HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/06/1986 Meeting
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M I NUT E S
Eugene City Council
Eugene Community Conference Center
January 6, 1986
12:50 p.m.
COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten, Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer, Ruth Bascom,
Debra Ehrman, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller.
COUNCILORS ABSENT: Richard Hansen.
The adjourned meeting from December 18, 1985, of the City Council of the City
of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie.
I. INTRODUCTION AND OPENING REMARKS
Mayor Obie welcomed members of the City's boards and commissions, as well as
the public, before lunch was served. He said an orientation meeting for board
and committee members would be held after the council meeting.
After lunch, Mayor Obie introduced the councilors, stated the various boards,
commissions, and committees on which they serve, and asked them to join him on
the podi urn.
II. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: 1985 IN REVIEW
Mayor Obie introduced Council President Wooten and asked her to discuss the
council's accomplishments in 1985. She said:
"I'm pleased and honored, Brian, that you asked me to speak about our city's
accomplishments of the last year. I'm honored because it is a distinct and
high privilege to be associated with the City of Eugene, and I am pleased
because we have accomplished a lot, and I do not mind tooting our horn about
it for just a minute.
"In fact, at the risk of beating the horn analogy to death, I've often thought
of the Mayor and the City Council as a kind of orchestra. A very
undisciplined orchestra at times, but that is because we try to write our
compositions by consensus. We pass the baton from hand to hand, sometimes
arguing and disagreeing, beating the kettle drum at will--but that's what
representative democracy is all about--and all the cacophony we created in 52
regular council sessions, 38 work sessions, and literally hundreds of
committee, subcommittee, constituent, and neighborhood meetings--all resulted
in a symphony of optimism, good faith, a sustained commitment to Eugene by all
of us, and some very important successes. The council worked very hard and
the effort paid off.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
Page 1
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"In many ways 1985 is a blur of images and energy, not specifics and facts.
It was city life in the fast lane, it was complex, and it was rewarding.
"I think any thoughtful reflection of the city for 1985 requires a statement
of the very premise from which we govern.
1. The very first is representative democracy. We take it very
seriously. We work to effectively represent the democratic spirit.
As a council, we can only learn about our community's needs and
wants from those we are elected to represent. In a balance with
leadership, we try to stay close to our constituents.
2. Direct services--we hold that basic services to this community are
our first and highest priority. It is only after those services are
delivered adequately that we pursue other important city services
and programs.
3. Equity--we continually strive to achieve equitable delivery of
services to all quarters of the city. Tight budgets, modest growth,
shifting popUlations, and political frustrations make this an
interesting challenge, but one which we must meet, and I think we
have done so in 1985.
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4. Limits of government--City government services are, and must be,
limited. We cannot service all needs indefinitely or without
boundaries. We make decisions about City policy, projects,
revenues, and services, almost all of which go to the pUblic for
broad discussion, public hearing, and in many cases a city-wide
vote. As a council, we have an obligation and responsibility to
assess priorities and goals--we will continue looking in new
directions--continue considering new options, but we understand,
just as the residents of Eugene must understand, that government
cannot, and will not, be the fam;ry-of last resort.
5. Human Dignity--we believe in the basic democratic value of human
dignity. Defining human dignity can be a searching process, one
that is dynamic and altered by each individual. But we govern with
the understanding that every citizen is important, their lives and
well being essential to the whole, and that each person must have
equal respect, focus, and sensitivity from the council.
"We started 1985 by hearing from our Mayor, Brian Obie. Brian is a dedicated,
aggressive, and determined Mayor for the city of Eugene and we appreciate
that. When we heard the announcement of his five-point economic development
plan, The Eugene Agenda, we knew a new era had arrived.
liThe debate in council sessions and public meetings about The Eugene Agenda
was the time during 1985 when council members, the Mayor, the public, and the
media all pounded our tympani.
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MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
Page 2
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IITogether, we amended the Mayor's inspired minuet--the five-point plan--
creating a small concerto--a Eugene Agenda that included a central city
swimming pool, replacement of Federal revenue sharing dollars for capital
improvements, and the expansion of the Eugene Public Library--that was along
with the original Five Point Plan which was the airport terminal expansion,
transportation improvements, a vision and a plan for a vital downtown core
area, beautification of the entrances to our city, and completion of our
important collaboration with the University of Oregon to move forward with the
Riverfront Research Park.
