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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/08/1987 Meeting e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council City Council Chamber April 8, 1987 Noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: Debra Ehrman, Freeman Holmer, Emily Schue, Cynthia Wooten, Ruth Bascom, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller, Rob Bennett. The adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. Mayor Obie said the councilors had just returned from a tour of the Mahlon Sweet Airport control tower that will be dedicated soon. I. ITEMS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND CITY MANAGER A. Labor Negotiations in School District 4J Mayor Obie said several councilors indicated they would like to comment about the labor dispute between the Eugene Education Association and the 4J School Board. He said the council is not involved in the negotiations but this is an opportunity for the councilors to express their opinions. Mr. Miller said the dispute involves reasonable people but reason does not seem to have prevailed. He said the system, the personalities, and the issues should be examined to find the glitch because the same troubles have surfaced previously. He hopes wise people on both sides will examine the system, the process, and the people involved and work to find ways to bring reasonable people together so that peace and prosperity will prevail. Ms. Wooten asked if the "people at the table" should change. Mr. Miller responded that it takes two sides to cause a dispute and everything and everyone involved should be examined to find the cause of the problem. Ms. Wooten said she was shocked and surprised at the sight of picketers at local schools. She said the strike is a travesty and a problem for the whole community. She said the City Council should urge both parties to negotiate until a reasonable agreement is found. She suggested the council consider sponsoring a public information forum to disseminate information about the issues and to generate support for additional negotiations. She said she would like to provide an opportunity for people to express the opinion to school board and union officials that the matter should be settled now. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 1 ' e Mr. Rutan said the strike and the closure of the schools means that both sides have failed in the negotiations. He said the negotiations have been going on for a long time and all the issues involved could be resolved today. He said the negotiations involve no unique or new issues. He said a willingness and commitment on both sides to solve the problems is needed and both bargaining teams should be reminded that the issues can be resolved. He said closed schools are not acceptable and the strike benefits no one. He said the bargaining teams should put the critical issues on the table and negotiate and settle them. Ms. Ehrman said this is the community's second strike within ten years and neither side seems to have learned from the last one, although negotiations have been going on for a year and a half. She said children and their families are the losers in the strike. She hopes it will be settled soon. Mr. Holmer said 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. television newscasts indicted that the most recent proposal from the EEA would cost the school district an additional $14 million. He said the negotiation process seems to have failed completely and he is not sure the responsibility rests on both sides. He said he agrees that a public information forum would be helpful. He said the State Factfinder's report which the school board has accepted contains good information and presents a reasonable offer. He suggested the EEA present as specific a proposal. He said it would helpful for the whole community if the two proposals were placed on an advisory ballot so citizens could assess them. He said citizens are similar to stockholders in a corporation and it seems the managers and employees cannot agree. He hopes the strike will be short and solved in an orderly way. He said the strike is dangerous for children and it will not be solved unless the process or people are changed. ~ Ms. Schue said she is frustrated by the situation because she knows people on both sides. She said she is not in a position to know who is right, who is wrong, or what the contracts should include but she knows the people of the commuoity are the losers in the situation and a quick settlement will benefit everyone. She said she will cooperate in finding a solution. Ms. Bascom said data indicate that school systems are very important in a community's search for economic growth and well-being. She said good school systems attract industry. Consequently, the council "has a stake" in the situation. Mr. Bennett said he encouraged Mayor Obi e to take appropri ate action to pressure both sides to find a solution. Mayor Obie said the strike is shocking. He said public officials should do everything possible to see that the strike is settled as soon as possible. He said both negotiators have failed their institutions and the community because the year they have had to solve the problems is adequate. He said the negotiators should step aside if they cannot find a solution in the next day or two. He said people tell him the strike should be settled, the settlement should retain the current tax base and curr~nt programs, and the community should have pride in the settlement. He said the strike has damaged the community and, if progress is not made in a short time, he will ask the public e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 2 to play an active role. He said the community cannot tolerate the present situation and he will move forward with that in mind. . Ms. Wooten she would like to be informed of actions the Mayor may