JWS PROPOSED WEST UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD ALLEY LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Legend ZONING 14TH AVE ,,'.~.~.?,'.~.?,'.~.', .~.~.~-~-?:.~. ~ [ [~ i !i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!iiiiiiiii! Assessment area PL (Public Land) ................... 't~~ii''-::-:'''-''': Assessment Boundary S-H (Historic Land) -- 15TH AVE / R-4 (High Density Residential)  ¢-3 (Major Commercial) ~~ ~~ 'I6THAVE ~ ~ C-2 (Community Commercial)  West University Neighborhood Boundary G-1 {Neighborhood Commercial) l/'rH AVE 181H AVE 3A~ED ON IMP~ DAT.a 8UB,JEC~T TO CHANCRE S:\Projects\Proj-2~172 W Univ Alleys\Misc\West Univ. Altey Study~PROJECT_W_E_U~tevesPk~.dwg May 02, 2005 CEVVTJGB