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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/11/1986 Meeting e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council City Council Chamber June 11, 1986 Noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: Richard Hansen, Debra Ehrman, Emily Schue, Cynthia Wooten (12:06 p.m.-1:15 p.m.), Ruth Bascom, Freeman Holmer, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller. The adjourned meeting of June 9, 1986, of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR, COUNCIL, AND CITY MANAGER; ANNOUNCEMENTS; AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS A. Tour of Quick Service Litho Printing Company Mayor Obie thanked the managers of Quick Service Litho for participating in the council's luncheon and for the tour of the company's new facility. He said he was pleased to see the company's rehabilitation of a historic building. B. Reconsideration of Ordinance 19386 e Council or Mi 11 er suggested the council di scuss "pol icy" and "administration" and how the council's legislative role affects it at its next quarterly process session. He also suggested the council then reconsider Ordinance 19386 which it passed on June 9. Responding to a question from Mayor Obie, City Attorney Keith Martin discussed the process for reconsidering an ordinance. He said a councilor who voted aye on the council bill should move to reconsider the motion which enacted the council bill. If the council approves reconsidering the motion, a councilor should then move to postpone consideration of the ordinance to a specific date. Revi ewi n9 the counci l' s action, Mr. Gl eason said the counci 1 adopted Resolution No. 3981 which included a land use fee schedule and passed Council Bill 2884 which became Ordinance No. 19386 on June 9, 1986. The ordinance concerned the method for changing land use fees in the future. Mayor Obie had said he would consider a veto of the ordinance. Mr. Miller moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to reconsider the motion to enact Ordinance 19386 (Council Bill 2884). Mr. Miller reviewed the discussion for Ms. Wooten who had just arrived. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 1 e e e Mayor Obie said he favored the motion and the council discussion suggested by Mr. Miller because he would like to avoid conflict with the council. Answering a question from Mayor Obie, Mr. Martin reviewed the process for reconsidering the ordinance and then postponing consideration of it. Ms. Bascom said she would like an opportunity to clarify her support for the ordinance. Replying to a question from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Martin said the increased land use fees in Resolution No. 3981 will be effective regardless of the council's action on Ordinance 19386. The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to table reconsideration of Ordinance 19386 to August 11, 1986. The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. C. Eugene In Motion: What Alternative Transportation Mode Was Used to Get to this Meeting? Councilor Bascom thanked Councilor Ehrman for organizing the Eugene in Motion ceremony. The councilors discussed the transportation they used to arrive at City Hall. Mayor Obie thanked Ms. Ehrman for raising the community's consciousness of alternative transportation modes during the Eugene in Motion Week. D. Enrollment of FireMed Councilor Wooten said she is pleased that the metropolitan ambulance insurance program (FireMed) is obtaining its goal of enrollees. E. Review of City Recreational Activities Councilor Rutan said he has received several inquiries about City involvement in recreational activities. He said he will meet with Parks and Recreation Director Ernie Drapela and suggest the matter be referred to the Joint Parks Committee to be sure City recreational activities do not compete with privately-sponsored activities. He will report to the council again. Mr. Miller said he had a similar concern. Mayor Obie said he had asked for a list of City recreational activities. He appointed Mr. Rutan and Mr. Miller to a subcommittee to consider the matter. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 2 F. Walking Tour in the Downtown Mall e Councilor Ehrman said she will take a walking tour of the Broadway corridor in the Downtown Mall with Development Department staff members on Friday at 2 p.m. She invited other councilors to join her. II. ROUTINE ITEM FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL: CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF LUNCH/WORK SESSION OF APRIL 23, 1986, AND MEETINGS OF MAY 12, 1986, AND MAY 19, 1986, (minutes distributed) Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to approve the City Council minutes of April 23, 1986, May 12, 1986, and May 19, 1986. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. III. ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE UPDATE OF THE EUGENE SIGN CODE (memo, background information distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced consideration of the Eugene Sign Code Update. Jim Croteau of the Planning Department gave the staff report. He said the council considered changes to the Sign Code at several work sessions and tentatively agreed to the changes indicated in the June 11, 1986, memo to the Mayor and City Council from the Planning Department entitled, "Update of Eugene Sign Code." e Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Croteau said political signs are allowed in the Sign Code regulations during election periods. He said the Planning Commission was concerned about enforcement of the Sign Code and enforcement probably wi 11 be increased. He sa i d increased enforcement will begin at the City's major entrances. The City will mail information about the Sign Code and the prohibition of portable signs to businesses. He said the staff will try to gain voluntary compliance with the code before initiating enforcement procedures. Ms. Ehrman suggested associations such as the Eugene Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce be notified of the changes to the Sign Code. Responding to questions from Mr. Hansen, Mr. Croteau said the proposed changes will double the permitted size of banners. Mr. Rutan said he supports the changes. He said he was pleased that the solution to the problems of three automobile dealers on Goodpasture Island Road because the solution indicates that the City can consider special circumstances without establishing precedents. He said he supports the change which will authorize the Sign Code Board of Appeals to hear appeals to administrative decisions about Sign Code variances. Ms. Wooten said she was not at the council's meeting of May 27, 1986, when e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 3 e the Sign Code update was discussed but she listened to tapes of the meeting. She said she is disappointed that the council did not agree to permit portable signs in pedestrian areas. She said small businesses can use portable signs to attract people in those areas. She hoped the council will change its decision in the future. Mr. Miller said he would like to have the regulations enforced and he would like to permit portable signs throughout the city. He would also like the council to be able to review some appeals to decisions about Sign Code variances. In that way, the council could become aware of unfair enforcement and regulations that are not appropriate. Mr. Holmer said he appreciated the Planning Commission's and the staff's work on the changes. However, he objects so strongly to doubling the size of banners that he will vote against the ordinance. Ms. Wooten said she will vote for the ordinance, but she will not support more enforcement of the prohibition of portable signs than described by Mr. Croteau. Ms. Ehrman said she voted with the minority on several of the tentative votes, but she will support the ordinance. She favored portable signs and would have liked to test their use in part of the city. She did not support the variances for the Goodpasture Island automobile dealerships. She said the council, should have a consistent policy about hearing appeals. e CB 2877--An ordinance concerning update of the Eugene Sign Code; and declaring an emergency. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council, and that enactment be considered at this time. Ms. Bascom said changes to the Sign Code will have to be made from time to time. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Miller, to amend the motion to delete all the changes to Section 8,804 through 8.809 with the result that the appeal process will not be changed. Mr. Hansen said the proposed changes eliminate council responsibility for decisions about the Sign Code. Mr. Miller said the council should hear appeals because the council's work is not always perfect and the council should assess the results and be responsive to the public. Ms. Schue said the council used to hear many appeals and, in her opinion, the process was not effective. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 4 e M~. Wooten will not support the amendment because the council should have consistent practices. She said citizens have not lost their rights even though the council does not hear many appeals. Mr. Holmer said he will support the amendment because the Supreme Court process of choosing cases is appropriate. He said the council will discuss administrative and policy-making roles next month; consequently, the appeal process should not be changed now. Mr. Rutan emphasized that the change involves only the Sign Code and the impact of the code has been felt. He said appeals should involve only new signs and probably will not be crucial, Roll call vote; the motion failed 3:5 with Councilors Hansen, Holmer, and Miller voting aye and Councilors Schue, Wooten, Bascom, Rutan, and Ehrman voting nay. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to amend the motion to delete Subsections 2 and 3 of Section 8.685(b) and include a Subsection indicating that existing flashing, chasing, and scintillating lights on signs will be permitted for five years. Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman and Ms. Bascom, Mr. Croteau said signs with flashing lights are expensive and there are some in the city now. Mr. Rutan said the amendment probably would prohibit fiber optic signs. e Responding to questions from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Hansen said the intent of his motion is to prohibit flashing, chasing, and scintillating lights on signs. Approval of the amendment probably would mean the Hult Center could not have a flashing sign. Ms. Ehrman said she does not have enough information to make a decision about flashing signs. She would like to know how many exist, how much they cost, and whether the amendment would affect fiber optics signs. Mr. Rutan agreed with Ms. Ehrman. He said his company is investigating fiber optics and, if the council discusses them, he will declare a conflict of interest. Mr. Gleason suggested the staff investigate the impact of the proposed amendment and present the issue to the council at another time. Mr. Hansen agreed to the suggestion. Mr. Hansen and Mr. Holmer withdrew the motion. Mr. Hansen moved to amend the motion to delete the change that would permit banners to be 200 square feet. The motion was not seconded. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 5 Roll call vote on the original motion; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. ~ Council Bill 2877 was read the second time by council bill number only. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; the motion carried 6:2 with Councilors Ehrman, Schue, Wooten, Miller, Rutan, and Bascom voting aye and Councilors Hansen and Holmer voting nay. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to direct the staff to report to the council about possible regulations for signs with blinking lights. The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. IV. CREATION OF CRIME ACTION TASK TEAM (memo distributed) Ms. Wooten said the task team will consider the recommendations of the Crime Solutions in Action Symposium held on May 14, 1986. e Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Mr. Hansen, to approve the creation of a Crime Action Task Force with the missions and goals stated in the June 11, 1986, memo to the Mayor and City Councilors from Cynthia Wooten entitled "Crime Action Task Force." Ms. Ehrman suggested the task team review the report of the Vagrancy Task Force. Answering a question from Mr. Rutan, Ms. Wooten said Marge Beck, Christine Donahue, and Tim McCarthy will staff the task team. She said there will be no major expenses for the task team, but budget appropriations may be needed to implement its recommendations. Mr. Gl eason added that the present budget i ncl udes funds for crime prevention. Responding to a question from Mayor Obie, Ms. Wooten said applications for the task force were publicly solicited. Ms. Beck said about 15 applications were received. The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. V. ANNUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (memo distributed) City Manager introduced consideration of the Community Development Block Grant objectives. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 6 e Mr. Miller said the City's Community Development Block Grant funds were reduced this year. He said the Community Development Committee (CDC) held public hearings and developed the program as outlined in the June 2, 1986, memo to the Mayor and City Council from the Development Department staff entitled, IIAnnual Community Development Block. Grant Statement of Objectives. II He said the percentage allocated to the Joint Social Services Fund was increased and some other adjustments were made. He said the staff assured the committee that the program will provide adequate funding. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to approve the FY86-87 Community Development Block Grant Final Statement of Objectives. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. VI. REPORT FROM COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REVIEWING CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (memo, background information distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced consideration of the report of the Council Subcommittee on City Boards and Commissions. Marge Beck gave the staff report. She said the subcommittee included the Mayor, the council president, and the council vice president. She said the recommended changes are in the June 11, 1986, memo entitled IIReview of City Boards and Commissionsll to City Councilors from the Council Subcommittee. She said the subcommittee also considered the council policy on reappointment to City boards and commissions and the council policy concerning foundations and non-profit corporations. e Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to adopt the report of the Council Subcommittee on City Boards and Commissions. Mr. Holmer said the report from the subcommittee deals constructively with several issues. He said the Historic Review Board (HRB) is an advocacy group and has a unique composition. He said the subcommittee recommended that the council consider its role in the historic review process and he assumed the composition of the HRB will be considered at that time. He said he supported the subcommittee's recommendation about reappointments to advisory groups. Mr. Holmer said the recommendation concerning foundations and non-profit corporations eliminates council involvement in the process and approval of the recommendation woul d resul tin counci 1 abdi cat i on of its responsibility