take. She said she would like the City to consider sponsoring a public forum to provide the public with information and an opportunity to express opinions to both sides. She said she would like to participate in the development of a forum. Mayor Obie directed the City Manager to develop a way of communicating developments to the councilors. Ms. Wooten said the council should be informed and consulted about major City actions. Mr. Holmer said all the councilors should be informed. B. Bicycle Ride to Fern Ridge Reservior Ms. Bascom said the Bicycle Committee is sponsoring a ride to Fern Ridge Reservior on April 11,1987, to demonstrate the route. C. Tree-Planting Ceremony Ms. Bascom said School District 4J and City officials participated in a tree planting ceremony at Roosevelt Middle School at 24th Avenue and Hilyard Street. D. Landscaping on 7th Avenue Ms. Bascom said landscaping is completed on the section of 7th Avenue that was widened last year. e E. Landscaping on Highway 99 North Ms. Bascom said former Councilor Hansen gave large tubs to the Tree and Beautification Committee and said they must be used on privately owned land. She said the tubs will be used to landscape the property at 1601 Highway 99 North. The owner of the property will pay for putting plants in the tubs. F. National Council on Public Works Improvement Mr. Holmer discussed several trips he took during the council's recess because he is a member of the National Council on Public Works Improvement. He said the council is reviewing nine reports it has received and will sponsor a national conference in the fall. The council's final report to the United States President and Congress will be based on the reports, comments received on the reports, and the conference. In order to receive expert advice on the reports from the council, Mr. Holmer said he contacted Jean Reeder, General Manager of the Eugene Water and Electric Board; Christine Andersen, Eugene Public Works Director; and Phyllis Loobey, General Manager of Lane Transit District. He said these women are in important managerial positions in Eugene. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 3 G. Expansion of Mahlon Sweet Airport e Mr. Rutan said passage of the General Obligation Bond ballot measure on March 31 will enable the community to be proud of its new airport facility which will be outstanding. He said all the councilors and many others participated in the team effort to finance the expansion. Mr. Rutan said the council has a responsibility to maintain the commitments made to the communi ty duri ng the campaign. He said he hopes the City will ' achieve even more than promised. He thanked Joe Richards and Phyllis Loobey who headed the Citizens Political Action Committee. Later in the meeting, Mayor Obie said the passage of the airport bond measure is an example of the council's and staffls dedication to purpose and willingness to do difficult things. He said he appreciates the work and it results in benefits for the whole community. He said the community expressed its confidence in the council by approving the bonds. H. Ferry Street Bridge Mr. Rutan said the community should feel good about the Federal funding for initial design work for improvements to the Ferry Street Bridge obtained by the congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. He said Mr. Holmer suggested that plans begin now even though construction will not be begin for several yea rs. e I. Council Meeting on April 13, 1987 Ms. Wooten said she will not be able to attend the council meeting on April 13, 1987. J. Partnership of City Council and Community Mr. Miller said he appreciates the partnership, and the leadership that has led to it, that the council and the community have developed. He said the partnership will result in benefits for the community. He said the airport expansion and the widening of 6th and 7th avenues are examples of cooperation. K. Laurel Hill Valley Issues Mr. Bennett said he met recently with people in the Laurel Hill Valley to discuss land use and planning issues. He said he appreciates the cooperation he received from them, from Planning Director Susan Brody, and from Public Works Director Christine Andersen. II. REPORT FROM NORTHWEST CULTURAL INFORMATION ASSOCIATES Ms. Bascom introduced Jeremiah O'Brien, Publisher of Front Row, a regional arts magazine. Mr. O'Brien introduced John Alvord, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Northwest Cultural Information Associates. Mr. Alvord said the mission of Northwest Cultural Information Associates is to inform and e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 4 - educate the public about the performing, visual, and broadcast arts in Oregon. He said the association provides program notes to audiences and supports the arts in other ways. He said the association is a consortium of performing and visual arts organizations and a performing arts hall. Mr. O'Brien said Northwest Cultural Information Associates is a non-profit organization. He discussed several ways in which the organization supports the arts. He said Front Row has contributed $366,000 to the Hult Center. He said Front Row is a good marketing tool for the Eugene/Springfield area. It is prestigious and a good indication of the cultural vitality of the area. III. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER ON FUNDING OF EXTENSION SERVICE City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the item. Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow gave the staff report. He said representatives of the Lane County Extension Service testified before the council in a public hearing on March 9, 1987. The counci 1 instructed the staff to investigate ways of fundi ng the Extension Service. He recommended that the council ask the Lane County Board of Commissioners to consider use of a three-year serial levy or an increase in the Lane County tax base to fund the Extension Service. Mayor Obie said the issue before the council does not involve the viability of the Extension Service. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to ask Lane County to consider a serial levy or tax base increase to provide funding for the Lane Extension Service. e Ms. Wooten said she is not satisfied with the choices given the council because she wanted to explore ways to provide long-term financing for the Extension Service. She said she had some questions about the Extension Service budget. She said she will support the motion reluctantly. Roll call vote; the motion carried 7:1 with Councilors Erhman, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, Rutan, Miller, and Bennett voing aye and Councilor Holmer voting nay. IV. APPROVAL OF ADVANCE REFUNDING PLAN FOR CONFERENCE CENTER CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the item. Mike Albrich of the Finance Division gave the staff report. He said refinancing the Eugene Conference Center Certificates of Participation will save the City about $35,000 annually in debt service. The saving will be passed to the Urban Renewal Agency in rent reductions. CB 2953--An ordinance concerning the refinancing of the Eugene Conference Center; authorizing execution of documents; and declaring an emergency. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 5 e e e Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, 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. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Council Bill 2953 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19458). Mayor Obie recessed the meeting of the Eugene City Council and convened a meeting of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency. V. APPROVAL OF ADVANCE REFUNDING PLAN AND AMENDMENT TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT Res. No. 927--A resolution concerning the refinancing of the Eugene Conference Center and authorizing the execution of a second amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to adopt the resolution. Ms. Wooten asked Ed Smith, Director of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services to prepare a report indicating who is responsible for what services at the Hilton Hotel and the cost the City is incurring at the hotel. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Mayor Obi e adjourned the meeting of the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency and reconvened the meeting of the Eugene City Council. VI. NUCLEAR FREE ZONE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the item. Ms. Wooten, who is a member of the Nuclear Free Zone Task Force, reported that the task force is recommending that the council implement Sections 8 and 9 of the ordinance. Section 8 concerns notification of government officials and Section 9 concerns signs. She said the Task Force recommended approval of medium-sized signs stating "Nuclear Free Zonell to be posted between the "Wecome to Eugene" sign and the population plate at the 27 entrances to the city. A public ceremony would be held for the installation of the first sign. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 6 e Ms. Wooten said approval of the recommendation will be an indication of good faith on the part of the council and an affirmation of the Task Force's work to date. Mr. Bennett is also a member of the Nuclear Free Zone Task Force. He said task force members agreed on the implementation of Section 9 concerning signs. He said he was in the minority concerning the implementation of Section 8 concerning notification. He said he did not support sending government officials copies of an ordinance which the City Attorney's Office states has legal flaws and which may be altered. Mr. Bennett said the task force meets regularly. He said he represents the council on the task force and intends to address the written directions the council gave the task force. He said he does not listen when someone says, lilt has been voted on and should not be the subject of discussion." He said his perception of his role is important and, if the council wants to give him other instructions, it should do so now. Mayor Obie said Mr. Bennett's perception of his and Ms. Wooten's roles on the task force is correct. They should carry out the council's direction. Mayor Obie asked the staff to schedule consideration of components of nuclear weapons and delivery systems on the task force's agenda soon because many people are concerned about that part of the Nuclear Free Zone Ordinance. He sa i d many people do not know the ul t imate use of components that are manufactured here. e Answering questions from Mr. Holmer, Glen Potter of the Intergovernmental Relations Division said five nations were identified as possessing nuclear weapons by Nuclear Free America, an organization that advocates a nuclear free world. He said four State representatives and two State senators will be notified of the ordinance. Mr. Holmer said the notification involves communication with foreign governments. He urged the staff to verify the information from Nuclear Free America with an agency of the United States government. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to approve the task force's recommendations. Mr. Rutan said the council asked the task force to clarify certain issues in the Nuclear Free Zone Ordinance. He said implementation of the notification procedures in the ordinance is premature because major substantive, legal, and enforcement issues in the ordinance have not been addressed. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, that the Nuclear Free Zone Task Force recommendation concerning the implementation of Section 8 (notification) of the Nuclear Free Zone Ordinance be deleted from the motion. Ms. Wooten said the task force and the council should move ahead with implementing the existing ordinance which is the law. She said the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 7 recommendations of the task force should be taken seriously and honored by the council. e Mr. Holmer urged the other councilors to defeat the amendment to the motion. He said the ordinance is the law and the notification procedures are clear. He urged Mr. Bennett to continue to work to improve the ordinance. Ms. Ehrman agreed with Mr. Holmer. She suggested the council send a letter with the ordinance indicating that the ordinance may be changed. Ms. Wooten said the task force discussed Ms. Ehrman's suggestion and did not recommend it. Answering a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Potter said the task force vote on the recommendation concerning notification was 7:4. Mr. Bennett said the existing ordinance causes a dilemma and his interpretation of the council's direction is that the existence of the ordinance is not a reason for implementing certain provisions. He said he understands that the council's direction to the task force is to address the specific issues in the written charge. He said those issues involve more than technical legal issues. He said he would like the council charge to the task force reaffirmed or changed. Ms. Wooten said she hoped to discuss the matter in a week or two, and Mr. Bennett responded that he is willing to discuss it later. e Ms. Schue moved, and Mr. Rutan seconded, to table the motion. Roll call vote; the motion failed 3:5 with Councilors Schue, Rutan, and Bennett voting aye and Councilors Ehrman, Holmer, Wooten, Miller, and Bascom voting nay. Roll call vote on the amendment; the motion failed 2:6 with Councilors Rutan and Bennett voting aye and Councilors Ehrman, Holmer, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, and Miller voting nay. Roll call vote on the motion; the motion carried 6:2 with Councilors Ehrman, Holmer, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, and Miller voting aye and Councilors Rutan and Bennett voting nay. Mayor Obie directed that a discussion of the issue raised by Mr. Bennett be scheduled for a Wednesday council meeting when both Ms. Wooten and Mr. Bennett will be present. VII. WORK SESSION: PROPOSED REVISIONS TO CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION ORDINANCE (CA 85-4) Mr. Bennett left the dais because he had indicated previously that he would not vote on revisions to the Condominium Conversion Ordinance. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 8 e e e City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the item. Robin Johnson, a consultant with the Planning Department, gave the staff report. She distributed two pages titled "Issues to be Resolved for Proposed Condominium Conversion Revisions and Possible Wording for Motion" and "Proposed Eligibility and Benefits for Special Category Tenants.1I Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that the council accept the definition of "disabled" recommended by the Planning Commission. Mr. Holmer said revisions to the Condominium Conversion Ordinance are not an appropriate way to address the problems of displaced tenants because it does not address the equal needs of people who live in mobile homes. Therefore, he will oppose all the proposals. He said he favors retaining the existing ordinance until the problems of all people who are removed from their homes involuntarily are considered. Roll call vote; the motion carried 6:1 with Councilors Ehrman, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, Rutan, and Miller voting aye and Councilor Holmer voting nay. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that a person must be 62 or older to qualify as an "elderly" special category tenant. Mayor Obie said the Planning Commission recommended that the age be 70 or older. Ms. Schue said she opposes the motion. She is 61 years old and her husband is 63. She said they would not require public assistance in making choices if they had to move from rented housing. She said she and her husband are typical of many people who are able to handle such a situation. She said people who would. need assistance in making decisions would be classified as disabled by the provisions in the ordinance. She said she supports the Planning Commission recommendation. Ms. Bascom said she also supports the Planning Commission recommendation. Roll call vote; the motion failed 2:5 with Councilors Ehrman and Wooten voting aye and Councilors Schue, Bascom, Rutan, Miller, and Holmer voting nay. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that a person must be 70 or older to qualify as an "elderly" special category tenant. Ms. Wooten said 70 is too old. She said she would like to consider 65. Roll vote vote; the motion carried 5:2 with Councilors Schue, Bascom, Rutan, Miller, and Bennett voting aye and Councilors Ehrman and Holmer voting nay. MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 9 e Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that an elderly person must have an income 80 percent or below the median income in the area to qualify as a special category tenant. Roll call vote; the motion carried 6:1 with Councilors Ehrman, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, Rutan, and Miller voting aye and Councilor Holmer voting nay. Answering questions from Ms. Bascom and Mayor Obie, Ms. Johnson said the existing ordinance indicates that people with incomes of 80 percent or less of the median income may be classified as special category tenants. The Planning Commission recommended that the income be lowered to 50 percent or less of the median income. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that a person who is not elderly or disabled as defined by the Condominium Conversion Ordinance must have an income that is 80 percent or less of the median income to qualify as a special category tenant. Responding to questions from Ms. Bascom, Ms. Brody said the Planning Commission recommendation decreases the number of people who would qualify as special category tenants. Ms. Johnson added that the Planning Commission indicated that lowering the income level at which people would qualify as special category tenants would provide help to people who need it most. The motion carried 4:3 with Councilors Ehrman, Wooten, Schue, and Miller voting aye and Councilors Bascom, Rutan, and Holmer voting nay. e Mayor Obie said the staff will prepare an ordinance responding to the council direction. Consequently, councilors will have another opportunity to consider the issues when they consider the ordinance. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that a person who does not qualify as elderly or disabled and who has an income 80 percent or less of the median income must have a minor dependent living in the home to qualify for benefits as a special category tenant. Ms. Schue said approval of the motion will mean that students with low incomes who are not disabled will not be classified as special category tenants and parents with minor children may be classified as special category tenants. Answering a question from Mayor Obie, Ms. Johnson said the existing ordinance permits students with low incomes to qualify as special category tenants. Mayor Obie added that approval of the motion will mean that people with incomes 80 percent or less of the median who are not disabled or elderly as defined by the ordinance will not qualify as special category tenants unless they have minor children living with them. Responding to questions from Ms. Wooten, Ms. Brody, Mr. Gleason, and City Attorney Tim Sercombe briefly discussed the motion. -- MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 10 e e e Roll call vote; the motion failed 3:4 with Councilors Schue, Bascom, and Miller voting aye and Councilors Wooten, Ehrman, Rutan, and Holmer voting nay. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that reimbursement for moving expenses be for actual expenses up to a maximum amount indicated in the administrative rules. Ms. Ehrman said the council indicated it would like people to be reimbursed for actual expenses. Ms. Wooten said she supports payment of actual expenses but some people may not have cash to pay for a move. Ms. Ehrman suggested the word "rei mbursement" be de 1 eted. Mayor Obie said the staff can reword the regulation in the ordinance. Roll call vote; the motion carried 5:2 with Councilors Ehrman, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, and Miller voting aye and Councilors Rutan and Holmer voting nay. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that the sections of the ordinance that contain wording concerning rent control be changed to include wording prepared by the City Attorney's Office that would prohibit discriminatory practices against special category tenants. . Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Sercombe said the changes will make the ordinance conform to State law. Roll call vote; the motion carried 6:1 with Councilors Ehrman, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, Rutan, and Miller voting aye and Councilor Holmer voting nay. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that Section 2.1082 be changed to the wording in the current draft OT the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney's Office to prevent retaliation evictions because of special category status. Roll call vote; the motion carried 6:1 with Councilors Ehrman, Schue, Wooten, Bascom, Miller, and Rutan voting aye and Councilors Holmer voting nay. Mayor Obie directed staff to elaborate on the income qualifications when the council considers the ordinance. VIII. BUSINESS CONTACT PROGRAM REPORT (Due to a lack of time, this item was held over.) MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 11 e e e " IX. STATE ROAD FINANCE STUDY LEGISLATION (HB 2112) STATUS REPORT City Manager Micheal Gleason added the item to the agenda. Terry Smith of the Public Works Department gave the staff report. He distributed his April 8, 1987, memo concerning the State Road Finance Study Legislation (HB 2112) Status Report to the councilors. He reviewed changes in HB 2112 proposed by Governor Goldschmidt. He said the changes would decrease the allocation cities would receive from proposed increases in the gas/weight mile tax and vehicle registrations. The proposed changes would provide the governor with increased funds to improve highway corridors that may include Highways 101, 97, 27, and 26, the Coos Bay to I-5 highway, and the Portland to Astoria highway. Mr. Smith said the difference in Governor Goldschmidt's proposal and the original bill is an annual decrease of about $500,000 in the revenues Eugene would receive. He recommended that the council recommend continued negotiations with Governor Goldschmidt. Ms. Schue is a member of the League of Oregon Cities Executive Committee. She said the committee will meet tomorrow to instruct its lobbyist about the changes proposed by Governor Goldschmidt. She said the council reviewed a study titled "Making the Right Turn" that indicates cities should receive 20 percent of increased gas/weight mile taxes and vehicle registrations and the council decided to support that allocation. She said she needs to know if other councilors want the League of Oregon Cities lobbyist to continue to support the 20 percent allocation or to support Governor Goldschmidt's proposal. Mayor Obie said he favors retaining at this time the City I s position supporting the 20-percent allocation for cities. The councilors indicated they agree with the Mayor's position. Mayor Obie adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m. (Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick) mncc0408 MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 8, 1987 Page 12