HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/09/1984 Meeting
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M I NUT E S
Eugene City Council
City Council Chamber
May 9, 1984
11:30 a.m.
COUNCILORS PRESENT: Brian Obie, Cynthia Wooten, John Ball, Richard Hansen,
Freeman Holmer, Joyce Nichols, Betty Smith
COUNCILORS ABSENT: Emily Schue
Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called
to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller.
I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENT, AND AGENDA
ADJUSTMENTS
A. Appointment to the Downtown Commission
Ms. Nichols moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, to appoint Stephanie
Pearl, 1190 Washington Street, to fill the vacant position on
the Downtown Commission; term to expire December 30, 1987.
Councilor Obie said he appreciated Ms. Nichols motion, stating that it was an
issue that the council should quickly resolve. He said he was disappointed
with the situation in which Mr. Fraser found himself, stating that his decision
to withdraw his name from the appointment was the community's loss. However,
he said the council recognized the ability and potential that Ms. Pearl would
bring to the Downtown Commission. He stressed the need to create a friendly
environment for those individuals who wished to serve the City. Councilor
Holmer said he would support the motion, but he wished to stress that
Ms. Pearl's appointment would broaden the representation of the Downtown
Commission in only one dimension. He said the council had a responsibility to
think more broadly in terms of representation to involve a true cross section
of the community and to live up to the affirmative action policy adopted by
the council.
The motion carried unanimously, 7:0.
B. Riverfront Thinning Project
Councilor Wooten stated that she had received numerous complaints from the
residents of the Skinner Butte Park area that trees were being cut down.
Having been unable to get straight information on the project, she asked
staff to determine the scope of the project and to report to the council.
Mayor Keller suggested that the council tour the area. Mr. Hansen agreed that
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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a tour of the area would be appropriate. He stated that clearing brush from
the bank area was probably appropriate. Ms. Wooten agreed, but she added that
the issues were that of notification and how the plan was being executed.
City Manager Michea1 Gleason stated that he will present a report to the
council addressing the project.
C. Joint City Council/Downtown Commission Meeting
In preparation for the joint meeting, Councilor Obie stressed the need for
addressing the issues of process and communication with the Downtown Commission.
He said that while those two items might not be as great an issue as those
items scheduled on the agenda for discussion, he asked the council to consider
the need for working in unison with the commission.
D. Appointments
1. Consideration of the Mayor's nominations to the Construction Code
Board of Appeals, and the Library Board (memo distributed)
2. Consideration of Council Subcommittee nomination to the Disabled
Commission (memo distributed)
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Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to approve the following
nominations of the Mayor and the Council Subcommittee:
Mayor's Nominations To the Construction Code Board of Appeals:
Eugene Schaudt, 2730 Harlow Road (Engineer); reappointed; term to
expire 1/1/89.
James Coates-Chaney, 130 Crest Drive (General Contractor); to fill the
position vacated by David Shellabarger, term to expire 1/1/87.
Gary Peoples, 3135 W. 14th Avenue (Electrical Journeyman); to fill the
position vacated by Ermal Phillips; term to expire 1/1/85.
Mayor's Nominations to the Library Board:
David Wildermuth, 4856 Donald Street; term to expire 1/1/88.
Alea DeJung, 1988 Sylvan Street; term to expire 1/1/87.
Council Subcommittee's Nominations to the Disabled Commission:
Gigi Aaron, 770 E. 38th Avenue; to fill the position vacated by Pat
Farrell; term to expire 1/1/86.
The motion carried unanimously, 7:0.
3. Consideration of the Mayor's nominations to the Sign Code
Board of Appeals.
~ Mayor withdrew this item from consideration.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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E. Announcements
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1. Safety Belt Awareness Week, May 7-13
Mayor Keller stated that .Governor Atiyeh was stressing the importance of
Safety Belt Awareness Week and the benefits of using vehicle safety restraints.
He agreed with the appropriateness and importance of the measure and encour-
aged the councilors to promote the ideas raised in the Governor's memorandum.
