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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/28/1985 Meeting e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council Work Session--Dinner Session Collier House (Faculty Club), University of Oregon May 28, 1985 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Cynthia Wooten, Richard Hansen, Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer, Debra Ehrman, Ruth Bascom, Roger Rutan, Jeff Miller. The work session was called to order by His Honor Mayor Brian B. Obie. I. Asian Contacts Mayor Obie discussed his recent trip to Asia. He said the contacts made there are important. He visited Chinju, Eugene's Korean sister city. Rep- resentatives of Korean industries will be visiting Eugene, he said. Councilor Hansen encouraged Mayor Obie to have foreign dignitaries stay at his home when they are in Eugene. Mr. Hansen said the City should recognize the Mayor's expenses when people stay at his home. Councilors Bascom and Holmer said they would be glad to have dignitaries stay at their homes. Mayor Obie also traveled to Japan. He discussed the University of Oregon basketball game to be played there November 30, 1985. He encouraged councilors to go. He recommended the City contact representatives of the travel industry in Asia. Mayor Obie then traveled to Europe. He discussed the trip and the possibility that the Lord Mayor of London will visit Eugene next year. II. QUARTERLY PROCESS SESSION Mayor Obie called on each councilor to discuss his or her committees and concerns. A. LRAPA Mr. Hansen said the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) apparently will be funded by Eugene, Springfield, and Lane ~ounty this year. He hoped stable, future funding could be arranged. He will report to the council about the possibility of L-COG taking over the management of LRAPA. Mr. Hansen invited other councilors on an LRAPA tour of the Weyerhaeuser facilities. May 28, 1985 Page 1 e e e Responding to comments from Ms. Wooten, Mr. Hansen said the cost of renting LRAPA office space will be reviewed. Ms. Ehrman said air pollution from wood smoke and automobile emmission will be a major issue for Eugene in the future. Only an educational program about wood smoke pollution is permitted now. Mr. Hansen said LRAPA is studing the control of auto emissions. Ms. Schue said LRAPA will permit Eugene and Springfield to control auto emissions locally. She did not want the State to do it. B. Metropolitan Cable Commission Discussing the Metropolitan Cable/Television Commission, Mr. Hansen talked about the contract negotiations between Group W Cable and the commission. The new contract will probably provide funds for the public-access channels managed by L-COG and a telecommunications system. Mr. Hansen warned that the income from Group W will decrease as people acquire more satellite "di shes. II Council ors briefly di scussed the vi sua1 bl i ght caused by "di shes II and ways to control it. C. Eugene/Springfield Visitors Convention Bureau Board of Directors Mr. Hansen said Scott Lieua11en is doing a good job of directing the Visi- tors and Convention Bureau. The hotel managers are pleased with his efforts. Mr. Hansen suggested the bureau consider sponsoring a tour when the University of Oregon basketball team plays in Japan in November. D. Joint Social Services Budget Committee Ms. Ehrman and other councilors talked about this year's discussions that occurred by Eugene's initial refusal to increase its contribution by three percent. Ms. Wooten suggested the joint social services fund should be a separate line item in the Eugene budget in the future. Ms. Schue noted Eugene increased its block grant contribution for capital projects for social services. E. Community School Coordinating Committee Ms. Ehrman said she had suggested to the committee additional cooperation with District 4-J. Members will discuss having a presentation on community schools before the council in the future. Ms. Wooten suggested a letter be sent to Mike Williams, president of the 4-J School Board, responding to the letter he sent to the City. F. National Council on Public Works Mr. Holmer said he is the only member appointed to the National Council on Public Works so far. He said the council is charged with the appraisal of the status of State and Federal civilian public works and the funding for the preservation, maintenance, and replacement of the public works. He thought the disposal of hazardous waste will be a big infrastructure issue May 28, 1985 Page 2 e e - in the future. He thought the problems of the council will involve the division o( responsibility among Federal, State, and local governments for the infrastructure and how the support and repl acement of the infrastructure is assured. G. CPERT Mr. Holmer reported that the Citizen Participation Review Team is addressing how the City communicates with neighborhood people and how they communicate with the City. One of the recommendations in the final report reaffirms the principle of one official neighborhood group