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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/04/1988 Meeting . /" e COUNCIL M I NUT E S M I NUT E S Eugene City Council State of the City Address January - JunePlaywrights Hall--Eugene Community Conference Center January 4, 1988 Noon 1988 COUNCILORS PRESENT: Debra Ehrman, Freeman Holmer, Ruth Bascom, Robert Bennett, Jeff Miller, Roger Rutan, Emily Schue, Cynthia Wooten. -' Council Presi dent Debra Ehrman we 1 comed council ors and guests. Ms. Ehrman thanked Jane Allen and the Willamette High School Jazz Band for providing today's music. She reviewed the agenda. The adjourned meeting of December 9, 1987, was called to order at 12:35 p.m. by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. Mayor Obie thanked those in attendance for a good turnout. I_ INTRODUCTION OF COUNCIL Mayor Obi e introduced Council President Debra Ehrman and revi ewed her appointments and accomplishments of the past year. Ms. Ehrman introduced the other councilors and reviewed their accomplishments and appointments. II. RECOGNITION OF BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS Ms. Ehrman noted that many of those presentnad helped'WH'h the City Co'..:~:~lls work. She asked that members of City boards,. commissions, and neighborhood organizations stand. Ms. Ehrman recognized the commitment of City volunteers and expressed appreciation for the lIamazing amount of time they put in.1I III. VIDEOTAPE PRESENTATION A videotape of Eugene, produced for financial bond rating purposes, was presented. IV. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS A publication titled IIReport on the State of the City of Eugene for January 198811 was available at tables. Mayor Obie presented the State of the City address: MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 198[~ Page 1 . .. -. "Thi s is the fourth time in three years that I I ve had the opportuni ty to stand before you and assess the past and the present, as well as establish milestones for the future. "Before we look ahead--let's take time to celebrate the good things and the successes that have come our way. "Each of you--each citizen--that believed in this community during its darkest hour--own a piece of the victory that we1re celebrating today. "1987 was indeed a win for this community. The signs are now clear--you've seen them--Eugene has established a firm footing on our climb to economic stability. Once again, Eugene is moving in a positive direction. "0ur population is at an all-time high. The construction industry is rebounding dramatically. We will see two over-$100 million years of construction back-to-back--both of them are records. Major businesses are expandi ng, and 1 ast year was the bi ggest year we have ever had in the convention and meeting business, with over 90,000 delegates. "Certainly, an improving national economy played a role in this recovery. "But it could not have happened without the partnership, the pride, and the perseverance of the citizens, the people, of this community. "Yes, 1987 was a win for each of you. We came from a desperate time to one of optimism and one of performance. "We are indeed coming of age as a regional center for business, for education, for transportation, and health services. "Last year alone: -we broke ground on a major expansion at the airport. -we rebuilt 6th and 7th Avenues. -we began to restore Hayward Field to a world-class status. -a master site plan was developed for the Riverfront Research Park. -downtown came to life, with improvements on Broadway. -and City beautification projects began to take effect. "Each of these projects and accomplishments have required close partnership with the State of Oregon, with our Congressional delegation in Washington, DC, and our State legislators. All have worked hard for this community. liThe University of Oregon, Lane County, Springfield have each played important roles. "And the people of this community, obviously, have played the most important role. "We joined together in an agenda that was common for our region--an agenda that included transportation projects, economic development, and legislative priorities. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 2 . "1987 was a win, but it was also a year of hard work and cooperation. Welve moved forward because we came together in pursuit of a goal--that goal being a thriving and beautiful community--a community, if you will, with spirit. "Now we always hear about the major things, the airport project, the EWEB project, the office buildings, the new industries. But I perhaps move about this community more than any other individual, and I want to tell you that the spirit runs deep. I had two experiences this past year, among many, that hit me very closely. "On about the 10th of December, I cut the ribbon at a new St. Vincent De Paull s store at four corners on (Hwy) 99 north. That store one year before, to the day, had burned down. And with it burned the Christmas packages and meals for well over 250 families. Between the 10th of December and Christmas, those meals were replaced--those baskets were replaced--by members of this community. "It is obvious that this is a community that feels good about itself and wants to lend a helping hand. e "Another very cute but meaningful story