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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/11/1989 Meeting e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall , October 11, 1989 11:30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Ruth Bascom, Rob Bennett, Shawn Boles, Emily Schue, Debra Ehrman, Freeman Holmer, Bobby Green. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Roger Rutan. The adjourned meeting of September 25, 1989, of the Eugene City Council was called to order by Council President Ruth Bascom. 1. ITEMS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL, MAYOR, AND CITY MANAGER A. Alternatives to Drug Prohibition Mr. Boles distributed an editorial to the council from the journal edition of Science. He said that he will bring this issue to the council in early e November and recommended that the council support the editor's position with respect to the current war on drugs. B. Diminishing Oil and Gas Resources Mr. Boles drew attention to an article from Science on the current status of diminishing oil and gas resources. This information will be used as background material supporting the council's stand on this environmental issue. C. River's Edge Brush Clearing Mr. Boles expressed concern with the number of phone calls he is receiving in response to brush clearing along the riverls edge. A majority of the callers were concerned that brush clearing would drop down both sides of the river near the Adams Street/Maurie Jacobs area. D. Refinancing Certificates of Participation Mr. Holmer reminded the council that a decision was made in early July authorizing staff to refinance Certificates of Participation. He added that at that time he was opposed to the decision, objecting that the council should postpone the decision until interest rates decreased. Mr. Holmer reported that on October 9 the interest rate dropped from 7.33% to 7.32%. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 1 e E. Low-Altitude Flying Mr. Green announced that he received a letter from a member of the community who was concerned that a helicopter flying over the Octoberfest celebration held on September 8 and 9 was flying too low. The letter questioned whether this flight altitude was in compliance with FAA regulations and stated that low-altitude flying creates a significant noise disturbance. F. Illegal Dropping Mr. Green said that he has received input from the community about possible illegal dropping in the Golden Garden area. He felt that it would be beneficial to monitor the situation, even if enforcement was not possible. G. Tree Cutting Ms. Ehrman said that some community concern has been expressed about tree cutting within the city. She acknowledged that at times the only option is to issue a fine after the trees have been cut. Often rumors of suspected tree cutting are spread in the project development stage, but developers choose to cut the trees because the fines are small. She asked for the council's support on increasing the fine to serve as a stronger deterrent to tree cutting. Mr. Boles said he fully supports Ms. Ehrman on this issue. Ms. Bascom said she would take this suggestion to the next Tree Commission meeting. She noted that this issue is the type the commission is working on currently, and it will appreciate council interest in this. e H. Business Representation on City Advisory Committees Mr. Bennett said that the Citizen Involvement Committee minutes of September 14 stated that there is a growing concern among community groups about business representation on City advisory boards. Mr. Boles clarified that the group in question was established to represent the concerns of both the University neighborhood and the business community in that area. Members of the business community who were to be active in the proposed group felt that they already had adequate representation and were not interested in actively participating in the group. Responding to these concerns, Mr. Boles questioned the appropriate arena for the input of business community concerns into public process. Currently, each neighborhood organization establishes its own participation standards in its bylaws. Mr. Boles added that no action has been taken on this issue. 1. Gateway Shopping Center Mr. Bennett announced that with the opening of the Gateway Shopping Center, new traffic patterns have emerged on Harlow Road and in front of Washington Elementary School. Mr. Bennett asked whether the City is monitoring the changes in traffic patterns. In response, Mr. Gleason said Harlow Road is already in the inventory of roads being monitored by the Transportation Division and he agreed to report Mr. Bennettls concerns. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 2 e J. Third Neighborhood Tree Walk Ms. Bascom announced that 106 participants took part in the third neighborhood tree walk. She added that community response was enthusiastic and supportive. K. Irkutsk Delegation Ms. Bascom reported that the five official City representatives had been a successful Irkutsk delegation and had helped people to become more aware of other cultures and to demonstrate a better understanding of different cultural backgrounds. L. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Ms. Bascom requested the minutes of the last Downtown Commission meeting. She felt that there was some ambiguity about the actions taken, and retrieval of the minutes might help clarify and summarize what has been decided, providing some direction for future meetings. M. Riverfront Research Park Mr. Sercombe, City Attorney, informed the council that the decision of the Riverfront Research Park land use appeal case was to affirm the action of the Planning Commission and the Hearings Official, stating approval of the park master site plan. He added that this is the last significant land use e approval process--a significant victory. The next phase of the plan is the land development phase. II. LEGISLATIVE REPORT Linda Lynch, Intergovernmental Relations Division, presented the Legislative Report which provides a general overview of the 1989 Legislative session from the City's perspective. It includes a discussion of the major areas of legislative activity and an analysis of the outcomes of bills of interest to the City. Over 1,000 legislative measures were referred to City staff for evaluation of their impact on City operations. Of those, 300 were determined to be