IIWe shaped the tune after more than 50 public meetings. We had the help of
more than 2,000 citizens--so that we could take to the voters a plan that we
believed struck the necessary harmony between our needs, our dreams, and our
resources.
IIWe all know the concert was not a go. The orchestration, or the timing, or
something, was off.
lilt was a risk to begin with and we knew that. I'm proud we had the courage
to proceed. It was a good experience for the council and for the pUblic to
develop the best package with the most reasonable and progressive revenue
mechanism we could agree on.
IITogether we will work hard, rethinking how to achieve the goals that are
critically important to our city's future. But in the meantime, and with
limited resources, the council made significant headway on the items included
in The Eugene Agenda.
Mahlon Sweet Airport
IIWe have received two very impressive grants, I think, from the Federal
Aviation Administration totaling about $4 million. They are for the purposes
of constructing a new tower and expanding the airport terminal. We will,
through those grants, be able to accomplish much more passenger air traffic
and cargo traffic. It is also important to note that, of course, we have two
new airlines, PSA and American airlines, which are here servicing this area
and, also, we have been designated as a temporary Customs station which is the
forerunner to a full Foreign Trade Zone. These successes add up to a
promising opportunity for existing manufacturers and as a lure to corporations
seeking to site a plant some place in Oregon.
Transportation
"In 1985, voters of Eugene passed a ballot measure which gave approval to the
three-phased expansion and extension of 6th and 7th avenues. The first phase
of that project is completed and it was done efficiently and well. There were
moments, however, during the height of construction when I thought some
drivers downtown, in fact, I was among them, almost lost their minds through
the detours, clogged arterials, dust, and heat. But, thank heavens, that is
behind us now and we will go forward. Phases two and three are on the drawing
boards, and they are going to be brought to the voters for a second voter
approval early this year.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
Page 3
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"In addition to the sixth and seventh extension and expansion, we owe a great
deal of gratitude to Mayor Obie. He has virtually tirelessly and
single-handedly improved our relationship with the Department of
Transportation of the State of Oregon. It is going to show in the future as
we continue to get more and better funding for arterial improvements. We also
have the draft of the TransPlan before the council ready for approval and we
have doubled our efforts in that plan to encourage and promote modes of
transportation other than the private automobile.
Downtown
liThe Downtown Commission has completed a visionary and practical plan for
improvements and redevelopment at the center of the city. Willamette Street
has been opened between 10th and 11th, the Overpark assessment issue has
finally been resolved, and that structure is going to be refurbished to
attract more public to use that facility as well as to attract new tenants.
The historic McDonald Theater building is going to be renovated at no cost to
the City, the AxBilly Building now houses the open Downtown Athletic Club, the
Saturday Market continues to bring customers to downtown, and there are a lot
of joint venture plans underway for redevelopment of properties owned by the
city.
Riverfront Research Park
"In 1985, we reached a watershed agreement with the University of Oregon and
the State Board of Higher Education, moving forward to accomplish this
extraordinary and extremely essential project. The City of Eugene has a
financing mechanism in place to fund the necessary public improvements--and
that's a mechanism which does not create much of a burden on the taxpayers.
We have formed an intergovernmental commission to be advisory to the counci1
and to the university on the development project. Both the University of
Oregon and the City of Eugene responded to public comment and criticism by
making the project even better through adjustments to the land use plan and
the terms and conditions of the land leases.
Entrance Beautification
"A Tree Beautification Conunission was formed to plan for and nurture our
street trees, to make public spaces in Eugene even more beautiful than they
are now, and to assist people in enjoying and appreciating what we have.
"These successes are an indication of the perseverance of our will to improve
the economic life of this city and the entire metropolitan area. Brian has
traveled tens of thousands of miles this year to promote Eugene and to
convince investors there is no better place to be. He has worked with
businesses and corporations that are here to stay. And he has tried to retain
the jobs we already have.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
Ja nuary 6, 1986
Page 4
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liThe City of Eugene Business Assistance Team helped 588 businesses with
advice, practical solutions to business problems, and advocacy in siting new
developments and expansions of local companies. The newly formed Metropolitan
Partnership has raised a fantastic war chest from the private sector to help
recruit businesses to this area. It is a long and it is an arduous task, but
we had the boost of the relocation of the VanDuyn Chocolate factory, Dunn and
Bradstreet, and some others. We will stay on the road of assisting local
businesses to prosper while seeking others to diversify our boom and bust
timber-based economY. But in the process, we did not turn our back on the
area's natural resources, that is of course, wood products. Our advances have
been noticeable in 1985, but the poor are still there. We must continue this
effort at job development until opportunity for family wage employment matches
that of those who need jobs the most.
