HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/07/1985 Meeting
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MINUTES
Eugene City Council
Silva Concert Hall
Hu1t Center for the Performing Arts
January 7, 1985
7:05 p.m.
COUNCILORS PRESENT: Ruth Bascom, Debra Ehrman, Dick Hansen, Freeman Holmer,
Jeff Miller, Roger Rutan, Emily Schue, Cynthia Wooten
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called
to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller.
I. INTRODUCTION AND OPENING REMARKS
Mayor Keller welcomed those present to the first State of the City and
Swearing-In ceremony. He introduced the councilors and councilors-elect as
they took their position on the dais. He then introduced Mayor-elect Brian
Obie.
II. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
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Mayor Keller presented his State of the City address which highlighted the
major projects and accomplishments of the City of Eugene during 1984. A copy
of the address is attached to the minutes.
III. SWEARING-IN OF NEW CITY OFFICIALS
Mayor Keller introduced City Recorder Karen Goldman. Ms. Goldman then
administered the oath of office to the following individuals as City
Councilors representing the wards as listed. The individuals were joined on
stage by family members and friends.
Mr. Miller--Ward 6
Mr. Rutan--Ward 8
Ms. Bascom--Ward 2
Ms. Ehrman--Ward 3
Ms. Wooten--Ward 7
Following their individual oath of office, the councilors presented brief
remarks to the audience regarding the support they had experienced and their
hopes for future action by the council.
MINUTES-Eugene City Council
Janua ry 7, 1985
Pa ge 1
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Mr. Obie was joined on stage by members of his family as Ms. Goldman
administered him the oath of office as Mayor of the City of Eugene. He
thanked the members of his family, the City staff, and others who had
supported him during his campaign. He also thanked Karen and Ed Kammerer and
Royce Saltzman for their musical performances prior to the ceremony. He
invited the audience to join the council for refreshments and entertainment
in the lobby after the ceremony and then in the Conference Center for dancing.
IV. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Mayor Obie presented his State of the City address which outlined the parties
to be involved and the major projects proposed for his "Eugene Agenda." A
copy of his address is attached to the minutes.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.
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Micheal D. Gleason
Ci ty Manager
4It (Recorded by Thom Strunk)
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MINUTES-Eugene City Council
Janua ry 7, 1985
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"State of the City", Mayor Gus Keller, 1/7/85
As Eugene's outgoing mayor, it is my privilege tonight to give you a
brief report on the activities of your city government over the last 365
days) a summary of both the highlights and problems welve faced as a
community in the year past.
Despite all the references to George Orwell with which we entered it)
1984 was in many ways a good year for this community and its government. It
was a year when the City of Eugene carrid on its theme of maintaining and
improving service to the community in spite of scarce resources. If doing
more with less is the style of the 801s) the Cityls organization is one
of the most stylish around. Consider that between 1981 and 1984) the number
of City employees has actually dropped. Now consider just a few of the
major service increases the organization has made in the same period: the
addition of a perorming arts and conference center) a regional wastewater
treatment plant) the addition of paramedic ambulance service to the fire
department) increased parks acreage, and the assignment of staff to major
initiatives in business and development assistance.
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These) and many other) increases in service have been accomplished during
a period of financial austerity. The level of service provided this community
by its city government has not been accomplished through massive expenditure
of public funds. Rather) these continuing accomplishments have been made
possible by sound management) an increasing use of technology) and by the
efforts of an extremely talented and motivated group of people...the City
staff. Despite operating in an atmosphere of almost continuous cutback) the,
morale of the City's staff has kept pace with their dedication to public
service. I feel that the people of Eugene demonstrated their faith in the
management of the Cty organization on November 11) when they defeated Ballot
Measure 2 in precincts across this city so soundly as to ensure the measure's
failure statewide.