per area. The council will review all the recommendations. H. Joint Parks Committee Mr. Rutan said the Parks Department staff is negotiating with representa- tives of the Maude Kerns Art Center for its continued operation. Perhaps the City will be involved. Representatives of the Oregon Academy of Artistic Gymnastics continue to present proposals, and the City may be able to assist them. The Parks Director has appointed a team to survey the golf needs of the community. Mr. Hansen said Laurelwood Golf Course will not meet the community's need for a public l8-hole golf course. He said meeting the need should have a high priority. Ms. Schue discussed the study of the proposed expansion of Laurelwood Golf Course. Several councilors discussed the need for an l8-hole golf course, as well as the existing Laurelwood course. I. Riverfront Park Study Team Mr. Rutan reported that the Planning Commission is holding public hearings on the Riverfront Park Study. J. Marketing Committee of the Metropolitan Partnership Mr. Rutan said the marketing committee of the Metropolitan Partnership is working on a plan. K. Legislative Subcommittee Mr. Rutan said he attended most of the meetings, learned a great deal, and would like to serve on the committee next year. Mayor Obie said the committee and City representatives have worked hard and have been effective in lobbying efforts. The budget for higher education looks good and it seems the first two buildings in the Riverfront Park will be funded. Ms. Schue said the Legislative Subcommittee will present a recommendation on the sales tax. May 28, 1985 Page 3 L. Airport Subcommittee e Mr. Rutan said he and Mr. Hansen met with other members, gave the staff direction, and expect to receive a report soon. M. Concerns about Process e e Mr. Rutan expressed four concerns. 1. Parallel Recommendations Mr. Rutan expressed a concern about parallel recommendations to the council from the Downtown Commission and the Planning Commission. He said the council should receive only one recommendation after the Planning Commission and Downtown Commission have met together and come to a consensus. Ms. Ehrman did not want to force the Planning Commission and the Downtown Commission to agree. She said the council should make a decision. Mr. Holmer noted the two bodies are equal. He was comfortable with two rec- ommendations on the same issue. Ms. Wooten and Ms. Bascom suggested the Planning Commission and the Downtown Commission be required to meet and dis- cuss issues before sending their recommendations to the council. Mayor Obie said downtown planning is too detailed for the Planning Commission. Mr. Hansen said the Planning Commission is charged with planning the whole city. Ms. Schue pointed out that actions in the downtown affect the rest of the city. Ms. Wooten suggested Susan Brody and Gary Long be asked to report what issues should go to the Planning Commission and what issues should involve a joint meeting. Other councilors supported her suggestion. 2. Budget Process Mr. Rutan discussed the budget process and said the council could have spent half the time on it and accomplished just as much. He wondered if the process could be streamlined. Several councilors commented on the budget process. Ms. Ehrman thought the time spent was worthwhile. She suggested councilors be included in the preparation of departmental budgets. Mr. Holmer said councilors should influence the preparation of the budget in October and November before its presentation in April. Because the manager follows instructions given in October and November, the council does not need to do much later. Mr. Hansen said the Budget Committee is not as effective now because the City is making major service delivery changes. Ms. Wooten said it is dif- ficult to make changes in the budget after it is presented and it is difficult to direct the process earlier. Ms. Schue and Mr. Miller discussed the elimination of the crime prevention unit from the budget. Ms. Ehrman said the lay people on the Budget Committee want to be involved. Ms. Schue said the lay members should review the budget, but City policies should not be developed in the Budget Committee. May 28, 1985 Page 4 . e e Mr. Holmer said it is impossible to tell if the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) budget is solid. He suggested that the MWMC staff be given help from City staff in preparing next year's budget. Mr. Hansen congratulated the staff on the preparation of the budget. 3. Briefings for Specific Councilors Mr. Rutan suggested the staff brief and provide additional background to councilors who are not familiar with a particular issue before full council consideration of the issues. For example, he would have appreciated basic information about the MWMC rates, structure, etc. 4. New Generation of Utilities Mr. Rutan would like a staff report about the City's ability to take advantage of licenses and fees for the next generation of utilities, such as cellular telephones and fiber optics. 