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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/25/1989 Meeting (2) e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council Council Chamber--Eugene City Hall September 25, 1989 7:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Ruth Bascom, Robert Bennett, Shawn Boles, Bobby Green, Freeman Holmer, Roger Rutan, Emily Schue. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Debra Ehrman. The meeting of the Eugene City Council was called to order by His Honor Mayor Jeff Mill er. I. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of City Council Minutes of August 9, August 14, and September 11, 1989, Council Meetings e B. Findings and Recommendations of Hearings Official and Approval of Improvement Project (Alley between 7th and 8th avenues) (Job #2481) Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, to approve the items on the City Council Consent Calendar. Roll call vote; the motion carried 7:0, with Mr. Boles abstaining from voting to approve the City Council meeting minutes of August 9 and August 14 because he was absent from the meetings. II. ORDINANCE CONCERNING PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the item. Tony Mounts, Finance Division, was present to answer additional questions regarding the information on the proposed ordinance that he presented to the council at its work session earlier in the evening. The City now has the opportunity to increase franchise fees from 3 percent to 5 percent of gross revenues at the midpoint of its 20-year franchise agreement with Pacific Northwest Natural Gas. This increase would reflect the growing cost of maintaining the public way and represents a return on the public investment in the infrastructure. It would provide approximately $100,000 in additional revenue in FY90. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 1 e CB 4159--An ordinance concerning the Pacific Northwest Natural Gas Company Franchise, and amending Ordinance No. 18489; and declaring an emergency. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill be read the first time only. Roll call vote; the motion carrying unanimously, 7:0, a public hearing and second reading of the. ordinance was scheduled for a regular meeting in late October. III. RESOLUTIONS REGARDING RESERVE FOR ENCUMBRANCES Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced Rose Ellis, Finance Division, who reported that the resolutions before the council are part of the audit process to transition from Fiscal Year 1989 to FY90. She explained that the reserves are in the FY90 adopted budget and were based on estimates provided last spring on purchase orders that would be outstanding on June 30. The resolutions would allow the transfer of funds in reserve to individual departments for their actual June 30 outstanding purchase orders, with the remaining balance transferred to contingency or balance available accounts. Mr. Holmer observed that the items under consideration appear routine and may be appropriate for the consent calendar. Responding to Mr. Boles. question about why the funds need to be moved if e they are for items that have been budgeted for in the current fiscal year, Ms. Ellis explained that the purchase orders were issued last fiscal year and now require appropriations to departments for their payment. Regarding the movement of reserves to the balance available accounts, Mr. Whitlow said those funds could be used for budgeted projects in the current fiscal year if the council makes those appropriations in a future supplemental budget. Res. No. 4140--A resolution authorizing the transfer of funds from the Reserve for Encumbrances accounts to departments. Res. No. 4141--A resolution authorizing the transfer of the balance of the Reserve for Encumbrance accounts to Contingency or Balance Available accounts. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, to adopt the resolutions. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. IV. RESOLUTIONS REGARDING RESERVE FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS Ms. Ellis explained that the resolutions before the council would allow the transfer of funds to the departments administering those capital projects that were incomplete as of June 30, 1989, with the unused portions of the reserves being transferred to balance available accounts. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 2 e Res. No. 4142--A resolution authorizing the transfer of funds from the Reserve for Capital Projects accounts to departments. Res. No. 4143--A resolution authorizing the transfer of the balance of the Reserve for Capital Projects accounts to Balance Available. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, to adopt the resolutions. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. Mayor Miller adjourned the meeting of the Eugene City Council and convened a meeting of the Eugene Renewal Agency. V. RESOLUTION REGARDING RESERVE FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS--EUGENE RENEWAL AGENCY ERA Res. No. 939--A resolution authorizing the transfer of funds from the Reserve for Capital Projects to the Planning and Development Department. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. e Mayor Miller adjourned the meeting of the Eugene Renewal Agency and reconvened the meeting of the Eugene City Council. VI. RESOLUTIONS CALLING FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED WITHDRAWAL OF RECENTLY ANNEXED PROPERTIES FROM WATER AND PARK DISTRICTS Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the topic. Cathy Czerniak, Planning and Development Department, reported that the four resolutions before the council concern properties that were recently annexed under separate action by the Lane County Boundary Commission. She explained that a recent legislative change requires that properties be withdrawn from water and park districts under separate proceedings. Answering Ms. Bascom's inquiry about the impact of these actions, Ms. Czerniak explained that in the past, properties were automatically withdrawn from special districts upon annexation. In some areas in the state, cities do not want properties to be withdrawn from special districts because of the existence of overlapping boundaries, but in Eugene's case the special districts are separate from the City and there are no overlapping boundaries. As properties are annexed, the City begins to provide urban services and the properties no longer receive services from the special districts. She added that through an intergovernmental agreement between the City and some special districts in River Road and Santa Clara, the City pays an e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 3 e in-lieu-of-tax payment after properties are annexed. Properties withdrawn from the Glenwood Water District will be provided with EWEB service. Res. No. 4144--A resolution calling a public hearing to consider proposed withdrawal of territory (Fischer, EC EU 89-22) from the Glenwood Water District and Willamalane Park and Recreation District. Res. No. 4145--A resolution calling a public hearing to consider proposed withdrawal of territory (Arnold, EC EU 89-21) from the River Road Water District and River Road Park and Recreation District. Res. No. 4146--A resolution calling a public hearing to consider proposed withdrawal of territory (Brown, EC EU 89-23) from the River Road Water District and River Road Park and Recreation District. Res. No. 4147--A resolution calling a public hearing to consider proposed withdrawal of territory (Hall/Moore, C EU 89-08) from the River Road Water District and River Road Park and Recreation District. e Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, to adopt the resolutions. