HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/17/1983 Meeting
M I NUT E S
- Eugene City Council
City Council Chamber
August 17, 1983
11:45 a.m.
COUNCILORS PRESENT: John Ball, Richard Hansen, Freeman Holmer, Brian Obie,
Emily Schue, Betty Smith, Cynthia Wooten.
COUNCILORS ABSENT: Mark Lindberg.
Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called
to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller.
I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS
A. Eugene Celebration
Councilor Wooten gave an update on the Eugene Celebration and announced it
would occur September 30 and October 1 and 2, 1983. She showed the poster for
the event, and said that flyers were also being distributed with EWEB bills.
- She then introduced Jennifer King, intern, who was helping to organize the
event.
B. Fast for Life
Councilor Wooten stated that she had written a letter to President Reagan
expressing her personal commitment to a reduction in nuclear weapons, and
reminding him of the City of Eugene's endorsement of the bilateral Nuclear
Freeze, in light of the current Fast for Life, in which two Eugene residents
were participating. She encouraged other councilors to sign the letter before
it was sent.
Councilor Holmer expressed his opinion that the Nuclear Freeze resolution
previously approved by the City Council did not go far enough.
C. Conference as L-COG Representative
Councilor Schue noted she recently attended a regional Council of Governments'
conference as an L-COG representative. She will distribute information on this
conference to the council.
D. Joint Housing Committee and Community Development Committee Merger
Councilor Schue reminded councilors that the Joint Housing Committee and the
Community Development Committee were merging, partly as a result of staff
cutbacks and partly because of the changing roles of the committees within the
- context of the City, and characterized the merger as inevitable and desirable.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17, 1983 Page 1
She said that she and Councilors Lindberg and Holmer were joining an informal
subcommittee to work on the details of the merger, and asked the council to
formal ize thi s arrangement. The council unanimously approved designation as a
- formal subcommi ttee by a voice vote.
Eo Metropolitan Area Planning Advisory Committee Appointment
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, to appoint
Sandra Bishop, 591 West 10th Avenue, to a term expiring 6/30/86
and Patricia Taylor, 555 Coburg Road, #2, to replace Allen Johnson
for a term expiring 6/30/86 on the Metropolitan Area Planning
Advisory Committee.
F. Agenda Adjustments
Mr. Whitlow, Assistant City Manager, announced that items III, C, public hearing
on Supplemental Budget #1, and III, D, public hearing on Code Amendment to
Merchant Police Business License, would be removed from the agenda.
G. Firefighters Contract
John O'Connor, Personnel Department, introduced Frank Jackson, who announced
that after working for six weeks without a contract the firefighters had signed
a three year contract with the City, including a one year wage freeze. The
Mayor and members of the council expressed their appreciation for the service
provided to the City by the fire department, and for the leadership role played
by both the fire and the police departments in signing reasonable contracts in
the current economic climate.
e
II. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL
A. City Council Regular Meeting and Dinner/Work Session Minutes
of July 11,1983 (distributed)
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, to approve the
City Council minutes of July 11, 1983. Ro 11 call vote. The
motion carried unanimously, 7:0.
B. Agreement Between the University of Oregon and the City of Eugene
for Providing Sanitary Sewer Service to Autzen Stadium (agreement
distributed)
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, to approve the
Autzen Stadium Sanitary Sewer agreement. Roll call vote. The
motion carried unanimously, 7:0.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Planning Commission's Recommendation on Chambers Connector Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (memo, background information)
Mr. Whitlow introduced Brian Shelton, Public Works Department, who indicated
- that the Planning Commission's recommendation had been formulated at a joint
public hearing with the Lane County Roads Advisory Committee on August 9, 1983.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17, 1983 Page 2
Mr. Whitlow introduced Brian Shelton, Public Works Department, who indicated
e that the Planning Commission's recommendation had been formulated at a joint
public hearing with the Lane County Roads Advisory Committee on August 9, 1983.
He said that there had been verbal testimony by fifteen members of the public,
as well as written testimony which was included in the information packet. He
then drew attention to page 2 of the distributed memorandum which detailed the
recommendations of the Planning Commission, and recommended approval of the
project.
Public hearing was opened.
Marv Rexius, 750 Chambers, said that he wanted to reiterate his testimony before
the Planning Commission in support of the build alternative and the Roosevelt
connection.
