HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/15/1984 Meeting (2)
e
e
-
\
M I NUT E S
Eugene City Council
Special Meeting
McNutt Room, City Hall
February 15, 1984
5:30 p.m.
COUNCILORS PRESENT: Brian Obie, Chair; Emily Schue, John Ball, Dick Hansen,
Freeman Holmer, Betty Smith, and Cynthia Wooten; Staff:
Pat Lynch, Council Administrator.
I. INTERVIEWS FOR APPOINTMENT TO CITY COUNCIL SEAT, WARD 3
Councilor Obie opened the meeting. He said that Mayor Keller was unable to
attend because of a schedule conflict, but that he would review the recorded
discussion being taped by the minutes recorder. It is undetermined whether he
votes on this issue at this point, but if he does, Mayor Keller said he would
personally interview the candidates.
Debra Ehrman
To begin the interview, Mr. Obie introduced the councilors to Ms. Ehrman. He
then asked her to tell about her past experiences and interests in order to get
acquainted.
Ms. Ehrman said that she moved to Eugene in 1973 from San Jose, California.
She moved here to attend the University of Oregon, where she obtained an under-
graduate degree in political science in 1976. She worked full-time in accounting
work at the Eugene Hotel while attending college. In 1977, she attended the
University of Oregon Law School, and worked at various jobs during that time.
During her senior year in law school, Ms. Ehrman was Student Bar President,
which put her in contact with a variety of people and much committee work. She
graduated in 19~0, and passed the bar in July of the same year.
Her first jOb following graduation was with the Senate Insurance, Banking, and
Retirement Committee of the 1981 Oregon Legislative Assembly. FOllowing that,
Ms. Ehrman became a staff attorney with the Public Defender Services Office of
Lane County, where she is presently employed.
In speaking of her personal life, Ms. Ehrman characterized herself as an inde-
pendent individual, as typified by her having supported herself while attending
college. She has management and union experience through a job in San Jose in
the retail appliance business, and has worked at the U of 0 Business Office.
She felt that her past business experience would be an asset in the analysis of
the City's budget process. Her involvement in political campaigns at the State
and local level would be an asset in campaigning for the Ward 3 position. She
had worked with senior citizens while a student and more recently through Senior
Law Services at Legal Aid Services. She felt that her work in the Springfield
prosecutor's office would give her good government;contacts.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
February 15, 1984
Page 1
e
e
e
Councilors proceeded to individually question Ms. Ehrman on a variety of
issues from prepared questions.
Councilor Schue asked Ms. Ehrman to comment on specific Ward 3 issues such as
the planning process, the parking program, the woonerf, etc.
Ms. Ehrman said that she has lived in the ward as a student and as a professional
for six or seven years. She became familiar with the woonerf setting when she
was a student, and felt that it was accomplishing its objectives of diverting
traffic and retaining the neighborhood atmosphere. She described the physical
boundaries of the ward area, stating that the bulk of the residential area was
the West University Neighborhood. While she does not live there, she said she
had an understanding of the goals of the neighborhood refinement plan. She felt
that the parking program had not been in operation long enough for the council
to make an evaluation. Bike paths and transportation are major issues of the
ward, as well as downtown development.
Councilor Smith asked Ms. Ehrman if she could address some of the major issues
facing the city as a whole.
Ms. Ehrman believes that the number one issue is economic development. She
supports the Six-Point Plan but feels that State support is needed for the
success of this plan. She felt that her legislative experience could be a help
in accomplishing this, and all councilors could assist with State contacts.
Eugene's downtown development is a major issue, and incentives for business
location should be developed. Major retailers, such as Nordstrom's, should be
pursued; the athl etic cl ub shoul d be supported. Financing and taxation are
other issues, and perhaps the City should consider some alternate methods of
financing. The Hult Center operation and Airport upgrading are major concerns,
too.
Councilor Wooten asked Ms. Ehrman to explain some of her priorities should she
become a City Councilor.
Ms. Ehrman referred to her experi ence in San Jose, in that they lost 1 ivabil ity
at the expense of excessive economic growth. She felt it was important to
retain Eugene's reputation for uniqueness in being a good place to work,
rai se a fami ly, and enjoy recreational activi ti es. The Community Goal s Confer-
ence demonstrated that citizens have a commitment to retain this uniqueness.
Councilor Ball asked Ms. Ehrman if she would object to a combined delivery of
the services now delivered by three governmental bodies. Ms. Ehrman said that
she would not object if it meant lower costs to the citizenry.