2. City Council Meeting of May 21
City Manager Micheal Gleason announced that the council meeting of May 21
had been rescheduled to May 29. A dinner session with President 01um and
other representatives from the University of Oregon would occur at 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Gleason stated that a business meeting will be held after the dinner
session.
3. City Council Revenue Work Session
City Manager Micheal Gleason stated that the council still had some revenue
work to complete from the previous session. He had suggested that a meeting
be held on May 17. Councilors Nichols, Hansen, and Wooten requested that the
meeting be postponed. Mr. Gleason stated that staff will reschedule the
meeting.
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F. City Council Meeting with the University of Oregon
Councilor Obie said the purpose of the May 29 council meeting with President
Olum and other key officials of the University of Oregon was to explore and
share the economic development opportunities and resources available at the
University, to expand the partnership developed between the City and the
University, and to discuss the Riverfront project. He stressed the need for
the meeting to begin at 5 p.m. so that these items could be fully discussed
before the 7:30 p.m. regular council meeting.
II. ROUTINE ITEM FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL: City Council minutes of the regular
and work session meetings of March 12, 1984; work session of March 14,
1984; regular and work session meetings of April 11, 1984; and meeting
of April 18, 1984 (minutes distributed)
Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to approve the City
Council minutes of March 12, 1984; March 14, 1984; April 11,
1984; and April 18, 1984. Roll call vote; the motion carried
unanimously, 7:0.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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A. Supplemental Budget #6 (memo, background information distributed)
City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the agenda item. He stated that the
Budget Committee had approved the supplemental budget and that Finance Director
Warren Wong was present to answer any questions.
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May 9, 1984
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The public hearing was opened.
There being no testimony presented, the public hearing was closed.
CB 2743--An ordinance adopting a supplemental budget; making
appropriations for the City of Eugene for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 1983, and ending June 30, 1984;
and declaring an emergency.
Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, 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 2743 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. 19247).
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At 11:47 a.m. the meeting of the Eugene City Council was adjourned to a
meeting of the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Eugene. Mayor Keller
opened the meeting.
B. Eugene Renewal Agency Supplemental Budget #6 (memo, background
information distributed)
City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced the item. He explained that this
supplemental budget had already been reviewed and approved by the Budget
Committee. He stated that Finance Director Warren Wong was present to answer
any questions.
Res. No. 904--A resolution adopting a supplemental budget;
making appropriations for Eugene Renewal Agency
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1983, and
ending June 30, 1984.
The public hearing was opened.
There being no testimony presented, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to adopt, as the Urban
Renewal Agency, the resolution. Roll call vote; the motion
carried unanimously, 7:0.
At 11:49 a.m., Mayor Keller adjourned the meeting of the Urban Renewal Agency
and reconvened the meeting of the Eugene City Council.
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MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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IV. JOB TRAINING CENTER PROGRAM YEAR 1984 GRANT APPROVAL (memo distributed)
City Manager Michea1 Gleason introduced the agenda item. Chris Pryor, Chair of
the Eugene Private Industry Council, presented the staff report. He reviewed
the April 30, 1984, memorandum from the Eugene Job Training Center staff to the
City Council which outlined the proposed use of the $1,234,793 12-month grant.
He stressed that the intent was to maintain the high level of program performance
even under the reduced funding level.
Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Wooten, to approve the operating
plan and Job Training Partnership Act grant for the Eugene Job
Training Center as recommended by the Eugene Private Industry
Council.
Councilor Ball commented that Eugene continued to operate the most cost-effective
programs in the country despite the budget cutbacks.
Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 7:0.
