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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/17/1986 Meeting e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council Eugene Hilton Hotel--Directors Room February 17, 1986 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Debra Ehrman, Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Richard Hansen, Cynthia Wooten, Ruth Bascom. Mayor Brian B. Obie called the quarterly process session to order. I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL A. Proposed Lane County Law Enforcement Levy Mayor Obie said he received an invitation from Lane County Commissioner Chuck Ivey to a meeting on Wednesday, February 18. The proposed Lane County law enforcement levy will be discussed at the meeting. Mr. Gleason explained the proposed county-wide, three-year levy. He said the net financial benefit to the City would be about $1.2 million annually for three years. He said the distribution would probably be based on population, but another formula could be considered. The levy, as proposed, indicates Lane County would assume responsibility for the jail in perpetuity. Mr. Gleason recommended that the City apply the $350,000 it now spends on the jail to the police or emergency services if the levy is approved. The rest of the funds from the levy (about $900,000) could be spent for capital improve- ments. He said the levy would help the transition of urban services. Mr. Miller wondered if there are other ways to address the need for law enforcement. He asked if there should be a metropolitan-wide system. He wondered what will happen in three years if the County does not assume responsibility for the jail. Mr. Gleason responded that the best way to finance law enforcement would be to increase the tax base, but that doesn't seem possible. He said a county-wide law enforcement system is not very feasible because law enforcement in the county is different from the law enforcement needed in the cities. Several levels of consolidation are being implemented now and the money from a County levy would help the consoli- dation. Mr. Gleason said the County would be obligated to assume the costs of the jail. Answering a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Gleason said the City would have to be careful not to spend the money from the County levy for things that will create additional operating expenses. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 1 e e e Mayor Obie said helping Lane County with its law enforcement problem would be good. He wondered if the City should expect help with financing the airport expansion in return. Several councilors responded to Mayor Obie's request for comments. Ms. Schue did not think the City's response to the proposed levy and the financing of the airport expansion should be tied together. She said the proposed levy is quite different from former proposals to increase funds and it "might be worth a try." Ms. Ehrman wondered what trade-offs there might be when the levy is discussed. She suggested the financing of the airport expansion could be one of them. She said cooperation with the County seems to be a "one-way street. II Mr. Holmer said the fact that financing the airport expansion is a county-wide problem should be recognized during discussions with County officials. He suggested the City insist on something like a county-wide levy for the airport. He is reluctant to support the County proposal because other levies will have to be sought or services will have to be cut back when it expires in three years. Mr. Rutan said the councilors would like to cooperate with County officials, but more details and more time to discuss the levy are needed. He said the City would like to discuss other county-wide issues, such as the airport, with County officials. Ms. Schue agreed with Mr. Rutan. Mr. Miller did not think the levy will pass, but he would like to cooperate with County officials. He hoped County officials will also cooperate with Ci ty efforts. Mayor Obie said County officials have asked for cooperation from the City several times recently, but County officials have not cooperated very much with efforts to finance the airport expansion. Ms. Schue summarized by saying the councilors had not said they will oppose the proposed levy, but they had expressed several concerns about cooperation with County officials. Ms. Ehrman requested a memo from the staff with recommendations for using proceeds from the levy. B. Creation of Foundations Related to City Operations Mr. Holmer distributed a memo dated February 1986 titled liThe Problem with Foundations. II He said the existence of foundations can warp priorities in an organization and cause problems during an audit. He wondered if the council should adopt a set of principles to govern its relationship with foundations. Mayor Obie said he, too, was concerned about the creation of foundations. He wondered if the council should authorize foundations. Ms. Ehrman said the publicity for the foundation recently created by the Parks Department was in a brochure with the City's seal. She would have liked to have known about it beforehand. She said the Celebration is considering the creation of a non-profit corporation which will not use the City seal, but which will apply for grants. Mr. Rutan said some guidelines for foundations that would require a presenta- tion to the council before they are officially created would be appropriate. He asked the staff to prepare some draft standards and sanctioning process. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 2 . C. Protocol at Council Meetings Mr. Miller said usually the council president makes the motions at council meetings, but sometimes it would be appropriate for another councilor to do so. He wondered about the protocol. Mayor Obie said the tradition of having the president make motions and the vice president second them was developed to facilitate action. However, any councilor can make motions. He suggested the staff prepare an amendment to the Council Bylaws which indicates that any councilor can make or second a motion. D. Deterioration and Replacement of Streets Mr. Miller is concerned about the deterioration and the replacement of city streets. He said some of the streets in his ward are in terrible shape and some streets in other areas are also deteriorating. He is especially con- cerned about the streets that are used by the public and Lane Transit District (LTD) buses. They are not necessarily collectors or arterials. He said he is bothered by the City policy that indicates streets should be brought up to City standards. He said some streets never will be brought up to City stan- dards if present practices are not changed because some property owners cannot pay the assessments for bringing streets up to City standards. He wonders how the problem can be solved. He has been told the council does not override remonstrances. e Mr. Miller said lack of action by the council perpetuates unimproved streets and, consequently, allows one section of the city to become run down. He said rental properties on bad streets are not maintained, the value of those properties goes down, and a ghetto is created in the older sections because the streets in sections of the city that have been recently developed are improved. He said the problem will increase if the River Road/Santa Clara area is annexed. Discussing solutions, Mr. Miller suggested a ballot measure that would ask if all the arterials, collectors, and minor collectors in the city should be brought up to City standards. He suggested the streets, such as Marshall, be listed on the ballot. He said Bancroft loans could help finance the assessments. Ms. Schue pointed out the council can order the improvement of any street. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Schue said it takes the approval of six councilors to override a remonstrance. Mr. Gleason said the council overrode many remonstrances to order the improvement of gravel streets that caused air pollution problems, but the council does not like to override remonstrances. Mayor Obie wondered if the problem is big enough to neces- sitate a city-wide vote. Mr. Holmer said the revisions to Chapter 7 of the code indicates how much it will cost to bring all streets in the city up to City standards. Ms. Ehrman asked the staff to present an estimate to the council of bringing all collectors or above rights-of-way up to City standards. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 3 e e - E. Report on Board/Committee Activities 1. Joint Parks Committee Ms. Schue reported that Lane County Commissioner Jerry Rust wants to have a golf course in Alton Baker Park and that raises several issues. She said the Eugene Parks Master Plan indicates there will be a golf course in the Golden Gardens area, but the City does not own the land. She said a golf course would be "tight" in Alton Baker Park, but it would be possible. She said Mr. Rust hopes to develop the golf course with private funds. She said people who use jogging trails and canoes in the park will probably testify about the golf course. Mr. Rutan is also on the Joint Parks Committee. He said the Alton Baker Park Advisory Committee approved inclusion of a golf course in the master plan for the park by a 4:3 vote. Ms. Schue said Mr. Rust has discussed the golf course before the Urban Services Policy Committee (USPC). She said the USPC wants Eugene to take over the operation of the part of Alton Baker Park which is west of the freeway. She said a report of the Joint Parks Committee ranked a golf course on the Golden Gardens site above a golf course in Alton Baker Park. Mr. Gleason said the transfer of Alton Baker Park to Eugene has been approved in the urban transition process, but financial considerations of the urban transition process have not been settled. He said the transition process indicates that a master plan will be implemented by the jurisdiction that assumes operation of a facility if the jurisdiction was represented when the plan was prepared. He said Eugene has representatives on the Alton Baker Park Advisory Committee which is preparing the master plan for the park. Ms. Schue said her position is that what Lane County officials decide about a golf course is no business of the City if they continue to manage the park. But, she thinks problems will be created if the City agrees to operate the park and a master plan has been adopted for it which conflicts with the City's Parks Master Plan. She asked for comments from other councilors on her position. Mayor abie said he will support a golf course in Alton Baker Park if it will be a championship golf course. Answering a question from Mayor abie, Mr. Gleason said Ernie Drapela. Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. says he will not work against developing a golf course in Alton Baker Park but it is clear that the best place for a championship course is on the Golden Gardens site. Mr. Gleason suggested the financing of the airport expansion could be included in discussions about the golf course. Mayor abie asked for comments from the councilors. Mr. Rutan said the design for the golf course makes good use of the land in Alton Baker Park, but other municipalities have told the City that to finance a successful golf course, it must be of championship quality. He said the committee that prepared the Eugene Parks Master Plan was a good one, and the plan indicates a championship golf course should be on the Golden Gardens site. He said Mr. Drapela has not unduly influenced people. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17. 