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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/23/1984 Meeting (2) M I NUT E S e Eugene City Council City Council Chamber January 23, 1984 7:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Brian Obie, Cynthia Wooten, Emily Schue, Richard Hansen, John Ball, Freeman Holmer, and Betty Smith. Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. FY 1984/85 to 1993/94 Capital Improvement Program (memo, background information distributed) e City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. Kirk McKinley of the Planning Department presented the staff report, outlining the changes recommended by the Planning Commission to the Draft CIP as listed in the January 18, 1984, memorandum from the Planning Department. He stated that the Draft CIP contains the same four sections as in the previous CIP and was developed under the same four criteria. He stated that an error exists on page 23 of the Draft CIP document; the totals for items 4 and 5 in the Public Works section should be the same as listed for Fund 312. In response to the letter from Lane County regarding some of the projects listed in the CIP, he said staff is suggesting that those projects which were presently not in the Lane County CIP be flagged with an asterisk to denote that staff would pursue County funding. In response to a question regarding the Willamette Arcade, Mr. McKinley stated that the arcade is being considered with the other downtown capital projects as part of the Downtown Planning Process, and that the Downtown Commission will be recommending project priorities within the Downtown Plan area. The public hearing was opened. Speaking in favor of the issue: Renee Gottesman, 3191 Kentwood Drive, in regard to Willakenzie Road improvements as listed on page 50 of the 10-Year Menu, stated that parents of the students at Willakenzie Elementary School had petitioned the City four years ago to install sidewalks on Willakenzie Road east of Coburg Road. While the parents were assured by the Traffic Safety Engineer that sidewalks were a necessity and that they would be installed as soon as sewers were installed, she said a Public Works committee vetoed the sidewalks and other street improvements. As a representative of the Harlow Neighbors Association and the Willakenzie Parents Advisory Council, she stated that she was directed to request that the improvements to Willakenzie Road be moved forward to occur as soon as possible, and at least at the date as scheduled in the CIP. She said a petition of neighborhood residents to be submitted will outline the reasons for the requested sidewalks, those reasons e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 1 e included: the increase in residents and vehicular traffic, the large percentage of students who walk to school, poor driver visibility, and poor wheelchair access as evidence in support of the sidewalk installation. She said an allocation for the improvement is contained in the Willakenzie area CIP and is scheduled for 1986-87. She said the residents want the sidewalks now. C. Rusty Hedin, 87436 Dukhobar Road, speaking for the Eugene Rose Society, stated that he wanted to have funding for the improvement of the parking area at the Owen Memorial Rose Garden. He felt the garden is superior to the rose garden in Portland and the lack of adequate parking is a hindrance to more people visiting the garden. Frank Manibusan, 1020 Stillman, also from the Eugene Rose Society, stated that the garden adds to the beauty of Eugene. However, he stated that parking continues to be a problem. He stated that more beds should also be added; he commen.ted that several people have stated their willingness to donate plants to the Ci ty. Jon Silvermoon, 47 1/2 West 25th Avenue, stated that the CIP is an improvement over p,revi ous documents, but he is sti 11 concerned with the presence of a "wi sh list. I He stated that the CIP contains a number of projects totalling $24.5 million for the next three years, this amount expected to be raised by bond issues. He asked if it is the intent of the City Council to propose bond issues when it adopts the CIP document. He said the issue of asking the voters for $24.5 million should be clarified before the document is adopted. He hoped that the next CIP will pare some of the listed projects, specifically the 6th/7th Widening Project, relocation of the 1-105 Ramps, and improvements in Amazon Park. e Tom Hodges, 1470 East 19th Avenue, speaking on behalf of the rose garden, stating that additional parking space and trails are needed. He said the garden is a beautiful part of the city, but he stressed that the improvements are needed to increase its accessibility. He said the improvements would increase the garden as an asset to the city. There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. In response to the public testimony, Mr. McKinley stated that page 38 of the CIP includes $50,000 for remodeling of the rose garden and for the construction of additional parking, flower beds and trails in FY84/85. In regard to the issue of Willakenzie Road, he understood that the sidewalk would be a curb-side walk because of right-of-way. He said the Public Works Department prefers to build sidewalks in conjunction with street improvements; therefore, it would be difficult to build the sidewalks without tying it to the total street improve- ment project. In response to the bonds to be passed, Mr. McKinley explained that the projects are not within available projected revenues and the bonds are present to point out to the council those needs which must be addressed in the near future. Mr. McKinley stated that the projects within the T-2000 Transpor- tation Plan will be reviewed during the update and project priorities might be changed. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 2 e e e In response to a question on the bond measure projects, Mr. KcKinley confirmed that the City Council is not obligating itself to any specific bond issues by approving the CIP. Responding to a question on the Willakenzie Road area by Mr. Hansen, he stated that staff could study the issue of speeding the improvement project process. Mr. Holmer agreed with Mr. Silvermoon that the Draft CIP is an improvement over previous documents. He stated that he gave testimony at the Planning Commission public hearing on the Draft CIP in support of the resumption of the streetlighting program. In response to a question on the status of that program, Acting Public Works Director Don Gilman stated that staff has plans to bring supplemental budget information to the council due to the additional funds generated by the Streetlight Conversion Project. He said part of these funds will be diverted to install additional streetlights. He said that a supplemental budget will be brought to the City Council on February 21, 1984, to address this issue. Mr. Obie stated that he has discussed the construction of the Fern Ridge Bike Path on the council for the past seven years, but that he has been continually told that the project is in the future and must first be in the TIP. He said he is frustrated by the lack of progress in tying the Fern Ridge Reservior to West Eugene and is uncomfortable with leaving the project in the 1993-94 time period. Mr. McKinley responded that a section of the bike path from Beltline to Green Hill Road is scheduled to be constructed with Lane County funds during the second fiscal year. He said the City was waiting to obtain federal funding for the project. Mr. Gleason stated that he will contact the Lane County Administrator in an attempt to change the FAU priorities. Mr. Obie also voiced his concern with the allocation of $85,000 for the electronic display for the Hult Center. While he recognized the need for some type of display, he questioned the need for that amount of funding. Mr. McKinley stated that the Hult Center will be pursuing donations to fund the display. Ms. Wooten, adding to the comments of Ms. Smith, stated that adoption of the CIP does not mean that the council is making any backdoor decisions on projects not considered or voted on. She recognized the confusion, but she stressed that the bond measure projects would not be approved without consideration and action by the council. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to adopt the FY1984/85 to 1993/94 Capital Improvement Program and refer it to the Budget Committee. The motion carried unanimously, 7:0. B. Rezoning Request for Property Located on the Northeast Corner of Garfield Street and 12th Avenue from R-1 Low Density Residential District to RP Residential-Professional District (Russell and Sonja Morgan) (Z 83-18) (map, background information distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. Jerry Jacobson of the Planning Department presented the staff report. He reviewed the staff notes of December 6, 1983, on the rezoning application. He said the Planning Commission recommendation is to rezone the property to RP/SR Residential-Professional with Site Review procedures. He explained that the council bill listed on the agenda MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 3 e did not reflect the SR suffix or the request for emergency action. He said the applicant was requesting the emergency clause in order to forego the 3D-day waiting period. He stated that Roger Rutan, President of the Planning Commission, was present to answer any questions on the Planning Commission recommendation. There were no statements of ex parte contact or conflicts of interest. The staff notes and minutes were entered into the record. The public hearing was opened. There being no testimony presented, the public hearing was closed. CB 2712--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from R-1 Low Density Residential District to RP/SR Residential-Professional District with Site Review procedures for property located on the northeast corner of Garfield Street and 12th Avenue; and declaring an emergency. e Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of December 6, 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; the motion carried unanimously, 7:0. Council Bill 2712 was read the second time by council bill number only. Mr. Dbie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, 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. 