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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/1988 Meeting e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session Treehouse Restaurant, 1769 Franklin Boulevard September 19, 1988 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten, Ruth Bascom, Robert Bennett, Freeman Holmer, Jeff Miller, Emily Schue. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Debra Ehrman, Roger Rutan. The adjourned meeting of September 14, 1988, of the City Council of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. 1. REPORT ON COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS A. Lane County Local Government Boundary Commission- Budget Representative e Ms. Bascom reported she had missed the second meeting of the Boundary Commission Budget Committee. The appointments of Jean Tate and Renee Haake to the Boundary Commission were announced by Mayor Obie. B. Council Committee on Future Library Financing Ms. Bascom said the Council Committee on Future Library Financing was beginning its work. Mayor Obie added that the committee hopes to bring a recommendation back to the council that will allow a decision to be reached this year. C. Joint Parks Committee Ms. Bascom told the council she had met with Otto Poticha, Sheila Schwartz, and Ted Baker on the site of the Maurie Jacobs memorial following last week's council meeting. A plan will be presented to the council at its October 19 meeting. Mayor Obie added that $250,000 is being requested from the State for the memorial. He anticipated inclusion of the request in the Governor1s budget. Referring to the long-range plan for parks, Ms. Bascom said she had found the public hearings interesting. They identified specific concerns, such as the fact that Westmoreland Community Center is not easily accessible from the street. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 1 Quarterly Process Session e Ms. Schue added to Ms. Bascom's comments by saying the parks planning effort had been a summer project whose results would be brought to the council as a revised Park Plan. She reported that resolution of the Monroe Park issue would help address issues such as wading pools and children's activities in other parks. D. Tree Beautification Commission Rich Turtura is the new EWEB representative on the Tree Beautification Commission. Ms. Bascom said EWEB now contracts out its pruning jobs. Rotary clubs will have a special project to improve the appearance of 6th and 7th avenues for the World Veterans Games. The Tree Commission will again staff a booth at the Eugene Celebration. Ms. Bascom identified the area on Centennial Boulevard near Autzen Stadium as needing attention. She announced that the commission is planning a jOint event with Springfield in the Glenwood area for Arbor Day 1989. Additional effort will focus on the Willakenzie area, especially Willakenzie School. Ms. Bascom concluded her report by informing the council that she would have a page in the voters' pamphlet. E. Citizen Involvement Committee Mr. Miller reported that the Citizen Involvement Committee met and outlined its work program. e F. Community Development Committee Mr. Miller said the Community Development Committee is reviewing the first year of funding for the Targeted Business Assistance Program (TBAP). The committee is attempting to determine which protected classes should be targeted by the program and how best to benefit those groups. Responding to Mr. Bennett's comments about setting criteria for program eligibility and expecting repayment, Mr. Miller said the program was not intended to be a grant program. Ms. Schue asked about the committee's inclusion of single heads of household as a protected class targeted by the program. She wondered if this category was limited to women. Mr. Miller replied that single female heads of household have tremendous need and the committee wants to avoid encouraging protected classes to compete for the limited funds available. Responding to a point raised by Ms. Wooten, Mr. Miller said the program was intended for those who do not qualify for a bank loan but offer reasonable assurance of loan repayment. Ms. Wooten stated that the council had requested a facet of the program be a minority program at the time it established the Business Development Fund. If the fund is not competing with commercial loan opportunities, its loan criteria should be different from e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 2 Quarterly Process Session - those of a bank. She suggested that the council meet with the Loan Advisory Committee to discuss the council's intent in establishing the loan programs. Mr. Bennett expressed an interest in further discussion of the loan program. He understood the loan criteria assumed a substantial amount of risk, but he cautioned against turning it into a grant program. He did not fully understand the committee's process for determining the criteria. Ms. Schue was concerned that the community's perception is that the City's loan program is as difficult to qualify for as a bank loan. She encouraged staff to address the public relations aspect of the program. Ms. Schue cited the OUR Credit Union as an example of an organization that has specialized in loans to marginal applicants and has had a fair amount of success. Ms. Wooten reported complaints from loan applicants about the quality of the technical assistance available in the program. Mr. Holmer concurred with the concerns expressed by other councilors and he added that it is important to assure equal access to the program by all targeted groups. Mr. Miller observed that the council's comments were similar to those