of significant importance. III. CONSIDERATION OF ACTION ON INITIATIVE PETITION CONCERNING CHARTER AMENDMENT At the September 27, 1989, council meeting, Mr. Holmer requested that the council consider action to endorse or oppose the initiative petition for a charter amendment requiring referral to the voters of urban renewal plans or plan amendments. Mr. Holmer said that the Neighborhood Leaders voted unanimously to endorse this petition and recommended that the council do the same, with some modifications. Mr. Holmer said that both Section 2 and Section 3 of the measure are unnecessary. Section 2 states that no e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 3 e expenditure shall be incurred pursuant to any existing urban renewal plan after the date of enactment without voter approval if the expenditure would result in bonded indebtedness or indebtedness which will not be repaid during the then current or immediately succeeding fiscal year and which will be repaid, in whole or in part, by tax increment financing pursuant to ORS 457.420 through 457.460. Section 3 states that the governing body of the City of Eugene shall submit to the electors at least four times in local newspapers the information described by ORS 457.085(3) (d)-(h) prior to elector approval pursuant to Sections 1 or 2 of this amendment. Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to request staff to provide the council with a draft of the Subject Charter Amendment, with only revised Section 1 of current filing of Charter Amendment. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Sercombe said that putting this on the ballot does gelete the requirement for petition signatures, and opponents have the right to proceed with their own measures. If both measures made it to the same ballot, the measure which received the greatest margin of affirmative votes would be enacted. Referring to Section 2, Ms. Ehrman questioned the definition of "indebtedness." Quoting Article 9.1 E of the Oregon Constitution, Mr. Sercombe said indebtedness is "that to which you can pledge tax increment funds for repayment." Mr. Holmer said that the intention of the initial sponsors of the measure was that if indebtedness extends beyond the second e fiscal year, it would require voter approval; any period of time less than two years would not require voter approval. Ms. Ehrman said that petition proponents should be included in the initial draft process in an effort to draft something acceptable to both parties. Ms. Schue supported Ms. Ehrman, concluding that the best strategy is to include petition proponents to produce an acceptable petition. Mr. Holmer withdrew his motion. Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, that the council president appoint two council members to work with representatives of the Coalition for Fair Allocation of City Taxes and the City Attorney's Office to develop alternatives to the Urban Renewal Measure. The motion passed unanimously, 6:0. Mr. Holmer and Ms. Ehrman volunteered to work with the tax proponents to identify acceptable alternatives to the Urban Renewal Measure. In response to a question from Mr. Bennett, Ms. Schue said that the council should not support or oppose the petition, reasoning that many people feel the right to sign a petition ;s different from the right to sign a petition based on its content. The council should first concentrate on drafting a well-written petition. After the petition is on the ballot, the council can e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 4 e vote in support or opposition of it. Ms. Schue added that she opposes this initiative. IV. LINCOLN SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT Jan Bohman, Planning and Development Department, gave a brief overview of the Lincoln School redevelopment issue. Ms. Ehrman questioned whether a new buyer would be obligated by the City's agreement with Lorig Associates, if Lorig Associates decided to sell. Mr. Gleason responded that the City would be able to include a Right of First Refusal into the agreement, allowing them the right to accept or refuse proposed action on the property in question. Ms. Bohman said that both the Friends of Lincoln School and the Westside Neighborhood Quality Project agreed to support the plans for redevelopment of Lincoln School providing that 1) the community gardens be relocated on the site, 2) the existing playground be retained, 3) a neighborhood center be established, and 4) a child care center be developed on the site. In reference to the proposed neighborhood center, Ms. Bohman said that both groups are considering the relocation of an Italianate home from its present location at 145 West 15th Avenue to the school site for this purpose. She added that the $200,000 proposed budget is intended for capital costs for the child care center and neighborhood center, not operation and maintenance. Operation of the child care facility would not be the City's responsibility. e Ms. Bohman said that the anticipated structural work for the neighborhood center would be contracted out according to public bidding law and added that it is possible that the finish work would be done by neighborhood volunteers. Mr. Bennett stressed that a bonded relationship with a contractor is necessary to ensure that the work is completed as indicated in a timely fashion. Responding to a question from Mr. Bennett, Ms. Bohman said the Italianate home is not currently designated as a historical structure but has this potential. Maura Johnson, President of Friends of Lincoln School (FLS), read a letter to the council accepting the proposed redevelopment plan with respect to the terms listed above. She added that FLS will continue to work toward the creation of a teen center and reopening of a pool which was located on the Jefferson Pool site. She concluded that although this property will be used differently than the initial intention of FLS, this is an acceptable compromise and an opportunity where both parties involved can come out ahead. Doug Card spoke on behalf of the Westside Neighborhood Quality Project. Mr. Card stated that WNQP also accepted this redevelopment proposal with the agreed-upon provisions. He felt, however, that this topic deserved a public hearing and hoped the council would take this into consideration for similar future issues. Mr. Card stressed the importance of moving the Italianate home immediately and