19215). C. Rezoning Request for Property Located South of Green Lane on the East Side of River Road from County RA Suburban Residential District to City C-2 Community Commercial District (Anne Glenn) (Z 83-19) (map, background information distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. Jerry Jacobson of the Planning Department presented the staff report, reviewing the staff notes of December 6, 1983, on the rezoning application. He stated that the Planning Commission recommended a change of zone to City C-2/SR Community Commercial District with Site Review procedures with a Sign District designation of Outlying Commercial. Mr. Jacobson reviewed the corrected council bill language. There were no statements of ex parte contact or conflicts of interest. The staff notes and minutes were entered into the record. The public hearing was opened. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 4 e e - Harold Chatman, 51 Chapman Drive, stated that he supported the rezoning. He said a pub ic need for the redevelopment of the subject property exists because of strong economic pressure for strip commercial development further north on River Road. He said he believes that the rezoning will prevent additional pressure for strip commercial development in the north Santa Clara area. He added that the redevelopment of the subject property offers an opportunity to provide Santa Clara residents with additional commercial facilities without invading another portion of River Road. He hoped the council will use the opportunity and will approve the rezoning. There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. CB 2713--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from County RA Suburban Residential District to City C-2/SR Community Commercial District with Site Review procedures and application of Outlying Commercial Sign District for property located south of Green Lane on the east side of River Road. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of December 6, 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. Mr. Obie asked the Planning Commission to take special note of the Sign District and try to relate it to the balance of River Road that has historically been in the city. He said he believes that the balance of River Road is Highway-Oriented, while the subject property is Outlying Comloercial. He felt that a conversation on the appropriateness of either of the two Sign Districts would be appropriate to achieve some consistency in the City's decision making. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 7:0. Council Bill 2713 was read the second time by council bill number only. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, 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. 19216). D. Rezoning Request for Property Located between Blair Boulevard and Van Buren Street, South of 3rd Avenue from 1-2 Light-Medium Indus- trial District to C-2 Community Commercial District (William Tom) (Z 83-20) (map, background information distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. Jerry Jacobson of the Planning Department presented the staff report. He reviewed the staff notes of December 6, 1983, on the rezoning issue. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 5 There were no statements of ex parte contact or conflicts of interest. 4It The staff notes and minutes were entered into the record. The public hearing was opened. There being no testimony presented, the public hearing was closed. CB 2714--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from 1-2 Light-Medium Industrial District to C-2 Community Commercial District for property located between Blair Boulevard and Van Buren Street, south of 3rd Avenue. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of December 6, 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; the motion carried unanimously, 7:0. Council Bill 2714 was read the second time by council bill number only. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, 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. 19217). e E. 6th/7th Widening and Reconstruction Project (memo, background informa- tion distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. Pat Decker of the Planning Department presented the staff report. She referred to the diagram outlining the Environmental Assessment process attached to the staff notes. She reviewed the three actions on which the City Council was to consider action--to forward comments to ODOT on the Environmental Assessment, to provide direction to ODOT on whether a three- or four-lane option should be considered, and to provide direction on the role of the Design Review Committee. She stated that staff continues to recommend a four-lane option as part of the Build Alternative, stating that the T-2000 Plan calls for that configuration to respond to the community's need for an east/west corridor. She stated that the Planning Commission received testimony at its public hearing that the Chambers Connector assumes the construction of a four-lane section on 6th and 7th avenues to prevent spillover traffic onto neighborhood streets. Another justification for the 46-foot section is the Six-Point Economic Diversification Program which identifies West Eugene and the Willow Creek Industrial Area as areas which need facilities such as sewers and transportation corridors to provide alternatives for new community industry. She said the Environmental Assessment and LRAPA also lists the comparative advantages of the Build Alternative in terms of air pollution caused by idling traffic. Ms. Decker said that staff is assuming that development will occur in the downtown area; she added that additional traffic - MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 6 e e e circulation will be needed to handle that situation. She said there will be an economic need for the four-lane streets in the future, adding that much of 7th Avenue is already four-lane. She stated that Jim Gix of ODOT was present to respond to questions of the council. In regard to the Design Review Committee, Ms. Decker stated that staff is recommending the continued use of the committee to continue work on the Washington to High Street section, to provide input to ODOT on future phases of the project, and to provide guidelines for maximizing preservation of significant trees and for streetlighting. Ms. Decker stated that the ODOT staff has worked well with both the committee and City staff in developing designs for a four-lane, 46-foot section that responds to the issue of preservation of existing trees. She said staff feels that the State will continue to make a good faith effort to address other concerns raised in the project. Ms Decker stated that Roger Rutan, President of the Planning Commission, was present to report the recommendation of the commission and Brian Bauske, Vice President of the Planning Commission, would present a report on the Design Review Committee. Mr. Rutan reviewed the actions of the Planning Commission on the 6th/7th Widening Project, stating that substantial testimony had been received by the commission at its public hearing on January 12, 1984. He said the commission continued its discussion on January 16, 1984, at which time the commission unanimously approved the project. The motion of the commission was to approve: the Environmental Assessment document, the Build Alternative, and further thoughts on the role of the Design Review Committee. Mr. Rutan said the commission left it to the DRC to address the public concerns on the widening project and to provide input to the City Council. He said the Planning Commission felt the project to be an important part of the City's transportation system and planning processes. Mr. Bauske stated that the initial charge to the Design Review Committee was to examine the draft Environmental Assessment statement and the preliminary designs, but the charge from the Planning Commission is to address concerns of tree preservation, the planting of new trees, streetlighting for the Washington to High Street section, paving colors, crosswalks, and to consider a three-lane thoroughfare in that section of the project. He stated that the committee has identified design concepts which would save most of the major downtown trees while still accommodating a widening to four lanes. He said the design modifi- cations would include shifting the roadway to the south on 7th Avenue