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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/20/1985 Meeting ~ e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council City Council Chamber February 20, 1985 Noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten, Richard Hansen, Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer, Ruth Bascom, Debra Ehrman, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller. Adjourned meeting of the Eugene City Council from February 13, 1985, was called to order by Council President Cynthia Wooten in the absence of His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. I. ITEMS FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTEMENTS A. Report from Legislature Councilor Schue introduced Elizabeth Cherry of the Intergovernmental Relations Department, who reported on the State sales tax and the effect of changes in legislation for tax increment districts. Ms. Cherry said a local option for a sales tax was never a viable component of the sales tax legislation in the Revenue Committee of the House of Representatives. It was not likely to be reinstated by the Senate. The committee had exempted local jurisdictions from the State sales tax. An election limitation for local jurisdictions had been included which would limit the City to only two excess levy elections in odd numbered years. Elections in even numbered years will not be effected. The proposed changes for tax increment districts will delay Eugene's ability to generate future income. Several councilors commented on the report. Ms. Schue said the City will have to consider the effects of the changes on the urban renewal area. Ms. Wooten said the City had planned to use tax increment financing in the development of the Riverfront Park. Mr. Hansen suggested the Council consider opposing the State sales tax when it is referred to the voters. He said the cities are bei ng "short-changed." Ms. Schue poi nted out the Ci ty can sti 11 effect the process of developing the State sales tax in the Senate Revenue Committee and in the Conference Committee. Mr. Holmer favored waiting to see what the House of Representatives will do when it considers the sales tax. However, he hoped the Council would make it clear the bill should be amended and resents the denial of home rule in matters of taxation. Ms. Wooten suggested letters expressing the Council's concern be sent to members of the Lane County legislative delegation. Ms. Cherry said she will convey the council's comments to the Lane County delegation. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 1 e Ms. Schue said the Legislative Subcommittee is coordinating its work with the League of Oregon Cities, but the League does not intend to oppose the sales tax. Ms. Wooten wondered if the legislators understand the potential of a backlash from cities such as Eugene and Portland. B. Downtown Parking Forum Ms. Ehrman attended the Downtown Parking Forum where citizens expressed their opinions about parking problems. The council will consider the issues 1 ater. C. Truck Parking In Alleys Following up on an issue she had raised previously, Ms. Ehrman said trucks can park for as long as 30 minutes in an alley without getting a ticket. Sometimes car drivers cannot get through the alleys. She suggested the council consider alley parking when it considers other downtown problems and asked that information be brought back to the council on this policy. D. Gypsy Moth Control Mr. Rutan said he is monitoring the discussions in Salem about gypsy moth control. A hearing was recently held. The decision will probably be an administrative one which is reviewed by the legislators. e E. Higher Education Budget Mr. Holmer will attend the meeting of the Lane County legislative delegation on February 21 which will focus on the higher education budget. F. Wi11amette Science & Technology Center Ms. Bascom said the exhibit "Yesterday's Tomorrows" is being received enthusiastically at the Wi11amette Science & Technology Center. Its success confirms the potential success of the Oregon Museum Park. G. Tree Commission Ms. Bascom reported on a meeting concerning the tree commission. She hoped the ordinance establishing the commission will be ready soon for council consideration. H. Bicycle Maps Ms. Wooten had requested information about the reprinting of the City's bicycle maps at a previous meeting. She would still like to know when the maps will be reprinted. .e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 2 I. Council Meeting of February 25, 1985 ~ Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow said the council will meet at the Hilton Hotel Monday, February 25, 1985, to discuss the Capital Improvement Program and the Eugene Agenda. J. Appointments 1. Mayor's Nominations to the Library Board (memo distributed) Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to approve the following nominations to the Library Board: Ann Enge1cke, 2164 University, term ending 1/01/89 Carl Hintz, 2460 Pioneer Pike, term ending 1/01/89 Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. II. ROUTINE ITEM FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 14, 1985, AND REGULAR MINUTES OF JANUARY 16, 1985; AND JANUARY 23, 1985 (minutes distributed) e Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to approve the City Council minutes of January 14, 1985; January 16, 1985; and January 23, 1985. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. I II. INDUSTRY PRESENTATION REGARDING WOOD PRODUCTS IMPORT/EXPORT MARKET Mr. Rutan said the industry presentation was scheduled to aid the council in its economic diversification efforts and to better inform the council about local industries. He introduced Judd Webber, president of Blue Heron Products, who discussed wood products import/export markets. Mr. Webber thanked the council for the opportunity to speak to them. He said it is important for the council to understand local industries and how they are dealing with changing realities. He reviewed his experience and the development of Blue Heron Products. The company sells timber as a stockbroker sells stock. The company tries to be unique and reliable. It tries to ship on time with as little trouble for the customer as possible. As markets decreased in the United States, Blue Heron Products found markets in Australia, Spain, and Korea. The company develops long term markets and generates products that meet the grades and specifications of customers. It maintains a flexible marketing plan. In 1984, sales of Blue Heron Products increased 250 percent. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 3 - Mr. Webber said the council can help industrial development by supporting the study of foreign history and languages, supporting international trade groups, developing local transportation facilities (roads, ports, and airports), and fighting protectionist movements. Mr. Webber said protectionist movements create barriers to foreign trade in this country and result in barriers to foreign trade in other countries. Mr. Rutan thanked Mr. Webber and said the presentation indicated that the wood products industry can be important in Eugene's future. Answering questions from Ms. Bascom and Ms. Wooten, Mr. Webber said his company has found export markets for both hard woods and soft woods. Metric measurements are necessary, although it is hard for some mills to convert. Mr. Holmer announced Mr. Webber is president of the Willamette Valley World Trade Center. Eugene will be the site of the World Trade Week from May 22 to May 25 this spring. IV. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE STRUCTURE (memo distributed) e Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the agenda item. Rich Weinman of the Development Department gave the staff report. He said the Interim Community Development Committee (I-CDC) recommended a broadly based permanent CDC which would meet quarterly. The permanent CDC will provide policy direc- tion and evaluation for the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). Ms. Schue, chair of the Interim CDC, discussed the Federally funded CDBG program which is designed to benefit people with low and moderate incomes. Eugene receive $1.3 million this year. The funds have been used in Eugene for such things as Monroe Park, the West University IIwoonerf,lI and the Business Development Loan Program. Mr. Hansen had been contacted by a member of an association of people who own a few rental properties. The person asked why the association will not be represented on the CDC. Replying to Mr. Hansen, Ms. Schue said owners of a few rental properties own only a small percentage of the rental units in the city. Interim committee members decided that permanent CDC members should represent a broader group. Ms. Bascom was pleased with the recommended committee structure. She suggested a letter be sent to the person who had contacted Mr. Hansen. The letter could indicate how association members can impact the CDC process. Mr. Whitlow said he will draft a letter. Mr. Holmer was concerned because some of the CDC members represent groups such as the Planning Commission. Because those people voted in the bodies they represent, he suggested they should not vote on the CDC. He was also concerned because the CDC is responsible for the implementation of the City's housing programs. He noted that the City's housing policies indicate that housing should be dispersed. He had hoped the committee that deals with e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 4 - housing policies would represent more diverse geographical areas than indicated by the recommended comittee structure. He would not vote against the recommended structure, but he hoped his concerns would be considered. Ms. Schue said she would indicate Mr. Holmer's concerns to the Mayor who will be recommending committee members. Housing will not be an important part of the committee's work in the future. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to approve the eleven member Community Development Committee recommended in the February 5, 1985, memo to the Mayor and City Council from the Interim CDC. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. V. REPORT ON VAN BUREN RAILROAD CROSSING (memo, background information distributed) Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the agenda item. Pat Decker of the Planning Department gave the staff report. She said the Southern Pacific Railroad asked the Public Utility Commissioner (PUC) to approve the closure of the Van Buren Street at-grade railroad crossing because the Chambers Connector overpass will be on Southern Pacific property. e The proposed closure has caused much discussion in the Whiteaker neighborhood, Ms. Decker said. The City has received petitions with 1,200 signatures opposing the closure. The Whiteaker Community Council and the Neighborhood Economic Development Council (NEDCO) have retained legal counsel and will have an interested party status before the PUC. Ms. Wooten said she represents the Whiteaker area. People in the neighborhood have worked hard to revitalize it. The railroad crossing closure would create a hardship because travel among parts of the city would be impeded. She suggested the City oppose the closure when the Public Utility Commissioner considers the matter. Replying to a question from Mr. Hansen about delaying opposition until the Chambers Connector is completed, Ms. Decker said neighborhood people do not think they can wait that long. Business owners must know what will happen so they can plan. The railroad crossing is close to the Southern Pacific switching yards and railroad representatives want trains to be able to close the crossing for longer times than now permitted. Mr. Whitlow said railroad representatives are also concerned about the safety of school children. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Wooten said the council will gain information at its public hearing. The council will be asked to oppose the closure. e Mr. Holmer wondered if the environmental impact statement for the Chambers Connector addresses the safety question. He pointed out traffic on the crossing will be reduced when the overpass is completed. Mr. Whitlow replied that both the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Public Utility Commissioner are concerned about safety at the at-grade crossing. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 5 e Mr. Miller suggested a foot bridge be constructed across the crossing. Ms. Wooten said many alternatives have been studied, but they are expensive. The Whiteaker Community Council has requested a crossing guard from the 4-J School District. Ms. Wooten said the council will hold a public hearing March 11,1985. The meeting was briefly recessed at 1 :00 p.m. The councilors reconvened in the McNutt Room and Ms. Wooten called the work session to order. Work Session VI. METROPOLITAN PLAN MID-PERIOD REVIEW e Teresa Bishow of the Planning Department discussed the comments and proposals for the mid-period review of the Metropolitan Area General Plan. In general, the items proposed: l} plan text changes; 2} Plan Diagram changes; 3} auxiliary map changes; and 4} implementation activities and special studies. 37 of the comments relate to specific areas on the Plan Diagram and 28 of those comments apply to properties outside the Eugene or Springfield city limits. Many of the comments apply to properties outside of the Urban Growth Boundary. The staff will submit a summarization and analysis of each comment or proposal to the council. Answering a Question from Mr. Miller about the need to maintain the same land inventories, Ms. Bishow said the staff will analyze reasons for the original allocations and determine whether major changes can be justified. Five or ten acre changes probably will not effect inventories very much and the need for the changes will probably not have to be calculated. Major changes will have to be justified. Answering Questions from Ms. Wooten, Ms. Bishow discussed the mid-period review process. The Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) will decide which of the comments and proposals should be addressed during the mid-period review, which should be studied after the mid-period review, and which should be addressed during the update of the plan. The MPC will then analyze and make recommendations to the planning commissions and elected officials about the issues to be addressed during the mid-period review. Commenting on a suggestion from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Rutan supported having a report from the planning commission before the MPC makes a final recommendation about what is appropriate for the mid-period review. Replying to a question from Mr. Rutan, Ms. Wooten said the council can comment on any of the proposals regardless of the location of the property. Ms. Bishow pointed out the developers of the Awbrey Meadow View industrial site, located outside of the boundary of the Metro Plan, were told by the Lane County Commissioners that the properties should be included in the Metro Plan rather than in the Lane County Rural Plan because of the nature of the proposed development. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 6 - Responding to questions from Ms. Bascom, Ms. Bishow and Ms. Wooten explained the Plan Diagram, the distinction between the commercial and light industrial designations, and application of the various zoning districts. Several councilors discussed the mid-period review process. Mr. Hansen hoped councilors will express opinions to Mayor Obie and Ms. Schue before the final MPC recommendation so that the council does not make changes after that. Ms. Schue agreed with Mr. Hansen. She hoped a process can be developed to settle disagreements so that the Council does not reject the MPC recommendation. Ms. Wooten asked Ms. Brody to develop such a process. Ms. Brody suggested a joint dinner session for the planning commission and council after the planning commission has studied the MPC initial recommendation on timing. Mr. Holmer pointed out that councilors receive minutes of planning commission meetings. The minutes indicate the issues which councilors can then discuss with Mayor Obie and Ms. Schue. e Mr. Miller said it is important to target the best areas for industrial development. Ms. Wooten agreed with him, but she wondered if the staff could make that decision. Ms. Bishow said the staff can indicate which sites the City can service currently. Mr. Miller said contingency plans would be helpful if a developer does not like the sites the City can service. Ms. Wooten pointed out contingency plans either have to be developed ahead of time or a plan amendment must be approved. Mr. Rutan said some developers will be willing to pay for services, but Ms. Schue pointed out there is public expense even if developers pay for on-site services. Mr. Hansen said some developers will pay all the costs of services. Mr. Whitlow added that some industrial sites are ready for development now. Ms. Wooten suggested information about the City.s policies concerning compact urban growth and criteria used