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. VII. ORDINANCE CONCERNING METROPOLITAN PLAN AMENDMENTS RELATED TO THE URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY EXPANSION NORTH OF AWBREY LANE (MA 87-6) Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the topic. Teresa Bishow, Planning and Development Department, reported that the Metro Plan amendments before the council received tentative approval in May 1989 and are again before the council for final action. Action by the Lane County Board of Commissioners is expected in early October and final action by the Springfield City Council is scheduled November 6. The amendments to the Metro Plan would 1) expand the urban growth boundary (UGB) north of Awbrey Lane and east of Highway 99 to include 200 acres of land for industries that demonstrate a need for large sites and rail access; 2) change the Plan Diagram text affecting existing special heavy industrial land within the UGB between Awbrey Lane and Enid Road and the Natron Site; and 3) change the text of the Metro Plan to indicate the shift in the characteristics of heavy industries, encourage a variety of heavy industrial development, and study approaches to maintain the physical separation between the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area and smaller outlying communities. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 4 e Mr. Boles called attention to the amendment of finding #9 and asked for evidence that IIchanges in technology and environmental regulations have lessened the environmental impacts of these industries.1I Ms. Bishow responded that testimony received from the Metro Partnership and representatives of the property owner discussed, in general, changes in industrial operations and their external impacts over time. She said that the current finding in the Metro Plan states strongly that heavy industries are for the most part obnoxious and polluting. Most companies that are considering locating in this area have better control of their external impacts as a result of new technology, more restrictive Federal regulations, and improved enforcement. Noting the large volume of material required as a result of action taken by the council a year ago, Ms. Bascom said she would be more cautious about initiating such plan amendments in the future. Mr. Boles continued by saying that nationally, heavy industries' emissions and the government1s failure to adequately regulate them provide no evidence that progress has been made in lessening the environmental impacts of these industries. He next called attention to the statement on page 51 of IIFindings--Awbrey/Meadowview UBG Amendmentll which claims that liThe long-term environmental, economic, social, and energy consequences resulting from the use at the proposed site with measures designed to reduce adverse impacts are not significantly more adverse than would typically result from the same proposal being located in areas requiring a goal exception other than the proposed site.1I He asked what was meant by IIlong-termll and suggested that e the site may be required for food production within the next ten years. Ms. Bishow answered that the finding referred to by Mr. Boles compares the impacts of the particular area with other similar sites surrounding the metropolitan area on which industrial activity could occur. She emphasized that there is no comparison being made between industrial and agricultural use in the statement. Mr. Bennett maintained that there is no evidence of viable agricultural potential at the site in question and suggested that a reassessment of the agricultural component may be incorporated into a future update of the Metro Plan. Mr. Bennett informed the council that the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) is working on achieving compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations of PM-IO. He reported that a subcommittee has found no PM-I0 point source problem with heavy industry and said this is an indication that industry efforts to address environmental issues on the local level have produced significant improvements. Mr. Boles referred to page 3 of "Findings--Text Amendments to Economy Element,1I and asked for evidence of consistency with the Metro Plan's Economic Goal that states: IIBroaden, improve, and diversify the metropolitan economy while maintaining or enhancing the environment.1I He said that the documentation mostly speaks to the first part of that goal (relating to the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 5 e economy) and he found nothing to support consistency with the goal relative to maintaining or enhancing the environment. In response to Mr. Boles' concerns, Tim Sercombe, City Attorney's Office, said that on pages 55 to 63 in the main text, there is a separate justification for the UGB expansion and the conversion to urbanizable land. He said those findings discuss the effect and interaction between the UGB change and the fundamental principles of the Metro Plan. Mr. Boles referred to page 57 in IlFindings--Awbrey/Meadowview UGB Amendmentll and said that the evidence cited supporting the goal referred to above is anecdotal and speaks to the economy but not to the environment. Ms. Bascom said she shared Mr. Boles. concern with the environment and said her understanding was that the amendments would require more extensive air and water-quality regulations and standards. Answering Mr. Boles' final question, Ms. Bishow said that there are no wetland issues pertaining to the site. The Planning Commission recommended that at the time the area is developed, a drainage slough running through the southwestern portion of the property should be enhanced to create a more natural environment. She said that confirmation has been received from State agencies that no wetlands exist on the site, with the exception of the slough itself. CB 4160--An ordinance amending the Eugene-Springfield e Metropolitan Area General Plan Text and Urban Growth Boundary and Taking a Statewide Land Use Planning Goal 2 Exception to Goals 3 and 14. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill, with unanimous consent of the council, be read the second time by council bill number only, and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 4160 was read the second time by number only. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, except Councilor Boles who voted nay, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19635). VII 1. ORDINANCE REGARDING COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING CREATION OF A TREE COMMISSION Ms. Bascom introduced the item. She said the ordinance would create a Tree Commission to address urban forestry issues in Eugene. Beautification issues would be delegated to the Joint Parks Committee. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 6 e Mr. Holmer questioned why the council would create a body to be advisory to the Executive Director of PARCS and to City staff with respect to operational matters and to the City Manager and Executive Director regarding policies relating to the urban forest. PARCS Director Ed Smith responded that the Tree Commission is patterned after other boards and commissions (specifically the Airport Commission) that advise the City Manager, who in turn brings matters to the City Council for approval. Ms. Schue pointed out that the Public Safety Advisory Committee also serves in an advisory capacity to City staff. Mr. Bennett shared Mr. Holmer's concern about assigning an advisory group a role in developing policy. Mr. Holmer responded that he hoped to see the council avoid invading the administrative areas of the organization, but he expected advisory boards created by the council to advise the council, and the City Manager to receive policy direction from the council. Mr. Bennett supported allowing an advisory group to interact directly with staff with respect to already established policies. Ms. Bascom added that she considered the role of the Tree Commission to be to respond to community interest and to develop new policy. She said the group would appropriately deal with both policy and administration. Responding to Mr. Green's inquiry about expenses associated with the commission, Mr. Smith said estimated costs are based on current expenses which are approximately $200 monthly, which includes mailing, minutes, and staff time. e Mr. Holmer suggested amending Section 2.245 to read: liThe tree commission ;s established to serve as an advisory body to the City Council for preservation, enhancement, and maintenance of Eugene's urban forest." He said that, in the process, the commission would advise PARCS staff and the City Manager. Unless the ordinance states specifically that the commission is advisory to the council, Mr. Holmer said there would be an invasion of the administrative province. Mr. Whitlow mentioned the three types of advisory boards and commissions now existing: 1) those that are strictly advisory to the City Council (the majority of boards and commissions); 2) those that are advisory only to the City Manager (Public Safety Advisory Committee); and 3) those that advise the City Manager on operational matters and the City Council on policy matters (Cultural Affairs Commission). He proposed changing Section 2.245 to create a Tree Commission that falls into the third category: liThe tree commission is established to serve as an advisory body to the executive director of PARCS and to city staff with respect to operational matters, and to the City Council on the city's program for preservation, enhancement, and maintenance of Eugene's urban forest. CB 4161--An ordinance concerning the Tree Commission; amending Section 2.013 of the Eugene Code, 1971; adding new Sections 2.245, 2.247. 2.249, and 2.251 to that code; and declaring an emergency. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 7 e Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill, including the amended language suggested by Mr. Whitlow, with unanimous consent of the council, be read the second time by council bill number only, and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 4161 was read the second time by number only. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19636). Mr. Boles said he hoped the Tree Commission would address urban forestry issues soon and would bring recommendations to the council for legislation that will ensure the preservation of older trees not currently protected by City ordinance. Ms. Bascom responded that those issues referred to by Mr. Boles are being reviewed but would take some time to resolve. IX. FINDINGS OF HEARINGS OFFICIAL AND ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR WOODRUFF STREET (CONTRACT 89-01) Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow reported that this item was routine and that staff was available to answer councilors' questions. e CB 4162--An ordinance levying assessments for sanitary sewers in Woodruff Street from Enid Road to 600 feet north. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill, with unanimous consent of the council, be read the second time by council bill number only, and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 4162 was read a second time by number only. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill be approved and given final passage and to approve the Hearings Official findings and recommendations of September 11, 1989. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19637). X. FINDINGS OF HEARINGS OFFICIAL AND ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENT FOR STERLING VIEW PUMP STATION (CONTRACT #88-08) Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow reported that staff was available to answer any questions about this routine item. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 8 / ~ CB 4163--An ordinance levying assessments for sewer pump station on Walton Lane, 1300 feet north of Honeywood Street, to serve Sterling View Estates Phase II and contiguous property currently outside city limits. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill, with unanimous consent of the council, be read the second time by council bill number only, and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 4163 was read the second time by number only. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, that the bill be approved and given final passage and to approve the Hearings Official findings and recommendations of September 11, 1989. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19638). The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. to September 27, 1989. Respectf~Jly subm~tt~p~ o .- "~.oo,.o. 7/ ' 00' . o( !'.' . . -,. \"., /'~oo' .' / .00,/ _ 'Mic~a~'-~o~~~~~o .. City Manager (Recorded by Mary Feldman) mncc 092589-730 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 25, 1989 Page 9