5. City Loan Process Referring to the council approval of the loan to the owners of the Ax Billy Building, Mr. Rutan said some councilors had raised issues that had not been resolved. Commenting on the loan process, Mr. Rutan said the process by which loans are approved does not involve the council and he approves of the process. Ms. Ehrman said she had been concerned about loans to City employees. Ms. Wooten discussed the process and suggested the council reconsider the pOlicies which guide the Community Development Committee (CDC) and the role of the staff in pro- viding information to the CDC. She wondered how the decisions are made. Mayor Obie asked for a report from the staff and committee. Mr. Gleason suggested the report be presented to the council in a work session. Mr. Holmer had been concerned about the government funds involved in the Ax Billy Building renovation and the lack of information to the council about the basis for the allocation. 6. Staff Performance Mr. Rutan said the people who work in the City Manager's Office are outstanding and do an excellent job. He is enjoying his experience as a councilor. N. Mobile Home on Downtown Mall Ms. Wooten and Ms. Ehrman disliked the "double-wide" mobile home in front of the Ax Billy Building. They suggested the owner of the Ax Billy Building rent space for a sales office. O. Shut Off of Utilities Mr. Miller suggested the council investigate the criteria used when utility companies shut off service. Ms. Wooten agreed with Mr. Miller. She suggested the council consider the options with EWEB representatives. May 28, 1985 Page 5 . e e e e Discussing the issue, Ms. Schue suggested the City Manager provide informa- tion to Mr. Miller and the council before a formal request is made. Mr. Holmer noted several companies provide utilities within the city. Mr. Hansen suggested Mr. Miller provide the City Manager with the names of people who had service shut off so staff can then request specific informa- tion on these instances from the utility companies. Mayor Obie asked the staff for a report. P. Public Hearings Mr. Miller said many people think that when the council takes action immedi- ately after a public hearing, it indicates that the council does not consider the testimony when making its decision. Other councilors noted that many times the council defers action after a public hearing. The advantages and disadvantages of taking action immediately and deferring action were discussed. Q. Drug Paraphernalia Noting that the sale of drug paraphernalia had been brought to the council's attention in the public forum, Mr. Miller asked if the council would receive additional information. Mayor Obie said he will bring up the matter later. Mr. Miller wondered if the council should also investigate the sexual exploitation of men and women. Several councilors discussed the legal aspects of the issue. R. Eugene Arts Foundation Board Ms. Bascom said a new executive director of the Eugene Arts Foundation has been hired. A fund drive will be conducted. S. Metropolitan Area Transportation Committee (L-COG) Ms. Bascom said people in the State Department of Transportation are interested in Eugene projects. T. Tree Commission Ms. Bascom reported the commission has met and begun work. U. Lane County Alton Baker Park Committee Ms. Bascom does not represent the council on the committee, but she said the park issues are regional. A developer has received permission to study the possibility of locating an 18-hole golf course on 100 acres. Ms. Bascom did not think it is feasible, although the use of some privately owned land on the other side of the freeway would make it more feasible. She thought an 18-hole golf course is needed in the community. Ms. Bascom also discussed possible new uses for the old Springfield Treatment Plant. May 28, 1985 Page 6 - e V. Arrangement of Council Chamber and McNutt Room Ms. Bascom initiated a discussion of the seating of councilors in the Council Chamber and the McNutt Room. She finds it easier to discuss issues when councilors are seated facing each other. Ms. Wooten suggested the staff study the redesign of the Council Chamber and the McNutt Room and report to the council. W. OWOSSO BIKE BRIDGE Ms. Bascom said she will ask the staff to review the bike path connection to the Owosso Bridge and present possible solutions to the council. X. WELCOME SIGN ON HIGHWAY Mr. Hansen said he would like a new welcome sign on Highway 99 North. Other councilors agreed with him. Y. Metropolitan Policy Committee Ms. Schue said Lane County Commissioner John Ball is the swing vote on the Metro Plan Goal 5 compliance issue concerning the Pudding Creek Heronry. He is trying to negotiate a compromise. Z. LANE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS--BOARD OF DIRECTORS e Ms. Schue discussed the Oregon Association of Regional Councils of which she is president. She also said the Lane Council of Governments (L-COG) is doing a good job of running programs. It supplies staff support for several agencies. e e AA. METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Ms. Schue said