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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/1988 Meeting e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall November 9, 1988 11:30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten, Ruth Bascom, Rob Bennett, Debra Ehrman, Freeman Holmer, Jeff Miller, Roger Rutan. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Emi ly Schue. The adjourned meeting of November 7, 1988, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. Mayor Obie welcomed guests from a third grade class at Ellis Parker Elementary School and introduced their teacher, Bonnie Spickerman. Mayor Obie also introduced local historian Lucille McKenzie. Students were given the opportunity to question the Mayor and councilors during lunch. Their interests included taxes, drugs, the library card catalogue, reasons for seeking public office, activities of the council and e its use of funds, the dangers traffic poses for small animals, and the problem of homelessness. Mayor Obie encouraged telephone calls to his office to discuss other questions. 1. PRESENTATION ON THE HISTORY OF EUGENE Ms. McKenzie gave a slide presentation that focused on the unique qualities of the community founded by Eugene Skinner in 1846. II. DESIGNATION OF MAURIE JACOBS MEMORIAL PARK AND APPROVAL OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN As the council representative to the committee that developed the project to honor Maurie Jacobs, Ms. Bascom introduced the item. John Etter, PARCS Department, presented a design overview of the park improvements that are part of the planned memorial to Mr. Jacobs. Those improvements include the memorial area at the end of Adams Street, landscape improvements at the River House, enhancement of the existing "beach" area near the memorial, improvements in the community garden area, a parking area - MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1988 Page 1 e to serve park users, and development of a second IIbeachll area along the water front. Mr. Etter introduced Otto Poticha who donated his time and design as a tribute to Mr. Jacobs. Mr. Poticha described the small memorial area he envisioned as a statement fitting Mr. Jacobs whom he described as a man who did many things in private to benefit the public. Responding to Ms. Ehrman's questions, Mr. Poticha said the small private area of the memorial would be supported by a simple pylon and would be cantilevered above the river. While there may be some risk involved with its location eight to ten feet above the river's edge, he said the best view up river was from the location at the point where the river bends. Mr. Poticha described the intersection of the bike path and the entrance as having a different surface than the rest of the bike path, but he said the path would not be obstructed. A sign would mark the entrance to the memorial park. Ms. Bascom expressed the council's appreciation for Mr. Poticha's contribution to the project. She also thanked Richard Shields for his work on the community garden improvements. Ms. Bascom introduced Mike and Sheila Schwartz, son-in-law and daughter of Mr. Jacobs. Mr. Etter mentioned that there are additional proposals to start the bike path on the east side of the river coming south from the Owosso Bridge and to erect a picnic shelter in the Skinner Butte Park area. e Ted Baker distributed a "Financial Plan: Maurie Jacobs Memorial Park" packet. Mr. Baker estimated costs for the planned park development at $500,000 to $700,000. State funding will be pursued through the Legislature and he anticipated that a private match of $250,000 will be raised through a three-phase fund-raising program. He outlined the program and stressed the need for neighborhood and community-wide participation. Mr. Schwartz commented on the growth of the memorial project and stressed the importance of raising funds to allow the entire community to enjoy and use the park. Ms. Ehrman observed that recognition of major donors by placing many names at the park1s entrance could detract from the memorial to Mr. Jacobs. Responding to questions from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Etter said the proposed design reflects compromise with the Whiteaker Community Council. Ms. Wooten emphasized the need to address concerns with the beach and knoll areas prior to acceptance of the final design. Ms. Bascom pointed out that the memorial area will be the first priority for development and other improvements will receive attention as funding becomes available. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to approve the conceptual design of the Maurie Jacobs Memorial Park as presented. The motion carried unanimously, 7:0. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1988 Page 2 e Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to officially designate as the Maurie Jacobs Memorial Park the riverfront area between the Owens Rose Garden and the Greenway Bike Bridge. The motion carried unanimously, 7:0. III. EMERGENCY FAMILY HOUSING Mr. Bennett introduced the item. He said the Social Goals Committee has been working on the issue of housing which has been identified as the goal until June 1990. The committee hopes to have an impact on medium- and long-term housing concerns for low- and moderate-income people by addressing the issue of supply in Eugene and possibly in Lane County as a whole. Vacancy rates are currently in the one- to two-percent range. Mr. Bennett attributed the dramatic rise in housing costs, especially rents, to the strong demand and said low-income families are particularly affected by this housing environment. The committee's shorter-term objective is its commitment to influencing the issue of homelessness among families with children. Mr. Bennett said it was vital for the City to playa role in the solution of this problem. A comprehensive effort to address the issue in the community is being led by County Administrator Jim Johnson. Mr. Johnson asked the council to join Lane County, School District 4J, the e City of Springfield, and a number of private and nonprofit corporations to meet the community.s need. Mr. Johnson proposed a short-term solution that would involve financing a three-part program. First, the Opportunity Center located at 1995 West Amazon will be converted to a temporary shelter for 20 families for a six-month period. It appears that Eugene Emergency Housing will operate the facility, Food for Lane County will coordinate the provision of food, St. Vincent de Paul will be the depository for donated supplies, materials, and cash for the project, and the Lane County Housing Authority and Community Services Agency will supervise and coordinate the renovation work, and Lane County Health and Human Services will coordinate support services. The second part of the solution will consist of a voucher program for approximately ten families, using local motels to supplement the Opportunity Center situation. The third part of the program will involve local churches opening their facilities as housing. Mr. Johnson reported that Springfield is considering financing 30 percent of the program and the Lane County Board of Commissioners agreed to finance 50 percent of the total cost of the project less Springfield's share. The total cost is estimated at $140,000 over the six-month period, with $120,000 being operational costs and $20,000 being estimated as the cost of the renovation. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1988 Page 3 e Mr. Johnson emphasized that the proposal represents only a short-term solution and a long-term solution must be addressed as well. Mr. Holmer noted his family's experience with the problems of homelessness during the Depression and he stressed the need to think in terms of the total need and the degree to which the proposal has a significant impact on it. In answer to Mr. Holmer's questions, Mr. Johnson said if there are 22,000 rental units in the community, a one percent vacancy rate represents 220 of those units. The average length of stay at the Family Shelter is presently 19.7 nights. Responding to Mr. Holmer's concern, Ms. Wooten referred to the two-pronged approach of the Social Goals Committee which is committed to developing a recommendation for a long-term solution, possibly involving the acquisition or construction of between 100 and 120 new low-cost housing units for low-income people. Mr. Holmer inquired about appropriations accompanying the recent Homelessness Bill. Steve Manela, Lane County Health and Human Services, explained that the recent bill was a continuation of the McKinney Homeless Act and no appropriation has been made for its re-enactment. Ms. Ehrman wondered if local activity would have an impact at the Federal level by enabling the City to secure additional funding. Mr. Manela said opportunities to apply for transitional housing grants that would require a e local match may be part of the longer-term solution. Ms. Bascom asked if a play area would be available at the Opportunity Center facility. Mr. Johnson said many design questions exist and at this point rest rooms and showers are being installed. As a transitional facility rather than a temporary shelter, a wide range of support and referral services are planned. There is space for a recreational area within the facility and thought also will be given to the exterior area. Ms. Wooten said a functioning task force or coordinating body is needed to channel resources, market the situation, and determine whether the program could be an ongoing solution. Mr. Johnson informed the council that the Lane County Board of Commissioners will discuss the formation of a committee to join with the City's Social Goals Committee and representatives from Springfield to address housing issues with a metropolitan policy focus over the next two years. Responding to questions, Mr. Gleason recommended the contingency fund as a source of funding for the project, and he estimated that approximately $50,000 to $60,000 would be needed. Mr. Johnson noted that if Springfield is unable to contribute, the project would still be possible if the County and the City each contributed half the $140,000 cost. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1988 Page 4 e Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, that the City of Eugene City Council approve the contingency allocation of up to $70,000 to participate with the City's intergovernmental partners in providing shelter for homeless families on an immediate basis through a project that will be operational by Thanksgiving Day. Noting the need for immediate action, Mr. Rutan stressed the atypical nature of the council's action. He considered $70,000 and a six-month solution inadequate and unrealistic. Mr. Bennett responded to Mr. Rutan's concern by saying some problems do not allow well-considered solutions to be formulated and he emphasized that the City's commitment was for six months and the council could review the issue and its solution at whatever point it chooses in the future. Ms. Ehrman commended the County and City administrators for their rapid response in what she called a crisis situation. She expressed hope that Springfield would be able to contribute to the program. Ms. Ehrman pointed out that the council picked housing as the social issue it would work on at the beginning of the year, so there was a commitment to addressing the homelessness problem before the proposal was developed. Ms. Wooten concurred with Mr. Rutan's opinion that the council preferred to conduct its business with more time for deliberation before taking action, but she observed that the critical nature of the community's housing shortage should have been anticipated. She requested that Mr. Johnson and Mr. Gleason report to the Social Goals Committee on the renovation, expenses, e coordination, and monitoring of the project. Ms. Bascom emphasized the necessity of Springfield's participation. Mr. Gleason said he was confident that Springfield is committed to supporting the program. He commented that credit is due to School District 4J for its effort to bring about the proposed solution. The motion passed unanimously, 7:0. IV. ITEMS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL, MAYOR, AND CITY MANAGER City Council Vacancy The recent mayoral election will result in a vacancy in Mr. Miller's ward. Mr. Gleason explained that the City Council, which will assume its position in January, will determine the appointment to that council seat. While the present council cannot deliberate the decision, it can direct the administration to advertise the vacancy. Ms. Ehrman suggested advertising as soon as possible. Mayor Obie asked that past procedure be reviewed in writing and a program be put before the council for adoption at its next meeting. The meeting was adjourned to November 16, 1988, at 1:35 p.m. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1988 Page 5 e Respectfully submitted, .... ,A~ /": '...----,. .~ .. . . . ....-:!...-. -'. . . . . '/ #/ ,,' >,",;.. ',,c/. .>,,~ ~ .~..;;.........<: M~hea 1 G1 e'fls,-;(' - . C ty Manager (Recorded by Mary Feldman) mncc 110988 e e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1988 Page 6