IIThese accomplishments and goals are vital to the health of our town.
IIBut I think that there were some other successes in 1985. Those are the
day-to-day services and programs that are so important to making life
worthwhile.
IIlet's start with the all important leaf pick-up--that is a standard favorite.
Speaking to the City Manager this morning, I said, liThe Public Works crews
picked up 9,500 cubic yards of leaves in 1985. Mike, how much is that?1I He
said, lilt almost fills MacArthur Court. II That's a lot of work on the streets
for people to appreciate. There were over 1 million books circulated through
the Eugene Public library. Parks, open space, the ridgeline trail, pools,
community centers, senior centers, bike paths, classes, and coordinated
softball and soccer games, all had unprecedented participation in 1985.
liThe opening of the Permit and Information Center has made it more efficient
and pleasant to get information and necessary approvals for virtually anything
you want to do. The center consolidates services from nine City offices and
has 550 contacts a day with customers. The new 911 system handles 25,000
calls for service every month. Police and Fire have expanded efficiencies
under austere budget limitations, and are doing an excellent job. The City of
Eugene continues its heartfelt commitment to social services through the
contribution of $415,000 to the Joint Social Services Fund to assist the
admirable and unending efforts of non-profit agencies dealing with the
homeless and the hungry, those in need of help with legal issues, health
issues, information and referral services, senior services, and much more. In
1985, the five Human Rights commissions made remarkable progress with their
work plans and activities to educate and promote the rights of women, the
aging, youth, minorities, and the disabled.
liThe Hult Center continues to cut costs and increase attendance. The one
millionth ticket to the Hult Center will be sold in May of 1986. The City of
Eugene has adopted a Culture and leisure Plan and established an office of
Destination Point activities. That means we are coordinating, promoting,
marketing, and assisting with city events and community-initiated events to
put Eugene on the map as an exciting and thrilling place for tourists to visit.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
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1985 saw the third and most successful Eugene Celebration. With over 100,000
people attending this joyous event, we demonstrated the diversity and the fun
when the entire City celebrates. It is breathtaking to, at every moment,
experience the unexpected. Each year we see a greater and greater number of
people coming to Eugene just to share with us the warmth and talent and beauty
of the city during the Celebration.
"And there is a little bit more. We completed construction of sewers in River
Road/Santa Clara, and won a national award for having the very best emergency
medical/ambulance team in the entire country. We have an operational and
well-run metropolitan wastewater sewer plant, and an agreement to base sewer
rates on a flow-based system.
IIThis listing of significant accomplishments could go on even longer, but the
credit for these successes belongs, not as much to the Eugene City Council, as
to the citizens of Eugene and to the staff and employees of the City of
Eugene. We have 50 boards and commissions and 20 active neighborhood groups.
There are over 360 people volunteering their time, energy, and will to these
boards and commissions and over 120 people serving as officers of neighborhood
associations alone. Eugene thrives on and needs broad citizen participation.
We are proud of it, encourage it, and generally take the advice of the many
recommendations that we receive. Beyond these boards and commissions there
are literally thousands of people in this area working through incredible
generosity of time in hundreds and hundreds of non-profit organizations, and I
would like to take this opportunity to thank them, too.
"A1most all of what you hear and see today would not, and could not, be done
without the dedication, the talent, and the good will of the administration
and employees of the City of Eugene. They have provided more and more service
with fewer people and reduced budgets. Every employee is working in the
public interest because they want Eugene to be the best city government in the
United States. The organization has adopted a set of values for service which
has permeated every department under the leadership and direction of our City
Manager, Mike Gleason. Their Values Statement includes a commitment to
excellence, customer orientation first, working as a team, planning
strategically, and the acknowledgment that employees are our very finest
resource. We owe them a debt of gratitude for making Eugene, along with all
of us, the place we want to spend our lives.