at Washington Street, weaving the roadway between Oak and High Streets, and a realignment to either the north or south on 6th Avenue between Lincoln and Lawrence Streets. These modifications would save 21 of the 27 major trees in the High to Washington section. Mr. Bauske stated that the first two modifications were supported by consensus as workable, given a four-lane roadway section. Also reached by consensus was that the maple at the Darigold plant and the one at the Convention and Visitors Bureau were not, on balance, worth saving by realignment, since realignment would cost two blocks' worth of replanting. He said the committee agrees that any trees saved by these efforts should receive extra maintenance and care. The committee also suggested that the City ask ODOT to develop a project to improve access to and from 1-105. Mr. Bauske felt that the meetings were productive and he was pleased at the quality of the participation of the members and the cooperation from Jim Gix of ODOT and the City staff. However, Mr. Bauske said MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 7 e e - the committee was unable to reach consensus on a recommendation to the City Council. He said the committee was not able to complete its assignments due to lack of time, stating that the committee dealt only with the concerns on realign- ment and tree loss. He said the committee is at an impasse regarding the option of a 40-foot, three-lane roadway in the downtown area and a four-lane widening for the Charnel ton to Lawrence Street section. He said committee members favor a variety of options based on the individual concerns of the members, but no consensus was reached. He felt that the committee could reach a solution given more time. He said the committee is urging the council to provide that time. He added that the future phases of the widening project will also need review. In stating his own views, Mr. Bauske felt the 40-foot, three-lane option is appropriate where it proves workable and necessary to save the trees--more specifically, between Charnel ton and Lawrence on 6th Avenue. He said problems would occur with realignment of the roadway to either the north or south on 6th Avenue to construct a four-lane section. He said a three-lane section in the Charnel ton to Lawrence Street section and four-lanes everywhere else would move traffic well and would save all but two major trees. He said he would also support a 46-foot, four-lane design which recreates the Gateway Arch as soon as possible. In response to a question, Mr. Bauske said the charge given by the Planning Commission was for the Design Review Committee to include study of a three-lane section. In response to another question, he stated that a four-lane weave option could be accomplished without any additional right-of-way, with the possible exception of the area on 7th Avenue adjacent to the Federal Building. Ms. Decker stated that an easement for planting new trees on the north side of 6th Avenue would be necessary at the Gateway Arch area if the weaving occurred. Mr. Bauske said that preliminary study showed this option to be feasible. Mr. Obie temporarily left the meeting at this time. In response to a question, Mr. Bauske said that while ODOT did not make any commitment, indications appeared that there would not be any delay with the construction due to design changes. Mr. Holmer stated he would support a follow-up design review, but not at the expense of the project. Mr. Bauske said it was his understanding that a review could occur without delaying the project. Ms. Decker said ODOT has assumed that the council will take action that evening or on January 25 and will continue to work with a Design Review Committee on the other issues identified but not yet resolved. As another member of the Design Review Committee, Mr. Hansen said Mr. Bauske accurately reflected the activities of the committee. He agreed that conflicts existed but some conclusions were reached. In response to a question, Mr. Bauske said the committee is entirely sure of the requirements for a three-lane alternative; one concern is that some of the blocks on 7th Avenue were already widened and striped for four lanes. He said the committee has not had enough time to deal with that option. Ms. Wooten said the memorandum from the Public Works and Planning Departments stated that the MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 8 e e e project must be viewed as an improvement in order to receive funding. Mr. Gix said he did not have a formal decision from the Federal Highway Administration, but he explained that the project must either improve or maintain services. He said that any reduction in existing lanes would be viewed as a reduction in services. Mr. Obie returned to the meeting at this time. In response to a question on the new data on long-term traffic volumes, Ms. Decker stated that the data was not an extrapolation from the Portland State population figures. She explained that the new data was based on Metropolitan Plan population figures; she said the data was labeled as "raw" because staff did not have any specific figures on the 6th/7th Corridor. Mr. Farah stated that the paragraph in the T-2000 Update to which Ms. Wooten referred is stating that the raw data from the computer shows a slightly lower figure than the ODOT projection, but it does not mean that the project projections are "out of sync." He said the T-2000 Update is still in the calibration phase and the difference in the two sets of figures would not require ODOT to recalculate their figures. He said that either projections show a marked increase in traffic volumes in the 6th/7th Corridor. Mr. Gleason added that the T-2000 Plan is based on a metropolitan-based number that is independant of date and that staff is assuming that the total volume as projected will be reached. The public hearing was opened. Speaking in favor of the widening project: Don Norris, 1984 Kimberly, referring to an article printed that day in the Register-Guard on Lane County unemployment, stated that Eugene still has an 11 percent unemployment figure. He said the City Council made economic diversi- fication its major goal in 1981 and that goal was subsequently reaffirmed. He said the City Manager mentioned the Willow Creek Study and its relation to the widening project. Emphasizing the need for the infrastructure, Mr. Norris quoted sections of the Willow Creek Study which support the need for the 6th/7th Widening project. He said merely repaving the roadway would cost $5 million; thus, it would be more sensible to make the added improvements for the additional $2 million. In regard to the loss of the trees, he stated that he was originally against the project because of the potential loss, but he changed his mind when he learned that 600 trees would be planted. He supported the four-lane alterna- tive, basing his judgement on the improved traffic flow in the Charnel ton Street area which already has four lanes. Jim Saul, 2780 Elinore Street, voiced his support of the full reconstruction and widening project. He appreciated the input of the Design Review Committee and he supported the options to save the trees. He said the project was adopted by the City in 1978 and is integral to other transportation projects within the city. He said that backing off of this project would call into question the essential elements of the Transportation Plan already adopted. He stressed that the City Council has made policy choices on where growth is to occur in the city, stating that the west and southwest portions of Eugene have been targeted in the Metropolitan Plan. He said the denial of the project would also call MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 9 ~ into question all the fundamental land use decisions made by the council through the Metropolitan Plan. He said the four-lane option should be supported, reflecting the recommendations of the Design Review Committee. Harold Chapman, 51 Chapman Drive, stated that he submitted a letter to the City Council on the issue. He stated that those who oppose the widening to four lanes are attempting to save the trees at the wrong time, at the wrong place, and for the wrong reasons. Referring to a letter to the editor in the January 23 edition of the Register-Guard which expressed concern over the potential loss of nesting sites for birds, Mr. Chapman stated that he was able to find only one nest in the 6th and 7th avenue trees. He said the City Council should not feel guilty about removing nesting sites when the Lane County Planning Commission has recently proposed zoning the largest Blue Heron rookery in Oregon for sand and gravel. He encouraged those present who were concerned about nesting sites to voice their sentiments to the Lane County Commissioners. e Herbert R. Herzberg, 3757 Wilshire Lane, representing the Lane/Coos/Curry/Douglas Building and Construction Trades Council, said he supports the 6th/7th Widening Project. He said those in the building trades feel that holding back on the project will greatly hamper the city in bringing new industry into the West Eugene area. He said poor access between 1-5 and the West Eugene area would adversely affect economic development. In regard to concerns raised on funding and repaving of the streets, Mr. Herzberg stated that four lanes would increase traffic flow and would decrease