in the development of the Metro Plan be given to the new councilors. She said there are differences of opinion about the forecasts of need and the role of government in economic planning. The work session was adjourned at 1:38 p.m. R~~ Micheal Gleason, City Manager (Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick) MG:BLR:pv/1685C - MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 20, 1985 Page 7 "'~ e e e M E M 0 RAN 0 U M February 5, 1985 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Interim Community Development Committee (I-COC) SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (CDC) STRUCTURE Background: The Interim Community Development Committee (I-CDC) was appointed by Council in April 1984. One of the primary missions was to develop a new committee struc- ture to advise the Council on community development and housing program policy issues. The most significant portion of this community development activity relates to the Community Development Block Grant. This year the Community Development Block Grant provided Eugene with an entitlement of $1,292,410. The I-COC encouraged public discussion relative to the structure of a permanent Community Development Committee by conducting pUblic hearings on October 24 and December 13. In addition, specific input was requested from a variety of interest groups. These groups included the Planning Commission, the Downtown Commission, the Human Rights Commissions, the Chamber of-Commerce, neighborhood groups, and the Lane Interagency Network fa coal i ti on of soci a 1 servi ce provi ders). In December, a draft recommendation was developed and forwarded to the Planning Commission, the Downtown Commission, and the Human Rights Commission for review and comment. The intent was to forward a recommendation on to Council which had widespread public support. Each of these bodies supported the recommendation without dissent. Committee Purpose: The I-COC recommends that the permanent Community Development Committee be primarily a body which provides advisory policy guidance and evaluation of the Community Development Block Grant and related programs. The recommendation is that this group meet quarterly, except as needed during peak workload periodS. A proposed list of roles and functions for the CDC is listed below. A. The committee shall be advisory to council, with a quarterly meeting schedule, except during peak work periods. B. Development of Community Development Block Grant three-year plans--including program goals and funding strategies. .~ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURE February 5, 1985 Page 2 e C. Deve}opment of the annual CDBG grant application. --review specific requests for capital projects through the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) --adjust CDBG goals to respond to communi ty needs and adopted Ci ty goa 1 s --approve major reprogrammings of funds to respond to changes in pri ori ti es D. Solicit and provide a forum for community involvement in the community development process. E. Housing program implementation. --Review and comment on particular projects and related new grant or funding opportunities F. Community Development Block Grant Program Evaluations. Composi ti on TOTAL: Eleven members --One City Councilor to provide policy direction and linkage with the Ci ty Counci 1 . e --One Planning Commissioner to assure close ties with City planning processes, the Capital Improvement Plan, and housing planning. --One Downtown Commissioner to provide integration with eligible downtown development projects and representation for the many people housed in the Downtown Commission boundary. --One at-large citizen representing low-income interests. This provides a voice for potential recipients of CDBG or housing funds. It is difficult to identify low-income people in the appointment process. However, at minimum, an advocate for poor people's needs can be recrui ted. of the housin industry to provide expertise OUSlng lssues roug construction, rehabil i ta ti on, or property management acti vi ti es. Thi s person may be a builder, a rental owner, a property manager, a realtor, or other member of the housing industry. e ~ ~ e e. e COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURE February 5, 1985 Page 3 --One representative from the Private Industry Council (PIC) to provide both business insight and a linkage with job training opportunities for low-income persons. --One tenant or tenant advocate familiar with local housing issues. --One Eugene Minority Commission member or a citizen who has actively demonstrated interest and expertise in the field of minority relations and anti-discrimination causes. --One member of the Eugene Commission on the Rithts of the Disabled or a citlzen who has act1vely demonstrated 1nteres and expert1se 1n fields related to the special needs and concerns of disabled citizens. Implementation There are two important tasks which require review and recommendations from either the Interim Community De~elopment Committee or the permanent Community Development Committee this spring prior to COBG grant submission in June. The first task relates to the development of goals and funding strategies f~r "the next three years of COBG allocations; i.e., the Three-Year Plan. The second task is specific to the particular COBG objectives and projects to be funded during FY85/86. The Interim Community Development Committee is pre- sently developing the Three-Year Plan. The I-COC encourages Council to begin the appointment process for the permanent Community Development Committee in a timely manner so that new committee members can be involved along with current I-COC members in developing the annual statement of