IIAll in all, 1985 was an extraordinary year. It was full of challenges,
controversy, change, and progress. A philosopher said that nothing endures
but change. We live in a community that made great strides toward becoming a
city in 1985. And it did so, tempered by the public, and our common goal not
to lose that which we really value the most--that is, our integrity and our
quality of life. This is a community of incredible passion and care for what
kind of place this is and what kind of place this shall be. The motivation
and desire of the whole community to be the best possible is an overwhelming
and inspired trait of our town. I think that I do not want it to be any other
way. Thank you. II
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
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III. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: A LOOK FORWARD
Ms. Wooten introduced Mayor Obie. He said:
"I want to thank Cynthia for her excellent report on the affairs and progress
of this community.
"I also want to thank you in the audience who participated in making this
progress possible either through your work on boards and commissions--and I
see many of you here today--or through your other activities that perhaps are
not formally or officially connected with City government but, yet, do move
this community forward.
"I stood before you one year ago, trying to anticipate what it would be to be
your mayor, and attempted to share with you my belief that by working
together, with common purpose, we could, indeed, chart the course of the
future of this community for generations to come.
"In that year, I have come to find out what it is to be your mayor, and to
find out the commitment necessary to shape the times and places of this home
of ours. I have known the exhilaration of success, the euphoria that comes
with the affirmation that the belief my fellow citizens held was justified. I
have known the frustrations of too slow a pace, too many days, too many
meetings, and the anguish of unachieved expectations. But over that 365-day
period, there has not been one day that I have not been proud of being the
Mayor of Eugene, Oregon. And, if I have learned anything, I have learned both
how difficult, yet how possible, it is for you and I to shape our future.
"I have learned that it requires both force and finesse--and how much sheer
will it requires--to determine our destiny.
"I well understand why the histories of most communities are made up of a
series of accidents and how easy it would be for us to take the easy road,
even though it may not lead us to where we want to go.
liAs Cynthia said, the accomplishments that you heard are not the mayor's and
are not the city council's. They belong to all of us. All of us working
together as Eugeneans to make this community be what we want it to be. The
achievements do testify to our faith in the future. Your labors and the
labors of others allow us to be here today with strength and confidence. We
have taken charge of our destiny. We have chosen vitality and economic
stability for the future. We have proven, with hard work, our commitment to
provide the nece~sary energy to achieve our objectives.
lilt is clear to me that you and I are the difference between a community that
is shattered by recession and a community that is heading toward a bright and
positive future. Your enthusiasm, and determination, and your support have
fueled my energy and I am sure the energy of the city council. For that, I
want to thank you.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
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liThe common charter of this city does require that I stand here before you
today to report on the conditions and concerns of our community. You have
heard the progress and it has been duly recorded. We have begun our
renaissance--that return to greatness--that we spoke of a year ago.
"While I believe it is important that we focus on the horizon, and principally
on the kind of community we want to be, let's take a closer look at what 1986
holds for us. The foundation laid and the victories experienced in 1985 will
turn into jobs and will begin to fuel a new economy this year.
"0ne of the greatest joys I have as your mayor is cutting ribbons and
breaking ground on new projects. Each one represents a step forward for this
community. Each new or expanding business means jobs and a more stable future
for Eugeneans.
"This year, 1986, we will break ground on over $100 million of projects.
Among those projects will be the new State-Federal science complex at the
University of Oregon, the 6th/7th avenue widening and improvement from
Washington to Garfield, a new medical laboratory adjoining Sacred Heart
Hospital, and--with your support--a new airport terminal.
"Add this to a growing level of construction starts of over $57 million in
1985, which, by the way, was a 61% increase over 1984. And keep in mind, that
commercial and residential remodeling today are at an all-time high in this
community. Put those things together, and I am confident that to refer to
1986 as a significant growth year will, indeed, be an understatement.
"While I may be the last to say that our work is done, let me be among the
first to say, that we are about to experience an exciting and stimulating time
in this community, and our collective effort will, indeed, have provided a
better future than the irratic past.
"I do have one fear. I fear, that with rising employment levels and better
economic times, we will begin to hear the cries that our energies and
resources would be better spent in other ways than on economic development. I
ask you to stand guard with me and not allow this to happen. We must not
slacken our efforts or reduce our intensity at the first signs of success.
