Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/24/1989 Meeting e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session Eugene Community Conference Center--Board Room April 24, 1989 6 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Ruth Bascom, Robert Bennett, Shawn Boles, Debra Ehrman, Bobby Green, Freeman Holmer, Roger Rutan, Emily Schue (after 7:05 p.m.). The adjourned meeting of April 19, 1989, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Jeff Miller. Councilors discussed the eveningls agenda and agreed that in addition to committee reports, if time was available, they would discuss annexations, the council's work plan, the Sister City program, the format of the weekly calendar, use of a consent calendar, issues relating to overlapping jurisdictions in the downtown area, and ground rules governing actions such as tabling that will lead to a "kinder, gentler council.11 I, COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Legislative Committee Mr. Rutan reported that a tremendous amount of legislation is under consideration this session, He recommended that the council undertake a substantive review (during a work session) of its annexation policy after the legislative session concludes. He said he felt the City had done everything possible to attempt to develop an annexation program in compliance with Federal and State regulations. Mr. Holmer and Mr. Bennett concurred that a review of the City's annexation policy will be appropriate. Mr, Boles encouraged the adoption of a proactive stance in the Legislature. B. Southern Willamette Private Industry Council Mr. Rutan described the industry council as an effective organization that deserves the councills continuing support. C. Council Committee on Economic Diversification Mr. Rutan reported that the committee is continuing to address the wetlands issue. Because amateur athletic events can be used as an economic development tool, the formation of a Sports Council is being considered, The MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 1 e Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau shares an interest in this development. Mr. Rutan said that the Community Development Committee has requested a short-term freeze on consideration and issuance of new certificates of eligibility from the Business Development Fund while issues around the Targeted Business Assistance Program are resolved. He explained that the Supreme Court's judgment in the Croson vs. City of Richmond case will determine the future structure of the program. D. Audit Committee Mr. Rutan informed the council that Coopers & Lybrand have been selected as the City's auditor. He commended Finance Director Warren Wong and his staff for their work in this process. Mr. Boles indicated he would like more contact in this area. Mr, Whitlow responded that councilors are welcome at the quarterly meetings and notification will be provided. Mr. Holmer expressed reservations about the City Manager's role in the selection of an auditor and suggested that the full Audit Committee should be more involved in the selection process. Mr. Bennett asked the council to consider periodic, independent audits of all City departments and said the organization's activity would be given more credibility by the community if this were done. He included both performance and financial audits in his recommendation. e Referring to the high standards maintained by major firms, Mr. Gleason said he saw no risk of collusion between the Cityls management and the selected auditors. He invited councilors to become more involved if they wished, but cautioned them about the tremendous time commitment required if they choose to participate. E. Airport Construction Project Mr. Rutan encouraged councilors to tour the new airport. Responding to a question about delay of the project, Mr. Gleason said the contractor is responsible for the work of subcontractors. Mr, Boles urged the council not to worry too much about delays because that can lead to a sacrifice of quality in order to meet deadlines. F. Convention and Visitors Bureau Ms. Ehrman reminded councilors that they receive regular reports from the bureau and she noted that room receipts are up significantly. She said there has been recent discussion about the Valley River Inn's orientation to the business traveler market which can negatively affect the booking of large conventions. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 2 e G. County Room Tax Committee Ms. Ehrman was not aware of any meetings of this group. H. Fairgrounds Committee Ms. Ehrman anticipated that this group would begin meeting at some point in the future. She reported a largely negative response from neighborhood groups concerning a proposed change in the fairgrounds' entrance. I. Joint Social Services Ms. Ehrman described a proposal to use an additional $200,000 to reinstate the Voluntary Action Center and the VISTA program, to allocate $10,000 to Legal Aid and $9,000 to the distribution component of Food for Lane County. Another proposal would provide a three- to four-percent cost of living increase for existing programs that did not already receive an increase, with whatever remained being divided between food purchase on a private-match basis and shelter programs. Ms. Ehrman invited councilors to provide input on these proposed allocations and to sit in on agency evaluations to provide background to their decision-making. e Mr. Bennett considered Legal Aid a critical service and hoped it would continue to be supported. Mr. Holmer favored reallocation of funds to the Voluntary Action Center and VISTA program. Mr. Green hoped to receive more information and become more involved in this area. J. Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority Ms. Ehrman reported continuing concern about the field burning issue. Ms. Schue added that consideration of a test to indicate whether disease requires burning of a field illustrates the positive direction discussions of the issue are talking. Ms. Ehrman said that a recent report indicated that a heat-sensor compliance monitor will help determine where wood stoves are causing the most problems. She complimented Don Arquel on his administrative role. Finally, she said that LRAPA is evaluating whether to limit the number of outside projects it handles. Because asbestos abatement projects are becoming a large user of staff time, a charge for them is being contemplated. K. Social Goals Committee Mr. Bennett anticipated that the council would receive a report on the committee's work on the housing issue soon. He told the council that Jim Johnson appointed him to the Lane County Homeless and Affordable Housing Task Force, which will be assessing community support and considering new sources of revenue. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 3 e Mr. Boles reported on his recent visit to the Opportunity Shelter, which is now under new management. In response to Ms. Ehrman's inquiries, Mr. Gleason commented on the delay of the head-injured housing project. Mr. Bennett said the committee will consider whether a nonprofit housing advocate can be created to assume an active role in such projects. Ms. Schue reported a recent conversation with State Representative Carl Hosticka about a bill to allow a property tax exemption for the building of low-income housing by for-profit corporations. She hoped that lottery funds might be considered as another source of funds for this important need. L. Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission Mr. Bennett reported that the council will be asked to consider the impact on local consumers of the regional budget and rate structure. M. Human Rights Task Force Mr. Green described the composition of the task force which is exploring options for restructuring the City's Human Rights Program and developing recommendations to improve that program. He reported concern regarding how the City is perceived in its relation to minority groups. e Mr. Rutan suggested that the program's effectiveness may not be best served by the present structure of five separate commissions. He urged care be exerted not to give program participants unrealistic expectations of what they can do because the council retains decision-making authority. N. Council Committee on Infrastructure Mr. Green and Mr. Boles looked forward to this committee getting started. O. Downtown Development District Review Group CDDDRG) Mr. Holmer told the council that the DDDRG had not addressed the question of how to better structure the boundaries between the various downtown jurisdictions (the renewal, parking districts, etc.). Responding to Mayor Miller's suggestion that a work session be scheduled to review the whole range of downtown issues, Mr. Holmer pointed out that as far as the downtown is concerned, there is a difference between facts relating to it, its structure, and the process for dealing with it. Mr. Green said that a work session would help councilors clarify their vision of downtown. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 4 e P. Ferry Street Bridge Advisory Committee Mr. Holmer reported that the Willakenzie Planning Team has begun its work. The Ferry Street Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee is designing a conceptualization of a new bridge. Q. Metropolitan Policy Committee Mr. Holmer told the council that TCI's franchise renewal is now in the direct negotiation stage, with legal counsel demanding an objective measurement of audience penetration by television stations. The group is also working on issues relating to amendments to the Metropolitan Area General Plan. He reported that Lane Transit District's need for Federal funds has been recognized. R. Eugene Arts Foundation Board Mr. Holmer said the board's grants committee is currently considering how to divide $130,000 among the various arts groups next year. The board is trying to develop its focus for the immediate future. S. Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) Mr. Boles reported that the committee is interested in improving citizen communication. He announced that some neighborhoods are considering consolidation, which may alter the structure of the Neighborhood Leaders Association. . Mr. Bennett commented on the disparate activity levels among neighborhood groups and suggested that the City's financial support should be on a per- capita basis. Mr. Boles told the council about the CIC's work plan which includes review of all internal departments and their associated citizen involvement programs. He said that information is being gathered to aid in the development of a City policy on public and private development projects and their requirements for citizen participation. He cited the Riverfront Research Park as an example of a development commonly perceived as not involving the public early enough. Mayor Miller described Eugene as a community in which citizen involvement is already high, and pointed out that the council represents the public. T. Community Development Committee CCDC) Mr. Boles reported that the major issue before the CDC is how to accomplish the goals of the Targeted Business Assistance Program within the constraints of the Supreme Court1s ruling in the Croson vs. City of Richmond case. He considered modifications of the Business Development Fund likely. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 5 e e e The CDC is also considering a request from the Social Goals Committee that involves the reprogramming of $500,000 to form the core of a revolving loan fund for low- and moderate-income housing construction. Responding to Ms. Ehrman's questions about land banking, Section 8 funds for a housing project for the head-injured, and housing rehabilitation, Mr. Gleason recommended that the council consider all these issues as part of one discussion at a future meeting. Answering Mr. Boles' questions about policy relating to members' absences from meetings, Mr. Gleason referred to council ground rules and said committees can forward recommendations regarding the effectiveness of representation. U. League of Oregon Cities CLOC) Ms. Schue told the council about her involvement in the transportation issue and said counties, cities, and the state have reached agreement on a gasoline tax package. A local option for .vehicle registration is also being considered. V. Lane Council of Governments CL-COG) Ms. Schue described the L-COG board as a valuable resource for cross- jurisdictional networking. W. Joint Parks Committee Ms. Bascom reported that a new integrated pest management program is proving effective. She voiced disappointment that a project to develop a rail loop in Alton Baker Park appears unlikely. She reported that the Eugene Parks Foundation was making