Last year's budget process was a continuation of the "hold the line"
financing now familiar to Eugene. At the direction of Council) staff
prepared a budget that continued the service system...a "no frills") status
quo financial plan that stayed within the 6% limitation and did not require
voter approval. With that in mind, consider some of the things we
accomp 1 i shed. . .
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We continued to make business our business, as the Council made economic
development the top priority during-Tts annual goal-setting session. We
updated our economic diversification program, approved a Eugene-Springfield
Metropolitan Partnership-about which I'm sure Brian will have a few things to
say, and expanded the services provided to local developers through our
Development Assistance Center. Our economic interests became international
as we received a trade delegation from China's Fujian Province.
Our status as a destination point took on an international flavor) as
well. as we hosted two significant international events...the Olympic
Scientific Congress and the World Meeting of the International Society
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for Music Education. In addition, an everincreasing number of Eugeneans
became involved in the Sister City program as we hosted the seventh
delegation from Kakegawa, Japan this past summer.
The private and public sectors worked hard together on economic issues,
and they played hard together in putting on the Second Eugene Celebration,
an enormously successful destination point activity that promoted downtown
and community spirit while celebrating the diversity of Eugene and its
people.
We received and acted upon a management study of the Hult Center, bringing
reorganization and stability to this Center and its operation. A financial
benefit to the city as a whole, each sell-out performance here generates
approximately $30,000 for local businesses, making the Hult Center as much
a part of the economic fabric of this community as it is part of our cultural
development.
While on the subject of things cultural, the last fiscal year saw, for the
first time, over one million books being checked out of our public library.
1984 was also the year in which the popular institution celebrated its 25th
Anniversary in the building as 13th and Olive. The rapidly growing demand on
the small and aging facility, while heartening in the Age of Television,
has made the need for a new library an issue we will have to deal with in the
near future.
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In the area of public safety, February saw the emergency medical system
operated jointly by the Eugene and Springfield fire departments being
selected as one of the top five such systems in the country. The Police
Department experienced an increase in productivity and provided exceptional
support to such events as the Celebration and Olympic Scientific Congress.
We opened a new state-of-the-art public safety communications center
that not only combines Eugene's police, fire, and emergency medical
communications into one cost-saving facility; but will later this year serve
as the 911 answering point for Central Lane County.
The sophisticated computer-aided dispatch system in that communications
center is just a small part of the City's growing use of Computer Age
Technology.. .one of the key strategies in "doing more with less". The last
fiscal year saw the addition of over 200 terminals to the main computer
system. During that period, the City's Information Services Division re-
organized to emphasize training in the use of the new technology, and
provided over 1,000 trainings to City employees in the use of computers.
Eugene may well be one of the most automated cities in the country.
Our infrastructure was maintained throughout the year. One of the most
visible projects was the painting of the Ferry Street bridge which, coupled
with repair work done to its southern approach, extended the life of one of
our most vital transportation links. Additionally, a series of lesser
maintenance projects were completed and a number of streets received badly-
needed overlays.
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The new regional wastewater treatment plant was completed with federal
funds. Culminating work begun in the early 1970's, the plant meets the most
stringent standards for stream discharge in the country and will enable us
to meet the residential and industrial needs of the metropolitan area well
into the 21st Century.
Federal assistance was assured us last year for another project critical
for our continued economic growth.. .expansion of the terminal at Mahlon
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Sweet Airport. An Environmental Protection Agency grant was awarded the City
to provide sewers for the River Road and Santa Clara areas.. .the result of a
tremendous engineering and design job by staff in the Public works department.
We developed a plan for one of the most critical districts of our city,
the Downtown area, as well as a host of other plans necessary to ensure future
development of both Eugene and the metropolitan area.