Our goal to diversify our economy, so we do not ever again experience the
ravages of a deep receession, has only begun. Our efforts and results will be
measured in years or perhaps decades, not weeks or months.
"When I spoke to you a year ago, I did not speak to you of promises, but I did
speak to you of challenges. Some of those challenges were ideas and ideals
embodied in a group of projects described as the Eugene Agenda. Lest there be
any misunderstanding that this community's agenda is dead, let me state that
it will only die if your and my energy dies or our common commitment begins to
fade.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
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IIPerhaps with those words it is important that I speak for a moment about the
outcome of the income tax election last November. I do believe that the
effort was a noble one. And it was brought forth in the best interest of this
community. At the same time, the results were a loud and clear message from
the taxpayers regarding either their lack of ability or lack of desire to make
a greater contribution. I do not believe that the results were a negative
voter referendum on the Agenda or the future of this community.
IIIn terms of my own feeling, I would like to quote what Abraham Lincoln said
when he lost an election in New York. He said he was too old to cry and it
hurt too much to laugh. And that is just about the way I feel about November
and that election.
IIMany of you have visited with me asking that I not let the outcome of that
election effect my enthusiasm or commitment, and you went on to ask that I
express your concern and your encouragement to the City Council. I want to
thank you for that hope and that offer of concern and your offer of support.
III believe we, indeed, as a community, a City Council, a mayor, and City staff
are ready to move forward with new energy and a new commitment. The needs
remain greater than ever. The historic process of the public involvement
program carried out by the City Council last August served to enhance the
potential for achievement and certainly increased our commitment.
1I0ur commi tment and concern for the well-bei ng of thi s communi ty runs deep and
none of us ever expected the path to be an easy one or one without trial. So
let's focus on the objectives and do what has to be done to achieve the
renaissance of this community.
lilt is a pleasure once again, and certainly my responsibility, to reinforce
the challenge spelled out in the Eugene Agenda.
IIExpansion of Mahlon Sweet Airport Terminal must be our Number One goal in
1986. A modern airport is a not only a necessary item for prOViding 400,000
passengers with efficient air service each year, but it is also a critical
underpinning of a diversified economy. As Oregon's second largest city, we
have a tremendous opportunity to serve 25% of the population of this state.
liAs Cynthia pointed out, our air service has greatly improved. Last year, PSA
and American Airlines looked at the Eugene market, recognized it as a good
investment, and began air service here. Today, I ask this community to join
the city council and to commit to breaking ground on that terminal expansion
in 1986.
"Whil e we have a porti on of the $17 mi 11 i on needed, we do need a strategy on
the balance in order to move forward. I would like to propose to you a 3-part
strategy so that it can happen. First, I believe we can expect to obtain
almost 1/3 of the needed dollars through additional Federal or State grants.
Eugene was designated to receive priority consideration for additional Federal
Aviation Authority funding in a bill signed by the preSident last month. We
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
Page 9
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also may have a good opportunity to secure a Federal Economic Development
grant and have applied for State Lottery funds. I believe, with the
strategies we have laid out, that part of the Agenda is very promising.
"Second, I propose that we ask airport service providers, including the
airlines, to pay a larger share of the cost. This is primarily a matter of
negotiation. We are currently discussing the project with them and are
looking for an option that is mutually acceptable. The airlines and the other
airport service providers have been extensively involved in planning the
airport project. We want to continue that good working relationship and
expect that they will be willing to help finance the project they have helped
to develop. We must ask and expect them to provide a significant portion of
the revenues needed. And I believe they will offer.
"Last, I propose that the council consider a 3% room tax increase dedicated to
airport expansion. The room tax is a travel-related tax. A 3% increase would
bring our room tax to 9%, matching Portland's, and would not put us at a
disadvantage in competing for conference business.
"Finally, both the Springfield City Council and the Lane County Commissioners,
collectively or individually, have expressed their agreement and concern about
the Airport and the importance of it to our economy. I ask them to work
together with us and the travel industry to consider similar action that would
help this project move forward. I also believe that, if we maintain our
commitment and take the course of action I have outlined, we indeed will break
ground on a new terminal this year.
e Riverfront
"The second Agenda item was the Riverfront Project. The Riverfront Research
Park, as Council President Wooten described, has profited from much work over
the past year. We now have the principle financing mechanism in place, and
this week University President Paul Olum and I will recommend to the council
appointees for the very first Riverfront Research Park Commission. The major
focus in 1986 will be to prepare a well thought-out site plan that will be
attractive to the needs of private industry and the educational and scientific
purposes of the University. Once the development proposal is in place--and it
has had thorough public review--we can begin the improvements needed and
locate companies in the park.