hoped that this could be achieved through creative e financing. MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 5 e Ms. Ehrman encouraged fellow councilors to support this proposal, affirming its importance to the community. She added that the child care issue is a major component, and many goals are being achieved in this one project. Mr. Bennett supported Ms. Ehrman's position and added that the child care center must be a resource not only for the neighborhood but for low-income families as well. Mr. Green agreed that this is probably the best investment ever made in this community. Ms Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to direct the City Manager to place the proceeds of selling the Lincoln School site to Lorig Associates, Inc., ($125,000) into a special revenue fund and to consider allocation of up to an additional $75,000 to that special revenue fund in the FY91 Budget. All proceeds in that special revenue fund will be dedicated to construction, maintenance, and operation of the following facilities on the Lincoln School site: 1) playground, 2) community garden, 3) neighborhood center, and 4) child care center. The motion passed unanimously, 6:0. Mr. Gleason said that priority allocation for funds should be considered as follows: 1) relocation of the Italianate home to serve as the neighborhood center, 2) child care facility, 3) completion of rehabilitation of the neighborhood center, 4) community gardens, and 5) playground. Ms. Schue clarified that the City is not committed to remodeling the current e annex building for the child care center. If it is financially more feasible to build a new structure than to remodel the current structure, that will be done. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to authorize the City Manager to enter into a pre-development agreement with Lorig Associates, Inc., for redevelopment of the Lincoln School property as outlined. (The council took a five-minute recess. Councilor Schue assumed the position of chair.) V. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE EUGENE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY Ms. Schue said that the public hearing regarding the establishment of the Eugene Hospital Authority was held at the October 9 council meeting, at which time the motion for first reading was made. The council decided to postpone this issue until today. Warren Wong, Finance Division, reported on the issue. In response to earlier discussion about how it might be possible to influence Sacred Heart Hospital in certain practices, Mr. Wong said that it is possible to stipulate this in a loan agreement between the hospital and the authority. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 6 e Responding to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Wong said that medical clinics are included depending on the public service provided in the clinic and whether the clinic qualifies as a non-profit corporation under Federal law. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, 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. The motion passed unanimously, 6:0. Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Ms. Ehrman expressed disappointment in the medical community for not providing public information with respect to its position on this issue. She added that an issue involving public health care deserves particular attention if it provides the opportunity to affect health care costs. After careful consideration, Ms. Ehrman said she is not convinced that the end cost saving to the patient outweighs the controversy surrounding this issue. She noted that there is still confusion about the City's role in the issue and given this, she could not support the formation of a Eugene Hospital Authority. Mr. Boles echoed Ms. Ehrman1s concerns and added that the council should look into relationships with Sacred Heart and other medical facilities in this community, particularly with respect to indigent care and the overall planning process for expansion of medical facilities. Mr. Boles said that if e this ordinance passed, there would be an opportunity for unending litigation; thus he opposed the formation of a Eugene Hospital Authority. Mr. Holmer acknowledged the difficulty and complexity of dealing with this issue but felt the formation of a hospital authority would provide an opportunity to receive input and be an influence in the medical community. Supporting Mr. Holmer's position, Mr. Bennett said it is in the public interest to assist the community in providing acute in-patient health care. He added that Sacred Heart is a community asset and encouraged the council to support the ordinance for its potential value to community health care. Ms. Schue said she agreed with Ms. Ehrman that the council has a responsibility to the general public to improve overall health care in this community. She felt, however, that because Sacred Heart is a private, non-profit organization, it might not share common concerns and practices that the City feels are appropriate in dealing with the public. She added that she was frustrated by the lack of information provided to her, especially regarding Sacred Heart1s status. She added that she might be willing to consider the issue at another time but felt it would be dangerous for the City to enter into this type of proposed relationship without more careful examination. For these reasons, she could not support this ordinance. Supporting Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Green said that he was not convinced that the proposed establishment of a Eugene Hospital Authority would save the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 7 . . community money. He added that although this "deal" made good business sense, the council has a responsibility to the community to support a community-based hospital rather than a hospital based on a religious phil osophy. Mr. Gleason said that staff encouraged Sacred Heart not to discuss its fiduciary conditions. The hospital's ability to meet fiduciary demands needs to be debated separately from the proposed creation of a hospital authority. The motion failed 4:2; with Councilors Boles, Ehrman, Schue, and Green, voting nay; and Councilors Bennett and Holmer voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m. -, . .,.~ . ~. , (Recorded by Traci Northman) MNCC 101189 e e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 1989 Page 8