for important policy actions. He said it is important that the council discuss its role in decision making at the next process session. Referring to a May 16, 1986, memo entitled, "Foundationsll from the City Manager to the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Holmer said trust funds exist for the Library and the Parks and Recreation Department and the council should ensure public review and accounting for them but the review is not included in the subcommittee's recommendations. He said the memo also e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 7 e indicates that foundations will distribute reports and financial statements to the council and he is not sure the council should receive such reports if the City completely separates itself from foundations. Mr. Holmer said support for foundations or non-profit corporations should be subject to the budget process. He said he will approve the committee report, but he said the council should consider the issue~ he raised at another time. City Attorney Keith Martin said he will meet with Mr. Holmer to discuss the issues. Mayor Obie said the subcommittee report was a preliminary discussion of the issues. Ms. Bascom said the Park Foundation has been legally formed. She discussed its activities. Answering a question from Mr. Hansen, Mr. Gleason said the City contracts for servi ces wi th many foundations and non-profi t corporations. For example, the City buys services from Buckley House. He said the City also receives trust funds which are included in the budget process. In addition, some foundations promote activities in which the City is interested. He discussed the dilemma such organizations cause. Ms. Beck added that the City has administrative guidelines for its relationship to foundations and non-profit corporations. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. ~ VII. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION OF MAY 20, 1986, ELECTION RESULTS Mayor Obie read the following proclamation: IIAt a special City election duly and regular held within the territorial limits and boundaries of the City of Eugene concurrently with the primary election conducted by the Lane County Election Department on May 20, 1986, the electors of the City of Eugene voted on the following Measure and City offices to be filled: Measure 51: IIAUTHORIZING DOWNTOWN FREE PARKING DISTRICT TAXII Election of Officers Council Ward 1: Emi ly Schue Jon M. Silvermoon Council Ward 4: Robert D. Bennett Robert Fredrickson Council Ward 5: Freeman Holmer e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 8 e e e Counc i1 Wa rd 6: Jeffrey R. Miller Eugene Water & Electric Boards 4 and 5: Dennis L. Solin Eugene Water & Electric Board At-Large Position John J. "Jack" Cra i g Richard F. Freeman Jon Hunter Randall E, Thwing The abstract shows the results of the City election as follows: TOTAL VOTE YES FOR MEASURE NO. 51, AUTHORIZING DOWNTOWN FREE PARKING DISTRICT TAX TOTAL VOTE NO AGAINST MEASURE NO. 51, AUTHORIZING DOWNTOWN FREE PARKING DISTRICT TAX Overvotes Undervotes 27 3,261 Counc i1 Wa rd Council Ward 1: Emily Schue Jon M. Silvermoon Overvotes Undervotes 1 489 Council Ward 4: Robert D. Bennett Robert Fredrickson Overvotes Undervotes Council Ward 5: Overvotes Undervotes 1 1,236 Freeman Holmer o 1,766 Council Ward 6 Overvotes Undervotes Jeffrey R. Miller o 1,366 EWEB Wards 4 and 5 Overvotes Undervotes Dennis L. Solin o 7 EWEB At-Large Position John J. "Jack" Craig MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 16,438 9,322 2,733 1,335 1,561 782 2,798 1,825 4,747 7,711 Page 9 e e e Richard F. Freeman Jon Hunter Randall E. Thwing Overvotes 44 Overvotes 6,626 I hereby proclaim and declare as follows: 2,644 1,552 10,471 That Measure No. 51, Authorizing Downtown Free Parking District Tax was passed. That Emily Schue received a majority of the votes cast for Councilor representing Ward 1; Robert D. Bennett received a majority of the votes cast for Councilor representing Ward 4; Freeman Holmer received a majority of the votes cast for Councilor representing Ward 5; and Jeffrey R. Miller received a majority of the votes cast for Councilor representing Ward 6, and their names are the only names which will appear on the ballot for those positions in the November general election. That Dennis L. Solin received a majority of the votes cast for a position on the Eugene Water & Electric Board representing Wards 4 and 5, and his name is the only name which will be on the ballot for that position in the November general election. That Randall E. Thwing and John J. "Jack" Craig received the two highest number of votes for a position on the Eugene Water & Electric Board representing the City at large, and their names are the only names which will be on the ballot for that position in the November general election. Mayor Obie adjourned the meeting to June 16, 1986, at 1:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ,-<': ~_ _ ,:J., ," .- " .,' -' I (.,~ .:.r:,.',--;..:; ,,::~' ..>~,)?;,<~;:>.. i::.....~'-'< "~' .~;.o- ..... ~ ...... '..:';'-',;, ~~~'~a~_ Mi ael Gleaso~ City Manager (Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick) BLR:mncc0611 MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 11, 1986 Page 10