"Here again, the seeds have been planted. They will require constant care and
feeding, but will blossom into a new economy for this area, affecting the
lives of generations to come.
Downtown
"In regard to downtown, Council President Wooten outlined to you the progress
that has been made. We find that progress to be incremental and we are sti'll
looking for the major solution for downtown development. I think it is
important that we understand why downtown is important and I would like to
share with you my answers or my thoughts on that question.
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MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
Page 10
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"0ur downtown, historically, has been a regional center of business and
commerce. We have the opportunity from an economic standpoint of enhancing
that position or, frankly, losing it. This community is blessed with many
institutions that are regional in nature. Institutions like Sacred Heart, the
airport, the University, the Hult Center, and Valley River Center. They all
serve a regional clientle. They all bring activity to our community because
we are the center and provide those services.
"0ur downtown provides the same potential. In 1986, I urge the council and
Downtown Commission to work closely to clarify and implement the vision that
is before us. I ask for the extremely important involvement of the business
community and the investment community. Frankly, this is an involvement that
has been vital in the past and is needed if this community is going to step
forward in this critical area. We must decide how we are going to develop
City-owned properties--property that you and I own in downtown Eugene--but we
also must remember that it represents the heart of this community, and
therefore, is vital to each one of us. It remains one of our greatest
opportunities and requires a long term commitment.
Transportation
"In the area of transportation, 1985 was a historic year. Our community broke
a 20-year log jam in State funding for transportation projects. We are
virtually certain that the State will agree to fund the next phase of the
widening and reconstruction of 6th and 7th from Washington to Garfield. And
we are hopeful that the project will be underway this year and, as I said, are
confident it will be.
"Still critically important is the eventual extension of 6th and 7th from
Garfield westward. It is a key east-west route for this community and it will
be a key route for industries locating in west Eugene. I anticipate the
council will place this issue on the ballot this year. Voter approval is
absolutely essential if we are to achieve the goal of 20 years of effort in
terms of that east-west arterial. I want everybody in this community to
remember that a good transportation system is not only critical to our goal
of economic development, but also is critical to our goal of livability.
"I do not want this opportunity to pass without sharing with you and
expressing my appreciation to the City of Springfield and Lane County
government. For the first time, in 1985 we came together with a list of
projects for the metropolitan area, prioritized those, presented them to the
State with all three government bodies in agreement and petitioned to push and
move forward on those designated projects. Historically, this community and
this metropolitan area have been short-changed in this critical area of State
dollars spent and State investments made in this community. I believe we have
taken a great step forward in changing that direction.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
Page 11
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Entryways & Beautification
IIIn regard to entryways and beautification, the final Agenda item, I expect
our newly formed Tree and Beautification Commission will bring forth proposals
to improve our entryways and street tree programs. Cognizant of community
funding priorities, the commission is exploring the formation of a non-profit
foundation to encourage donations and support for these efforts.
liThe Entrance Beautification Study will come to the Planning Commission and
City Council this spring, suggesting improvements to 10 major entranceways to
our city and we will also consider demonstration improvement projects for
Franklin Boulevard and Highway 99 during the year 1986.
IIDuring our summer sessions with the public on the Eugene Agenda, the
community also told us of concerns and commitments for a new library and
continued improvements to our streets, parks, and public buildings after we
lose the Federal revenue sharing we have been enjoying.
lilt is obvious that, because of cutbacks at Federal and State levels,
financial pressures on cities--and Eugene is not unique in that regard--will
continue to grow. At the same time, our citizens are recovering from
difficult financial times and feel unable to fund expenditure increases for
local government.
IIWhile this is a difficult time, I believe we can look with positive thoughts,
as it is a time that will require every expenditure to be examined and
justified. We need to increasingly look to the lIuser payll form of funding
policies for programs and projects. Our City management is daily being
challenged to develop entrepreneurial instincts and increased efficiencies.