1986 Page 4 e Mr. Holmer said the Eugene Parks Master Plan makes sense. He would not oppose development of a golf course in Alton Baker Park by Lane County, but he would not want Eugene to take control of the park with "strings attached." If the operation of the park is transferred to the City, he would consider approving a golf course if it can be developed entirely with private funds. Mr. Miller said whatever money the City spends on a golf course should be spent on a championship course, and the Golden Gardens site and a site in the Mt. Pisgah area are large enough for a championship course. He said a golf course in Alton Baker Park might be a good idea, might decrease crime in the park, and, if it is not successful, could be changed. He emphasized it will not be a championship course and should not be perceived as a substitute for the golf course on the Golden Gardens site. He said a driving range could be developed in the Alton Baker Park now and it would make money. He would have no problem with that. Ms. Ehrman agreed with Mr. Miller. 2. Budget Committee Mr. Rutan wondered how more public involvement in the budget process could be obtained. He said the budget controls what can be done in the city, and he would like to find out what people want. Mr. Holmer said Budget Committee members represent the public. He was not sure there could be additional public involvement in the regular budget process. He would support increased involvement if the council needs to request additional funds. e Mr. Miller did not think the public hearing the council holds on the budget really adequately addressed the issue of public input because most decisions have already been made. He suggested a survey be commissioned to learn what the public wants before decisions are made. Mr. Rutan liked the suggestion. Mr. Holmer agreed with Mr. Miller's observation about public hearings. Mr. Holmer said a survey can indicate public attitudes, but it probably could not get pUblic reaction to very many specific items in the budget. Ms. Schue wants to have an open process, but she said the budget is a complex document and it is hard to explain it to people. Mayor Obie said an exhibit about the budget which would allow people to indicate their choices would create public interest. He suggested a "bottles and beans" display in the downtown mall. Ms. Ehrman shared Mr. Rutan's concerns. She said budget hearings might be televised in the future. She suggested a budget exhibit be displayed during the Eugene Celebration. She liked the idea of a survey which would indicate what people want. Mr. Rutan asked the staff to indicate in a memo its reaction to the discussion. Later in the meeting, Ms. Ehrman said she will recommend specific cuts in the proposed FY87 budget. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 5 e e e 3. Eugene Celebration Ms. Ehrman reported the committee is functioning well. A fund-raising event will be held on March 13. She discussed plans for the Celebration. 4. Community Schools Committee Ms. Ehrman reported that the staffs of the City's neighborhood newsletters and 4-J's Community Schools newletter have tried to publish joint issues to reduce costs. 5. Joint Social Services Committee Ms. Ehrman reported that there are many organizations that provide treatment for alcohol abuse. She said the Joint Social Services Committee is encouraging them to consolidate in order to reduce costs. She said the committee will have to deal with the loss of funds. 6. Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) Ms. Schue reported LRAPA officials will make a presentation about pollution from wood stoves to the council soon. She said LRAPA has moved to the Springfield City Hall which will be financially beneficial to them. 7. Library Study Committee Ms. Schue reported that the committee has not met yet. 8. Community Development Committee (CDC) Mr. Miller reported that CDC members will have to make difficult choices. He asked other councilors for comments about block grant funds. F. When and How Councilors Should Represent the City Mayor Obie said the council will consider a report from the Legislative Subcommittee and adopt official City positions on Federal legislative matters soon. Those City positions will be discussed with the Oregon Congressional Delegation in early March when councilors go to Washington, DC, for the National League of Cities Conference. He suggested the City pay the expenses to Washington of councilors who support official City positions. He suggested the City not pay the expenses of councilors who cannot support official City positions. Ms. Schue said the issue is how and when a councilor represents the City and the council. She said some councilors feel compelled to express opinions that differ from City policies. She said the issue really is, "When do councilors speak for the group and when do they speak as individuals?" It involves the use of the word "we, II the use of Ci ty stationery, and how counci 1 ors keep from contradicting each other. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 6 e e e Ms. Schue discussed a Register-Guard letter to the editor written by Mr. Miller which indicated that councilors attend neighborhood group meetings. She said she does not attend all neighborhood group meetings in her ward. Mr. Miller explained the letter. Ms. Schue suggested councilors who wish to represent the council in written material submit the material to other councilors before it is mailed. Mr. Holmer said it is important for City officials to speak with one voice when councilors agree on a position; but, when the councilors do not agree, it is important for the Federal congressional delegation to know that the councilors differ. He said sometimes differences of opinion should be allowed because they involve fundamental political policy. Ms. Schue said a councilor can write anything on personal stationery; but, when a councilor speaks as a member of the council, when being a member of the council is a part of the message, or when City stationery is used, a councilor should advocate opinions that are held by the rest of the councilors. Mayor Obie restated his opinion that the City should not pay the expenses to Washington, DC, of councilors who will lobby against an official City position adopted by the council. Ms. Schue agreed with him. Mr. Rutan said that official City policy is determined by a majority vote (over 50 percent) of the council. Mayor Obie agreed with him. Mr. Holmer said congressional delegates are