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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/01/1985 Meeting M I NUT E S . Eugene City Council Special Meeting City Council Chamber April 1, 1985 7:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten, Richard Hansen, Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer (8:50-9:10 p.m.), Ruth Bascom, Debra Ehrman, Jeff Miller, Roger Rutan. The special meeting of the Eugene City Council was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. Mayor Obie said councilors had talked with constituents about the Eugene Agenda in the Eugene Conference Center from 4 to 6 p.m. He appreciated the people who expressed their opinions. I. PUBLIC HEARING EUGENE AGENDA (resolution attached) e Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow introduced the agenda item. He said the Eugene Agenda has five elements. They are: (1) Improve and expand the airport terminal and airline services, (2) Construct the Riverfront University Science Park, (3) Revitalize downtown Eugene, (4) Develop an efficient, effective transportation system extending to Eugene's key industrial areas, and (5) Develop an entrance and community beautification program, including street tree planting and maintenance. Mr. Whitlow asked Aviation Director Bob Shelby, Interim Eugene Development Director Gary Long, Public Works Director Christine Andersen, and Planning Director Susan Brody to discuss the Agenda elements. Mr. Shelby said airline carriers provided half of the funds for a conceptual study of the airport expansion six years ago. The schematic drawings, elevations, artists' renditions, and working models have now been completed. Construction will take about 30 months. Federal funds are available for a new control tower. An announcement will soon be made about an additional airline. Answering a Question from Councilor Ehrman, Mr. Shelby said a cost estimate of a second story for the sheltered boarding area will be available soon. Funds are not available for a detailed drawing of the second story. Mr. Long displayed a graphic depiction of the Riverfront University Science Park planned by the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and the City. The concept is to develop land owned by the University of Oregon on the southern bank of the Willamette River for research activities related to university functions. The private investment will be $80 to $100 million. The public investment will be $8 to $10 million for infrastructure and transportation. National, as well as local, investors are interested in the _ project. MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 1 - e - Before discussing the revitalization of the Eugene downtown, Mr. Long presented the Downtown Plan to the councilors. He said the Eugene Agenda focuses on retail development in the downtown. Private investment in the project will be from $50 to $60 million. Public investment will be needed for public spaces and infrastructure. Destination point activities will be attracted by the development. Construction will take three to five years. The project will be financed with tax increment funds. Ms. Anderson said the critical projects in the surface transportation system which will serve the industrial areas of Eugene are the improvements to 6th and 7th avenues and the 6th/7th Extension from Garfield to West 11th Avenue, improvements to Roosevelt Boulevard, the improvement of Willow Creek Road from 11th to 18th avenues and the extension of Beltline to Willow Creek Road, improvements to Terry Street, construction of the Chambers Connector, and improvements to the Ferry Street Bridge. Excluding the Chambers Connector and the Ferry Street Bridge, the projects will cost about $33 million. Much of the cost will come from State funding. Ms. Brody discussed the entrance and community beautification program and the street tree planting and maintenance program. She said a study of the surface, air, and rail entrances to Eugene will recommend short- and long-term projects. The tree planting and maintenance project will be directed by the Mayor's Tree Commission. Entrance beautifiction can be accomplished in conjunction with the transportation improvement projects. Mayor Obie opened the public hearing. Carroll Fentress, 3883 Blanton Road, is a member of the Performing Arts Commission and chairman of the Crest Drive Neighborhood Association, but he was speaking for himself. He emphasized the importance of the improvement and expansion of the airport terminal and airline services and the construction of the Riverfront University Science Park. He said they are needed to attract clean industries to Eugene. Airfares that are compatible with those from and to other west coast cities are also vital. Poor air transportation handicaps the operation of the Hu1t Center because groups find it difficult to get here. Support of the Riverfront University Science Park recognizes the importance of the University of Oregon and its world-renown scientists, Mr. Fentress said. The park will bring more scientists, conferences, and prestige to Eugene, and they will benefit the Hult Center. Council actions that enhance the attractiveness of Eugene benefit every citizen. He supported all of the Eugene Agenda. Betsy Brown, 665 West 5th Avenue #4, is a reporter for Women's Press and has researched Eugene's economic development plans. She had reservations about the Riverfront University Science Park. She said the high tech industry is not clean or safe and will not revitalize Eugene's economy in the long term. She indicated that development of computers has been spurred by the need for sophisticated weapons. In Santa Clara county in California, there are nineteen sites proposed for clean-up by the Environmental Protection Agency's super fund. The sites result from chemical leakage from the manufacture of computer parts. MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 2 - e - Ms. Brown read from "Science for the Peop1e" about occupational