V. LETTER TO SOVIET CITY OF KOMSOMOL'SK-NA-AMURE (memo, letter distributed)
City Manager Michea1 Gleason introduced the agenda item. Councilor Wooten
presented the report, stating that she had been asked by the Eugene Pairing
Project Committee to present a request for the council to sign a letter of
greeting to the Soviet city of Komsomol'sk-na-Amure. While no one could have
foreseen the withdrawal of the USSR from the 1984 Summer Olympics, Ms. Wooten
said the letter as a gesture of peace and friendship was quite poignant in
light of that incident. She stated that a description of the Pairing Project
and the draft letter had been distributed to the council. Ms. Wooten then
introduced Kate Gessert of the Eugene Pairing Project Committee.
Ms. Gessert introduced several other members of the committee. She stated
that many others were unable to attend the meeting because of school or jobs.
She explained that the committee had collected information on Eugene to send
to the similarly situated City in Siberia, adding that it was the belief of
the committee that anything that lessened tension was helpful in obtaining
world peace. Ms. Gessert stated that the committee was motivated by its
desire for peace and friendship and its curiosity about the Soviet people.
She felt that the committee members had learned much of Eugene during the
process. She encouraged the council to join the committee's actions and to
sign the letter which would be forwarded with the community portrait of
Eugene.
Mayor Keller said he felt the project was worthwhile, agreeing that any oppor-
tunity to share on a personal level would relieve tensions and that friendships
will develop over time as a result of the project. He stressed the importance
of the involvement of children in the project.
Councilor Wooten said she had distributed the letter to the other councilors.
She asked that the councilors sign the letter so that it could be returned to
the committee.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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Councilor Holmer said he appreciated the comments of Mayor Keller, stating that
he had visited numerous foreign cities. While he recognized the importance of
communication, he said the Pairing Project started as a peop1e-to-peop1e project;
he felt it was inappropriate for the Mayor and City Council to communicate on
official stationery to the local government of Komsomo1'sk-na-Amure. He said that
such action by the City of Eugene could be interpreted as a sign of support for
the Soviet withdrawal from the 1984 Summer Olympics. He said he will not sign
the letter, but he will submit a personal letter which could be incorporated
with the official letter. Councilor Wooten said she took exception to
Mr. Holmer's comments, stressing that the letter was a straightforward gesture
which should not be misinterpreted. She said that the letter was a peop1e-to-
people gesture. Mayor Keller said that he and the other members of the council
would respect the feelings of Mr. Holmer. Councilor Hansen said he will sign
the letter but suggested that the letter be addressed to the people of the
Soviet city rather than the local government. Ms. Wooten responded that it was
the assumption that the local government represented the people and was therefore
the logical recipient of the letter. Mr. Hansen stated that he had signed the
letter but had crossed out his title of "Councilor."
The meeting was adjourned to the McNutt Room at 12:03 p.m. for a joint meeting
with the Downtown Commission.
Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called
to order at 12:14 p.m. by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller.
COMMISSIONERS: James R. McCoy, Donald Genasci (until 1:36), David Filer (from
12:23), Thomas A. Schott, Michael Schwartz, Anne Bennett, Hugh
Prichard, Stephanie Pearl.
IV. JOINT COUNCIL/DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING
Mayor Keller welcomed the members of the Downtown Commission. Elaine Stewart
of the Eugene Development Department reviewed the agenda for the joint meeting.
Downtown Commission Chair James McCoy requested that the discussion topic of
communication and process between the City Council and the Downtown Commission
be added to the agenda.
A. Downtown Plan Time Line
Mr. Coy stated that the Downtown Commission had reorganized the time line for
the Downtown Plan as requested by the City Council at its April 25 meeting.
He stated that the DTC would begin its series of presentations on the plan to
community groups that evening. Referring to the Downtown Plan Schedule
attached to the May 4, 1984, EDD memorandum to the DTC, Mr. McCoy stated that
a pUblic informational meeting was scheduled for June 11 and a public hearing
on June 18. He expected the plan to be forwarded by the DTC to the Planning
Commission on July 24, with subsequent forwarding to the City Council by the
end of August.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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In response to a question, Mr. McCoy stated that the DTC would be making its
presentations to a wide range of neighborhood, arts, and ~ business groups.