the committee has received during its review of the program. He emphasized the program's first year success, but agreed that improvement is needed. He said the committee is determined to find solutions to the problems identified in its review. e Mayor Obie asked that a report on the loan programs be scheduled on a future agenda of the Council Committee on Economic Diversification. G. Downtown Development District Review Group Mr. Holmer described the Downtown Development District Review Group as a ten-member committee that is addressing issues related to the parking program and the support of Eugene Downtown, Incorporated. He said recommendations would come to the council. Mr. Bennett pointed out that he was erroneously listed as a member of the Downtown District Review Board. H. Metropolitan Policy Committee Mr. Holmer reported that the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) has adopted the Goodpasture Island Heronry Report which found the heronry to be insignificant. The committee is initiating a process that will lead to renewal of the cable franchise. The MPC has learned that public cable access activity will be focused at Sheldon High School and Lane Community College and coordinated through Lane Council of Governments. Ms. Wooten reported calls about an announcement of the closure of the cable access center while the proposal to move it is being discussed. She e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 3 Quarterly Process Session e expressed surprise that the council had not been informed prior to this announcement being made. She suggested the City of Eugene should insist that the process on the proposal be stopped until users become involved in its development and citizens are informed of departure from a policy decision that was reached with difficulty during the budget process. Ms. Schue remarked that during the discussions of financing, discussions of alternative strategies that would shape the long-term funding were also taking place. She said not all users were uncomfortable with the shift to LCC and Sheldon and the closure of the 12th Avenue center. Mr. Holmer pointed out that the agreement was not yet finalized. It was noted that the equipment would be available to the public after the move. Ms. Wooten explained that she was judging the process, not the proposal itself. At this point, Mr. Holmer read a statement from L-COG and indicated that council review of the agreement before it is signed may be appropriate. Ms. Bascom said her interpretation of the proposed adjustment was a necessary response to Springfield's discontinued support, and she thought review of the proposal was appropriate. Ms. Wooten reiterated her point that users at the center should be involved in the decisions that affect them. She asked that the subcommittee of the MPC that is reviewing the proposal invite representatives of the users at the center to become members and to participate in the development of any e dispersal policy. Mr. Holmer agreed to take Ms. Wooten's request to the MPC. Answering Mr. Bennett's question of whether a professional negotiating team was involved in the renegotiation of the cable contract, Mr. Gleason said a team that includes Keith Martin, Randy Kolb, and representatives from Springfield and Lane County continues to work on this issue. Mr. Bennett expressed hope that the negotiating committee, on behalf of MPC, draws the line on the important issues. Otherwise, he was confident that the City of Eugene would be taken advantage of by a monopoly situation. Mayor Obie presumed that at the point at which negotiations are reopened, the matter will be brought to the council for council goals. Mr. Holmer read and passed around a document listing various requirements. The list included: MPC will review channel realignments, additional channel space will be available for leased access, required programming will be added to the franchise, basic service will be redefined to possibly allow a reduction in the basic charge, and future plans will require a system that keeps pace with technology. Mr. Holmer anticipated coming back to the council for direction before the matter comes to the council for action. Ms. Schue referred to a public hearing held by MPC to gather public input about the level of satisfaction with TCI. Acknowledging TCI's national e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 4 Quarterly Process Session - reputation, Ms. Schue indicated that TCI seems to be performing acceptably in this area. l. Eugene Arts Foundation Board Mr. Holmer reported that the Eugene Arts Foundation Board is redefining its mission and determining how to use its resources. In July, $136,000 from the Silva fund was allocated to arts groups. Ms. Bascom noted that an issue involving promises made to donors of the original chairs has been resolved. Ms. Wooten inquired about the amount of the Hult bequest that has been realized by the foundation. Mr. Holmer agreed to obtain a report for the council. J. Audit Committee Mr. Bennett commented that he looked forward to being part of the Audit Committee and he hoped to discuss his position on auditing in general. He noted the importance of auditing to the credibility of the City. K. Council Committee on Economic Diversification As the new member of the Council Committee on Economic Diversification (CCED), Mr. Bennett deferred to Ms. Wooten for a report on the committee1s activities. Mr. Bennett stressed the importance of accountability in economic diversification and he encouraged councilors to read available e economic reports. He particularly noted a recent report on labor trends in Lane County. Ms. Wooten reported that CCED is