pollution. He said 6th and 7th avenues need new curbs and the crowns make truck traffic difficult to handle. He said the Trades Council would have opposed the project if the Roosevelt Expressway had been constructed. He said the city should not pass up the chance of obtaining gasoline tax dollars. John H. Burris, 2251 Brittany Drive, stated that the previous speakers have addressed most of his concerns. He opposes any three-lane sections within the project for safety reasons, stating that the tapering down from four to three lanes would be dangerous, especially at night or during inclement weather. He said the opporunity for State and Federal funding should not be lost. Suzanne Boyd, 3429 Stark Street, representing the League of Women Voters of Central Lane County, stated that the League supports Alternative B for the 6th/7th Couplet as part of the T-2000 Plan. She said the need for improvement has been obvious to commuters for some time and the League based its support on the following: no need for additional right-of-way; access across 6th and 7th avenues will remain the same; and the improvement will decrease the accident rate on 6th and 7th avenues. - Jim Hale, 4064 Meredith Court, supported the build alternative. He believed that the trees were an important resource for the community, but he felt the four-lane weave option would be a concession to that issue. He stated that it was more important to gain access to the West Eugene Industrial Area and to the State Highway Fund. He said he does not want to see the project slip beyond the acceptible time frame and thereby lose the funding. As a member of MAPAC, he stated that the list of projects for which State funding is required is long and that Eugene must act to maintain its visibility. He believed that more people would support the widening project if they fully understood the implications of disapproving the project. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 10 - John Boyer, no address given, representing the Associated General Contractors of America, stated that his organization supported the widening and beautification of 6th and 7th Avenues to four-lanes. He said the badly-needed project will fulfill the aesthetic and traffic needs of Eugene. The meeting was recessed at 8:57 and reconvened at 9:12 p.m. Mayor Keller asked that the speakers limit their testimony in order to provide everyone an equal opportunity to speak. He said the council would attempt to adhere to the 30-minute time limit as previously set. Speaking in opposition to the widening project: Shawn Boles, 105 North Adams Street, stated he felt the expansion is based on several false assumptions in regard to resource availability. He said the existing infrastructure should be maintained since the global oil reserves will be exhausted in the next 30 years. Since h~ felt that this fact was not under- stood and that 6th and 7th Avenues will be reconstructed, then the major concern is for the best construction alternative to maintain the quality of life and still provide a safe and efficient east/west corridor. He believed that the three-lane alternative as proposed by the Design Review Committee would be more attractive and at least as safe as the four-lane alternative. He felt that the sacrifice of the trees in order to attract businesses to the area will send out the wrong message and will attract the wrong types of businesses. He said an alternative should be chosen which will create the message that people will enjoy Eugene after they have moved here. e Carol Clark, 931 Van Buren Street, stated that she had spent $10,000 in the downtown area businesses during 1983 and that she will take her money elsewhere if the trees are cut. Ronald Lovinger, 1445 East 21st Avenue, stated that he learned of the plan to widen 6th and 7th avenues four months ago--this plan would remove 137 trees of historical significance to the city and would scar the center of Eugene with two broad swaths of asphalt, inviting a continuous flow of heavy traffic. He says this traffic would further divide the revitalized northern sector from the central mall area. He said ODOT and City staff must respond to the concerns of the citizens so that the project will not detract from the attractiveness of the city. He said the Build/No Build Alternative situation creates opposi- tion and an unhealthy configuration. This dilemma will force citizens to call for a public vote on the issue. He said the project was a classic example of destroying the reason people choose to live in Eugene. He said the City must be careful to preserve the city for future generations. He stressed that the majority of the testimony presented during the past three months has been in opposition to the widening project. He said the advice of the Design Review Committee should be considered, stating that Alternative C offers a solution which will not divide the city. He stressed that the issue cannot be force-fed to the citizens and that they will fight to save the trees, even if it means placing the issue on the ballot. He said the renovation of 6th and 7th avenues is a complex situation which cannot be solved simply. He again urged the council to listen to the advice of the DRC. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 11 e e e Barbara Kelley, 540 Kingswood Avenue, speaking for the 1,000 members of Save Our EcoSystems, asked the City Council if they had read the SOS letter to the Planning Commission. She summarized the letter which addressed the lead fumes found in Los Angeles and how trees help clean the air. Referring to page 18 of the Environmental Assessment, she said the carbon monoxide levels are above the national average and that widening the streets and inviting more traffic would increase those levels. She felt that it is against the public trust to hear the majority in opposition to the project and then approve the project. She felt that the testimony presented to the Planning Commission was eloquent and know- ledgeable. She said a referendum should be established to have the public vote on the project if the City Council wants to go against the majority. She questioned the reason for having public hearings if the council did not listen to the public opinion. She said the Eugene and Springfield Metropolitan Plan does not accommodate the automobile. She felt that it is sometimes best not to compromise in public life and that any excess money in the State Budget should be put to use in other areas such as bicycle paths and seatbelts in vehicles transporting athletes. Sharon Genasci, 980 East 19th Avenue, said the City should concentrate on the history of the trees. She reviewed the history of Francis Wilkins, a former Mayor of Eugene and member of the Park Board, who was responsible for numerous City parks and tree plantings. She said his father planted orange trees in various areas around Eugene. She said the trees on 6th and 7th Avenues are an important part of Eugene's heritage and the present discussion should focus on how to maintain the trees for future generations. She stated that she had an audio tape of a conversation with Gladys McCready and would play it for the council if time permitted. Mayor Keller asked that the tape be held until the end of the public hearing, at which time it would be heard if time allowed. Ms. Genasci said that people stated that a critical need for the project existed, but the population figures did not support these statements. She said it is a disgrace for a public hearing to be held on a project that would not be necessary for another 20 to 30 years. Don Genasci, 980 East 19th Avenue, stated that a distinction should be made between the eastern portion of the project presently being considered and the portion west of the Washington Street Bridge. He said the eastern portion of the project is scheduled to have a 30 percent traffic increase as listed in the Environmental Assessment document and the western portion is scheduled to have a 160 percent increase. He said these figures questioned the need for four lanes in the eastern portion. He said that the proposal for three safe lanes would be adequate to handle the projected population as calculated by Portland State University. Jon Silvermoon, 47-1/2 West 25th Avenue, reviewed the Planning Commission recommendations to the City Council. He stated that the project is a land use action and must therefore address LCDC goals. He stated that the Environmental Assessment cites only the environmental design element of the Metropolitan Plan and only select findings within that element; it does not cite other elements or goals within the Environmental Design Element. He said other elements could be selected which oppose the project, citing specific goals in the Environmental MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 12 . - e Design Element to maintain a comfortable environment and distinctive qualities in neighborhood areas. He felt that the Environmental Assessment does not adequately address the Build Alternative and its consistency with the General Plan. He said the document cites the T-2000 Plan selectively, stating the relationship of the widening project with other transportation projects, but makes no mention of the T-2000 Plan goal that level E should be prevented and that each situation should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Silvermoon said the project