illnesses caused by the production of semi-conductors. She also read from "Does Khaki Become You (The Militarization of Women)" about the employment of women as assembly plant workers in California. She said the high tech industry may move production overseas, but she did not want Eugene's economy to be dependent on the exploitation of workers in other parts of the world who are poisoned by high tech industries. She urged public discussion of the issues she presented. Ms. Brown said the conditional use permit for Costco Corporation was probably denied because the company would compete with companies already here. It seemed the planned economic development for Eugene would benefit only a few people. She asked the council to consider the Eugene Agenda carefully. Jim Saul, 2780 Elinor, supported the Eugene Agenda. He said it merges the community's economic development planning with the capital improvement planning process. Coordination is important because economic development will require capital improvements. Mr. Saul said the community will support the improvements to the transportation system if they are approached in a sensitive, positive way. He offered to assist in gaining support from the State and other sources. Thomas Gilbert, 1451 Waite, applauded the bold vision in the Eugene Agenda. He said it will leave a positive legacy. It must be supported by the citizens, but support is doubtful now because the agenda does not contain something for average citizens. Mr. Gilbert said a larger library is vital to the community and citizens will support the agenda if the expansion of the library is added to it. Dave Pedersen, P.O. Box 10543, represented the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. He supported the Eugene Agenda. He said Chamber of Commerce members have studied the Riverfront University Science Park and have promoted support for it among legislators. Chamber of Commerce members also support the airport expansion and transportation improvements. They have worked for freight rate equity between Eugene and Portland. Mr. Pedersen said the revitalization of the downtown and the beautification program are important. Chamber of Commerce representatives worked on the Downtown Plan. Members realize the perception of Eugene's entrances by potential new residents is important. Mr. Pedersen said the Eugene Agenda is the Chamber of Commerce's agenda. He pledged support for the five elements. Laksar Geer, 707 West 12th, opposed the opening of Willamette Street from 10th Avenue to 11th Avenue because the money could be better spent elsewhere. He said the street people will move wherever the plasma centers are moved. Larry Hughes, 340 Banton, said much energy has been wasted in the last ten years because Eugeneans have argued about growth and many other things. He sees the Eugene Agenda as a positive goal because it will make Eugene a good place to raise a family. The transportation systems need to be up-graded, Mr. Hughes said. He also said the University of Oregon is the most positive, visible entity in Lane County and the City should cooperate with the MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 3 e e e University in developing the Riverfront University Science Park. He supported the beautification projects. He urged the council to adopt the Eugene Agenda. Al Urquhart, 1820 Olive, discussed growth in general and each item in the Eugene Agenda. He favors controlled growth. He said the growth proposed in the Eugene Agenda depends on the "trickle down" theory. Eugene should work for stability which should be reinforced by diversity, low-energy expenditure, maintenance of a self-perpetuating natural environment, lowered consumption of goods, and increased variety and interconnection of services. Stability should be provided by local exchange, not improved jet service. Stability should focus on local businesses and artists. Mr. Urquhard said the Eugene Agenda does not emphasize those things. Mr. Urquhart said the Eugene Agenda indirectly encourages population growth and consumption of land and energy. It ignores what is unique about Eugene. The projects in the Agenda are good, but they lack substance. He said the airport expansion should be funded by user fees. The riverfront is the community's most open recreational area. People feel safe there. Con- sequently, the Science Park should be located somewhere else, perhaps downtown. Revitalization of the downtown will take business away from other centers unless the community grows. Residences should be developed downtown, and entertainment, financial, and government activities should be reinforced. Mr. Urquhart supported the improvement of 6th and 7th avenues and the Chambers Connector; however, he said mass transit and bicycle transportation should be emphasized. Beautification should be in the neighborhoods, not on the highways. Tom Hoyt, 460 Palomino Drive, supported the Eugene Agenda. He had talked about the Eugene Agenda to a representative of a Portland investment company. The agenda helped him sell the Eugene/Springfield area. The representative will be involved in a venture capital project in the community in the near future. The community is ready for controlled, reasonable, economic development, Mr. Hoyt said. It will provide jobs so that children can stay in the community. Mr. Hoyt said Senator Packwood is aware of the Eugene Agenda and talks about the improvements to the Ferry Street Bridge, the airport expansion, and the Riverfront University Science Park. John Bennett, 3960 Hilyard, is the executive officer for the Home Builders Assoclatlon of Lane County. He read a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association and submitted to the council. The resolution supported the Eugene Agenda and asked the City Council and city staff to determine the steps for implementing it. Mr. Bennett said a member of the association who is in the long-haul trucking business said the entrances to both Eugene and Springfield should