developing an implementation plan for the new portions of the economic development program. A staff task group is determining costs of implementing the work plan. The committee is considering whether encouraging and promoting trade associations is an effective means to accomplish cost savings for small businesses and to encourage business expansion through collaborative marketing. CCED has begun to review the legislative agenda. Ms. Wooten indicated the council should consider its position on lottery money and economic development. While the initial consensus was not to take a strong position against diversified uses of lottery money, Ms. Wooten wanted to assure that the City.s interests would be represented in this session's consideration of that issue. Ms. Wooten anticipated the initiation of legislation at the State level relating to coordination between State and Federal agencies on criteria-setting, evaluation, and identification of wetlands. She suggested that the council analyze and pursue a request for mitigation money for the situation in west Eugene. Ms. Wooten said much of the planning and investment in industrial land in west Eugene cannot be mitigated without assistance from the State. She noted that the requested mitigation money could. but would not necessarily be lottery money. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 5 Quarterly Process Session e L. Downtown Marketing Committee Mr. Bennett informed the council that the Downtown Marketing Committee had disbanded. M. Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority Mr. Bennett described the work of the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) as extremely important. He identified funding as a major issue and observed that the County's contribution has become questionable as a result of Commissioner Roger's road fund suit. Mr. Bennett stressed that a strong, visible air quality program is vital for the community and he credited LRAPA with doing a good job. Ms. Schue mentioned IPM-lO" which she described as the fine particles in the air that one breathes. LRAPA is developing strategies to address the problem of non-compliance in this area that will result from a change in Federal standards. Ms. Schue commended LRAPA's citizen advisory committee for its work toward removal of PM-IO. Ms. Schue identified wood stoves as a source of this type of pollution, and she said a strong public information program is needed to combat the problem. She also noted that field burning is an issue LRAPA will need to address. Ms. Bascom indicated her disappointment that Eugene was listed among the communities in probable non-compliance. e N. Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission Mr. Bennett reported few calls regarding the Metropolitan Wastewater Commission and said he was encouraged that work in this area is satisfactory. Rate issues require more frequent meetings of the commission, and he anticipated a future issue would be one of equity between industrial/ commercial users and residential users. O. Lane Council of Governments Ms. Schue explained that Lane Council of Governments is experiencing funding difficulty as a result of the road fund suit referred to earlier. She recommended that councilors visit the area's small communities to learn more about the county. P. Legislative Committee Ms. Schue reported that the committee is preparing for the legislative year. A series of breakfasts or lunches with legislators is being planned that would give councilors an opportunity to meet in groups of two or three with two or three legislators before the session. A plan for the session will come to the council within the next few weeks and Ms. Schue encouraged councilors to contact Jody Miller to have areas of special interest included in the plan. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 6 Quarterly Process Session e Mr. Bennett brought up an issue he had directed to Linda lynch for Legislative Committee consideration. He said in order to encourage redevelopment and rehabilitation of older buildings, care must be taken not to place unattainable code requirements on those projects. Mr. Bennett pointed out that being required to spend up to 25 percent of the total redevelopment costs to make a building accessible raises the question of what costs qualify. Mr. Bennett said he had asked for Legislative Committee discussion of the amount of code flexibility and whether there is a need for changes in code requirements. Ms. Schue mentioned eviction of tenants who are manufacturing or selling drugs on the property as another issue before the Legislative Committee and noted that Ms. Wootenls Whiteaker Neighborhood constituents have an interest in the issue. Mayor Obie said the Legislative Committee should be prepared to discuss the $250,000 request for the Maurie Jacobs memorial with legislators. Q. Joint Social Services Budget Committee Ms. Wooten reported the committee is addressing the issue of spending priorities in times of budget shortfall. The "Inventory and Assessment of Needs of Social Services Agencies Report" is being reviewed and Ms. Wooten said the full council should be aware of the results of those surveys. She observed that the contribution of the City of Eugene is greater than that of e any other agency and Ms. Wooten said it is important to assure that the needs of Eugene citizens are met without upsetting intergovernmental alliances. Ms. Schue requested copies of the study of social service agencies. Cathy Freedman informed the council that a report on the survey is on the council's September 28 agenda and will be followed by a work session on the Joint Social Services Fund. R. Intergovernmental Cooperation Mr. Miller stressed the importance of not creating tension between the cities of Eugene and Springfield. Mr. Bennett pointed out that in the area of economic diversification, the intergovernmental bond is not as strong as it might be. He noted that the successful recruitment of larger firms for Eugene's industrial sites has brought indirect benefit to Springfield, but he said those benefits are not easily perceived by the citizens. Mayor Obie noted budget difficulties in Springfield. He indicated that presently Springfield is not placing a priority on intergovernmental relations to the degree it did in the past. Responding to Mr. Miller's suggestion to schedule another joint meeting with Springfield's City Council, Mayor Obie said those sessions rarely lead to solutions. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 7 Quarterly Process Session e Ms. Schue remarked that Springfield's financial situation is a real problem whose results will be reflected in budgets that are jointly funded. She noted discrepancies between the two cities' size, funding, and staff that may add to the fragility of the relationship. Mr. Bennett pointed out that consideration must be given to the degree to which Eugene taxpayers can be expected to fund joint services for Springfield residents. Ms. Bascom observed that Springfield initiated the tree planting activity in Glenwood she had reported earlier. Mr. Bennett noted that LRAPA is an area where cooperation and better understanding between the two cities can be achieved. Mr. Holmer commented that completion of the Metro Area General Plan Update is questionable because of Springfield's inability to fund its share of the effort. Ms. Wooten concurred with Mr. Bennett's earlier point that consideration be given to Eugene's continuing disproportionate contribution to joint efforts. Mr. Miller suggested that planned contact with Springfield officials may be an appropriate activity prior to making decisions about funding of joint programs. Ms. Bascom pointed out that working together for economies of scale in providing service (in areas such as Wastewater Management) provides opportunities for productive joint efforts. Mr. Obie concluded the discussion by noting that intergovernmental relations is a topic traditionally discussed at the annual goals session. He said e development of a plan for working with Springfield and Lane County will be on the agenda at that session. S. Public Safety Advisory Committee Ms. Wooten asked for a report to council from the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), particularly on what is being done in the area of crimes against women. She asked about the impact of the Prevention Quarterly. Ms. Bascom encouraged councilors to attend a PSAC meeting. She noted that the committee is advisory to the Public Safety Department. Ms. Schue concurred with Ms. Wooten's request for a report and said she was interested in the committee's work plan and an evaluation of its accomplishments. Mayor Obie asked staff to provide an overview of the committee's work. T. Housing Ms. Wooten requested renewed interest and focus on the issue of housing as the City's adopted social goal. She expressed concern, on behalf of herself and Councilor Bennett, that more energy should be directed toward the crisis facing Eugene in the area of low-income housing. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 8 Quarterly Process Session e Mr. Bennett clarified his sentiment as being a desire not to lose momentum on the issue of housing. He said the council subcommittee is addressing the question of what the housing goal should be between now and July 1989. Choices range from adopting a public relations approach to supporting a specific project and possibly encouraging the formation of a non-profit housing group. Mr. Bennett indicated that he sought the involvement of the Planning and Development departments, the Lane County Housing Authority, and select members of the private sector. He asked the council to provide direction to the subcommittee. Mr. Holmer responded that he was awaiting a recommendation from the committee. U. Scobert Park Ms. Wooten referred to the recent controversy and said the model created for resolution of problems at Monroe Park led to the conclusion that the issue involves the intent and hope of residents and users of the park for increased activity and programming at Scobert Park. She reported that the neighborhood will meet independently to develop recommendations for making the park a more vital part of the neighborhood, and will then submit its requests to the Joint Parks Committee. V. World Veterans Games Mayor Obie announced that he anticipated a request for $250,000 would be made e to the Oregon Economic Development Department to assist with the games. If granted. this amount will make up the existing shortfall between sponsorships and the cost of putting on the games. Ms. Wooten expressed concern about making a request that could reduce the City's ability to obtain funds from the Oregon Economic Development Department for other needs. Mayor Obie responded that requests should be made before the end of the year. There was some discussion of available funds that had been set aside but not committed during the City's budget process for the games. Ms. Wooten noted that $90,000 was in an unidentified room tax category, a portion of which it had been agreed might be used for the games. Mr. Bennett did not recall whether it had been specified initially that there would be a need to raise additional funds to assist with the games. Mayor Obie responded that the World Veterans Games Committee anticipated the need to raise this amount of money, but it had not been specified that the source would be the City of Eugene. Ms. Schue supported making the request to the Development Department, but she cautioned against encouraging the perception that the City accepts responsibility for finding ways to make up the shortfall. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 9 Quarterly Process Session e Mr. Holmer expressed concern about the additional public safety, traffic control, and airport expenses that will be incurred by the City during the games. Ms. Wooten recalled that those costs had been presented to the council as amounting to approximately $50,000. Mr. Gleason observed that the issue under discussion relates to the topic of economic development centered around events. He cited the Olympic Trials, the Summer Festival of Music, and the Eugene Celebration as examples of this type of event-centered development. Mr. Gleason said there are two types of costs associated with these events: event-related costs requiring start-up funds and subsidies, and extraordinary costs incurred by municipalities for their services during the event. He recommended careful consideration of both types of costs when planning the City's involvement in events. Mayor Obie identified the World Veterans Games as an additional issue for consideration by the Legislative Committee. W. Ballot Measure 20-03 Mayor Obie reported tremendous community support for opposing Ballot Measure 20-03. He anticipated that the upcoming election will be a positive force for the Riverfront Research project. X. University of Oregon Issues Mayor Obie commented that a lack of leadership endangers university-related e issues. He proposed a leadership coalition between the City and the legislative delegation. Ms. Wooten responded that the Council Committee on Economic Diversification has considered whether the major part of the University-City agenda has been accomplished. Mayor Obie stated that the University is our largest, healthiest industry with the greatest opportunity for growth and with the ability to fulfill the community's economic needs for the next century. Mr. Boles commented that the University is moving toward recognition of its responsibility to the larger society. Y. Sister City Relationships Mayor Obie commented that sister city relationships are becoming part of the economic development arena because of the increasing number of visitors being brought to the community. He noted that four Japanese groups have visited in the past few months as a direct result of the sister city relationship with Kakegawa. These groups have all been self-sponsored financially. Mayor Obie reported the receipt of a letter from the Mayor pro tempore of Katmandu inviting Eugene's future mayor to Katmandu. A delegation from Chinju, Korea will be coming to Eugene soon. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 10 Quarterly Process Session e Mayor Obie reminded councilors of the dinners planned for the Irkutsk delegation. He asked Ms. Wooten and Ms. Bascom, as president and vice president of the council, to work with Barbara Bellamy to develop a small gift for presentation to the six visitors to commemorate the visit. Responding to a question raised by Ms. Bascom, Mayor Obie said the Irkutsk delegation's visit was receiving wide community support and contributions had been received from private individuals, Nike, and Weyerhaeuser. Z. Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Mayor Obie told the council to anticipate a request for a three- to five-year contract to match the bureau's five-year planning period. He pointed out that Springfield and the County have both entered into long-term contracts. AI. Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Partnership Mayor Obie announced that the partnership would be hosting a bio-tech seminar and he asked CCED to inquire about the results of the seminar. Mayor Obie described the Metro Partnership as one of the most important institutions available for providing an opportunity for the leadership of various institutions to discuss issues of mutual concern. He noted that Springfield's continued participation is unresolved at this time. r v II. CITY COUNCIL GOALS SESSION: USE OF FACILITATOR e Mayor Obie, Ms. Bascom, Ms. Wooten, Mr. Bennett, Ms. Schue, and Mr. Miller indicated their preference was to have a facilitator at the Goals Session. Mr. Holmer preferred not having a facilitator. He suggested it would be more appropriate for the Mayor, Mayor-elect, or council president to preside over the council's deliberations about future public policy. Mayor Obie informed the council that Sharon Thorne has been identified as the preferred facilitator. III. COMPUTERS FOR COUNCILORS Because this item was an issue raised by Mr. Boles, it was suggested that consideration be delayed until the Goals Session or January when Mr. Boles assumes his council seat. Mr. Boles said that increasing complexity and integration across systems makes this an important issue. Mr. Holmer commented that the need for compatibility with the Regional Information System may impact cost. He pointed out the need for commitment on the part of councilors to become sufficiently familiar to use the system. He noted the system's usefulness for sending messages and said it would be helpful for all councilors to have access. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 11 Quarterly Process Session e Mr. Bennett stated that he was not interested in using computers for communication for council business. At Ms. Wooten's suggestion, Mayor Obie asked staff to provide information about School District 4J's resolution of the question of open public meetings being circumvented by computer communication between board members. He also directed staff to provide information about the school board's use and experience. Additionally, he asked that information about estimated capital and maintenance costs be provided for the Goals Session discussion. Mr. Boles added that it is not necessary for the entire council to adopt computer use, and he intended to raise the issue in the larger context of information and communication. Mayor Obie noted that the issue would have to receive a sufficient number of council votes at the Goals Session to be placed on an agenda and he advised Mr. Boles that he would have the opportunity to lobby prior to the session. IV. COUNCIL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Ms. Wooten expressed hope that appointments to the Lincoln School committee would be made soon and she asked to work with Mayor Obie to expedite the process. Mayor Obie noted that the application of non-City of Eugene residents had delayed the decision-making process. e Ms. Wooten expressed the opinion that the council is having difficulty making decisions. She pointed out that when recommendations come to the council from boards and commissions, the council delays making controversial decisions by holding a work session. She said the council is on the verge of obstructing its own ability to get things done by the length of its deliberations. Mayor Obie observed that the nuclear free zone and Willamette Street issues were examples of important decisions requiring thoughtful deliberation. Mr. Bennett cited the historic preservation ordinance as a situation in which the council received a specific recommendation from an appointed body and then heard public testimony that differed with the recommendation. Mr. Bennett thought it would be inappropriate to make a quick decision without careful consideration of both sides of the issue. Mr. Holmer suggested that when the council is faced with the types of situations referred to by Mr. Bennett, it would be possible to deliberate without postponing the matter. He said there was a tradition of avoiding making amendments during regular meetings without referring issues back to staff, but if the council was willing to spend the time having policy discussions during its meetings, issues could be addressed and decisions reached without further delay. He referred to the purchasing issue as an example of unnecessary delay of a needed discussion. _. MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 12 Quarterly Process Session e Responding to Mr. Holmer's comments, Ms. Wooten commented on the importance of staff's research to determine the extended implications of proposed action. Mr. Bennett noted that it would have been helpful for the council to receive Mr. Holmer's interim comments during the historic preservation ordinance revision process. Ms. Schue supported having more interchange prior to the decision-making stage on issues like the historic preservation ordinance. Referring to decision-making in general, Ms. Bascom commented that the council appears to defer decisions appropriately. Mr. Bennett proposed making two specific recommendations. The first was that there should be more exchange and more frequent reports by council representatives during the deliberation of advisory bodies. The second was that the advisory body closest to the issue should make a direct presentation to the council at the time the council is considering its decision. Mr. Holmer maintained that in the historic ordinance revision process, there was a flaw in the construction of the task team. He said the bias of staff to comply with requirements for a Certified Local Government found its way through to the ordinance. Mayor Obie suggested that the council should spend more time discussing e process at its next annual work session. At this point, Mr. Bennett said while he appreciated receiving minutes, he lacked the time to read them and he wondered if minutes could be reduced to summaries of the meetings. Mr. Gleason observed that a meeting summary could be provided, but minutes are the official record and must reflect the meeting content. He explained that the minutes process requires staff review of draft documents and may take considerable time. Mr. Holmer said minutes that summarize the action taken without describing what was said may be sufficient. Other councilors disagreed. Mayor Obie suggested that the lead staff member at every meeting could be responsible for creating a summary paragraph for council review. Mr. Gleason agreed to report on Mr. Obie's suggestion at the annual goals session. V. PROCESSING OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE Mayor Obie suggested that an advisory committee, composed of two councilors, a Planning Commission member, a Chamber of Commerce representative, and a Historic Review Board member, should be appointed to make a recommendation to the council on the ordinance. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 13 Quarterly Process Session e Mr. Bennett said he would not be able to serve on the proposed committee. Mr. Gleason said staff was confident that a small group could work on the identified issues and then come back to council with a proposal that would be satisfactory to all parties. Ms. Wooten stated her support of the ordinance as it was presented and said the council was obligated to proceed as a body. Mr. Bennett concurred with Ms. Wooten. Ms. Schue was unsure, but leaned toward the council's consideration of the ordinance without additional delegation. Ms. Bascom, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Holmer preferred Mayor Obie's suggested delegation, but upon further reflection, Mr. Miller indicated that the issues should come before the entire council. Mayor Obie directed staff to identify the issues and put them before the council. Ms. Freedman said a work session is tentatively scheduled for September 26. VI. COUNCIL REPRESENTATION ON RIVERFRONT RESEARCH PARK COMMISSION, DOWNTOWN COMMISSION, AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION Ms. Wooten said while the Council Committee on Committees had not recommended council representation on the Riverfront Research Park, Downtown, and Cultural Affairs commissions, she asked for council review. Ms. Wooten suggested that a direct council liaison with the Riverfront Research Park e Commission could be helpful in moving that project along. A councilor could provide information and improve communication with the Downtown Commission. Responding to Mr. Holmer's suggestion to consider adding the Planning Commission, Mayor Obie cautioned against creating overwhelming work loads for councilors. After discussion of the need to improve communication, there appeared to be consensus that councilors should be encouraged to attend meetings of interest to them. Commission and committee work plans and issues should continue to be reviewed yearly to determine the need for council representation. It was agreed that additional review of the issue would take place at the annual goals session. VII. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT TO CITY ADVISORY GROUPS Mayor Obie referred to a memo from the Planning Commission and said this item would be scheduled on a future agenda. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 14 Quarterly Process Session e VIII. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES This item had been discussed earlier in conjunction with the council decision-making process. Mr. Holmer added that council minutes are available in draft form and are distributed to staff shortly after meetings. He noted a delay between this stage in the process and distribution to councilors. He wondered about the possibility of councilors receiving the drafts as background for continuing issues. There was no additional interest in reviewing draft minutes. IX. CITY COUNCIL 1989 MEETING SCHEDULE Mayor Obie said the schedule would be reviewed at the annual goals session. Ms. Freedman noted that scheduling for January and February is beginning and she encouraged councilors to inform her soon of issues that cannot be delayed until the goals session. X. CITY COUNCIL WORK PLAN: SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 1988 A. Olive Street Ms. Bascom identified access to downtown as an additional council issue. She e suggested that with limited improvements, Olive Street could be opened to two-way traffic. She requested a staff report on how this could be accomplished. Mr. Bennett expressed support for Ms. Bascom's request for a study. He reported that according to the International Downtown Association, Boulder, Colorado's four-block mall with its large variety of small businesses is the only successful mall in the US in a community similar in size to Eugene. He asked for consideration of whether the councilor members of a task force could visit Boulder. Mr. Boles indicated that he shared Mr. Bennett's interest and he suggested looking at successful European models in addition to Boulder. Responding to Ms. Wooten's question of whether opening Olive Street would undo the theme of the West Broadway improvements, Ms. Bascom said it might enhance those improvements. She suggested asking the Downtown and Planning commissions for their recommendations. At Mr. Gleason's request for clarification of the council's direction, Mayor Obie said the first step might be to ask the Downtown Commission for its recommendation. Council asked staff for a recommendation on how to process this proposal. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 15 Quarterly Process Session e B. Lincoln School Ms. Wooten reiterated her concern that the advisory committee appointments have not been completed. C. Housing Mr. Bennett voiced concern that the head-injured housing project proposed for the Lincoln School site may be lost for lack of an adequate sponsor. He observed that Eugene Emergency Housing is going through organizational changes that affect their ability to be a sponsor. He asked whether the project could be delayed. Mayor Obie asked Mr. Gleason to provide a report on the status of the HUn grant. Mr~ Gleason explained that two issues are involved. One has to do with Eugene Emergency Housing and the other relates to Lane County Housing Authority which contracts with the City for its housing work. Changes in both agencies are causing a program delivery vacuum. D. Budget Review Mayor Obie announced that he would appoint three members of the council to review the Budget Committee and its interaction with the council. Ms. Schue expressed concern that the council has not defined the problems e that a subcommittee should be charged with investigating. Mr. Gleason was directed to schedule a work session on defining the issues. Mr. Gleason said earlier discussion had focused on whether policy decisions would use the same structure in terms of council involvement, and on the roles of the council and Budget Committee and their relationships. Mayor Obie said additional concerns may surface during the work session. The quarterly process session was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~-r1 ... . -" --... Micheal Gleason, City Manager (Recorded by Mary Feldman) e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 19, 1988 Page 16 Quarterly Process Session \