the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) is in transition. She discussed its operation. She said the main issue is whether Lane County should be involved and whether the existing method of operating is the most efficient. Ms. Bascom noted that the MWMC was formed to construct the treatment facil- ity and the construction is not complete. Mr. Gleason responded that there will always be some construction because the facility is so large. Because Eugene and Springfield are responsible for the facility, he suggested they discuss its operation. Mayor Obie said he will discuss the issue with Lane County Commissioner Peter DeFazio. May 28, 1985 Page 7 e e e e e BB. City Help Relocating Industries Mr. Rutan asked staff to contact the managers of Big Boy and see how Eugene compared to other cities in the transition from VIP's to Big Boy. CC. Boxing Commission Ms. Wooten said a reorganization plan for the Boxing Commission will be presented to the council. DO. Relationship with EWEB Ms. Wooten asked for information about the recent correspondence from EWEB. EE. Council Committee on Economic Development Ms. Wooten discussed the Council Committee on Economic Development (CCED). She said projects are being implemented now. FF. Citizen Involvement Committee Ms. Wooten said Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) members continue to discuss whether they should or could expand the role of the committee. GG. Community Development Committee Ms. Wooten said she would like to be appointed to the permanent Community Development Committee. HH. Riverfront Park Study Ms. Wooten said the City was very much involved in the riverfront study, but the City was not involved in the appointments made by the University of Oregon to the non-profit Riverfront Research Park, Inc. Ms. Wooten was con- cerned about the role of the City, the way in which the role will be pre- sented, and the way the City will be accountable to the public. She said it is important that she and Mayor Obie remain active in the development of the Riverfront Park. Ms. Wooten discussed the presentation of Dave Carley who is a candidate for the master developer designation. Answering questions, Ms. Wooten said the council will review the joint ven- ture agreement which will be signed by the City, University of Oregon, and the developer. Ms. Wooten and Mayor Obie discussed the agreement. Mr. Gleason discussed the tax increment district that will be formed for the development of the Riverfront Park. Mr. Holmer said the council had not been adequately informed about the Riverfront Park Study during its preparation. May 28, 1985 Page 8 e e e e e II. Community Reports to Council Ms. Wooten appreciated the monthly business reports to the council Mr. Rutan initiated. She also appreciated the last report on the hungry and homeless. She suggested the reports be continued monthly. Other councilors agreed with her, but emphasized that the time limit should adhered to. Ms. Wooten also suggested the opportunity to address the council in the public forum at the beginning of some meetings be publicized. JJ. Fifth Avenue Special District Ms. Wooten had expressed a concern about improvements in the Fifth Avenue Special District and had been told a Low-Improvement District is being proposed. KK. Eugene Celebration Ms. Wooten reported she is spending too much time on the Eugene Celebration. Ms. Ehrman has agreed to be vice chair of the celebration. LL. July Fourth Celebration Representatives of the 20-30 Club contacted Ms. Wooten about police services for the July Fourth Celebration at Autzen Stadium. Ms. Wooten had suggested they apply for $1,600 from the boxing fund to cover the cost of the police. Other councilors voiced their concern with this suggestion and noted that most organizations are required to pay for police services that are needed for an event. MM. Additional Concerns Ms. Wooten said she would like to discuss economic development financing with the council at another time. She noted her frustration with the work load of councilors. She is not able to be as active as she would like with the constituents and interest groups in her ward. NN. Metropolitan Partnership Mayor Obie said the agreement finalizing the Metropolitan Partnership has been signed by Lane County, Eugene, and Springfield. Ms. Ehrman hoped Mayor Obie will report to the council on the status of the partnership. 00. Industrial Development Mayor Obie said representatives of several industries are considering Eugene as a location for their firms. May 28, 1985 Page 9 r e e . e - PP. Hu1 t Center Responding to a question from Mayor Obie, several councilors said they did not think the Hu1t Center should be included in the general fund this year. Mr. Hansen, Mr. Miller, Ms. Bascom, Mr. Holmer, and Ms. Ehrman said the Hult Center should be included in the general fund eventually. Ms. Wooten and Ms. Schue preferred to decide later. The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~ ~, ;i.ea 1 Gl ea City Manager -- (Recorded by Betty Lou Rarick) BLR:pv/1759C May 28, 1985 Page 10