Councilor Smith requested that the council be provided with summaries of the
public hearings for review. In response to a question on the neighborhood
groups requesting the DTC presentation, Mr. McCoy stated that the DTC will be
addressing the Neighborhood Leaders and those neighborhood groups bordering
the downtown. He added that the DTC was willing to address any group request-
ing the presentation.
B. Renewal Plan Amendment (Wi11amette and 10th/11th Avenues)
Mr. McCoy said the DTC wanted to begin its Renewal Plan Amendment process
immediately following the forwarding of the draft Downtown Plan to the Planning
Commission in order to provide ample opportunity for public comment on the
plan. He said the opening of Willamette Street at 10th and 11th avenues was a
major project and required public input. He stated that the council and the
Planning Commission will begin work on the plan in September, with construction
to begin in November. Mr. McCoy felt that this construction schedule would be
inappropriate due to the nearness of the Christmas season. Referring to the
May 4, 1984, memorandum, he stated that he supported the EDD staff recommenda-
tion that construction be postponed until March 1985. In response to a
question, he said the construction period would be approximately four months.
Mr. Filer entered the meeting at this time.
Councilor Hansen expressed concern with having the mall area torn up with
construction during the summer; he stressed that construction should be
completed by May 1985. Councilor Wooten said the City Council was the Eugene
Renewal Agency and therefore could possibly shorten the time frame for the
amendment process. Ms. Stewart agreed that the time frame for the design
review could be compressed, but she added that it was still necessary for the
Planning Commission to review the plan. Ms. Wooten suggested that some of the
public hearings could be held jointly with the Planning Commission. Councilor
Obie agreed with Ms. Wooten's comments, stressing the importance of the input
of the DTC. He suggested that construction could begin in January or February
1985. City Manager Michea1 Gleason stated that preliminary construction could
begin in January or February 1985 but added it was unrealistic to assume that
construction could be completed in less than four months. He explained that
the purchase and delivery of the mastheads for lighting and signalization
would take approximately nine to eleven months and could be done only after
the intersection was designed. While he agreed with the need to push ahead
with the date, he did not believe that the street could be opened prior to
Christmas 1984 or before March 1985. In response to a question on temporary
signalization, Mr. Gleason said the key factor was the relationship of the
Lane Transit District buses and their ingress/access in the design. He
stressed that the signaling must be totally reliable to avoid any accident or
tort risk. He added that mastheads would still be necessary for signalization.
City Attorney Tim Sercombe said the design and the installation of the lighting
and signalization must conform with State statutes. Mr. Gleason said that the
City's only protection against tort liability was that the lighting and
signalization meet State and Federal standards. In response to a question,
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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Mr. Gleason explained that the design process would begin when the plan was
forwarded from the DTC to the Planning Commission. He expected the design to be
completed by December 1984 and go out to bid in January 1985. While some
preliminary site work would be performed in January or February, he said it
would not alter the completion date for mastheads installation. Mr. Schwartz
commented that a nine-to eleven-month delivery time for the mastheads could
postpone completion of the project until December 1985. Mr. Gleason agreed,
stressing the need for completion of the design.
Councilor Hansen questioned the feasibility of using the present system for
signalization and opening Wi11amette Street to one-way traffic. Mr. Gleason
responded that it was the expectation that the project would be completed at
one time rather than in phases.
Councilor Wooten said she appreciated the comments by staff, but she still
wanted to compress the amendment process as much as possible. Mr. Gleason
said the City was constrained by State statutes which adopted the National
Public Works Standards for street lights. Mr. Schwartz asked if it was
possible to proceed with the design process while retaining the present
mastheads. Mr. Gleason said numerous alternatives were available for the
design process but the City would be constrained by the final design. He said
he still believed that the earliest project completion date would be March
1985. Councilor Obie stressed that the council and the DTC should be careful
not to encumber the process so that construction could begin at the earliest
possible date.