Certainly, I, the City Council, and your city management look to these days as
being challenging, but also as days during which positive changes in the
status quo will take place.
IIWhile preparing for today, I asked each councilor what they would like me to
share with you. And I would like to quote for you some of the things that
they said. Their responses were very interesting. They asked me to tell you
of our progress as a community and to speak to you of our hope and our
confidence. They said I should ask you to keep your eye on our shared
future. They asked me to speak frankly of our diminishing resources and the
pressure that affected and will continue to affect City services. They wanted
me to both thank you and ask you for your support. What came through loud and
clear was the intense commitment each of these individuals has to the future
of this community.
IIThis is an election year. Four of our councilors' terms expire. I urge all
of them to seek re-election. They have been tremendous soldiers for this city.
III should not let today pass without recognizing the great cooperation we have
developed over a long periOd of time with many governments and institutions in
this area. Certainly at the top of that list is the City of Springfield. It
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January 6, 1986
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is obvious that our destinies are entwined and it is recognized by the
leadership of both cities that by working together our futures will be
enhanced. That relationship will continue to grow along with important
developing relationships and collaborations with the University of Oregon,
Lane Community College, the Eugene and Bethel School Districts, the Eugene
Water & Electric Board, Lane County, and others. From these alliances, future
efficiencies will come.
IIThis year the City of Eugene and 19 other local governments, as an example,
will jointly purchase a new phone system. The City of Eugene alone will save
over $1 million on that purchase over the next 7 years.
III should also not let the day pass without recognizing the very positive work
of our legislative delegation from the metropolitan area. The growth in
opportunity we will see at the University this next year would not have
happened without their efforts. We look forward to their future support and
achievements on our behalf.
IIAnd, like Cynthia, I would like to recognize the management, the staff
leadership, provided by the people who work for you and I. And, at a risk of
not being able to speak to everyone of them, I would like to tell you a few
stories about some of them.
"I recall, early on, of taking off and having to go to New York to speak with
Moody's about our bond rating that was about to be reduced which would have
increased our interest costs by about $200,000 a year. I went with Mike
Gleason, Gary Long, Director of Administrative Services, and Warren Wong,
Director of Finance. I recall sitting on about the 80th floor of a building
in New York with investment bankers. I recall how well they did. In fact, we
were able to convince those people we were a strong and healthy community.
That kind of effort goes throughout our City.
"Bob Shelby, caught at 14 degrees below, nearly as cold as United Airlines.
Hopefully, it has warmed up some. I think about Ev Hall, who one day went to
sleep as the Fire Chief and the next day woke up as Director of Public
Safety--the challenge he has. I think of Ed Smith, Director of the Hu1t
Center, and of Chris Andersen, Director of Public Works. She received a call
on Friday afternoon saying the VanDuyn people were going to show up Saturday
morning and the streets that led up to the site they were looking at had
several months of garbage backed up on it and the grass had not been mowed.
By the time the sun set on that Friday night, the garbage was picked up and
the grass had been mowed. And when Van Duyns viewed the site the next
morning, it looked fresh as a daisy.
"I have been around a lot of companies and a lot of institutions. I want to
tell you that you are well served. There are many nights I have been caught
at City Hall at 6:30 or 7 p.m., and there are still a lot of people there.
The meetings I go to--I see City staff there and I know they are without pay.
Nobody requires them to be there. They are interested in this city. I want
to thank them because it is through their efforts, their organizational
efforts, that your and my ideas and ideals will happen.
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January 6, 1986
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"Before I leave this podium, I would like, for a minute, to move from 1986 to
1996 and ask you if we will have achieved our objectives. What will we have
built together? That is the direction we want and that is what we are working
on. Whether we want to have found those jobs, those careers, and the
opportunity to stay home for your children and mine.
"1986 holds many things. I am sure it will hold a full complement of
frustrations. I am also sure it will hold a full complement of solutions. I
hope what it holds a renewed commitment from you and I--a commitment that will
take this community one more step forward. A commitment that will allow us to
make a difference in what you and I are doing.
\lAnd as I adjourn this meeting for today, let me say we have only begun. II
The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.
R~.~~~.~,~~~
/ (~~,.~ ."r
Micheal Gleason
City Manager
(Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick)
1932C
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
January 6, 1986
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