be improved. Allen B. Struthers, 702 Spyglass, said the Eugene Agenda is very important. He works outside the community often. He views the airport as an entrance to the city. It should be improved because it does not indicate pride in the community. Mr. Struthers said all the items on the Agenda should be accomplished. It is a positive plan. When the community acts positively, it MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 4 e e e will be able to diversify the economy. Then the Quality of life will be improved. Jane Rockey Alward, 2100 Madison, said it is good for people in the city to express different views. She was concerned about unemployment and the loss of human rights. She understood Federal funding might decrease and it will be necessary for the local government to deal with unemployment. Ms. Alward said many of the goods she buys and people she deals with come and go by airplane. She supported the airport expansion. She also wanted other transportation systems, such as Amtrack, the intercity bus services, bikeways, and pedestrianways, to be maintained. Jean Tate, 5008 Blanton, supported the Eugene Agenda. She said she and her family have felt the ebb and flow of opinions about growth in Eugene for 25 years. About three years ago, her business and many others decreased. She was delighted to see the Eugene Agenda evolve from the problems the community has faced. Bill Uhlhorn, 2625 Hilyard, represented 25 agencies in the Lane Interagency Network (LINK) which provide social services to the community. He said a healthy economy provides jobs which make a better community; therefore, he supported the results of the Eugene Agenda. He asked councilors to remember the Community Goals and balance them with the goals in the Eugene Agenda as the agenda is implemented. He said social service agencies want to participate in shaping the Eugene Agenda. Mr. Uhlhorn admired the leadership provided by Mayor Obie. He remembered that Mayor Obie had discussed a social service complex he had seen in Honolulu. Mr. Uhlhorn said the revitalization of the downtown might include a new city hall annex, a different location for the library, and another swimming pool. He suggested a social service complex also be considered. It would make it possible for the agencies to share costs. Mr. Uhlhorn said he had written the Mayor offering to help with economic development. He had received a form letter in return. He suggested that city officials indicate the fine social services in the community when they talk to business representatives who are considering locating businesses here. Some representatives are sensitive to alcoholism, mental illness, and other personal problems. If interest is indicated, representatives of LINK will be glad to meet with business representatives to discuss the community's services. Mike Schwartz, 2390 Lariat, is chair of the Downtown Commission. He supported the Eugene Agenda and emphasized the importance of the revitalization of downtown Eugene. He said the Downtown Plan provides direction for the revitalization. The downtown is to be a commercial, cultural, residential, recreational, and governmental center. Revitalization involves retail development, construction of the Athletic Club, and the opening of Willamette Street between 10th and 11th avenues. Mr. Schwartz said the conversion of Willamette Street to two-way traffic from 11th to 20th avenues and the conversion of Broadway to two-way traffic from Pearl to High streets are important transportation projects. They will provide increased access to the downtown. MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 5 e Mr. Schwartz said the airport expansion and entrance beautification will make people think Eugene is an exciting place. The Riverfront University Science Park will impress visitors. He said "Let's work together on a vision for downtown." Renee Haake, 3071 Dalewood, is a member of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. She supported the Eugene Agenda and complemented Mayor Obie on its presentati on. Mayor Obie closed the public hearing. Mayor Obie said 31 written comments about the Eugene Agenda had been received to date. They will be summarized and given to the councilors. He emphasized that this council and past councils have helped develop the agenda. He congratulated those who testified and said it is OK for Eugeneans to disagree. e Ms. Schue has been involved with the Eugene Agenda for a long time. She would vote for it, but she felt two important, long-term projects--improvements to the library and a new swimming pool--were not in it. She said the library is a necessity for the community. Its improvement can be considered economic development. Construction of a large pool for major competitive events is a 1 so important for the ci ty. The Eugene Agenda "thi nks bi g" in other areas, and construction of a pool is appropriate. She would like expansion of the library and construction of a swimming pool included in the Eugene Agenda. Ms. Wooten was pleased that differing opinions had been expressed in the testimony. She supported the Eugene Agenda. She emphasized that the Eugene Agenda will not preempt commitments to the livability of Eugene and to existing businesses. The Eugene Agenda indicates priorities. The council will try to find financing that does not take money from other essential things. Ms. Wooten said the council is concerned about potential waste hazards from high tech industries. She and Mr. Holmer are working on an ordinance to regulate hazards. The council is concerned about generating jobS for people who are here, she said. The Eugene Agenda will take several years to implement. The agenda and the Six-Point Program will create an appropriately prosperus community which will grow within limits and maintain the environment. Ms. Bascom wondered how library expansion could be included in the Eugene Agenda. Ms. Schue replied she would like to add the library and a swimming pool as a sixth item. There