In response to a question on the opening of Wi11amette Street, Mr. Prichard
said the DTC had discussed removing that item from the Downtown Plan to
facilitate its completion. He said the majority of the DTC voted to proceed
through the public process. He added that the project could not be hastened
because of the need for public input. Mr. Filer said Mr. Prichard's comments
were correct, stating that the project was developed as part of the refinement
plan. He said the DTC felt strongly that all ideas must be presented to the
public. Councilor Obie agreed with Mr. Prichard's comments but expressed his
concern about the delay of the project. He said the project should be com-
pleted as soon as possible and that the council and the DTC should press staff
toward its completion. Ms. Bennett said the DTC compromise on the issue was
to hasten the amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan in order to synchronize the
two plans.
Councilor Hansen said that some frustration was being felt because of the lack
of progress in the downtown. He stressed that one area in which progress could
be made within one or two years was traffic patterns through the downtown.
Referring to the need for communication, Councilor Obie said the downtown was
deteriorating and that it was the responsibility of the council and the DTC to
correct that situation. Councilor Wooten said she shared Mr. Obie's concerns.
She said she appreciated the work of the DTC and agreed that the public should
have the opportunity to respond to the plan. She also stressed the need to
shorten the amendment process.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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It was the general oplnlon of the council that the staff recommendation should
be adopted but that the amendment process should be shortened if possible,
each group making sure not to cause any procedural delays. Some concern was
expressed about why the process was not further along. Mr. Schwartz stressed
that better communication between the two groups would assist the process. He
felt that the DTC had facilitated the process. He agreed that the public
process and the Renewal Plan Amendment should be hastened. In response to a
question, Councilor Wooten suggested that it might be possible to combine the
public hearings for the boards and commissions. Ms. Bennett said the DTC will
hold its hearings on the Downtown Plan and then hold its public hearing on the
Renewal Plan in August, the input from both to be correlated so that con-
struction could begin in December. Ms. Wooten said the integrity of the plan
must be maintained. Councilor Ball said he believed that any actions performed
during the next three months would not make any difference in the completion
of the project. Mr. Schwartz stressed that the project would operate more
efficiently if the amendment process was completed earlier. Mr. Gleason
stated that Mr. Ball was correct that the project will be delayed until the
next construction season if it is retained in the Downtown Plan. He added
that Mr. Schwartz.s comments were correct in regard to the amendment process,
but he stressed that the key factor in beginning construction was the bid
process. Councilor Holmer said that part of the delay was the public process.
He suggested that a joint hearing on June 18 would fulfill the public hearing
requirement without minimizing the opportunity for public input. He stated
that it might be possible to complete the Renewal Plan amendment process by
August if the council, DTC, and Planning Commission held a joint meeting. EDD
Director John Porter clarified that the July 24 meeting was not a public
hearing. He said it would be appropriate to have a joint public hearing with
the council and the Planning Commission, stating that the DTC needed time to
incorporate any public input from its public hearing. Mr. Holmer said he was
only recommending that public testimony be heard at one time. Mayor Keller
said he could support that idea, stating that 80 percent of the testimony
presented before each group would be approximately the same.
Mr. Gleason said that some de nova problems or statutory requirements could
exist which a joint meeting would not address. While he said that staff will
explore the issue, he reiterated that the project completion date would only
be affected by the date when the council approved the final project design and
configuration. Mr. Porter added that the council would have to hold a public
hearing to hear any revised draft recommended by the DTC based on public
input. Mr. Genasci said the DTC must set its priorities after the public
hearing before submitting its recommendations to the City Council. He stressed
that it was important that the issues not occur simultaneously. Mr. Gleason
stated that staff will accept direction from the City Council and the DTC to
expedite the process on the project plans and construction as consistent with
the law. He said that some other laws relating to changing public works
projects were also involved. Mr. Obie added that staff should attempt to
have the project completed by May I, 1985. In regard to the joint public
hearing, Mr. Gleason said the DTC will go through the hearings process; any
change based on public input must go through the Planning Commission and the
City Council, at which point a joint hearing could be held.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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Teresa Bishow of the Planning Department stated that the Downtown Plan material
which specified the June 18 DTC public hearing was already printed and will be
distributed in the near future. She said that joint public hearings later in
the process might be appropriate. Mr. Prichard said that many people will be
attending the DTC public hearing. He suggested that the Downtown Commission
sequence be left as scheduled and a joint public hearing be held by the
Planning Commission and the City Council. In response to a question on the
scheduled public hearing for the Planning Commission, Mr. Gleason stated that
the schedule provided only one week of flexibility. Ms. Bishow said the
request for minutes of the DTC public hearing would also create a time con-
straint. Councilor Obie suggested that a joint public hearing by the Planning
Commission and the City Council be held on August 6. Ms. Bishow said the DTC
public hearing date had already been published. She explained that those
individuals testifying at the hearing and those requiring update information
would be notified of future public meetings.