Fred A. A. Divita, 1147 High, attorney for Star Lumber, said that his client
owned property between 2nd and 5th Avenues west of Chambers. He noted that his
client's property would be divided by the project, and that a railroad siding
would be lost. He urged the City Council to put the project to a vote of the
people, since there was a difference of legal opinion as to whether or not this
was necessary.
Robert Wheeler, 941 Almaden, said that he was speaking as a resident of the area
which would be affected by the Chambers Connector, as the chairperson of the
Westside Neighborhood Quality Project, and as a member of the Citizens Advisory
Committee for the project. He said that the Wests ide Neighbors had grave
e concerns about the impact of the connector on abutting neighborhoods and particu-
larly spillover traffic on 8th Avenue. He urged the council to consider traffic
diverters and other devices to protect the neighborhood, to allocate funds for
further study of the impact of the project on abutting neighborhoods, and the
appointment of a planning liaison person to work with the neighborhoods. Mr.
Wheeler went on to state that while the Westside Neighborhood ended at Chambers
there was a great deal of contact and movement between the Westside and Far West
Neighborhoods, so that many residents of the area felt that the connector
would virtually be bisecting their neighborhood. Finally, Mr. Wheeler noted
that the City Attorney's opinion that a vote on the project was not necessary
was arguable, and urged the council to err on the side of the people by authoriz-
ing a vote.
Jon Stafford, 1060 Madison Street, said that it was hard to oppose the Chambers
Connector project, since there were evident benefits. However he indicated that
he wished to address an impact not addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact
statement; namely, spillover traffic on 8th Avenue. He urged the City Council
to fund a study to find solutions and to fund implementation of the recommended
solutions.
Gordon Elliott, 938 Jefferson, said he had lived in Eugene for 65 years and
stated his opinion that the traffic problems in this area were not on 8th and
9th Avenues but on Jefferson Street. He expressed his support for the Chambers
Connector project, and commented that it had been a mistake to eliminate the
Roosevelt connection to the Northwest Expressway in the final plans.
-
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17,1983 Page 3
There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed.
e Responding for staff, Mr. Shelton noted that the issue of traffic spillover onto
8th Avenue had been addressed in the Planning Commission's recommendations.
Timothy Sercombe, City Attorney's office, stated that in his judgment a vote of
the people was not necessary to authorize the project. He added that the City
Council had the option of an advisory vote, but that this would be a political
rather than a legal decision.
Ms. Decker, Planning, responding to neighborhood concern about increased traffic
on Chambers bisecting neighborhoods, commented that this would occur whether
the connector was built or not, according to the T2000 Plan.
Councilor Wooten inquired about the cost of relocating displaced businesses.
Ms. Andersen, Lane County Engineer, replied that the costs of right-of-way
acquisition were listed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, but were
not broken down further. In response to another question by Councilor Wooten,
Ms. Andersen said that though residents of affected properties had been sent
notifications, no responses had been received.
In response to a question from Councilor Obie, Ms. Andersen stated that Star
Lumber was a major property owner so that it would be extremely difficult to
totally avoid its property, but that all possible steps would be taken to reduce
the impact. She added that there would be access to all remaining portions of
the property.
Councilor Holmer inquired what effect a vote would have on the project. Ms. Ander-
e sen replied that the County would defer the project until after any vote.
Councilor Wooten, noting that she represented the area affected by the project,
said that she wanted a staff report on mitigation efforts for affected businesses
and expressed her concern over spillover traffic into abutting neighborhoods.
She said that the final Environmental Impact Statement should include funding
and plans for data collection to mitigate the effects of the project. She added
that she wanted a firm commitment, not only to study, but to mitigate spillover
traffic problems. Mr. Shelton said that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
figures for right-Of-way acquisition were $2.6 million for option 1 and $2.9
million for option 3. He suggested that the City Council would have the oppor-
tunity to re-examine the issue of impacts on neighborhoods when the final
Environmental Impact Statement was reviewed. Mayor Keller noted that the motion
approved by the Planning Commission covered the concerns on this issue raised by
members of the council except for the specific allocation of funds, which he
suggested could be simply added to the City Council's motion.
Councilor Obie proposed a thirty-day delay to address concerns raised, such as
traffic spillover problems and the jobs lost at Star Lumber. Ms. Decker replied
that such a delay would not affect the issue of traffic problems, and that Star
Lumber was in the middle of the right-of-way, and would inevitably be
impacted, though discussions would be held to attempt to mitigate the effects.