is great interest in them and they indicate the quality of life in the city, she said. Ms. Ehrman supported the Eugene Agenda, but she was concerned about funding. The airport expansion and the transportation projects will be funded by Federal and State monies, but the community will have to fund other projects, she said. Many people had not commented on the projects. She said the agenda items have been priorities for the council for some time. She was concerned about how projects in the agenda will be incorporated with other projects already in the Capital Improvements Program. e MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 6 e Ms. Wooten noted that a swimming pool and the library expansion are priorities in the Community Goals. She wondered if they should be added to the agenda or if they should be included in a financing package to be approved by the voters. Ms. Schue said energy will be focused on the Eugene Agenda. The swimming pool and the library have been talked about for a long time, but it is easy to put them off. She would like them to be included in the agenda, so that financing for them will be developed. Mr. Holmer was sorry to have missed much of the testimony. He said baggage handling at the airport can be improved. He thought the agenda should be discussed and items should be added and deleted as necessary. Mr. Hansen said the library expansion and a swimming pool could be a part of the revitalization of downtown Eugene. He was concerned about identifying specific items and getting too many of them in the agenda. e Mr. Rutan agreed with Mr. Hansen. Mr. Rutan said the projects in the Eugene Agenda are substantial. The library expansion and construction of the swimming pool are worthy, but a line must be drawn somewhere. He recommended a tight focus for the agenda. Mr. Miller said adoption of the agenda will mean some projects will have to be put off. The library expansion and construction of a swimming pool are important, but the Agenda indicates priorities. Mayor Obie said the library expansion, park development, and construction of a swimming pool and a golf course need to be in the council 's agenda. He hoped the five elements in the Eugene Agenda will create an environment in which other projects in the council 's agenda can be accomplished. He agreed with the comments of Ms. Schue and Ms. Bascom, but he did not want the library and a swimming pool to be isolated. He would support a process in which the public could comment on them as well as on social issues. He hoped the library expansion could be included in the revitalization of the downtown. He recommended the council approve the Eugene Agenda and deal with other projects in the future. Ms. Schue wanted to keep the library expansion and the construction of a swimming pool before the public. She emphasized that they are the most popular issues with the public. Ms. Wooten said the Eugene Agenda is a dynamic document with dynamic goals which will change. Res. No. 3909--A resolution adopting the Eugene Agenda and proceeding with its study. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Mr. Hansen, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote. The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. e MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 7 e e e Mayor Obie thanked the council for the leadership it had shown. He also thanked those who had testified. Mayor Obie adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. ~Respectfu11y submitted, '~~~ Miclieal Gleason City Manager (Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick) L1M BLR:kb/170lC MINUTES-Eugene City Council April 1, 1985 Page 8 -.e e e .; RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE EUGENE AGENDA AND PROCEEDING WITH ITS STUDY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE FINDS THAT: The Eugene City Council, in goal-setting sessions since 1981, has established economic development and diversification as a first priority for the City government, and The City has operated a six-point economic diversification program si nce 1981, and This region continues to suffer from a depressed economy, and The City Council, on February 25, 1985, performed an initial review of a proposed "Eugene Agenda, II a seri es of capi tal improvements des; gned to stimulate the local economy, provide infrastructure to facilitate economic development, create additional commercial activity and jobs, and enhance the community's image and appearance, and The five elements of the Eugene Agenda are: 1. Improve and expand the airport terminal and airline services. 2. Construct the Riverfront University Science Park. 3. Revitalize downtown Eugene. 4. Develop an efficient, effective transportation system extending to Eugene's key industrial areas. 5. Develop an entrance and community beautification program, including street tree planting and maintenance, and These projects represent significant opportunities at this point in time for major private investment, and The Eugene Agenda represents a major capital investment that will require new local revenues as well as assistance from the State and Federal governments, and The City Council desires to build on and supplement the progress represented by formation of the economic partnership and citizen support of the 6th-7th improvement project. i NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a municipal corporation of the State of Oregon, that it: 1. Adopts the Eugene Agenda as a critical need and goal for the community at large. 2. Directs the City organization to integrate the Eugene Agenda into departmental work plans as a high-priority goal. 3. Desires to proceed with a detailed study of the Eugene Agenda and an action plan for its financing. e 4. Encourages all Eugene citizens to review and analyze the components of the Eugene Agenda and participate in the study and decision-making process. The foregoing Resolution adopted this day of April, 1985. Ci ty Recorder DW:pv/0545a e- - '-