A unique planning development was the completion of a culture and leisure
plan that will guide the City's development as a cultural center-stressing
excellence and diversity while enhancing our quality of life. Along the same
line, our Parks and Recreation staff continued to enhance Eugene as a
destination point be staging a number of quality festivals and events. We
signed an agreement with lane County to manage Alton Baker Park and the
Cuthbert Amphitheater. We dedicated a new park, charnel Mulligan, at 17th
and Charnelton. We did not, 1 am sad to note, dedicate an 18-hole public
golf course. ---
We faced, and continue to face, some problems-such as long range financial
planning to assure the stability of city services, and the continued
reluctance of an element of the community to compromise on transportation
issues that will facilitate economic growth.
But, all in all, 1984 was a good year for the City of Eugene. ..a time when
challenges were met with creativity and limited resources. I want to take
this opportunity to personally and publicly thank those who actively served
their community during this past year. For example, the Eugene Arts
Foundation, which is a creature of something less than five years, on July
30 this year fulfilled a commitment to the City of Eugene. They have given
the City of Eugene to date $1,648,000 for capital expenditures; for
operations, they have expended $679,000. that is a total of $2,328,000 of a
commitment to their city by our private sector. For, while it is one thing
to sit back and render opinions on civic matters, it is another matter
entirely to subject oneself to the requirements of service, whether as a
member of Councilor as someone serving on one of the City's many boards and
commissions. The pressures that come with such involvement, the ability
to consider divergent points of view, the time required for meetings; all
of these things provide ample evidence of the dedication so many of you
have posessed during this last year. A city's gevernment is only so good as
the people who serve in it and, in this regard, the people of Eugene have
been very fortunate in 1984.
While 1 will be watching from the sidelines from tonight on, I will be
watching with keen interest, hope and optimism...as 1 hope all of you will
be.
To those of you about to be sworn in, to those of you continuing in your
terms of office, to you Brian, and to all of you gathered here tonight. ..1
wish you well in the year ahead.
Farewell and good night.
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STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
MAYOR BRIAN B. OBlE
JANUARY 7, 1985
CITY OF EUGENE
EUGENE, OREGON
Ladies and Gentlemen - I am pleased to be your New Mayor' You will find I
believe in hard work, commitment, FUN AND and the people of this community.
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Tonight, my task is not to speak TO you but WITH yOU! To reflect our common
hopes and common desires in a manner that this date, January 7, 1935, will wark
a new beginning for this place we call home.
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I appreciate that I stand in a ~nique place - a place of honor,
of responsibility,
Of opportunity,
and of challenge.
I am honored by first responsibility of expressing our mutual gratitUde, to Gus
for what he has given this community.
Gus, you have given Of yourself these past 12 years, in a way that is mjre than
we had a right to expect. Words are not enough - but please accept them as an
expression Of our deepest feelings. Thank you for a jab well done.
Next, thank you, the citizens Of this community, for providing a~ exceptionally
capable City Council. I have every confidence in each of our councilors:
Emily, Ruth, Debra, Dick, Freeman, Jeff, Cynthia and Reger. Because of your
individual ability, the powers you have been given by charter and the fact that
you have been chosen to represent the citizens Of your ward, means you have
within your grasp the opportunity to reject the status quo and make a ffi9aningful
difference in the future of this community.
Tonight, you will be asked to take action that will Change the course of events
in this city. I asK you not to take s~allsteps where biQ ones are required -
not to be timid when boldness is necessary - to know that you are chosen -
Chosen not just to represent, but to lead.
To acnieve the renaissance of Eugene will require all of us - institutions and
individuals alike - working with com~n purpose.
Whether you be riCh or poor, young or old, man or woman, you can be a fact~r in
this community's return to greatness.
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If wa are to succeed, the University of Oregon, Eugene Water and Electric
Board, Lane County, the City Of Springfield and our legislative and
congressional delegations will playa major role. If we dO not grasp on every
opportunity to use each of our strengths and abilities, and if they are not
readily given, we will be doomed to a morass of turf battles, inefficiencies,
mediocrity and economic hardship.
Working together with a common mission, we can aChieve our individual objectives
and ouild the communitv we all desire - one filled with vitality, excitement,
confiaence and indeed a new spirit.
