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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/14/1983 Meeting (2) M I NUT E S - Eugene City Council City Council Chamber March 14, 1983 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: John Ball, Richard Hansen, Freeman Holmer, Mark Lindberg, Brian Obie (commencement to 8:25 p.m.), Emily Schue, Betty Smith, Cynthia Wooten. Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller. Mayor Keller reminded councilors of the Irish Festival Parade, to be held on March 17. Following a suggestion from Councilor Smith, it was agreed that Council Administrator Patrick Lynch would coordinate council participation in the parade. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Code Amendment Increasing the Eugene Transient Room Tax (memo, ordinance, resolution, additional information distributed) - City Manager Michea1 Gleason introduced Assistant City Manager David Whitlow. Mr. Whitlow said that the council would be considering two items: a change from the present three-percent Transient Room Tax to a four-percent tax and a change in the allocation of tax receipts to allocate that additional one-percent to promotion of convention and tourism. Mr. Whitlow said that the Room Tax Sub- committee had endorsed this proposal. He noted that the Lane County Commissioners were considering a proposal to increase the room tax by one percent, with the proceeds derived from each incorporated area being returned to that jurisdiction. He said that the County's proposal, if adopted, would not be effective until July 1, 1983. - Public hearing was opened. Michael Hartnett, Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitors' Bureau, said that the members of the bureau believe that the proposed one-percent increase and allocation to promotion of convention and tourism would generate more occupancy in Eugene and would thus generate more revenues into the Room Tax Fund to be used for support of the Hult Center and local arts organizations. He felt that the City's proposal complements the proposal currently being debated by the County. He noted that if Eugene adopted the proposed ordinance and resolution now, funds could be available to the bureau by April, but that, under the County's proposal, funds would not be available until at least July 1983. Mr. Hartnett discussed the recent work of the bureau and said that the bureau had prepared a tour and travel package and brochure to promote visits to the area by individual tourists and noted that this was the first time such an effort had been made for Eugene-Springfield. He said that the bureau would use the additional funds generated by the proposed one-percent increase for such things as additional advertising, making personal sales calls, entering the MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 1 iiIIf e - e international market, and developing familiarization tours for meeting-planners. He reiterated that it takes dollars to generate dollars and that the dollars generated by the bureau's efforts would increase Room Tax funds available to support the arts in Eugene. Allen Lonstron, 85819 Barnwell Lane, spoke on behalf of the Valley River Inn and the hotel/motel industry. He said that industry needed more business, and he felt that the additional allocation to the Convention and Visitors' Bureau would help stimulate this. He said he believed that the additional revenues generated by area hotels and motels for the Room Tax Fund would provide more funding for the arts. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. Councilor Holmer referred to the ordinance under consideration and noted that the word "hotel" was used throughout the ordinance and that motels were not referred to at all. He also referred to a section of the ordinance which discussed application of the room tax to mobile home parks and asked if this tax was currently being levied. Mr. Holmer suggested that the council consider applying the tax to bed and breakfast establishments. City Attorney Les Swanson responded that use of the word "hotel" in the ordinance covered motels and that no distinction was made between the two. Finance Director Warren Wong said that the City only applied the tax to hotels and motels, not to mobile home parks or such uses as leasing the University of Oregon dormitories. Councilor Ball asked if the City's contract with the Convention and Visitors' Bureau includes performance criteria under which the bureau will be evaluated. Mr. Hartnett responded that broad performance criteria were contained in the contract. He said that area hotel/motel occupancy figures were one indicator of the bureau's performance. Mr. Gleason said that in the past the City had evaluated the bureau on the basis of its programs and had not quantified evalu- ation criteria. Councilor Ball asked how closely the City's proposed action was being coordi- nated with the one-percent increase currently being considered by the County. Mr. Gleason said that he had spoken with both County Administrator Margaret Mahoney and Springfield City Manager Steve Burkett and that he believed Eugene's action paralleled the County's. He said Springfield was considering taking parallel action. Councilor Smith said that this was not a new issue for the Room Tax Committee. She said it was encouraging to see the industry support the room tax for the first time. Councilor Wooten noted that the Convention and Visitors' Bureau currently received $85,000 per year from the City for services provided under contract and that the proposed one-percent increase would generate approximately $113,000 in additional funds. She asked if the bureau would be presenting a work plan for use of the additional funds. Mr. Gleason said that Mr. Hartnett had previously made a presentation to the council regarding the bureau's work plan, which had responded to the City's request for additional destination point promotion. Mr. Gleason agreed that the contract with the bureau would need to be amended if the additional funds are provided, since the City needs to purchase specific MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 2 e - - services or commodities with the funds. Ms. Wooten felt that since Mr. Hartnett's presentation to the council had been made in July 1982, material regarding the bureau's work plan should have been re-distributed to councilors in anticipation of tonight's hearing. Councilor Lindberg asked what the room tax rates were in market areas with which Eugene was competing. Mr. Lonstrom said that rates in Portland, Eugene's primary competitor, are six percent and that Portland's total budget for tourist and convention promotion is nearly $900,000. Mr. Lindberg asked if the sales tax proposals being considered in the State Legislature included taxing hotels and motels. Dale Munkres, Valley River Inn, said that in other states the room tax is separate from the sales tax, and the sales tax is not applied to rooms. He said that the Oregon bills were atypical in proposing that both taxes be applied. Councilor Wooten said she had served on the Room Tax Committee since 1981. She said she supported the one-percent increase but had serious reservations regarding the allocation of the funds. She said that while she appreciated the work of the Convention and Visitors' Bureau, she felt the City also had obligations to other destination-point activities, such as the Hu1t Center and local performing arts groups. Councilor Smith said that at its March 9, 1983, meeting the Room Tax Committee had reached consensus that allocating the additional one percent to the Con- vention and Visitors' Bureau would generate more revenue for performing arts groups and had therefore supported the ordinance and resolution. Councilor Lindberg noted that at a work session prior to tonight's meeting the council discussed comprehensive financial planning for the arts. He felt that if the additional one percent were divided among a number of groups, it would not have as much impact as providing the full amount to the bureau to use in promotional efforts that would in turn generate more Room Tax revenues. Councilor Schue concurred with Mr. Lindberg. Councilor Wooten urged that the allocation of the additional one percent be reviewed annually. Mayor Keller asked council support for the increase proposal. He concurred with Ms. Wooten's suggestion of an annual review of the allocation. Councilor Smith said that the ordinance as written calls for review to be done by the Room Tax Committee. She felt that this was the appropriate body to conduct the review and then to make a report to the City Council. Councilor Ball supported the increase but suggested that the City wait until the County takes action before deciding on the allocation. He felt that an increase larger than one percent should be considered. Mayor Keller responded that the industry had agreed to support the one-percent increase and that he felt it would not be advisable to change that amount at this time. Councilor Smith concurred with Mayor Keller's remarks. Councilor Wooten referred to the deficit in the Hu1t Center budget and noted that some of the funds from the one-percent increase could be used to offset the need for using General Funds or other City funds to cover that deficit. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 3 e CB 2607--An ordinance concerning the Transient Room Tax; amending Sections 3.772 and 3.774 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and declaring an emergency. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council, and that enactment be considered at this time. Councilor Holmer moved to amend the motion to delete reference in the ordinance to accommodations in mobile home and trailer parks. Mr. Gleason asked that staff be given time to review the implications of this ordinance change and its effect on administration of the ordinance. Mr. Holmer withdrew the motion. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2607 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19108. e Res. No. 3755--A resolution concerning Room Tax Funds; repealing Resolution No. 3694; and adopting new guidelines. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried 6:2, with Councilors Hansen, Holmer, Lindberg, Obie, Schue, and Smith voting in favor, and Councilors Ball and Wooten voting in opposition. Councilor Obie said it was his understanding that when staff reported back on the question raised by Mr. Holmer regarding deletion of mobile home parks from the ordinance, the report would include presentation of a draft ordinance for council consideration, if staff determined that this was appropriate. Mr. Obie said that he would like to have the council consider a proposal to have the Transient Room Tax apply to dormitories and to bed and breakfast establishments. Councilor Schue asked if Mr. Obie's intent was to have the tax applied to rental use of dorms for special events. Mr. Obie responded affirmatively. Councilor Obie left the meeting. B. Resolution Accepting the West University Parking Pricing Demonstration Grant (memo, background information distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Jarvia Shu, Assistant Parking Administrator. Ms. Shu noted that in September 1982 the council had supported the City's application for a parking pricing demonstration grant from the Urban Mass Transportation Administration to address parking and traffic problems identified in the West University Refinement Plan. She said that the program would include sale of e MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 4 e e - daily and monthly on-street parking permits, implementation of a residential preferential parking program, and use of centralized electronic meters. Ms. Shu said that the West University Neighbors, the University Small Business Association, the University of Oregon, Sacred Heart Hospital, the Downtown Commission, and the University/Community Liaison Committee had all endorsed acceptance of the grant. She said staff recommended adoption of the resolution. Public hearing was opened. There being no testimony, the hearing was closed. Res. No. 3756--A resolution authorizing execution of a cooperative agreement with the United States of America, Department of Transportation, Urban Mass Transpor- tation Administration for Project No. OR-06-0010 for parking pricing demonstration strategies within the City of Eugene, Oregon. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution. Councilor Holmer commended staff and Mr. Lindberg on the grantsmanship demon- strated in the grant application. He was concerned with receiving Federal funds for such a study when the City had other priorities he perceived as much more pressing than the parking problem. Councilor Lindberg responded that the parking situation in the West University area was a long-term problem and that the West University Refinement Plan had emphasized the need for a solution to the problem. He pointed out that diverse groups concerned with the area had voted to support the program. Councilor Hansen said that he shared Mr. Holmer's concerns but that, since all those involved supported the program, he would support it, too. Councilor Lindberg noted that the grant application had included an evaluation process. He asked how the City would determine whether the program was working and if the City could withdraw the program if it was not effective. Ms. Shu responded that extensive evaluation and monitoring would be done. She said that the UMTA was flexible regarding changes to the program, but that if the City wished it could terminate the program before the two-year period was up. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. C. Annexation/Rezoning Requests 1. Property Located Generally East of Laurel Hill Drive, South of Glenwood Drive from County AGT Agricultural, Grazing and Timber-Raising District to: 1) City C-2/SR Community Commercial District with Site Review Procedures and application of outlying Commercial Sign District; 2) City RP/SR Residential-Professional District with Site Review Procedures and application of Pro- fessional-Office Sign District; 3) City R-2/SR Limited Mu1tiple- Family Residential District with Site Review Procedures; 4) City RA Suburban Residential District; 5) City RA/SR Suburban Resi- dential District with Site Review Procedures; from County RA MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 5 e Suburban Residential District to City RA Suburban Residential District; and from City RA Suburban District to City C-2/SR Community Commercial District with Site Review Procedures, and application of outlying Commercial Sign District (Anso1a/Harrang) (A/Z 82-7) (map, background information distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Jim Croteau, Planning. Mr. Croteau said that the request involved 28 acres on the eastern slope of the laurel Hill Valley and included both annexation of property and rezoning of some property that is already in the City. He said that the proposed zonings and rezonings would provide 12.5 acres for commercial use, 2.5 acres for residential/professional use, 3.3 acres for medium-density residential use, and 10 acres for low-density residential use. He said the request was an implementation of the laurel Hill Refinement Plan Update, which would serve the commercial needs of the laurel Hill Valley and also provide an anchor point for a tourist-related commercial node near Interstate 5. Mr. Croteau said that the urban growth boundary in the area is the ridgeline and that there would likely be future annexations in the area. He said that the subject property fell within the boundaries of the South Hills Study and that addition of the site review suffix had been recommended for the residential and residential/professional properties, to address the concerns raised in that study. Mr. Croteau noted that the laurel Hill Neighborhood Association Planning Team had testified in support of the request at the Planning Commission hearing. Mr. Croteau said that the Planning Commission had voted unanimously to recommend the zone change and annexation. No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by councilors. ~ Staff notes and minutes were entered into the record. Public hearing was opened. Harry Nelson, of the firm Pogue and Rice, said that he represented the applicant and requested time for rebuttal in the event that testimony was made in opposition to the request. e There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. Res. No. 3757--A resolution forwarding a recommendation to the Boundary Commission for annexation of property located generally east of laurel Hill Drive, south of G1enwood Drive (Tax lots 103, 200, 300, 1100, 1200) to the City of Eugene and lane County Metropolitan Wastewater Service District. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the annexation as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; and that the resolution be adopted. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 6 - . CB 2608--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County AGT Agricul- tural Grazing and Timber-Raising District to City C-2/SR Community Commerical District with Site Review procedures and application of outlying Commercial Sign District for property located generally east of Laurel Hill Drive, south of Glenwood Drive (Tax Lots 200 [eastern 750 feet, more or less], 1100, and 1200). Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e Council Bill 2608 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19109. CB 2609--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County AGT Agricul- tural, Grazing and Timber-Raising District to City RP/SR Residential-Professional District with Site Review pro- cedures and application of Professional-Office Sign Dis- trict for property located generally east of Laurel Hill Drive, south of Glenwood Drive (Tax Lot 300 [northeast portion]). Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2609 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19110. CB 2610--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County AGT Agricul- tural, Grazing, and Timber-Raising District to City R-2/SR Limited Multiple-Family Residential District with Site Review procedures for property located generally east of Laurel Hill Drive, south of G1enwood Drive (Tax Lot 300 [northwest portion]). - MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 7 . e e Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2610 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19111. CB 2611--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County AGT Agricul- tural, Grazing, and Timber-Raising District to City RA Suburban Residential District for property located gen- erally east of Laurel Hill Drive, south of Glenwood Drive (Tax Lot 200 [western 100 feet, more or less]). Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2611 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19112. CB 2612--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County AGT Agricul- tural, Grazing, and Timber-Raising District to City RA/SR Suburban Residential District with Site Review procedures for property located generally east of Laurel Hill Drive, south of Glenwood Drive (Tax Lot 300 [southern portion]). Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2612 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19113. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 8 . e - CB 2613--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County RA Suburban Residential District to City RA Suburban Residential Dis- trict for property located generally east of Laurel Hill Drive, south of Glenwood Drive (Tax Lot 103). Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2613 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19114. CB 2614--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from City RA Suburban District to City C-2/SR Community Commercial District with Site Review procedures and application of Outlying Commercial Sign District for property located generally east of Laurel Hill Drive, south of Glenwood Drive (Tax Lots 800, 900 1000, 1100, 1200, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900). Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2614 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19115. 2. Property Located East of Coburg Road, West of 1-5 Highway, and South of Centennial Road from County PR Public Reserve District to City PL Public Land District and RA Low-Density Residential District (City of Eugene: Autzen Stadium/Alton Baker Park) (A/Z 82-8) (map, background information distributed) Recommended approval by Planning Commission February 1, 1983 Vote--5:0 M1NUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 9 . Mr. Gleason introduced Jim Croteau, Planning. Mr. Croteau said that the annexa- tion and zone change request involved approximately 360 acres and included Autzen Stadium and vicinity, owned by the University of Oregon, portions of Alton Baker Park, and five acres owned by Radio Airways, Inc. He noted that the entire subject property was surrounded by the City of Eugene. Mr. Croteau said that the City had worked for some time to extend sanitary sewer services to Autzen Stadium and that this service could now be provided. He explained that current boundaries resulted in duplication of service of the Eugene Police and the Lane County Sheriff and said that the annexation would correct this problem. Mr. Croteau noted that sanitary sewers would now also be extended to properties on the north side of Centennial Boulevard, including Skipworth Juvenile Center and the Elks Lodge. No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by councilors. Staff notes and minutes were entered into the record. e Public hearing was opened. There being no testimony, public hearing was closed. Res. No. 3758--A resolution forwarding a recommendation to the Boundary Commission for annexation of property located east of Coburg Road, west of 1-5 Highway, and south of Centennial Road to the City of Eugene and the Lane County Metropolitan Wastewater Service District. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the annexation as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; and that resolution be adopted. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. CB 2615--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County PR Public Reserve District to City PL Public Land District for property located east of Coburg Road, west of 1-5 Highway, and south of Centennial Road. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2615 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19116. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 10 . CB 2616--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County PR Public Reserve District to City RA Low-Density Residential District for property located east of Coburg Road, west of 1-5 Highway and south of Centennial Road. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of February 1, 1983, be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2616 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19117. II. Call for Public Hearing re: Alley Vacation for Property Located Between Charnelton and Olive Streets, North of 7th Avenue (Hayward, Gonyea, et a1.) (AV 81-1) (memo, mat distributed) Recommended approva by Planning Commission March 8, 1982 Vote--7:0 Mr. Gleason noted that this bill would call for a public hearing, since the posting for tonight's public hearing was faulty, and the hearing would therefore e have to held at a future time. CB 2617--An ordinance calling a public hearing for April 27,1983, to consider vacation of an alley located between Charnelton and Olive Streets, north of 7th Avenue. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council; and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council Bill 2617 was read the second time by council bill number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 19118. Mr. Gleason noted that staff hoped to eliminate this type of procedural difficulty through present efforts at deregulation. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 11 - e e . The meeting was adjourned to March 16, 1983. Resp~ctfU ~y SU~ ,_ &j97b Mi chain ~:.g( ~aR City(Manager (Recorded by Darcy Marentette) MDG: j w/ dcmCM7 a1 MINUTES--Eugene City Council ~ March 14, 1983 Page 11