Councilor Hansen asked Ms. Ehrman if she thought the Council handled the 6th and
7th Avenue widening issue correctly. She said she had attended the council
meeting at which this was discussed, and agreed with the Mayor's comment that
lithe process worked". A compromise was achieved by citizen participation. She
said that if she were analyzing the issue, she likely would have drawn on her
legal background and precedent philosophy.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
February 15, 1984
Page 2
Councilor Holmer asked Ms. Ehrman what she thought the least effective aspect
of City government was. She responded that there ought to be a better public
... relations campaign to create citizen awareness of public spending. She
~ specifically suggested an accounting of the BATeam s $300,000 budget.
Councilor Obie asked Ms. Ehrman if she could address the time commitment issue
of serving on the council. She said that her employer was very supportive.
Ms. Ehrman said she has a special skill for time management, has the ability to
focus on what needs to be done in a limited time, and has the energy to do the
job. She does not have family obligations. She serves on only one other
community committee, the Lane County Advisory Committee on Corrections.
In concluding, Ms. Ehrman did not have any questions to ask the councilors,
except for length of the appointive term. Councilor Wooten asked Ms. Ehrman if
she would be willing to step down from the appointive position (effective until
January 1985) if someone else won the election in May. Ms. Ehrman said she
would step down.
Paul Gilbertson
e
Following introductions, Councilor Obie began the interview by asking Mr.
Gilbertson to share information on his background, interests, and reasons for
applying.
Mr. Gilbertson said that he has lived and worked here all of his life and is
proud of the community. He felt that we need to look at the city goals of
employment, housing, education, and transportation. He said that he applied for
the office because he has been involved in community affairs. He has lived in
Ward 3, in two different homes, during all of his 56 years of residency in
Eugene.
Councilor Holmer asked Mr. Gilbertson what he envisioned as major council
challenges in the next few years. Mr. Gilbertson shared a list of his thoughts
on major issues and assistance. He said the issues are economic growth and
diversification, maintenance and improvement, streets, sewers, Airport, City
Hall centralization, bus service, the downtown area, zoning, planning, and
annexation. He felt the City staff, Business Assistance Team, the Downtown
Commission, and Downtown Association were resources to meet these challenges.
Coordination of the public and private sector could coordinate services for the
City. Assistance factors are the educational aspect available through the
University of Oregon and Lane Community COllege, and the Eugene Conference
Center.
Councilor Hansen asked Mr. Gilbertson what changes he had seen in livability
over the years. Mr. Gilbertson felt that the livability changes were due to the
changes in society generally rather than to Eugene itself.
In response to Councilor Ball's question on land use planning, Mr. Gilbertson
said that there was a need to utilize it for the greatest citizen benefit.
-
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
February 15, 1984
Page 3
e
e
-
Councilor Wooten asked Mr. Gilbertson to express his thoughts about the budget
situation in Eugene. Mr. Gilbertson said that while a budget was needed to do
the job, he did not agree with overspending. If services had to be cut, Mr.
Gilbertson said priorities would have to be weighed, and situations looked at on
an individual basis.
Councilor Smith asked Mr. Gilbertson if he had any special recommendations for
downtown Eugene. Mr. Gilbertson said that the BATeam appears to be very
effective, and perhaps they could help relocate existing businesses to the
downtown area. Businesses should be helped by the City because there is a void
in the downtown area. EDA's efforts are better now than they were in the past.
Councilor Schue asked Mr. Gilbertson to comment on specific Ward 3 issues, such
as the park at Charnel ton, Jefferson Pool, the woonerf, and the West Univer-
sity Neighborhood. Mr. Gilbertson was aware of Mulligan Park, and hoped that
the neighbors would enjoy it, but hoped it would not have the same problems as
the West University Neighborhood Park. He was not aware of the costs of Jeffer-
son Pool, but the budget and usage would be determining factors for future
plan s .
Mr. Gilbertson closed by stating his belief in three components for making
choices: respect, responsibility, and reasoning.
Joyce Ni chol s
Following introductions, Councilor Obie began the interview with questions about
Ms. Nichols' background, interests, and reasons for applying.