Mr. McCoy said he recognized the frustration of the City Council. He said the
DTC had been pushing the process by preparing for the project; he did not want
to see any delays created by haste. He felt that the process will be done
correctly.
C. Eighth and Wi11amette Improvement Project
Referring to a map of the the project area. Mr. Genasci said the DTC wanted to
complete the mall without impinging on the Wil1amette Street site. He said
the project was expected to take three months, not including tree planting.
and that construction would take place over the summer. Councilor Obie said
he was concerned that the retail center developers might expand their stUdy
area to include the 8th and Wi1lamette area. Mr. Genasci said it was the
contention of the DTC that Wi1lamette Street be the main street of Eugene; he
felt it was unlikely that the project area would be impacted by any retail
center development. He said the DTC wanted to complete the 8th and Wi1lamette
Street area. In response to a question. he said that the traffic on 8th
Avenue would carry through as currently operating. Councilor Smith said she
had received a petition from surrounding retailers. She asked what efforts
toward communication with these individuals had been attempted. Ms. Stewart
said that staff had been working with the Eugene Downtown Association but had
not contacted the property owners because the DTC had just taken action on the
project. Ms. Smith said she was concerned with the City moving ahead with the
project if objections were being raised by the retailers. Mr. Genasci said
the DTC will attempt to address the concerns of the area retailers but added
that Bob Coleman. the project designer, had stated that the actual time the
area would be torn up was about one month. He said the other work required
was minor and could be performed throughout the summer. Ms. Bennett said that
the only comments she had received from retailers were those merchants along
Olive Street who were concerned about tree planting.
Mr. Schwartz said the mall must still be completed under the agreement with HUD.
He said he could support the project if the design was generic enough to allow
further opening of Wil1amette Street if so desired. He felt that any retailer
would desire the area to be completed to present a better image. With regard to
the cost of the project. he said that funding was already approved; therefore.
the remaining issue was the completion date for the project.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
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Councilor Smith said that one of the questions raised by the council was that it
did not feel a clear answer on funding had been presented. Mr. Gleason stated
that the City could deal with any necessary accounting procedures; he said the
City Council must decide whether it wanted to proceed with the project.
Mr. Ball temporarily left the meeting at this time.
Councilor Obie said he understood Ms. Stewart to say that a public hearing
would be held to deal with any controversies created in the process and then
the recommendation would be presented to the council. Mr. Gleason stated that
this process would be independent of the plan. Ms. Stewart said the project
will require the approval of the City Council as the Urban Renewal Agency for
funding. She explained that the pUblic will have an opportunity to provide
input on the project as revised by the council on May 8. Mr. Obie encouraged
the DTC on the process, stating that the council should add some influence and
authority to the work of the DTC. He stressed that the public should be made
confident that action will occur.
In response to a question, Mr. Genasci said the DTC had not discussed the issue
of tree planting on 8th Avenue. In response to a question, Mr. Schwartz said
the DTC was unified in its recommendation to the City Council to proceed with
the project. He said the DTC will proceed with the design work if given that
direction. In response to a question, Ms. Stewart explained that all DTC
meetings constituted public hearings and that the public could respond to any
issues at the DTC meeting the following week.
