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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/29/1984 Meeting - e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council/University of Oregon Work Session Treehouse Restaurant May 29, 1984 5 p.m. PRESENT: Gus Keller, Mayor; Brian Obie, Cynthia Wooten, Joyce Nichols, Emily Schue, Dick Hansen, Freeman Holmer, John Ball, Councilors; Roger Rutan, Ruth Bascom, Councilors-elect; Paul Olum, Dick Hersh, Richard Hill, Don Genasci, University of Oregon; Micheal Gleason, Dave Whitlow, Susan Brody, Jim Farah, Cathy Freedman, Jody Miller, Tim Birr, staff; Deborrah Brewer, EWEB. ABSENT: Betty Smith, Councilor. Mayor Keller called the meeting to order and welcomed the guests from the University of Oregon. I. INTRODUCE TOPIC Mr. Obie said that this meeting was called to discuss the potential for a City-University partnership in economic development efforts. In the course of meetings on this topic with several businesses, the principal assets needed for economic development have been identified as an airport and a research- oriented university. It is hoped that this meeting will be helpful in dis- covering areas where the City and University can work together to further economic development strategies. II. THE UNIVERSITY'S SURVIVAL AND WHAT THE CITY CAN DO TO HELP Mr. Olum then spoke on the present financial climate at the University, and made suggestions for community assistance. It has taken years for the University of Oregon to develop into a first-rate institution. While several professional schools and departments are highly ranked, the quality of the science department is exceptional. The research program in optical science is very well funded from private sources, and soon will have the best laser facility in the West. The recent budget cuts will hurt the University as the quality faculty that have made this success pos- sible are underpaid, and lack of financial incentive could cause them to leave. Current funding is 25-30 percent below that of peer institutions. It is important for the community to be aware of the threat that this is to the continuation of the high ranking of the University. The University's attrac- tiveness to industry could be weakened. The community can help by giving their support to the University and by being vocal with State legislators and higher education officials. Much support is needed for this research Univer- sity because of the potential for attraction of industry to this area. MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner Meeting May 29, 1984 Page 1 - e e III. THE U OF O'S ROLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Mr. Hersh then expanded upon the interworking of research universities and economic development opportunities. In addition to transmission of knowledge that takes place at universities, some institutions create new knowledge. Institutions that both create knowledge and teach it are unique. The Uni- versity of Oregon is good at this function. This is important because appli- cation of new knowledge creates new industry. Industry feeds on new know- ledge, and universities producing it can act as a magnet for certain kinds of economic development. There are three steps that the University has taken to encourage economic development, as follows: 1. Established the Advanced Science & Technology Insititute, in con- junction with Oregon State University, to offer high technology seminars to corporations. The program and its potential for attrac- tion of industry were described. 2. Created the Southern Willamette Research Corridor concept. This geographic area is being widely publicized to attract business loca- tions within its boundaries. 3. Developed the new idea of a River Front Project (see below). IV. RIVER FRONT PROJECT--CONCEPT AND STATUS Mr. Hersh said that this project involves development of 35 to 60 acres of river front property for light industrial/research facilities. The area stretches from EWEB to the footbridge at Autzen Stadium. Suitable industry would consist of software, biotech, and chemical research facilities. Mr. Genasci described his project design, and displayed a large architectural scale model. This development hopes to integrate the downtown and University. It extends from Broadway east to the University area. This high-density area could be for mixed commercial and residential use. There is a wish to retain the natural beauty of the area. Ms. Wooten asked how the process would work. Mr. Genasci explained the land usage issues and the potential for private investment and/or partnership ideas. The goal is to maintain a heterogeneous planned area versus a tradi- tional research park owned by one company. Many questions have yet to be worked out. V. CITY'S RESPONSE TO RIVER FRONT PROJECT Ms. Brody, Planning Director, then introduced the Planning Department's suggestion for a refinement study of the area. She recommended the formation of a planning team staffed by members of the Planning and Public Works depart- ments. The refinement study would be completed by January 1985. She circu- lated a memo on this subject dated May 29. A recommended work program will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council within one month for approval. MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner Meeting May 29, 1984 Page 2 e Mr. Farah then gave an explanation of technical and ownership issues. He used a wall map to describe the general location of the area and property ownership. Agripac, EWEB, and the University are the major property owners of 67 percent of the 145 acres in the study area. The refinement study will bring together the interests of the three groups. Mr. Farah reviewed background regarding previous site plans, completed devel- opments, and project integration with the City's Six-Point Economic Diversifi- cation Program, as contained in the aforementioned memo. Some of the technical issues would be rezoning, access, and services. The Planning Department would like to proceed with a draft work program upon City Council approval. After approval of the initial work program, the six-month refinement work can take place. Mr. Obie said that this was an important project for economic development because it is tangible and marketable to outside industry. VI. CITY'S RESPONSE TO UNIVERSITY e Mr. Obie said a new science building is included in the university's budget, and would have a large impact on this project. There has not been a new science building on the campus for several years. Mayor Keller and Mr. Obie have met with the Governor, who is positive about the building and the higher education budget, and is cognizant of its impact on economic development in this area. In addition, there has been a Federal allocation to develop plans for a $32 million science building. These two buildings would be most important to the River Front Project. Mr. Olum gave credit to City Manager Mike Gleason for originating and following through on the River Front Project concept. In response to councilors' questions, University staff said the following: --Gave an explanation of how the University Foundation could be used in a "corporation" sense for development undertakings. --The University does not do classified defense research. Funds from the Department of Defense are funneled through the National Science Foundation or other entities, and are used for basic research. --Help is needed in getting out the message to create a broader aware- ness of the funding problems. Councilors could be most helpful in this work. Mr. Obie suggested that councilors organize and focus collectively on Eugene's legislative delegation regarding the importance of the higher education budget. Work should be done before and after the election on this issue. Ms. Schue suggested that the thrust of the appeal for higher education funding be enlarged to include the southwestern area in addition to the Eugene area. Other councilors suggested that the focus be even larger--to the entire state --with the thought that the entire state can benefit from better funding. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner Meeting May 29, 1984 Page 3 e e e Mr. Olum said that the University.s budget will be submitted to the Chancellor by June 30. September 1 is the deadline for system-wide budget submission to the Governor. Mr. Obie asked Ms. Miller to develop a schedule relative to these time lines, and report back to the council on strategies. Mayor Keller said that there appeared to be a consensus to proceed with the formation of a planning team to complete the initial phase of the River Front Park refinement plan. He thanked the University representatives for the good presentation. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~.. ~~~" City Manager ,.'- .':. (Sybil Peters, Minutes Recorder) SP:db/CM23b15 MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner Meeting May 29, 1984 Page 4