Ms. Nichols said that she has resided in Eugene for 9-3/4 years, moving here
from Michigan in 1974. She began her career in Oregon at Lane Community College
in information services work, and worked with the community on LCC's election
process. After that, she attended graduate school at the University of Oregon
for one year, studying community service and public affairs. Her next job was
Public Information Coordinator for Lane County, where she worked for one year
before becoming the Community Relations Director. She came to know the commun-
ity and rural areas very well and related governmental issues. It was this job
that stimulated her interest in governmental affairs at the metropolitan level.
In 1981, she began her current job as Public Affairs Manager at Weyerhauser in
Springfield. This job involves handling internal and external communications.
Ms. Nichols is responsible for the company's public relations program in Western
Oregon.
Ms. Nichols is interested in serving on the City Council as a means of returning
something to a community that has been good to her. She enjoys government
activities, would like to be involved in the decision-making process, and has
the sk ill s to do so.
Councilor Schue asked Ms. Nichols to comment on specific Ward 3 issues, such as
parking in the West University Neighborhood, the woonerf, the .Jefferson Pool,
and the downtown area.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
February 15, 1984
Page 4
e
e
-
Ms. Nichols felt that the 6th and 7th Avenue widening was an important issue.
In regard to the woonerf, she said that the relevant issue was how well it
worked to beautify and make the city more livable. The Jefferson Pool was an
important issue--should money be put into this pool or should one be built
downtown? The West University Parking Program cannot be evaluated yet because
it has not been in operation long enough, although residents seem to approve of
the new system.
Councilor Smith asked Ms. Nichols if she could name some important issues for
the City Council to address within the next few years.
Ms. Nichols said that.an important issue was that of economic development, and
making Eugene a desirable place to live. The Six-Point Program is a good start
on this. The first bite on the bait should be an encouragement to others to
locate here. Downtown development, also a concern to Ward 3, should encompass
mixed use as well as commercial development because the future of Eugene is tied
to downtown development. The Eugene Celebration was a beneficial endeavor.
Other issues needing particular attention are those of annexation of River
Road and Santa Clara, and how the City can stabilize its revenue base--with the
Eugene Plan expiring--to remain a vital entity.
Councilor Wooten asked Ms. Nichols her view of the City's budgetary situation.
Ms. Nichols said she had not seen the latest budget document, and therefore
could not comment on that. She feels that the City needs to find a replacement
for the revenue that will be lost when the Eugene Plan expires. Hult Center
funding needs review, as well as the areas of art, culture, and leisure, and
their priority in the City's budget. She feels that the City's budget process
works because taxpayers have responded positively to increased taxes because
of the good public presentations.
Councilor Ball asked Ms. Nichols if she would have any problem with her polit-
ical philosophy and that of a fairly aggressive Ward 3. She answered that
she could not foresee any problem, and that she would not have applied for the
council position if she did.
Councilor Hansen asked Ms. Nichols if she envisioned combining services now
offered by the three general local governmental jurisdictions as an opportunity
for sharing services and costs. Is there any specific area that could be named?
Ms. Nichols responded that eventually an evaluation should be made of the three
jurisdictions to consider centralization of services because all are using the
same pool of funds. Joint parks services and wastewater management, now operated
separately by Eugene, Springfield, and the County, might be good candidates for
consolidation. The annexation issue will raise different issues for inter-
governmental cooperation. Intergovernmental cooperation would be one of her
priorities.
Councilor Holmer asked Ms. Nichols what aspects of City government were the
least effective. She said that Hult Center funding and service delivery
needed to be addressed, as well as Jefferson Pool, and the downtown area. A
marketing campaign for downtown would be helpful for image-building.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
February 15, 1984
Page 5
In response to Councilor Holmer's question on issues outside of Ward 3, Ms.
Nichols said that senior citizen issues need attention and better handling.
e
Councilor Obie asked Ms. Nichols to comment on her time availability for the
numerous meetings required of councilors. She said she had given this question
much thought, and felt that she had the job flexibility to meet at various
times of the day. Her time conflicts would not be greater than those of other
council ors.
Councilor Schue asked Ms. Nichols to comment on land use planning and the Metro
Pl an.
Ms. Nichols felt that the Metro Plan needs fine-tuning to account for changes
that have occurred since its update and adoption. The biggest challenge for
land use planning is to mesh real-world situations with the State law. She
supports State planning for development and growth.
In closing, Councilor Obie asked Ms. Nichols if she had questions for the
council. Ms. Nichols inquired as to the expectations of a new councilor, and
what orientation would be offered.