In response to a question, Mr. Gleason stated that the developer was designing a
schematic as directed by the DTC. Once the schematics were drafted, the
subsequent steps would be further design refinements, bids, and then refining the
schematic based on the costs. Mayor Keller said that he would like to discuss
the plan with the developer, stating that such input was important. In response
to a question, Mr. Gleason said he had not seen the schematic and could not
provide any information on preliminary traffic patterns. Mr. Porter said that
it was important that the public understand that the two projects were not both
under the Urban Renewal Plan. Councilor Obie agreed that contact with the
retail center developer would be appropriate. Mr. McCoy said he had discussed
the project briefly with the developer.
Mr. Genasci also agreed with the suggestion that the developer should be contacted.
He clarified that the DTC proposal would not preclude any circulation in the
area.
Mr. Ball returned to the meeting at this time.
Mr. Filer clarified that it was always recognized that retail or professional
development would occur along Wil1amette Street. He stressed that it was also
recognized that Wi1lamette Street would be rebuilt as the main street of Eugene.
He felt that Wi11amette Street should be treated as proposed and not based on
any ideas of the developer.
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May 9, 1984
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Mr. McCoy said that the DTC voted to proceed with the project although several
reasons in opposition had existed. While the vote was not unanimous, he said
the DTC wished to proceed with the project. He said he was alarmed with the
lack of communication between staff, the DTC, and the City Council and urged
that such communication be improved.
Ms. Smith temporarily left the meeting at this time.
Mr. Schwartz said it was important to complete the project to finish the
center portion of the corridor between the train station and 21st Avenue. He
said this would provide a basis for futher development and projects.
Mr. Genasci left the meeting at this time.
D. Broadway Improvements
Mr. McCoy said the DTC suggested that the design work proceed so that some cost
estimates could be developed. Councilor Holmer commented that the parking
meters on the north side of 8th Avenue between Pearl and Oaks streets would have
to be relocated for two-way traffic.
Ms. Smith returned to the meeting at this time.
E. Other Items
Councilor Obie, responding to the comments of Mr. McCoy on the communication
between the DTC and the City Council, said the frustration experienced by the
DTC on the 8th and Wi11amette Street project was comparable with the council's
in regard to the 10th and 11th avenues project. Based on this idea, he said
he would be supportive of moving ahead with the project once the issues raised
during the meeting were addressed. He said the responsibility for the project
was being placed on the DTC. Councilor Ball said he expected the DTC to act
autonomously in completing the project. Mr. Schwartz said the DTC was in
general agreement on opening Broadway; he asked for clarification of whether
that issue was outside the DTC boundary. Ms. Stewart said it was outside the
Urban Renewal boundary, therefore renewal funds were not available for the
project.
Referring to Mr. Ball's comments, he felt the council was not completely clear
in its position on the 8th and Wi11amette project. He said he objected to the
choking off of 8th Avenue. He felt the council should give a positive statement
to the DTC.
Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, to approve the revised
improvement plan by which 8th Avenue would not be choked off,
that the DTC provide the opportunity for public input at its
next meeting, and that the DTC address those concerns and support
the general concept of the funding program.
In response to a question, Councilor Hansen said he would leave it up to the DTC
to contact the developer. He felt that the project would proceed nonetheless.
Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 7:0.
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
Page 12
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Mayor Keller stated that the developer will be contacted in an attempt to
obtain his opinion on t~e proposed project.
Mr. Schwartz said it was important that the council and the DTC meet more
often to address problems of the downtown. He suggested that such meetings be
held on a quarterly basis. Mayor Keller agreed, adding that Ms. Smith's
request for an update on the DTC process was appropriate. Councilor Smith
suggested that the update could be scheduled for a dinner meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~~~.
~c~~.~lea n-
Ci ty Manager
(Recorded by Thorn Strunk)
MDG:TS:pv/CM8b1
MINUTES--Eugene City Council
May 9, 1984
Page 13