lid like to relate to you: "Just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to cut the ri bbon at Hi rons. Hirons Drug, as you know, burned down last year, and for a while there was a question whether a 50-year-old institution was going to be able to rebuild. Well, a few days after it burned down, John Hirons received a letter in the mail--actually two of them--from two, 11-year-old girls. And these people had noticed with regret that Hirons had burned and decided to create their own store, sell pictures they had drawn, raised money, and sent that money to John Hirons in hopes it would help him build his store. "Now, I wish you were there with me as those two young ladies cut the ribbon before your Mayor. It was a moving and dramatic moment and one that makes you really appreciate what spirit and generosity is all about. liAs we head into 1988, letls let those examples of cooperation and spirit guide us. We must maintain the cooperation, we must maintain the commitment, and we must particularly maintain the drive that has fueled the success that we have. "1988 will indeed be a pivotal, transition year for this community. It will bring some of our greatest challenges to date. Now, youlve seen accomplishments in the video earlier, and you know what's gone into our community. But we have major milestones ahead of us--they are within our reach. We have come too far to compromise our goals. "Last year, the airport was at the top of our list. We asked for your support, we got it, and together we succeeeded. The challenge, the first challenge for 1988, as I see it, is to move the Riverfront Research Park into the implementation stage. I will put that at the top of my agenda, and certainly, ask the community to put it at the top of its. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 3 . . . "More than any other project, the Riverfront Research Park represents the hope for the future--a future based on the industry of knowledge and research. A tomorrow that is built upon three great assets of today: the University of Oregon, a workforce that is among the most educated in the country, and a superb quality of life. "In 1987, the vision of the Riverfront Park began to take shape. Working with the communi ty, the Ri verfront Park Commi ss i on and our pri vate partners developed a master site plan that has been presented to you. "Eugene is well-known for its active public process. And this project has been no exception. The Riverfront project emerged from a series of community forums and intense scrutiny, and I am confident it emerged a better project. I'd like to thank each of you that were involved in that process. You own a part of that development. "I'd like to share with you a meeting that I participated in just a few weeks ago, a meeting that was set up by the chair of the Lane County Commission, Bill Rogers, a meeting that John Ball and I attended along with Bill in Salem. It was with the State Transportation Department and the State Department of Economic Development. We went there to put to rest the rumors and to ask the direct question, whether they were ready to proceed on their commitment. Basically they asked us, 'What are you waiting for?' They are committed and will spend millions--millions of dollars--on that project. They will begin those expenditures in (FY)1988--just months away. "And when we talk about that meeting--and it was a particularly, I think, fundamental meeting that had to take place. It was kind of a checking: are we headed the right direction? It was really a checking on the Governor's commitment of a year ago, if you'll recall, when he was here and declared that that was an ideal strategy. "And when we talk about that, I want to tell you one other good thing that happened. Without a request from us, Senator Larry Hill drove from Eugene-- had heard about the meeting, drove from Eugene, and walked in and sat down-- and was very supportive of that project and the legislative history that has gone on. "I mention that because Larry made that commitment--hedidn't have to be there--I mention it because the rest of our delegation has been equally as committed to this community and this metropolitan area. And I appreciate it very much. I don't think Larry's in the audience today--if he is, certainly I thank him, and he has already received a letter from me acknowledging and expressing our appreciation for that type of support. "And lid like you to join with me to recognize a group of people that have been gi ven a task of formul at i ng a Regi ona 1 Economi c Strategy--one that is difficult because it is almost a political impossibility to make friends out of everybody--but people that have taken it serious and that's our Lane County Commissioners. Unfortunately Bill Rogers is not here, but we have four of them. I wonder if you would stand up, Ellie and Steve, Jerry and John. I want to recognize you and thank you. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 4 . "In the past few weeks, these people have taken the points, and they've taken the flack, and 11m sure will move that project forward certainly with the message that we had in Salem. lid like to thank them for their support there, at the airport, and at all the other projects we work on throughout the year. And certainly, commend Bill Rogers, who is not here. He is chair of that particular commission and has done an outstanding job in providing, certainly leadership that we all need. "S0 we've been to the State, welve been to the County, and now it's up to us. "0ur challenge in 1988 is to break ground on the Riverfront Research Park. Break ground so that we can begin laying the park's foundation and future: the streets and the utilities. "But I have to tell you, there are dangers ahead. We have more work to do. As of this moment, I regret to say that there are five initiative petitions that have been filed in an attempt to stop the Riverfront Research Park and the downtown renewal projects. Those that wi sh to stop these proj ects--or entangle them endlessly--will soon be collecting signatures so that those petitions can go on the ballot. "I also regret to say that these same people have tried hard to frustrate our progress--fortunately they have failed--now they do ply their will and play their games with the future of this community--our future, yours and mine. The would serve their special interest over the community's interest. - "I believe it is time for us to stop. I believe it is time that our patience must end, we can no longer tolerate this group sabotaging the second century of this community. "If you are asked to sign a petition, I ask you to say "No," say "Hell, no!" "If we are to be a city that not only survives, but thrives, we must be definite in purpose. "I challenge all of you--the university, the City Council, the staff, the Riverfront Park Commission, and the community--to make it happen in 1988! "Welve got a particularly difficult time ahead of us in making it happen. Not only because of the d;stractors that I mentioned, but through the unfortunate experiences of both chancellor Bud Davis and President Paul Olum, two tremendous supporters of this community and of the Riverfront Research Park. And certainly they'll be there to carry the load for a while, and there's no doubt in my mi nd that they will gi ve every bi t of energy that is necessary to carry that load. They are both committed to this project, as are many others, but as they move on, it will be up to us to share and carry the burden to even a greater extent while those transitions take place. We must not let a vacuum be created. We must not let anything fall between the cracks. Now is a critical time. "We have in our audience a gentleman that is chair of the Riverfront Research Park Commission, a man that is going to help us and see to it that we break e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 5 ground on that project in '88--Gus Keller. Gus, would you stand up? Thank you for your work. e IIAnother interesting thing that came out of that meeting in Salem was the Transportation Department's commitment to build a pedestrian and bike bridge across Franklin Boulevard, joining the university and the park. I think that bridge will be a bridge to the future, but certainly it will be a bridge that will connect both intellect and entrepreneurs. And it will in itself be emblematic of what we're trying to create. I wanted to share that with you because the council, as it met with the commission a few weeks ago, was very concerned that that be a part of the project. liThe second cha 11 enge that I offer you for 1988 is one of growi ng pri de. And certainly, as we've seen this video and as we've seen our community bring itself up, our pride has continued to grow. 1I0ur community beautification efforts began to show in 1987 along 6th and 7th and Franklin Boulevard as the year progressed--a reflection of both our pride and our resourcefulness. Under the direction of Councilor Ruth Bascom and the Tree and Beautification Commission, a public/private partnership is emerging. Businesses, school kids, and service clubs are beginning to step forward. IIWe are counting on all of you--the citizens of this community--to join in this effort. While the City can provide leadership through our City Pride efforts and program, community involvement will determine the success. - III'd like to thank Councilor Bascom for her leadership and dedication. I know we can count on her to continue, as she always has. lid also like, at this time, to recognize another important player in that area, a leader in the City Pride program, Ron Schmaedick. IIRon is the chair of the Tree and Beautification Commission's private sector beautification subcommittee. "For the past two years, Ron has spearheaded the effort to involve local businesses in our community in this effort--both by enhancing their own properties with flower boxes and plantings, and by contributing to our annual community clean-up. The flowers I hope you saw last summer along 6th and 7th and Franklin Boulevard this past year were due to his committee's efforts. "Ron has recruited the Eugene Rotary Clubs to undertake a $5,000 scenic garden route and has involved the Eugene Education Association in that effort. "Ron, would you come forward and accept his plaque as an emblem of our appreciation. Ron is a great example in this community of what perseverance is all about and certainly is a great example of one of our best resources. Ron, than k you very much. III believe in 1988 we have an opportunity to talk about and to show what pride is all about. Not only for our own enjoyment, but in preparation for the World Veteran Games that will be held here in 1989. That is just 18 months away. Ten thousand people from allover the world will come to Eugene, and itls important that we're ready for them. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1989 Page 6 e liTo give you an example of the size of that group, it is estimated that they will require 4,500 rental cars to get around this community. That is more parking spaces than we have at the airport, so I donlt know where they are going to be, but they'll be somewhere between here and there. II I'd 1 i ke to cha 11 enge you in 1988, Ron, and Ruth, and others, those of you in the audience and in this community, to create an IAvenue of Pride' through our city. "Ild like to challenge you to line our major east-west thoroughfare with plantings and summer flower displays, beginning along Franklin Boulevard and continuing out 6th and 7th to Garfield. "I ask the City Council to fund a demonstration entryway beautification project at each end of this avenue. And I ask each of the businesses or property owners along 6th and 7th and Franklin to join in. "Let's demonstrate what a city of beautiful boulevards can be! "Let our Avenue of Pride be a starting point and the first of many to come. e "I feel that this avenue is extremely important as it relates to not only our pride, but how the outside world feels about us. "Eugene's lifestyle has probably encouraged its greatest reputation. Quality of living is right along with it. We can enhance that image, we can enhance our own lives by preparing for others to visit. liThe World Veteran Games, which I told you of a moment ago, will give us a wonderful taste of what it is to be an international host community. II Last year, conventions alone brought $30 mill ion into our 1 oca 1 economy. Being a host community, and playing that role well, is an exciting part of our economi c stabil i ty. Amateur ath 1 et i cs, whi ch long has been our favori te pastime, is also a prime opportunity. Eugene has the potential to become an international center for amateur athletic events. "In 1987, we invested in that future by joining in the restoration of Hayward Field. When completed, we will have a world-class track facility. The World Veteran Games can be just the beginning of the international and national events which can be held here. "Like our other projects, Hayward Field is a partnership effort. That partnership was formed under the leadership of State Representative David Dix. It involves the University, the State, Lane County, Springfield, and Eugene, as well as a number of private contributors. It is a prime example of what can be accomplished when people work together. "Dave, will you please come forward? You probably saw David's picture in the paper a few days ago. That space is usually reserved for me, David, but I don't look forward to it anyway. I want to tell you, David, as it said in that article, is not a guy--he's kind of like the Mayor--he doesn't get around the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 198B Page 7 e track very often, but he understands what athletics means to this community. And I'd like him to accept this plaque in recognition of his leadership, as well as in recognition of the leadership of our entire delegation. David, thank you. IICouncilor Roger Rutan played no small role--Roger, thank you very much--in that project coming to where it is today. And certainly there is work to be done yet, and we expect that Roger and David and others will continue, along with many people in the community, to get that done. IIIld also like to at this time recognize the Oregon Track Club Masters Division for bringing the World Veteran Games to Eugene. It's an event that we look forward to. Oregon Track Club Masters Division Chair Barbara Kousky and Tom Jordan have already logged nearly two years and thousands of miles on this project. Barbara and Tom, will you stand please? Thank you very much. IIAlong with them, taking that long trip to Australia to get the job done was Linda Weston of the Visitors and Convention Bureau. Linda, would you stand? Thank you. IIDuri ng the next 18 months, the Oregon Track Cl ub wi 11 be calli ng on all of us. They will need our help. For 10 full days in the summer of 189, Eugene will be the host to 10,000 visitors from 50 countries. It will be a festival of fun and excitement. IIAnd it will be a time--an opportunity, if you wi ll--to show off one of the greatest communities in the land. e "There are still other efforts that need our partnership and require commitment. Decisions about downtown are yet to be made. liThe renewed vitality in our central city was one of the most welcome signs of 1987. Empty storefronts disappeared. New shops are opening; offices are filling, and with a little luck, as you heard a few months ago, we may have the opportunity to see a landmark building started downtown. liThe question so often raised, IDoes anybody care about downtown?' was resoundingly answered when 500 people showed up for the public hearing about Willamette Street. It is obvious that people care deeply about Eugene's downtown. We may di ffer over the strategy, but our goal is the same--an attractive, thriving business center, a marketplace, a cultural community, if you will. "Our challenge for 1988 will be to come together around downtown. The easy course is to divide--but a fractured community cannot thrive. I encourage each of you to let the council know your feelings and why you feel that way. But I remind you that, ultimately, we must all pull together to reach our mutual goal. Division will create mediocrity--and others will win the battle. IIAnother cruci a 1 issue the Ci ty Council will work on in 1988 is a plan for financing City services for the next six years. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 8 e "We are NOT in a fi nanci a 1 cr1 Sl s. But we DO need to manage our resources carefully, as well as manage the services and programs that the city has traditionally provided. We must determine what adjustments need to be made for the years ahead. "Federal and State funding is shrinking, most local revenues are holding even. At the same time, our growing population puts an increased demand on basic City services. There are new needs. An example might be a library. It is obvious that the community has desires in this direction, and we have a request that will be coming before the council to determine a way to fund that. The council has taken this challenge, and as one of its goals has said that by the end of 1988, weill have a recommendation in that regard. There is no question in my mind, for the 20 years that live been involved in City government based on no ideas in the room that I hear, that Eugene indeed will have a new library. II I 1 aud the council for its determi nat ion in deal i ng with these fi nanci a 1 issues. They are difficult decisions. This is the first City Council that 11m aware of that has taken on the challenge. I want to tell you it is toughlove at its best. "If we are to live within our means, the council will need your support. We must all put aside our special interests, and act in the community's interests. e "We will continue the Celebration and the Eugene Sports Program. How those items are funded will change, but our support for them will not. They are important, integral parts of this community, and we must determine ways to do them. In asking for your support, I ask those people that are affected by these adjustments and cuts to first look to themselves for answers before they look to the City. We need your help, and the only way we can move ahead with financial stability is with your help and with your support. "And whi 1 e money is tight, there are many issues that we must face up to in our community. As we work to build the physical base in this town--the airport, the research park, beautiful entryways, good streets--we must confront the social problems as well: liThe massive drug problems that threaten our youth and lead to further crime and fear must be dealt with. "Another experience I had in 188 was a letter I received, again just a few weeks ago, from a 14-year-old girl. And she wanted to address the Mayor about her di sappoi ntment of the shops downtown and on West 7th who sell drug paraphernalia. And she asked that we do something. Now that situation has existed for a long time, and we have not yet faced up to the issues but our concerns about the constitutionality have been in there. It is not clear that we have an option to do this. Well, in answering that 14-year-old girl, I will ask the City Council within the next month to direct the City Attorney's Office to prepare an ordinance that will eliminate or diminish the ability to sell drug paraphernalia in Eugene. We will need your support on that one. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 9 - e -- "Another issue, we think probably a message, and that is the plight of the homeless. "We see the national politicians talk about it and we wonder if it might be rhetoric. live got to tell you from the experiences that live had with City Councilors, it is not rhetoric in Eugene. It is indeed a problem, and itls a problem that will grow as housing tightens, when there are fewer rental units available and fewer units for people that we must deal with that. "We must deal with child care as an opportunity. We must deal with housing. We must deal with personal safety. All of them have to be dealt with in a very tight budget and with a very creative City Council. Weill need your support to do this. "All of them are part of the fabric of this community and part of our collective responsibility. "We must bring our collective power to your economics to bear on the social problems as we know them. If we are truly to be an outstanding community--we must be outstanding in all ways. "Before I close, lid like to recognize a couple more Eugeneans who embody what making a contribution is all about. .They stepped forward and accepted the responsibility, and they accepted the challenge, to build and shape this community. Both of them guided and prodded one of our most important assets-- and that is the Eugene airport. "I'd like Bruce Chase and Orlando Hollis to come forward if you will. "Bruce is retiring from the Airport Commission this year. He has served on that commission, believe it or not, for 19 years--the longest of anyone in history, perhaps the longest of anyone on any particular commission. The current terminal was three years old when he went on the commission. "-He helped establish rules and regulations for our airport that have become models for other regional airports around the country. "-He guided the growth--and we see it today--allowing for the jet air service to begin in 1970. "-He has gUided the improvements of the facility itself. "-He assisted in recruiting other airlines. 