I am particularly pleased with the new awareness of the role the university Of
Oregon can play in jab creation and economic diversification. The University
may be the fountain of oODortun1ty, not only in education, but also in new
products, companies and iObs. The science park on the riverfront offers the
opportunity for a permanent and growing diversification of our economy.
Also gratifying is the recent initiative taKen by our County Commissioners to
consolidate services and avoid duplication with the cities. I congratulate and
thank them for their leaderShip and pledge to them not only our cooperation but
our support and assistance. While this road will be fruitful for our citizenry,
it will require determination and patience from both policy makers and
administrators.
At the same time, we Should not overlook our growing and importa~t relationship
with the people of Springfield. They have proven to be sound and capable
partners in many endeavors. We are literally one community with two souls.
Your City Council and former Mayor have worked in lock step with their
Springfielj counterparts on many issues. Our co~petitors reside elsewhere~ not
across the river. If we are to solve our problems, theirs must be solved as
well.
Another organization I would like to highlight is the Eugene Water and Electric
Board, an organization that was created by the same scripture as this city and
shares a common Charter. In the past, there has been great debate and backroom
talk of what its relationShip was with city government. Is it a department or
perhaps a free-standing corporation?
I would like to say that this debate 1s Of little importance -- what 1s
important 1s to know that we share common roots and serve the same master - the
citizens Of Eugene. It is of tne highest importance that we sha~e a mission Of
using all our assets and resources in the best interest Of tnis community.
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> Then, 8 years ago, on the first Monday in January, 1977, Gus Keller
included as a major port1on of his address, the fOllowing warning, and I quote.
. . "let's not forget the dreadful reality of being jObless. If we do not, in
the very near future, make every effort to diversify our local economy, the
number of jObless a~ng us may soar." ,
"If the forecasts prove true of cutbacKs in the timber products industry, the
livelihoods Of a large percentage Of our worK force may depend on the
establishment here of new industries. If we don't diversify, we will continue to
suffer local depressions." (end of quote)
we can no longer afford to ignore the warnings Of wise and concerned men!
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Your City Council and former Mayor have been immersed in the challenge of
revitalizing our economy.
MUCh has been done and, while we have a good start, we have only begun. We
still haVE over 11,000 unemployed people in this county and far too many
banKruptcies. Because of the ravages of the recession, the governments of
Eugene, Springfield and Lane County are among the largest property owners in the
area.
We have taken a great step forward by forming the economic partnership between
Eugene, Springfield, Lane County and the private sector. This PUblic/private
partnership, armed with a quality labor force, housing opportunities, and a
lifestyle envied by all, will be a viable and formidable marketing arm. And,
while it represents a great hope, we must do more!
Tonight, I put before eaCh of you
- an agenda that challenges you to take Charge of the fate of this
community
- an agenda that will require an investment in our future
- an investment of time, Of energy, of dollars and of shared co~~itment.
As co~ponents of our new beginning, I propose:
~JUM6ER 1: THE H1PROVEMENT P.ND EXPANSION OF OUR AIRPORT TERMINAL M~D F.o.CILITlES.
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The airport creates an important first impression Of the quality of our
ccmmunity. It 1s l~perative that we provide an attractive and efficient gateway
for business and leisure travelers to and from our city.
- A facility that will provide an excellence of service that this community
needS and nas a right to expect.
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EWES board members, Camilla Pratt, Jack Craig, Sara Hendrickson, Dennis Solin
and Jim Reinmuth, you and your predecessors have built and now manage one of the
finest utilities in the country. We stand reaay to help you in any way possible
to continue that legacy. You carry in your hands much responsibility for the
destiny Of this community. I know you take that responsibility seriously and
urge you to recognize the opportunity you have in contributing to and being part
of th~S cO~Jnity's greater agenda.
AS I saia before, for us to aChieve will require the com~ltment of many, not the
le3st of WhiCh include our legiSlative delegation in Salem and our congressional
leaders in WaShington.