She noted that staff's right-of-way option 4 was an attempt to mitigate effects
on businesses.
e
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17, 1983 Page. 4
Councilor Ball stated that many businesses were in favor of the project, although
they were not present to testify.
e Councilor Hansen expressed his willingness to proceed in this matter without a
vote of the people, but added that he would like to reconsider the Freeway
Amendment at a later date. Councilor Schue concurred that it would not be
appropriate to deal with the whole issue of the Freeway Amendment in the
context of the Chambers Connector decision.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, to approve the
following: (1) that the build option as shown in the Draft Environ-
mental Impact Statement be adopted; (2) that the Roosevelt connection
including provisions for automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians be
adopted as part of the build option, with the understanding that
the necessary funding was not immediately available; (3) that the
right-of-way option presented by staff and called option number 4,
being a combination of options 1 and 3, be adopted; and (4) that
special emphasis and concern be given in the final Environmental
Impact Statement to traffic and ancillary impacts on abutting
neighborhoods, with every consideration being given to diverting
traffic from residential streets to major arterials, and that
funding be included for that purpose. Roll call vote. tt>ti on
carried unanimously, 7:0.
B. Street Vacation Located on the East Side of River Road, Between Green
Lane and Division Avenue (Miller, et al.) (SV 83-l) (map, background
information distributed)
- Mr. Whitlow introduced Jerry Jacobson, Planning Department. Mr. Jacob son sai d
that this vacation had been scheduled to come before the council on July 13,
1983, but that consideration had been postponed at that time since the Hayden
Island development company had not at that time met all three conditions previously
agreed upon; nanely: (l) agreenent on a utility easement or EWEB relocation; (2)
exercise of all purchase options by Hayden Island; and (3) agreement on access
to the Hutchinson property. Mr. Jacobson said that all three conditions had now
been met, and that staff was recommending approval of the request.
Public hearing was opened.
There being no public testimony, public hearing was closed.
CB 2671--An ordinance alJthori zi ng vacati on of a public right-of-
way commonly known as Edgewood Drive which runs east from
River Road approximately 875 feet.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, that the bill
be read the second time by council bill only, with unanimous
consent of the Council, and that enactment be considered at this
time. Roll call vote. t/otion carried unanimously, 7:0.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, that the bill
be approved and given fi nal passage. Roll call vote. All counci 1 ors
e present voting aye, the bill was declared passed (and become
Ordinance No. 19174).
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17, 1983 Page 5
Mayor Keller left the meeting; Councilor Schue assumed the chair.
e IV. RESOLUTION, ORDINANCES CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 1983
re: EUGENE WATER AND ELECTRIC BOARD REVENUE BOND (memo, resolution,
ordinances distributed)
Mr. Whitlow introduced the topic, noting that EWEB staff agreed with the approach
and wording of the ordinance.
In response to a question by Councilor Holmer, Stan Long, City Attorney's office,
said that bonds would not be payable from general funds. Councilor Holmer then
queried the reason for the thirty-year maturation of the bonds while the contract
with the BPA was for only ten years. Mr. Long replied that the maturation was
"not later than thirty years." He explained that the bonds would not be sold
all at once, but in increments, and that the bond counsel's best judgment was
that a maximum maturation term of thirty years would be desirable.
Councilor Hansen asked whether EWEB would have to raise its rates to cover the
bonds if the BPA reneged on its agreement. Mr. Long replied that hopefully
this would not happen, and added that the council would get an opportunity to
look at the actual contract with the BPA, with legal opinions.
Councilor Wooten expressed her support for the bond program, stating that the
weatherization program was essential to the community, and congratulating EWEB
on the program.
CB 2674--An ordinance authorizing the City of Eugene, acting by
e and through the Eugene Water and Electric Board, to issue
up to $30,000,000 aggregate principal amount of revenue
bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the City,
payable solely from net revenues or any portion thereof
of the electric utility system of the City, or from any
other moneys lawfully available therefore, for the
purpose of financing energy conservation measures and
undertakings on behalf of customers of the system;
providing that no bonds shall be issued unless the
Bonneville Power Administration has agreed to pay the
principal thereof and interest thereon; and providing for
an effective date.
Councilor Obie moved, seconded by Councilor 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, 7:0.
Councilor Obie moved, seconded by Councilor Smith, 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. 19172).
e
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17, 1983 Page 6
Res. No. 3797--A resolution referring Ordinance #19172 to the
e voters.