1111 never forget the day that he and I and former Governor Atiyeh got off the plane in San Diego to recruit PSA and how pleased we were at Bruce as he presented roses from Chase Gardens bringing from himself as he always will to contribute to this community. liThe other individual obviously has played a key role in the airport in this community for a long time. He served on the Chamber Aviation Committee for 18 chairs--he was chair for the last seven. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1989 Page 10 e "He led the 1977 bond issue election campaign for airport improvements. He chaired the chamber task force that researched funding alternatives for the termi na 1 expan s ion proj ect. That task force recommended the genera 1 obligation bond, which was ultimately the council's choice and the community's as well. Certainly he was a leader in that campaign to get it passed. "Well, gentlemen, we're proud of both of you. As citizens of this community, I want to than k you on beha If of your work. "Can you imagine? Bruce says--after 19 years--he says, 'Thanks, Brian. It's been fun. I "There are many people that I would like to recognize that unfortunately, time does not allow and certainly, I could slip up and miss the opportunity to recognize some. Some of the outstanding events I think that happened this past year. I talked to you about Debra's leading the delegation to our sister city in Japan. I hope others of you will have an opportunity to participate in that program. We hope that three different groups from our sister city in Japan--one educational, one agricultural, and one general--it is becoming a very warm and close relationship and one that a committee did an excellent job in building. liThe Soviet Sister City efforts will bring, I think, tremendous exchanges for this community, will be a real opportunity for each of us to make a difference in the world we live. -- "If you become involved in those efforts, you'll understand soon the people- to-people aspect in what it means to make a contribution and hopefully draw some people closer together. IIIld like to thank, certainly, the boards and commissions--the people that stood. When you think about the hours that people spend--the Airport Commission, the Planning Commission, Downtown Commission, Riverfront Commission, Budget Committee, Human Rights Commissions--that has got to be a labor of love--they're not there for the free lunch, I guarantee you. "I sat on the Planning Commission. It takes hours, the commitment is unbelievable, and nobody knows, the satisfaction is inner. It is--the rewards you get are your own--it's how you feel about the community that you live in. IICertainly our staff. This council, this mayor could not operate without the people that have got to be well above-average for their peers across the country--Mike Gleason, the city manager--David Whitlow, who does an excellent job. A guy you don't hear a lot about, but operates the budget process and budgetting--the department heads. It's unbelievable, you know, people, think--sometimes think. I think that it's disappearing--that government jobs come with 40 hours and not a lot of stress and lots of benefits. 11m here to tell you that's not true. You ought to show up at City Hall on Monday morning sometime and find out what the stress is all about and really understand what people are getting involved in, and you'd be proud of what people work for you--you'd be very proud. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 198a Page 11 liSa, what live told you, and I think the video before me, is really the State of the City for 1987 and the State of the City as we look to 1988. _ "0ur pri de is indeed showi ng! "0ur perseverance is payi ng off! "0ur partnership is creating a new energy, a new future, and a new reputation for this community! "We stand at an exciting, but precarious time. We are laying a strong foundation for a proud and vital future. But our work has far to go. It has many obstacles and will require a deep commitment for us to succeed. "0ur goal ;s simple: a healthy, vigorous community, stable employment for ourselves, a future for our children, and a rich environment in which to raise our kids--easily said, difficult to obtain. "We must continue in partnership--you and I, the City Council--for the road is long and rugged. And we only need to remember and recall the hard recession of a few years ago to know that our goal is worth the effort. III ask you today to renew your commitment to Eugene, to unite, to persevere toward the goals for '88 and beyond--to do what has to be done. And also, to take pride in what you've already done! Thank you." V. ADJOURN - Ms. Ehrman thanked Mayor Obie, adding that, liAs the Mayor indicated, 1987 was a good year, and we expect 1988 to be even better.1I She adjourned the meeting at 1:36 p.m. Respe~l~ 7~ __ Micheal D. Gle son City Manager (Recorded by Leslie Scales) mncc0104 - MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 4, 1988 Page 12