I have asked each of them to accept and support this community's agenda. To a
person, they have responaea with enthusiasm and commitment. We know the road
will not be an easy one, but are confident they will do their part. Our agenda
in Salem and WaShington must be aChieved. With your help and theirs, it will
be!
Tonight I ask only that we each do our part - knowing that the sum of our
commitw8nt, our efforts and our energy will indeed be our future.
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Our resolve will be steadfast - as we share this belief -
- That this place, this cOffimJnity, this city called Eugene, is worth the
effort
- That its destiny is more important than anyone of us
- Th3t its future as a whole is more important than anyone of its parts
- And that we must look beyond our traditional interests and act first in
the community interest.
In preparing for tonight and the next four years, I have lived and studied the
history of this city. I read with interest the State of the City addresses of
two of my predecessors, Mayors Keller and Anderson. We elected them Mayors, Out
history tells us tney were also "propnets".
> On January 6, 1969 - 16 years ago, Mayor Anderson spake of tne need to
expand our rate of economic growtn by seeking new industry and business to
increase and diversify jOb opportunities.
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I will also be aSking the Airport Com~lssion and others to take the lead in
securing additional airlines and an expanded number of flightS.
We cannot compete in - nor with - a \Ilorld we cannot readily access.
NUMBER 2: THE UNIVERSITY SCIENCE PARK:
This development represents the greatest opportunity for economic
diversffication this community has had, in its 123 year history. To make this
opportunity a reality, we need cowmltment and cooperation from Federal, State
and City government, as well as from those in the private sector.
The important work of the refinement plan task team, headed by Cynthia Wooten,
with Roger Rutan as Vice Chair, 1.1I111 come to the City Council in the next..few
months. Much time and energy has been invested by many people, including (to
name only a few) Chancellor Davis, President Olum and Vice President of
ResearCh, RiChard Hersh. Much more will be required, including a financial
commitment by this community.
This project is expected to require over 100 million dollars in private and
PUblic funds. While our part will be less than 10%, it will be significant - we
will need to be among the first to step forward.
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NUMBER 3: The next agenda item concerns our traditional center Of commerce,
government, entertainw~nt and gathering. I Oelieve downtown is important to
each of us and this community. It represents our community's spirit and
vitality.
our downtown can, and I believe will, be a place of regional focus, a place of
financial and prOfessional prominence, a place we want to be, to ShOp,
experience and enjoy. It can be colorful and exciting, a place that is a
destination point unto itself.
Our Downtown Commission has worked many months, first with a comprehensive plan
and now with a premier developer to a point that within weeks, the issues and
programs surrounding these goalS will be on the doorsteo Of your citv council.
Solutions that have escaped administrators and pOlicy makers for over two
decades are now before us. You and I are in a position to make that important
difference.
our level of commitment and the results of our action will determine the Skyline
and tne sianiflcance of this place for people - for the next 50
years.
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NUMBER 4: Each item on this agenda is important to the future of this
community - certainly it would be hard to deny that an efficient, effe:tive
transportation system is mandatory.
Perhaps the most important element is the widening and extension Of key
arterials throughout our community, including the central city itself.
I cannot exagqerate the importance Of extending an efficient transportation
system into our industrial groundS. If we are to market these sites to new
business and indUstry, they must be competitive with others that are available
in this part of the country. GOOd transportation linkS are essential to our
being a viable contender.
The recent Historic Tree Amendment has the potential of frustrating this step
forward.
AS Oirected oy the amendment, I a~ confi~ent the city council will place the
widening and extension Of 6th and 7th Avenues on the ballot for your
consideration.
In addition, for many years, the expressway amendment has snarled the
implementation Of a quality transportation plan.
we have attempted to solve the prOblem with a patchwork of street diverters and
intersection improvements - while our major arterial system has become
functionally Obsolete and forced traffic into the neighborhoodS. Because of
uncertainties it has been nearly impossible to get the attention and cooperation
of those in the State and Federal Government WhO provide the principal funding
for needed projects.