would provide a higher level of service than E and that only one section of the project east of Washington Street will reach level E. He asked if the trees planted west of 1-105 will be cut down in 20 years to widen the streets to six lanes as proposed in the T-2000 Plan. He stressed that the Environmental Assessment should state all related goals rather than only those which support the project. He also stated that the document is not consistent with local and State land use language and fails to address Federal laws regard- ing the Historical Preservation Act. Mr. Silvermoon stated that he deals with the codes on a day-to-day basis as a professional archeologist and said the information presented could be the basis for a possible lawsuit against the City. He said Alternative B in the document negates other options. He said it is reasonable to state that the Environmental Assessment document is inadequate. Gerald Morsello, 2643 Kincaid, asked what role the automobile is to be assigned in Eugene. He said creating conditions encouraging more traffic will result in more traffic. If the City Council supports the widening, then it is taking another step in making the residents servants of the automobile. Mr. Morsello said that sufficient need for the widening project has not been demonstrated. He said the majority of residents do not want the widening. He said many people have a vision of Eugene which stresses the transit system, carpooling, and bicycling. He said more effort placed on developing alternative modes of travel would reduce the need for the widening project. In response to Mayor Keller's announcement that the time allotted for speakers in opposition to the project was over, several members of the audience voiced their concern about not having the opportunity to speak. Mayor Keller explained that 30 minutes had been allotted for each side of the argument. Ms. Wooten moved that the time allotted to speak in opposition to the widening project be extended 15 minutes. Mr. Ball said the issue of keeping to the allotted time was a long-standing problem. He said the council has attempted to adhere to the allotments but continues to back down. Mr. Ball seconded the motion. Mayor Keller stated that he had nine additional requests to speak in opposition to the project. Mr. -Hansen said he was concerned that one person could take up the 15 minutes. He supported allotting one minute per person. The motion carried unanimously, 7:0. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 13 ~e e - Otto Poticha, 1820 Kona Street, suggested that the City Council turn the issue back to the Design Review Committee without the stipulation of either a~our- or three-lane roadway. He felt that the issue is a design problem. He said many people spoke of various concerns at the Planning Commission public hearing, all of which are part of a design problem. He stressed that engineering is only a portion of the entire proposal. He stated that ODOT has only designed two projects in Oregon: the Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge and another project in Portland. He stressed that design is more than just engineering and planting bushes. He said the 600 trees to be planted would have the mass of only one of the mature trees to be removed. He said the need exists for the project to be designed; he urged that the Design Review Committee be given that opportunity. Bob Dorste, 359 Polk Street, representing the Board of Directors of the Neighbor- hood Economic Development Corporation, said the board's concerns are related to factors apparently not taken into consideration. These factors include how the roadway would divide the city, the loss of the trees, and the effect on the neighborhood businesses and community. He said the roadway will break down the buffers between commercial highway areas and neighborhood residential areas. The City needs to integrate the business, housing and transporation within the community. He said the loss of the trees will expose the ugliness of the area. Tom Bowerman, 33707 McKenzie View, stated that he is negotiating on a downtown parcel which will require extensive development and rehabilitation. He felt that the property value will be diminished if the project is approved. Robert Proudfoot, 2565 Onyx Street, stressed that the devastation of the trees, part of the historical heritage of Eugene, must be considered as the City roles and goals change. He said any actions performed in what is believed to be the best interest of the citizens must be undertaken with responsibility to the residents. He said it has not been demonstrated that cutting down the trees will raise the employment statistics or that leaving the trees will not signfi- cantly impact the economic diversification of the city or inhibit the growth of industry. He said people come to Eugene for the beauty, education, and recrea- tion; Eugene is unique and is known for its specific characteristics. He suggested that the City Council look for a plan which will save the trees and consider the other interests'of the community. Iris Moye, 2425 Columbia Street, urged the council to remain open-minded, referring to previous news broadcasts which showed two members of the council presupposing passage of the project. She said the issue has been oversimplified and that those who are opposing the project have. been seen as obstructionists of progress or well-meaning souls who are sentimental about the trees but who do not have the "foresight" of the councilors. With the council standing behind a banner of progress, she feels that those opposing the project are seen as enemies of Eugene. She stressed that those who oppose the project base their opinions on questionable traffic figures and the appropriateness of the project itself--a highway which will divide the city. She said it would be tragic if the trees were cut unnecessarily. She questioned how a cross-town freeway will help the downtown area businesses; she feels that the development of West Eugene would be made at the expense of the downtown. She agreed with Mr. Poticha's remarks at the Planning Commission public hearing that Eugene cannot boast of a beauty so great that it can practice self-mutilation and still hope to attract tourists and trade. She urged the council to listen to the testimony of Silver- moon and others in support of the Design Review Committee. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 14 . e e Don V. Lax, 116 Knoop Lane, stated that he has lived in various cities throughout the world and moved to Eugene because he felt it was the most liveable city in the world. He displayed a violin which was constructed of 130-year-old maple wood. He then performed an original composition entitled "For Green Trees." Concluding his testimony, Mr. Lax stated that the trees will scream psychically if they are cut down. Alan Stein, 540-1/2 Van Buren Street, .stated that a public hearing is to provide the opportunity for everyone to speak--the public hearing should represent what the public wants. He stated that not enough time was allowed for people to speak in opposition to the project--17 people were against the project while 5 spoke in favor of it. He said the same public feeling was expressed at the previous public hearings--the majority being against the project. He said the arguments expressed in favor of the project are the projected increase in downtown employment and the supposed support of the businesses for the project. Mr. Stein responded that there were only 25 more people working in the downtown now as compared with 1972; he said that he was a businessman and he opposed the project. He again stated that the testimony of the previous public hearings spoke in opposition to the project. He said the issue is not about growth, but about democracy. He said the City Council will not approve the project if it bases its decision on public opinion. If it is proven that the widening project is needed, then Mr. Stein said that more time should be allowed to consider the impact of the project. Brian Michaels, P.O. Box 10785, said he has heard that ODOT has already decided to complete the project because of the safety factors involved, regardless of the council IS action. He displayed a signature sheet and referendum packet which was ready to be submitted upon the council IS decision to widen 6th and 7th avenues. He acknowledged that there is not enough time to get the referendum on the May ballot, but he said the required 3,800 signatures could be collected in time to place the issue on the November ballot. He cautioned the council that any construction could be stopped if the referendum succeeded, leaving the torn-up streets as a monument to the council IS unresponsiveness to the public. He suggested that the council place the issue on the ballot in May. He urged the council to act responsively and responsibly. James Goodwin, 1890 West 15th Avenue, read an excerpt from Shel Silversteinls Where the Sidewalk Ends which describes people leaving the polluted city and going to a place of beauty, clean air, and nature. Other comments concerning the widening'project: Richard Guske, 278 North Grand, Chairperson of the Whiteaker Community Council, stated that he was not against the Build Alternative, but he stated the Whiteaker Council was against the Plan B specifics as described in the Environmental Assessment