objectives and funding program for the fiscal year which begins October 1, 1985. The I-COC feels that a transition period will be useful to help educate the permanent COC members on the important issues and to make the transition as smooth as possible. Council Action Requested: Council is requested to approve the recommendations of the Interim Community Development Committee. Following action by the Council in this regard, an ordinance will be drafted for Council adoption. RW:jw/HClbI5 '" - e - February 12, 1985 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Planning and P4blic Works Departments SUBJECT: VAN BUREN RAILROAD CROSSING On March 11th, the City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Southern Pacific Railroad's request for closure of Van Buren Street at its intersection with the Southern Pacific Rail road. This request has been filed with the Public Utility Commissioner and was initiated in November, 1984. At that time, Southern Pacific agreed to the construction of the Chambers Connector overpass over their lines and switching yards, asking at the same time that the Van Buren Street grade crossing be closed: "coincident with the opening of the Chambers overpass... and that a proceeding be instituted to effect such a closure." The PUC staff have initiated a closure investigation that will eventually lead to a full hearing before the Public Utility Commissioner. I n response, businesses and residents in the Blai r/Van Bu ren area, the Neighborhood Economic Development Council (NEDCO), and the Whiteaker Community Council have met with city staff and PUC representatives. During the last several months, positions of area businesses and community organizations have been established as follows: 1. Petitions have been circulated among patrons of businesses in the area and submitted to the city, with more than 1200 signatu res indicating opposition to the potential closure; 2. NEDCO and the Whiteaker Community Council have obtained legal counsel to represent them as interested parties in the PUC process in opposition to closure of the at-grade crossing at Van Buren Street. Existing policy documents provide clear direction for the construction of the Chambers Connector to improve north-south traffic movements and connections between the River Road area and other parts of the Eugene area. These policy documents also provide direction for reduction of through traffic movements within neighborhoods to the extent possible. In all such documents, the construction of the Chambers Connector has been identified as a needed part of the regional transportation system, while Van Buren Street continues to be identified as a significant corridor within the arterial system. The attached Preliminary Draft Findings summarize existing policy direction' for the Council's information, in preparation for the March 11th public hearing (material provided under separate cover). Council Action No Council action is required at this time. This item is scheduled for discussion to identify issues and any additional information councilors may need prior to the public hearing on March 11. plpdvbrr 2 ~ .e e e ft ~ e e " MEMORANDUM February 12, 1985 To: . Mayor and City Council From: Planning Department Subj: Metropolitan Plan Mid-Period Review At you r last work 'session concern i ng the Metropolitan Plan Mid- Period Review held January 16, you requested that staff provide you with a summary of the comments and issues raised by the public and the Metro Planning Team. At the February 20 work session you will have an opportunity to review the list of concerns raised and to suggest additional items. The following materials are enclosed under separate cover: 1, Summaries of public comments received as of February 11, 1985, 2. List of items submitted by the Metro Planning Team. The public comments include all those received at the ,Planning Commission public meetings or submitted at one of the planning offices as of February 11, 1985. The list compiled by the Metro Planning Team includes items recommend.ed in the Status and Monitoring. Reports, items generated by the Metro Team during the last 2 1/2 years, and unresolved issues from the 1982 Plan acknowledge~e!1t. By February 28, the Metro Planning Team will prepare an analysis of each proposal and recommend to the Planning Commissions that they be considered either for a) Plan Review, b) Future Study, or c) Plan Update. By March 25, the Planning Commissions are scheduled to forward their individual recommendations to the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) concerning the various items. The Metropolitan Area Planning Advisory Committee may also forward comments to MPC. Following MPC's action in late April establishing the timeframe for when to consider the various items, staff will provide you with another status report on the Metro Plan Mid- Period Review. pltbmem1 Enclosures ! 1 ,J;..~1Jw.,. . ",Jl i:. .t4B dO. jJ.)'d 1. Whiteaker Community School 2. Fire Station 3. Sladden Park 4. School District 4J Offices 5. Rose Gardens 6. Basketball Courts 7. Picnic Area. Playground & lamb Cottage ;':" ." ,~.:, \.," . c....r..!" A.L-'- _--=-~_=S'icoiiil a.. Map A leOe"{1 I!~ ~ Public Open Space General area designated for 8 small neighborhood park Whiteaker Community Center site .J L'i~~~'~:j Van Buren Railroad Crossing f ~ Wli~!e~~{e~~ -~. ...... 12e,nement Vlan . ,.. . ,,'. ......... .'.,'.".; 8. Skinner's Butte Park 9. Celeste Campbell Senior Center 10. Social Security Office 11. Federal Courthouse 12. State Office Building 13. County Annex 14. Post OUice 15. County Jail 16.Blalr/Van Buren' . Commercial Area .- ..... o 500 1000 I . I scale in feet .. 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