entitled to know the council vote on issues which are being discussed with them. He hoped councilors will lobby in Washington for the airport expansion and other things on which they agree. He said the City would not need to pay his way to Washington in early March because he serves on the National Council on Public Works Improvement and it will be meeting about the same time as the National league of Cities Conference. Mayor Obie said it would not be appropriate for a councilor who voted with the minority to discuss that position with the congressional delegates when other councilors are discussing the official City position. Ms. Schue said it is difficult for the City staff to relate to the staff of congressional delegates when some councilors speak against official City policy. It makes the congressional staff wonder what is going on in Eugene. Mr. Holmer said Ms. Schue's and Mayor Obie's statements make it difficult for councilors who feel deeply about a specific City position. He said the process does not seem very democratic if it is not proper for an elected official to express an opinion to congressional delegates. Ms. Ehrman suggested councilors who voted with the minority speak to the congressional delegation at another time. Ms. Schue emphasized that such a contact should include a statement that the councilor is expressing a minority view which is not the official City position. Mr. Holmer said, if Ms. Schue's last statement is true, then discussions advocating an official City position should include a statement that the vote was not unanimous. Mayor Obie did not agree with Mr. Holmer. Mayor Obie said he represents the position of the majority of the council. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 7 e e e Mr. Holmer initiated a discussion of the process by which the council will determine the City positions which will be discussed with the congressional delegation in Washington. Mayor Obie responded that the council will consider a recommendation from the Legislative Subcommittee. Ms. Schue said the council will be asked to take a position on one item on which the subcommittee did not agree. Mr. Holmer wondered if councilors have to agree with every staff and committee recommendation. He asked if disagreement about one item will exclude a councilor from representing the City in Washington. He said he understands that a councilor should not make an overt scene in a congressional office. Mayor Obie said official representatives of the City should support official policy. Ms. Ehrman said official representatives should, at least, not argue against official policy. Mr. Holmer added, "not argue against it overtly at that point." Mayor Obie added that a councilor should not argue against official policy "with a council uniform on." Mayor Obie suggested a policy should be drafted about how and when a councilor represents the council. Mr. Holmer and Ms. Schue said they will draft one. Ms. Schue asked if the writing of letters to the editor should be included in the policy. Mayor Obie requested this issue be included in the policy as well. G. City Boards and Commissions Reappointment Policy Mayor Obie suggested the councilors discuss the following statement: Concerning reappointment to a City board or commission, the Mayor and City Council appreciate the commitment of applicants who are willing to serve a second term on a City board or commission and will consider the reappointment of these individuals prior to consideration of other applicants. Most councilors had reviewed the statement in advance of the meeting and had submitted written comments previously. Ms. Ehrman said several appointments or reappointments have been controversial recently. She understood the proposal is to include a statement on the appli- cation form so that people will know that reappointments might be made. She understood that the Neighborhood Leaders have received comments from people who wished they had known that reappointments would be considered. Ms. Schue said he did not want to establish a reappointment policy because each case is different. She said a third term for a person benefits the City sometimes, and sometimes one term is enough. Mr. Rutan agreed with Ms. Schue. Mr. Holmer agreed with Ms. Schue and Mr. Rutan. Mr. Miller said he agreed with them because the proposal could restrict the council. He said it is not fair to solicit applications from others if the incumbent will be reappointed. He suggested people be told that incumbents will be interviewed. Ms. Ehrman said people who reapply are not MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 8 e e e really evaluated; they are simply reappointed. She said it is a disservice to other people who apply and it is a waste of the councilors' time. Mayor Obie said he favors a policy that indicates people will be reappointed only once because so many people want to participate in City government. Ms. Ehrman discussed the recent Planning Commission and Bicycle Committee appointments. She would like to discuss this matter at a future time because only five councilors were present at this meeting. Ms. Schue said it might be helpful to have a policy that applies when only one position on a board or commission is vacant. She said the council often discusses whether to hold interviews when the incumbent wants to be reappointed, but she likes to interview incumbents as well as applicants. Mr. Holmer said some applicants should be interviewed if incumbents are interviewed. He said it is good pUblic relations to interview people. Mayor Obie summarized the discussion by saying Ms. Ehrman will initiate a policy statement for consideration at another meeting. H. Lane Council of Governments (L-COG) Ms. Schue reported that L-COG is functioning well. She has finished a term as chairperson of the Oregon Association of Regional Councils. I. Council Committee on Economic Development (CCED) Mr. Rutan said CCED has been considering a change in the number of members on CCED. This recommendation will be coming in the near