Councilor Obie moved, seconded by Councilor Smith, to adopt the
resolution. Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously, 7:0.
Mayor Keller returned to the meeting and took the chair.
CB 2675--An ordinance ordering a special City election for the
purpose of submitting to the legal voters of the City of
Eugene for their approval or rejection at such election
to be held on the 20th day of September, 1983, an ordinance
authorizing the Eugene Water and Electric Board to issue
revenue bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the
City in an amount not exceeding $30,000,000 aggregate
principal amount in accordance with the provisions of
Ordinance No. 19172; the election to be conducted by the
Lane County Election Department; adopting polling places,
and providing for all acts necessary for the carrying on
of said election; and declaring an emergency.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, that the bill
be read a 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, 7:0.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, that the bill
e be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All council ors
present voting aye, the bill was declared passed (and became
Ordinance No. 19173).
Mayor Keller signed the ordinances authorizing the election and issuance of
bonds.
v. AX BILLY OPTION AGREEMENT (memo, resolution, background information
distributed)
Mr. Whitlow reviewed staff notes, indicating that the Downtown Commission had
reviewed the situation and was recommending modification of the option agreement
between Bennett Management and the Eugene Renewal Agency.
Robert Bennett, Bennett Management, explained that after he had committed to the
project he had had a market study done which had given him a cautious recommenda-
tion to proceed, but had suggested phasing the project. However, he said, he
did not wish to phase the project, but considered February 1984 a more realistic
termination date for the option agreement than the previously agreed date. He
indicated that his confidence about the project was higher now than it had been
at the beginning, since support from the business community was increasing, and
that he felt positive about the project despite some concerns. Mr. Bennett went
e
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17, 1983 Page 7
on to explain that his current concept was for a member-owned club with privately
e owned real estate, which he termed unique in Lane County. He indicated that
construction would start in March, 1984.
Res. No. 898B -A resol uti on of the Urban Renewal Agency of the
City of Eugene, authorizing an extension of time for
execution of purchase agreement.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Obie, that the City
Council, acting in its capacity as the Eugene Renewal Agency,
adopt the resolution. Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously,
7:0.
Councilors Smith and Obie left the meeting.
Mayor Keller announced that Councilor Holmer would be absent from the City
Council meetings of October 10 and 12, 1983.
VI. FY84 JOBS TRAINING GRANT APPLICATION
Mr. Whitlow introduced Chris Pryor, president of the Eugene Private Industry
Council. Mr. Pryor indicated that the application basically represented IIbusiness
as usual,1I though taking into account the requirements of the Job Training
Partnership Act. He added that council approval was also required for the
e Bylaws of the Private Industry Council and the partnership agreement between the
Council and EPIC.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Hansen, to approve
the FY84 Jobs Training Grant application. Roll call vote. Motion
carried unanimously, 5:0.
VI I. 1983 NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS
Mr. Whitlow introduced Kirk McKinley, Planning Department, who introduced the
1983 Nei,hborhood Analysis. He noted that there had been prior analyses in
1967, 19 5 and 1978, and that these analyses were valuable tools for initiating
and evaluating action. He then gave the major sources for data, and outlined
the format of the document. Finally, he gave details of the characteristics of
each district of the City from the data contained in the analysis.
VIII. GLENWOOD JURISDICTIONAL STUDY TASK FORCE APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Keller nominated Councilors Ball and Hansen to the task force on the
Glenwood Jurisdictional Study.
Councilor Schue moved, seconded by Councilor Holmer, to appoint
Councilors Ball and Hansen to represent the Eugene City Council on
e the task force on the Glenwood Jurisdictional Study. Roll call
vote. Motion carried unanimously, 5:0.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17. 1983 Page 8
IX. COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS
e Councilor Wooten suggested that the council approve the committee's recommenda-
tions to: 1) approve the Business Development Fund as presented, and 2} to
approve, in concept, the promotion of the Southern Willamette Corridor.
Councilor Wooten moved, seconded by Councilor Schue, that the City
Council adopt the recommendations of the Council Committee on
Economic Diversification. Roll call vote. Motion carried
unanimously, 5:0.
Mayor Keller adjourned the meeting for the summer vacation at 1:40 p.m.
e
(Recorded by Jo Alexander)
JA:bm/CM23bl
e
MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 17,1983 Page 9