While the expressway amendment, in a previous time, may have been appropriate,
tOday it severely hampers fulfillment of our needs.
AS pointed out in our community goals conference last fall, it 1s time to review
this issue, and in that regard I am aSking the .City Council to put the repeal of
this amendment on the ballot at the same time we vote on widening and extension
Of 6th and 7th Avenues.
If we truly believe in the need for economic growth and progress in this
community, it 1s time to act on that bellef.
Once again, you will make the aifference. I urge you to take an active part in
this issue, to insure that your friendS, neighbors and all citizens Of this
community have knowledge of its importance.
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ITEM NUMBER 5 includes an expansion on a proposal brought to us recently by
Councilor Bascom. She appropriately recognized the importance this community
pIeces on its street trees, and proposed the creation of a formal pOlicy and
plan for planting and maintenance of the same.
Our trees, whiCh are too often taKen for granted, contribute greatly to the
unique quality Of life we enjoy.
In this final agenda item, I urge the Council to pursue Ruth's proposal and
expand'it to include the enhanceme~t of the gateways to Eugene.
It is my view, and I am sure the view of others, that what you see as you enter
Eugene could better symbOlize this cO~fflUnity.
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By designing and implementing appropriate landscape and improvements for
Eugene's entry ways, we will enhance our lives and share ~ith visitors the
importance we place on our environrrent. -
I urge the council to move forward on this program.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that is the agenda: An airport facility of which we are
proud; the University Science ParK for new jObS, products and companies; a
downtown with regional prominence; an effective transportation system; streets
and entry ways that represent the pride of this community; an agenda that will
put people to worK (WhO now sit idle in the construction trade); and that will
provide a new beginning.
While you will be asked to provide only 15~ on the dollar for this 200 million
dollar program, it will require a much greater portion of your time and energy,
ana certainly a 100% commitment to b~ the best community we can be.
Tonight, in inviting you here, we have begun a new tradition - a tradition that
recognizes the importance of the people of tnis community and the necessity Of
tneir collective commitment to reach their chosen destiny.
I have put before you "TIle Eugene Agenda". I am aSKing each of you as
individuals, and as members of the institutions you represent, to adopt this
agenda as your own.
If we believe in ourselves and are willing to meet the challenge, ground can be
orOken and programs implemented on everyone of these items in the next 18
fOO:lthS.
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Your City Council and city staff perhaps have the greatest Challenge. I ask the
Council and staff tonight to accept, as their first priority, the responsioility
for refining this agenda, and determining the steps for i~plementation.
It is important to tell you, when this is done,
- when the ground 1s brOKen,
and when the programs are put in place. . .
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you and I will be able to turn to those issues that Keep Eugene, - Euaene. . .
. items SUCh as parKs, libraries, recreation facilities, cultural activities and
pUblic safety that make up the fabric and quality of this community.
But first we must move this community to the vitality and strength we know it
can aChieve. -
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When the ti~~ comes that human nature prevails, and we're more liKely to dwell
on the problems than we are the opportunities, let's keep in mind, that with all
its problems and sometimes hardship, this is a pretty special place.
Try to remember the last time you were away for aWhile and hOW good it felt to
come home to the lUSh green valley of the Willamette.
Think of our bike paths, rivers and access to outdoor pursuits. Or even this
great complex we are in tonight.
Eugene has its own philosophy and spirit. Concern for the environment and each
other 1s a major premise for what we 00 - and of this we can be proud.
If all of these are not enough to make you decide you're very fortunate to call
this place home - remember you are its ambassador - and our community 1s a
reflection Of eaCh of us.
In Closing, I would liKe to say:
Let those who write the history of events speak of this generation Of
Eugeneans as:
- A generation with common
purpose,
- A generation WhO provided a new
beginning,
AND FINALLY
- A generation WhO truly did make
a difference.
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