document. He supported the work of the Design Review Committee and urged that the committee's life be extended and given staff support. David Filer, 235 East Third Avenue, a member of the Downtown Commission, stated that the project was complex and should be considered in the context of the existing planning and the planning at its implementation. He said the project will have as great an impact on the downtow~ as on the West Eugene area and MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 15 e e e therefore the council owes the downtown equal consideration. He said the traffic growth differential implies some differential treatment of the eastern and western portions of the corridor. He said the council can best support the downtown by keeping the Design Review Committee on the project and by providing support to the recommendations of that committee. Thomas Forster, 3586 Willamette Street, stated that he has lived in Eugene for five years, although his childhood was spend in Japan. He explained that trees in Japan are preserved, maintained, and listed in a national registry. Referring to previous testimony on the historical significance of the trees and on Francis Wilkins, he urged the council to consider all factors in its decision and to support the Design Review Committee. Michael Gannon, no address given, stated that one of his most favorite trips in Eugene was 21 years ago when cars parked along 11th Avenue were smashed by trees felled by the Columbus Day storm. He stated that he misses the trees on 11th Avenue. While Eugene is in one of the most heavily forested areas in the country, it disturbs him that so little attention is given to the trees. He stated that the whale organization in which he is involved planted trees on the Washington- Jefferson embankment in the spring of 1980 as part of a project to rehabilitate the earth. Commenting on the political process in Eugene, he stated that the City has worked with the appearance of openness on several projects, including the Hult Center and the Park-Willamette Building, and that those projects were completed even though public concerns were raised against them. He said the community needs to feel that the City Council loves and respects the trees and the earth. He said the City must realize that rehabilitating the earth starts at the community level; that is why his group planted the trees without City or gasoline tax money and dedicated them to whales. Mr. Obie temporarily left the meeting at this time. Stephen Adey, 1375 Bailey Avenue, a member of the Design Review Committee, stated that he is a member of the majority in the committee who holds the opinion that the correct solution is a three-lane, forty-foot wide road. He said he was assured time to talk at the beginning of the meeting to state an opinion and he felt they were made to wait until last because the council did not want to hear their statement. He said it is unfortunate that those in control have demonstrated that they do not want to work with the people of Eugene for a solution and instead want to build a four-lane highway through the city. He said it is also unfortunate that the issue must result in an initiative petition to stop the project. He felt that a good road in downtown Eugene can be built and many people wish to work toward that goal. Gene Bressler, 1595 Nectar Way, a member of the Design Review Committee, stated that he felt much can still be done. He acknowledged the work and effort of the ODOT and City staff and the other members of the DRC. He complimented Mr. Bauske for his representation of the committee's views. Mr. Bressler then reviewed the findings of the committee, stating that the project was actually composed of two areas divided by the Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge. He said it could be possible to construct a four-lane road section in the east portion of the project and maintain the trees by weaving the roadway. He said this was only a possibility because final drawings had not been completed, MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 16 e e e and he added that this shifting may reduce the width of the sidewalks in that area. He said the other possible option for the east portion is an enhanced three-lane cross section with improved grading and wider lanes, thereby still qualifying for the State funding. He said this option would save all the trees but would possibly require the repair of some curbing. Mr. Obie returned to the meeting at this time. Mr. Bressler stated that some recommendations not fully investigated by the committee but which are worthwhile are: a three-lane cross section on 6th and 7th Avenues from High Street to the Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge, or at least a four-lane road on 7th Avenue due to the existing four-lane section, or a four-lane cross section on 6th and 7th Avenues from High Street to Charnel ton Street, with the remaining section to be included in the west portion of the construction. He stated that the DRC needs more time to develop and investigate these options. He said it would be tragic for the council to adopt the plan based on just the Build or No-Build Alternatives. He stressed that the DRC wants a good project. He complimented the testimony presented by the public and urged the council to act wisely, not hastily. Marilyn Odell, 750 West Broadway, a member of the Design Review Committee, stated that she was speaking in opposition to the project as a member of the Westside Neighborhood Quality Project. She said a letter from the WNQP was sent to the Planning Commission and she assumed that the council had read the letter. As a member of the DRC, she voiced her support for the improved three- lane road as previously described. She said the DRC has discussed the issues but no solutions have been developed; she asked the council to give the commit- tee more time. She said the majority opinion supporting the three-lane option is based on the importance and uniqueness of the Gateway Arch to the downtown and the concern for maintaining pedestrian access within the downtown. She said widening the roadway will narrow the sidewalks, creating unattractive and unac- ceptable walkways. While the DRC has discussed the four-lane weave option, she said ODOT commented that subtle curves may be hazardous. She said the council has demanded that 1-105 be part of the project; in particular, improved access on 7th Avenue. She said the adjacent portion of Jefferson Street could be widened, but she stressed that the same traffic problem will occur without improved access from 7th Avenue onto 1-105. She believes that 70 percent of the east-bound traffic west of Jefferson Street wants to go onto 1-105 and one lane is insufficient to handle this traffic. She said the DRC has not studied that portion of the project west of Washington Street and that significant trees exist there which need to be saved. She then recommended that the council approve: an improved three-lane facility east of Washington Street, to retain the current four-lane sections at an unimproved width, that 1-105 access points be improved to two lanes from 7th Ave- nue, and, as a compromise, that four lanes be built west of Washington Street, with careful study by the DRC to ameliorate the impact on buildings and trees. As an alternative proposal, she said the council should consider the weaving four-lane option. She said the council must consider that the project may be rejected for safety reasons and, if so, the council must make a decision on the downtown section. She said the four-lane option would also include improvement of access to 1-105, three lanes (and one turn lane) on 6th Avenue between Charnelton and Lincoln, and exploring a weave alternative for the section west of Washington Street. She stressed that it is important that the DRC be sustained in order to develop the best solution possible. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 17 There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. tit Mr. Obie stated he was unsure whether the council should attempt to reach a conclusion that evening. e e Mr. Obie moved that the City Council continue the meeting until 10 :50 p.m. Ms. Wooten felt that it would be in the best interests of the council to conclude the issue that evening. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, that the meeting be concluded at midnight. The motion carried 5:2, Ms. Smith and Mr. Holmer voting nay. The meeting was recessed at 10:42 and reconvened 10:56 p.m. In response to comments made during the public testimony, Jim Carlson of L-COG stated that the population projects are based on assumptions and that it is important to understand those assumptions. He said the projections used in the 6th/7th Widening Project, as well as in the Metropolitan Plan and the T-2000 Plan Update, were produced by L-COG, based upon long-term trends in labor force and employment, and were approved for planning by LCDC in August 1982. He acknowledged that Portland State University is in the process of producing new population projections for Oregon counties, but he clarified that PSU is under no mandate to perform that function and is only an agency of the State responsible for estimates of populations on a yearly basis. He said PSU is currently in the process of updating its 1976 projection, but, while L-COG is under no mandate to use the PSU projections, he added that the projections are used as one source of information to determine the reasonableness of L-COG's projection models. Mr. Carlson stated that he has talked to PSU personnel and was told that the new population projections are based on the assumptions of 1978-82 negative migration and the arbitrary resumption of 70 percent migration of the 1970s. He commented that the PSU projections are meant to be illustrative rather than predictive. He said L-COG has reviewed its projections since the 1980 census and will perform further analysis as the recovery continues. He said the L-COG staff feels that its projections are reasonable. Responding to comments on the Metropolitan Plan, Jim Farah of the Planning Department stated that the T-2000 Plan, on which the present widening project is based, was adopted in 1978 after one and one-half years of public testimony and that the Metropolitan Plan was adopted in 1982 after five years of public discussion; he felt the amount of public input into the project has been substan- tial. He felt that the issue of the widening project being one of land use is questionable, but, if one were to assume it is, then one must consider that that the LCDC acknowledged the T-2000 Plan when it acknowledged the Metropolitan Plan. He referred to Policy 2 on page 29 of the T-2000 Plan which calls for a "street capacity adequate to maintain an acceptable level of mobil ity" and explains that "projects of the street and highway element of this transportation plan shall serve as a basis for future street and highway improvements." He said the plan also discussed traffic management techniques and alternative modes of transportation. He stated that the widening project is also listed on page 80 of the plan document. In response to testimony presented on alternative transportation modes, he said it is important that the council and the community MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 18 ..e e . ~ note that Eugene has made progress toward the goal of not relying on single- occupancy automobiles as the only mode of transporation; he stated that much work had been performed on constructing bicycle paths and that bicycle, pedes- trian, transit and carpooling traffic comprise 36-38 percent of the work trips into the downtown area. Mr. Farah stated that much public testimony has been received on the project and that approval of the project by the council would be consistent with the acknowledged plan of the LCDC. He said the community should view any approval in the context of the other projects which relate to the downtown area. Jim Gix of ODOT, in response to questions raised on the funding, the feasibility of the weave alternative, and treatment of comments on the Environmental Assess- ment, stated that ODOT held a public hearing on the project and, based on testimony received at that hearing and 20 other hearings throughout the state, had placed the project on its Six-Year Plan for that past two updates. He said the Six-Year Plan is considered to be an ethical contract with the people of Oregon on how ODOT plans to proceed with capital improvements. He said moderni- zation and preservation are two major areas in which projects can be categorized during the update process and that a fixed percentage of federal funds is set for each category. Mr. Gix stated that choosing a modified three-lane project instead of the proposed four-lane project would change the project category from modernization to preservation, requiring that the project be looked at in light of other preservation practices in the Six-Year Plan. In regard to the four-lane weave alternative, he stated that ODOT designers have drawn up the alignments and feel that it can be achieved. He said that other alternatives could be studied if the weave option does not work. He said that some concerns were raised by state staff about the weaves in the middle of the section but were discounted by the design review team due to the small gain to be achieved by the weave. Responding to comments on the Environmental Asssessment, Mr. Gix stated that a 10-day period was provided after the ODOT public hearing for public comment and that staff was still waiting for comments from the City of Eugene. He explained that final plans for the project have not been developed because staff is still waiting for testimony on how the project will proceed. Dave Reinhard of the Public Works Department, in response to questions and comments on air pollution, stated that the Environmental Assessment has a section on air quality and that page 32 of the document addresses the four major pollutants. He said the document states that there is insignificant difference between Alternative A and B as studied and that the pollutants studied are expected to decrease in the future due to more stringent emission controls on new automobiles. In regard to traffic increases, Mr. Reinhard said the assess- ment document listed a 160 percent increase on the section west of Garfield and an average increase of 70 percent for the Garfield to Jefferson Street section. He said the Washington to High Street section would have an increase of approxi- mately 30 percent. Mr. Reinhard explained that the four lanes were needed in the downtown section due to intersection control and pedestrian access, explaining that traffic controls exist at every intersection in the downtown area but exist only several blocks apart in the section west of Jefferson Street. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 19 e Pat Decker of the Planning Department clarified several pieces of misinformation, stating that the Design Review Committee's work would lessen the impact of the widening project so that 137 trees would not be removed. She said the State was making a "good faith" effort in the weave proposal by which 21 of the 27 trees in the downtown section could be retained. In regard to the issue of 6th and 7th Avenues becoming a freeway in the downtown, she stated that many sections of the streets are already 40 feet wide and the project would widen them only 6 feet more. She added that some of those sections already carry four lanes and the project would only make those lanes the standard width to safely carry traffic. Responding to the concerns about buildings abutting the right-of-way in the High to Washington Street area, Ms. Decker said only two buildings were in that situation. She said the DRC has identified areas where sidewalks will be only five feet wide, which is the width of a standard City sidewalk. e Mr. Farah, commenting on the minutes of the Planning Commission public hearing on January 12, 1984, stated that Harold Chapman stated in his testimony that the 6th/7th Project will be replacing the Roosevelt and the Amazon Freeways which were part of the ESATS process. He stated that the T-2000 Plan took those projects to balance the facilities and it was decided that the 6th/7th Project would be the best method of establishing an east/west corridor while minimizing the impact on the community. Councilor Hansen stated that one stumbling block for the Design Review Committee was how to address the one block on 6th Avenue which has maple trees on both sides. He said Mr. Bauske's presentation to the council involved the discussions of the DRC. He said some of the DRC members had apparently voted on their own because he said he had no knowledge of any vote on the issue, although consensus was reached on all other issues. He asked staff to provide an update on the trees in that block. John Etter of the Parks and Recreation Department stated that some of the trees in that block were sampled and found solid. He said the City's arborist visually assessed the trees several months ago and listed three of the four trees on the north side of 6th Avenue as in fair to poor condition, with expected life spans of eight years given the current maintenance level. The other tree was rated in good condition and is expected to last 20 years. Of those on the south side of the street, one tree was rated poor, with an expected life span of four years, and the other three as fair, with expected life spans of fourteen years. Mr. Etter said the arborist suggested performing maintainance every two years, rather than every five years, to reduce the weight on weak limbs and to guy branches together. Of those trees on the north side of 7th Avenue, he stated that three were asssessed to be in good condition, three in fair, and two in fair to good condition. He stated that these trees would live from four to twenty years depending on their condition and the level of maintenance. In' response to a question on types of trees, Mr. Etter said that considerable difference in trunk size exists, possibily due to some trees being replaced 10-15 years after the initial planting. <. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 20 e e .