progress in its fund-raising efforts for the Maurie Jacobs Memorial and that the State has agreed to provide matching funds. Commenting that it is appropriate for the community to recognize Mr. Jacobs' many contributions, Mr. Bennett questioned whether the large amount of money' needed for the project and the controversy surrounding the design of the memorial make this an appropriate way to remember Mr. Jacobs. Ms. Bascom responded that Mr. Jacobs was a strong supporter of public park improvements and that the neighborhood's involvement in redesigning the memorial has been a positive experience. Ms. Bascom reported that the Joint Parks Committee has assumed responsibility for the beautification component formerly assigned to the Tree Commission. She commented on the need to improve the appearance of the community's entrances. Mr. Green emphasized the importance of Highway 99 improvements. Mr. Gleason said that State funding is available if the State and County can reach agreement as to the project boundaries. Formation of a city assessment MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 6 e district is part of the process, and that involves negotiation with EWES regarding utility relocation. X. Tree Commission Ms. Bascom noted that some community members feel the City should upgrade its commitment to urban trees by assigning more personnel to tree crews, hiring professional arborists, and adding equipment. Ms. Bascom said efforts are underway to preserve Gillespie Butte and involve the planting of white oaks. Ms. Bascom observed that the amount of diversity desirable in trees planted near Sacred Heart Hospital is controversial. Responding to a question from Mr. Boles, Ms. Bascom reported progress in developing an educational relationship with EWEB and said that the City arborist is training EWES tree-t~imming crews. Y. Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Partnership Mayor Miller announced that Bob Fenstermacher is the new director of the Metro Partnership. II. DISCUSSION e A. Future Library Barb Bellamy distributed preliminary results of a poll on the library issue and noted the difficulties in interpreting the wide range of opinions. Mayor Miller emphasized the importance of developing a work plan to seek consensus on the issue. In the absence of obvious council consensus, there was general agreement to consider the library further during a future work session. B. Sister City Issues Ms. Bascom reported that an interesting and diverse delegation is preparing for an upcoming trip to Tashkent and Irkutsk. She described the Sister City Program as a valuable contribution to world peace. Mr. Rutan told councilors that he had represented them in Kakegawa recently and he considered the opportunity to participate in the visit a positive learning experience. Mr. Holmer supported Eugene's sister city relationships with Kakegawa and Irkutsk, but he questioned the level of City involvement Ci.e., financial commitment) that is appropriate in sister city activities when weighed against other, competing needs for City funding (e.g. social services, housing, the Eugene Celebration, street paving, etc.). e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 7 e Mayor Miller pointed out that there is a significant amount of private involvement in the sister city visits and an attempt is being made to limit the expenses associated with official visits. The City will recognize one official delegation each year from Chinchu, Kakegawa, and Irkutsk. C. Council Work Plan Mr. Boles suggested that committees should become more involved in monitoring work plans to ensure that the council's goals are addressed. Ms. Schue commented that controversial issues have traditionally come to the council as a whole instead of to individual committees. Mr. Boles responded that he hoped to develop more clear definition of committee responsibilities. Mr. Boles said that the council's calendar is very helpful, but he would prefer deleting councilors' individual names from the committee listings and listing individual councilors' meetings separately from those meetings which all councilors attend. Regarding a consent calendar, Mr. Boles said the council needs to formally change its ground rules if the consent calendar format is to be adopted. D. Downtown and Transportation Issues Referring to earlier discussions about cable cars, Mr. Boles stated that his understanding was that councilors had agreed to consider alternative modes of transportation as part of their consideration of downtown issues. e Mr. Gleason explained that the council would have a work session on downtown issues which he expected to raise the issue of transportation and lead to a broader analysis of the downtown transportation loop which includes the Autzen Stadium, University, and fairgrounds areas, as well as parking in those areas. Councilors reached consensus that the issue of transportation, particularly as it relates to the downtown core area, will be an important one in the months ahead. Mr. Boles agreed to "drop the cable car ideall while the council considers the larger issue and focuses on downtown linkages. Ms. Bascom suggested inviting Phyllis Loobey of LTD to report at a work session. Mr. Holmer suggested that the Infrastructure Committee develop an approach to transportation issues to guide the council1s work. Referring to possible expansion of the urban renewal district, Mr. Bennett said that large downtown office projects could be tremendous assets to the community and he expressed hope that the City's parking requirements would not impede the success of individual projects. Mr. Gleason recommended that in a downtown district designed for urban density with mixed-uses that include housing, commercial, office, and parking; the development district, tax increment district, and parking-exempt zone should share common boundaries with the downtown plan. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session April 24, 1989 Page 8 e e e E. State Ballot Measure #1 Councilors requested a staff report before deciding whether to support this measure. The meeting was adjourned to April 26, 1989, at 10:50 p.m. ~specttU}lY.~tcJ::;~~ ". " ~. ~ ..it.... '" .I "'" . -.. . .'"r - ,,-.,.,. ~theal Gl~a:~t/"~YS- City Manager (Recorded by Mary Feldman) mncc 042489 MINUTES--Eugene City Council Quarterly Process Session Apri 1 24, 1989 Page 9