future. J. Regulation of Hazardous Wastes Mr. Holmer said he and Ms. Wooten will discuss a proposal concerning the regu- lation of hazardous materials with staff members soon. He said it is a complex subject because of existing State and Federal legislation. He said any City proposal will concern a knowledge of hazardous wastes. He said such knowledge is helpful to new industries. He said it is also beneficial for the City to know what materials new industries will bring into the community. K. West University Neighborhood and Sacred Heart Hospital Plans Ms. Ehrman said Sacred Heart Hospital representatives did not display definite expansion plans at a recent West University Neighborhood meeting. She said the hospital had received a demolition permit for the Mayflower Theater which some people at the meeting protested. Ms. Ehrman said the neighborhood group did not protest the demolition permit. She said the Historic Review Board seemed to get involved in the historic status of the Mayflower Theater at the last minute. She hoped that would not happen often. L. Attempts to Control Panhandling Ms. Ehrman said panhandling in the University area probably cannot be regulated by an ordinance. The business people in the area may have to hire a patrol officer. She recommended that the City supply an officer who will patrol on foot in the downtown mall and the University area. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 9 e e e M. Downtown Parking Ms. Ehrman said it is difficult to enforce the free downtown parking program. She said the council will have to decide how much enforcement the City should do. At the present time, many students are parking free downtown and taking the bus to the University of Oregon and Lane Community College. N. Alternative Transportation Modes Ms. Ehrman said she is working on a publicity program which will encourage people to use alternative modes of transportation. O. Proposed Ordinance to Control the Use of Weapons Ms. Ehrman said the ordinance was not prepared well before it was presented to the council. Ms. Schue said the public was not given sufficient time to comment on the proposed ordinance. Mr. Holmer said the ordinance itself was satisfactory, but the timing was not. P. M~or's Appointments to Committees Ms. Ehrman said several times recently it seemed a single councilor made a decision about the Mayor's appointments to a committee. For example, it seemed that Ms. Bascom made the recent appointment to the Bicycle Committee. Ms. Ehrman said one person who applied did not seem to be considered. Mayor Obie responded that he sometimes follows the recommendation of a councilor who has been involved in an activity. Ms. Schue said she appreciated the information M~or Obie gives councilors about appointments before the appointments are considered in a public meeting. Q. Airport Terminal Expansion Mayor Obie thanked Mr. Gleason for calling the councilors to let them know that the City's application for lottery funds was not given a very high rating. Mr. Gleason discussed the "rural" rating the project received. R. Proposal to Cover Autzen Stadium Mayor Obie asked if the councilors would like a discussion of the dome for Autzen Stadium on an agenda. Mr. Holmer and Mr. Rutan said they would like such a discussion. Ms. Ehrman said she would like information about the proposal. Mayor Obie asked staff to present information to the council at another meeting. Ms. Schue said Indianapolis, Indiana, has targeted its economic development efforts. Athletics is one of the targets and the results are excellent. She said Indianapolis has developed excellent athletic facilities. She said athletic activities in Eugene seem very appropriate and their development would have a positive economic impact. It is one reason she wants the City's golf course to be a championship one. She said a dome for Autzen Stadium would also positively affect economic development. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 10 e Mayor Obie agreed that good facilities for athletic activities are very important. He said he is concerned about the track at Hayward Field. Ms. Ehrman also said she is concerned about the track. Mr. Gleason said staff will prepare information for the councilors about athletic facilities and their economic impact. S. Negotiations for Dunn School Responding to a question, Mr. Gleason said officials of the 4-J School District have indicated they will negotiate with the City about Dunn School, Lincoln School, and two other properties. He said the City is trying to find a creative way to acquire them. School district officials would be pleased if the council officially indicates it is interested. Responding to a question from Mr. Miller, Mr. Gleason said he thinks the council would like the land at Dunn and Lincoln schools to continue to be used as parks. If the council agrees, he will follow that direction in the Executive Budget. Mayor Obie suggested staff present data to the council and then request council action on the school property that is used for parks. Mr. Holmer said the Dunn and Lincoln properties are good neighborhood parks, but he would like data about operating costs. e T. Gillespie Butte Replying to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Gleason said the disposition of Gillespie Butte is being discussed. U. Placement of Items on Council Agendas Ms. Ehrman said items from individual councilors have been included on the Monday night agendas several times recently although an opportunity for councilors to present items is included on the Wednesday noon agendas. For example, activities of the Tree and Beautification Commission have been included on the Monday night agenda and they would have been more appro- priately placed on the Wednesday noon agenda. Mr. Hansen shared her concern about the agendas. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ReSpeC~?~~~. M~~~ Ci ty Manager (Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick) ~ BLR:pv/1977C MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 17, 1986 Page 11