Councilor Obie explained that the staff would prepare an orientation process
involving departmental and councilor meetings. A respect for individual opin-
ions, and being able to work toward a consensus, were important qualities for
counci 1 ors.
-
Councilor Wooten asked Ms. Nichols if she would be willing to step down from the
appointment if she lost the election in May. Ms. Nichols questioned why the
charter was written the way it was in this regard, and said that she would wait
until after the election to answer this.
Councilor Ball asked Ms. Nichols how she felt about unpaid service, and she said
that it gave people an opportunity to serve their community and to pursue
full-time work or other interests as well.
Councilor Obie said that the council.s decision on the appointment would be made
at the regular council meeting on February 22.
Th~'; ~~~d
. l'~dY~ ~
(Recorded by Syb Peters)
SP:db/CYlbl
t 6:55 p.m.
.e
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
February 15, 1984
Page 6
./
-
B ALL 0 T
~
Downtown Commission
~
~s
)tr--tr
~ ~<:-~
t:-R.. ( c..
{Ce;O? T
e
<5 rr,.p>tli-rV
S tkfJ ff-R {j
e
Submi tted by:
~v
z(q(
Date
Councilor
e
.
rv JAc, f\I
(9~1
B ALL 0 T
Downtown Commission
e
-
1V\'Ii\\l\M~
e
.
vi
,k
r'\~ ,~~\
Date
v
-
B ALL 0 T
Downtown Commission
~;f~
~ :LYi-.
e
tJ1 ~ Pil
J
e
Submi tted by:
~
.;t./I~/t'Jf
Councilor
Date
.
e
4d~
.b! ~/
. -4~ ~
e
-
B ALL 0 T
Downtown Commission
Z~
Councilor
~
1J /(j !1'a~
Date
,/
-
B ALL 0 T
Downtown Commission
~ ~ ~C;1'rJ(:),1U
o0d(J<J V',;~)
"-
''''--,
e
.~~.
7 -'
e
Submi tted by:
(].~
d - ti\S
Councilor
Date
e
V""
--
B ALL 0 T
Downtown Commission
e
hi 6> l;e~t-/
,
&6~&--
~iJ;r/ - ,,( ~V~ /re~
e
Council or
Date
e
-
B ALL 0 T
Downtown Commission
~~ \
~ ,
I;Y, ,
IV! (j VI \ f) If' " e ,5(. /1 11-
I ( ~ - II
3fe r,.hCO!t1 k= ,[fn If' )
Ii 'II~I/ 1'2 V "JIl()_ -
r ''''"''- ,.....,' ~, .
e
e
a) re-ad1
r-'\
~
;/)1;11' V /'eWJ-~i
Council or
e
-
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: 1.
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteda: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
I wish to interview the following:
e
1.
2.
3.
~ ~
f)tM/<f V-e u; u-S
,
e
Date
e
-
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: l'
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteria: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
I wish to interview the following;
e
1. AiJA L~
2.
3.
1>'4-V\1O
AJ&Ul U ~
e
d;~
,~~IIf~
-
Councilor
Date
e
-
e
e
r:e
.~
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: 1
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteria: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
I wish to interview the following:
l.
2.
3.
GL-c::>\3u S
L{;;G
p~OC\C>~
~'-
\ 2- ~._(
Councilor
Date
e
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: 1.
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteria: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
I wish to interview the following;
.
1.
/14&
e
~
IV/If
Councilor
Date
.
-
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: 1
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteri'a: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
I wish to interview the following;
e
1.
2.
3.
t2 tUu ct 7l..e tI I' VI ~
ucLa- ka-
L'/Jdc<- MtJ~
e
~~
r
I z/I";/Y 3
Councilor
Date
-
e
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: l'
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteri"a: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
I wish to interview the following:
e
l.
2.
3.
e
P ~!
~ ~
/.I /', ..
,.AI: ,;.("&/j n~~
Councilor
Date
-
e
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: 1
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteria: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
e
1.
I wish to interview the following:
~~
w&AIlU-~
2.
3.
e
Councilor
Date
--
e
B ALL 0 T
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION
Number of Openings: l'
Term to Expire: 12/30/87
Specific Criteria: Individual filling this position must live, work, or
do business or have pecuniary interest within the
Downtown Commission Boundary.
I wish to interview the following:
e
l.
2.
3.
&.~.. Th.u~
..
~WiUA
e
G.~ 12-i/1-
I
Councilor
Date
-