-. In response to a question, Mr. Gix said the project period would be approximately one year. He said the present schedule would be to look for a contract in August or September so that most of the heavy work would be done during the winter season and then surfacing during the summer of 1985. He explained that the primary emphasis prior to the Christmas season would be on curbing and draining and the heavy work would begin after that time. In response to a question regarding the weave option, Mr. Gix stated that the improved Six-Year Plan had approved the two western sections of the project through the final plan stage to be completed by 1987. He said Governor Atiyeh has asked the Transporta- tion Commission for legislation to fund the projects, in which the 6th/7th Widening Project is included, and that the projects would be funded by a bond program. He said 1987 could be the construction year if funds were located by that time. Mr. Gix stated that it would be possible to shift a portion of the project to Phase 2 and that compromise could be reached in that area. Councilor Hansen stated that the charge of the Design Review Committee demon- strated that the issue is not 137 trees, and, if trees are the key issue, then the State has shown that it will cooperate with the input of the DRC. He said his feeling is that the people of the community must have a place to go for a job and that he hopes a consensus can be reached to go forward with a positive direction on Alternative B. He felt that the State could give the City assur- ances that they will work closely in developing programs within that alternative to meet the needs of the City. He thought that the big trees on 7th Avenue could easily be saved. He said it must be remembered that safety is still the ultimate goal in any design. He said indications were that the trees in front of the Federal Building can be saved. He said he has spent many years dealing with the project and feels that it is time to move forward with it. Councilor Schue said she essentially agreed with Mr. Hansen that this project was formulated with a large amount of public participation. She said the public was also heard at the ballot box in regard to the Roosevelt Expressway, an alternative east/west corridor. However, she said an east/west arterial is still needed. Quoting Mr. Gix, she said a three-lane improvement of the existing roadway could not be performed until it is recycled through the State funding process. She felt the roadway needs improvement soon and said the State is ready to perform the construction. She said she is pleased with the efforts of the Design Review Committee to save as many trees as possible; she added that she wants the DRC to finish its review on sidewalks, crosswalks, and other issues. Ms. Schue said she is also pleased with the willingness of the State to cooperate with the City in the modifications to Alternative B as suggested by the DRC. She said she is ready to vote for the four lanes and the Build Alternative. Councilor Wooten expressed her appreciation of the testimony presented, stating that she has spent many hours talking with interested and involved individuals. She said she supports the three-lane option of the ORC; therefore she hopes the council will consider postponement of the construction of the section west of Charnel ton Street until Phase 2 of the project. She stated that she has reser- vations on the four-lane weave option from High Street to Charnel ton Street and that she could not support the Build Alternative if some compromise could not be reached on the weave option. She felt that several issues in regard to MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 21 e e - the Build Alternative still existed, stating that the mathematical engineering models have not been completed. She also believed that the council does not have a clear assessment on the impact of a four-lane weave/no weave alternative on businesses. She said she is still concerned with the issues of streetlighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian accessibility to the downtown from the neighborhoods. She said she will vote against Alternative B based on her concerns just stated and because she believes that the statistical information does not justify the need for the project and that the information should be updated. She did not believe that the addition of one lane for a distance of five blocks on two streets will impair the City's economic diversification program. Ms. Wooten said the second and third phases of the program may assist the City's plans in the West Eugene area but not the downtown portion. She felt the DRC should continue its work to mitigate what she considers to be a disaster. She said it is important to maintain the spirit, tradition, and the integrity of the city in terms of its heritage and future. She hoped that some fiscal support can be produced for better maintainance of the trees. Councilor Hansen stated that other areas were also important in the project if the Build Alternative is adopted. He recommended that the council review the charge of the Design Review Committee and the number of members so that the committee has a broad expertise on which to draw. Councilor Obie stated that he heard some sound thinking during the testimony. While some comments were made on commitment, he felt that there were many people throughout the community who have a commitment to the city. He recalled some comments on insensitivity, to which he responded that people often view those in opposition as being insensitive. He believed that the city will not allow historical buildings to be ravaged for the benefit of growth, but he added that the community will also not allow one person to hold its economic future hostage by chaining himself to a tree. He said it is unclear what the real issue of the project; he stressed that the compromises made will potentially not be in some person's best interests. He said the last great compromise forged by the community was when the council attempted to save the three historic buildings on Willamette Street, adding that the buildings were not effectively saved, nor is there an effective office building. He said he will be disappointed if the City must defend itself against a lawsuit or referendum and will be embarrassed if the City's name is advertised when it is trying to locate new jobs for its residents. He said he is ready to confront those issues if they arise. Mr. Obie moved, second by Mr. Hansen, that the City Council approve the Environmental Assessment, approve and adopt Alternative B, along with a request of the Mayor to continue the existing Design Review Committee and add to it in those areas of expertise as he sees fit. Councilor Ball echoed the comments of the other councilors in their concerns that the council is forcing the project on the community. He said the project has been before the public for six years in a number of forums, being part of a wide net of policies. As a strong supporter of the Land Use Planning Process, Mr. Ball felt that it is the most important process and that it does not make sense to defend the process and then turn one's back on a piece of the Metropolitan Plan. He said the Metropolitan Plan hinges on the 6th/7th Widening and other related projects. To address the comments of whether the council and Planning MINUTES-Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 22 e e . Commission respect trees, he stated that he has spent many of the past 12 years defending trees. He said 6th and 7th Avenues are fed into by several streets and it can be only viewed as the major east/west arterial for the city. He said people must choose between a future freeway project and a light rail project in ten years. He challenged people to become involved in the future transporation system process. He said the Sierra Club has a motto of "not blind opposition to progress, but opposition to blind progress." Mr. Ball felt that the project passes that test and stated that he would support the motion. Councilor Holmer, addressing the topic of trees, stating the Design Review Committee would preserve the maximum consistent with the economic health of the commmunity. In regard to councilors listening to the public, he said the council has listened carefully and he has listened for guidance and wisdom. He said he was concerned when told to base his decision on the number of people speaking for or against the issue. He responded that several witnesses in support of the project represented substantial groups such as the League of Women Voters. As a councilor, he said he has considered the testimony presented and the information provided from other sources and will be content with his vote. Mayor Keller stated that the role of the public has changed the direction of the project. Remembering the major road projects in the past 11 years, he said that none of the decisions have been easy, but he felt that the decisions made were in the best interest of the city. He concurred that the present project is part of an overall plan and stressed that the Land Use Plan in place is performing good work for the residents of Eugene. He said the council does not take any of its decisions lightly and that the councilors have read all the material submitted. He said the important factor is that the residents do take part in the process. He thanked Mr. Gix and the others involved for their work and participation. The motion carried 6:1; Mr. Obie, Ms. Schue, Mr. Hansen, Mr. Ball, Mr. Holmer, and Ms. Smith voting aye; and Ms. Wooten voting nay. The meeting was adjourned to January 25, 1984, at 11:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ..//1'.. .,l /7 7;;/:"/ ,.--' ,,".,/ "Mi ~~l D: G'l epson .. .;;.'.. 1" City Manager .~ ~.-.~ (Recorded by Thorn Strunk) TS:bm/CM32bl MINUTES-Eugene City Council January 23, 1984 Page 23