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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/1990 Meeting e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall January 17, 1990 11:30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Ruth Bascom, Rob Bennett, Emily Schue, Debra Ehrman, Bobby Green, Roger Rutan, Freeman Holmer, Shawn Boles. The adjourned meeting of January 10, 1990, of the Eugene City Council was called to order by His Honor Mayor Jeff Miller. I. ITEMS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL, MAYOR, AND CITY MANAGER A. Federal Lobbyists Ms. Schue welcomed Tom Dawson and Jim Smith, Federal lobbyists for the City, and Mark Walker, of the Senate Appropriations Staff, to Eugene. Mr. Dawson said that he and Mr. Smith have been working with City staff on the City's Federal agenda for the upcoming year. He emphasized the importance of concentrating resources on the most important, achievable goals. Mr. Miller expressed appreciation for the efforts that have been put forth on behalf of our community. B. Parking Meters Mr. Boles drew attention to a letter concerning parking meters and inquired about what steps have been taken to reconcile this issue. Mr. Miller said that the newly reformed Downtown Development District Task Force will be considering this issue. Mr. Rutan said that the council established a six- month review at its last goal-setting session and asked when the six-month review was in effect. Staff indicated that this issue would be raised at the next Downtown Commission meeting. C. Lane County Homelessness Task Force Recommendation Mr. Boles said that the council approved the Lane County Homelessness Task Force's recommendation and although the mayor's position on this issue ;s somewhat different from the council, he indicated that the council still needs to express its support with respect to this proposal. Ms. Schue said that she would present the council's position at this meeting. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 1 e D. Nuclear-Free Zone Regarding the recent news article about Rohr Industry's concern with respect to the nuclear-free zone, Mr. Boles commented that he hopes that Rohr, as a potential community resident, has been apprised of and is comfortable with the City's strong position toward a nuclear-free zone. Mr. Bennett said that the Rohr group has been informed that its industry is in compliance with the nuclear-free zone provision, but there is continued concern that the subjective nature of this regulatory ordinance leaves room for problematic interpretation. Mr. Bennett stressed that such concern prevents the City from attracting the type of jobs this community is seeking. Mr. Miller pointed out that Rohr's concern also revolves around timing issues; Rohr wants some assurance that the City will keep its commitments and that it welcomes the type of industry that Rohr can provide. Mr. Boles said he will meet with John Lively of the Metro Partnership to find out whether similar concerns have recently been addressed by other communities and how they have dealt with them. E. Fairground Concerns In meeting with the Westside and Far West Neighborhood groups, Ms. Ehrman said that the addition of the new skating facility at the Lane County Fairground has heightened community concerns surrounding such issues as the dust created from the unpaved parking lot and major ingress/egress problems. e F. Horseshoe Pitching Ms. Bascom informed the council that a local group of horseshoe pitchers gave a presentation to the Joint Parks Committee at its January 17 meeting. She indicated that this group is partially responsible for development of the facility under Washington/Jefferson Bridge and should serve as an example of the type of exemplary volunteer effort that is appreciated in this community. G. Martin Luther King Junior Celebration Mr. Green commended staff for their efforts at making the Martin Luther King Junior Day celebration a tremendous success. He acknowledged Greg Rikhoff and Vicki Stewart, Intergovernmental Relations, for their work associated with the Commission on the Rights of Minorities. Ms. Bascom echoed Mr. Green's commendation. H. Eugene Arts Foundation Mr. Holmer reminded the council that in its work session on January 22 it will be discussing the issue of funding for the arts in our community at which time he will share a report from the Eugene Arts Foundation (EAF). In addition to the endowment funds that EAF currently grants, it is starting a new program called Arts Stabilization Funding with the goal of helping local performing arts groups adopt a more rational financing structure. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 2 e e e I. Real Estate Exchange Mr. Holmer drew attention to a January 10 memo from the City Manager apprising council members of an exchange of properties to take place in his ward. The memo indicated that the council would be given ten days to request a review of the proposed transaction. Mr. Holmer said that although he feels this is probably a fair deal for the City, council members should have been given more information about the transaction, particularly in relation to the comparative values of each parcel of land. Specific concerns surrounding this transaction include the difference in square footage between the two pieces of land, a difference in property values, and a proposed vacation of right-of-way agreement. Mr. Holmer also pointed out that property assessment was made by a City employee, rather than an independent appraiser. He emphasized that in its choice not to review this transaction, the council assumes the political responsibility for the propriety of this trade. Ms. Schue said it was her understanding from the memo that the additional information that Mr. Holmer requested would be made available to council members upon request. J. Sports Council Recommendation Mr. Rutan announced that the Sports Council is planning an informal meeting with members of the hospitality industry to discuss a portion of their budget recommendation which calls for a transient room tax. Mr. Rutan pointed out that the hospitality industry has not yet expressed support for this proposal and said that the Sports Council will not go further with this proposal until the organizing committee has received a full endorsement from the hospitality industry. There is room for compromise in the Sports Council.s proposal. Mr. Boles emphasized the importance of generating one shared vision with respect to budgeting that will encompass the needs of the arts, sports, and hospitality industries. K. County Task Force Recommendation for Homelessness Mr. Bennett reminded the council that it has previously expressed support for the County Task Force's Recommendation on housing with its balanced-funding approach and emphasized the importance of having the council's consummate support. Mr. Bennett acknowledged that although Mr. Miller has expressed dissatisfaction with part of this funding package, council support for this specific funding package is critical to its success. The City has been asked to match one half of the County's financial contribution, approximately $500,000. Ms. Bascom asked about the possible financial impact that this $500,000 contribution would have on the budget and where this money would come from. Mr. Gleason responded that this money would most likely be taken from funds that are already categorized for similar types of activities. Ms. Schue pointed out that the City is already committed to this process with its $500,000 Community Development Fund. She noted that in order to influence MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 3 . the County Commissioners, the council needs to take the strongest possible position now with respect to its desires for this proposal and make compromises later, if needed. Mr. Holmer said that although he shares the County Task Force's commitment to the need for more housing, he does not have sufficient information on this proposal to make a complete commitment to the draft document nor does he feel that there is wide-based agreement among the participating governments on this proposal. Mr. Miller said that although he believes the Business License Tax to be unfair and regressive, he is committed to the need for housing. Mr. Rutan indicated that the council voted unanimously to send this proposal to the County Commissioners. It is up to the commissioners to debate whether this proposal is the best possible funding proposal and, if not, to identify a proposal that better serves the housing need. He emphasized that need to be receptive to better ideas, if they should be identified. Mr. Holmer said that although he is not opposed to the Business License Tax, he ;s reluctant to offer full support of it without having heard public testimony from those who will be most affected. Mr. Bennett moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, that the council offer its conceptual support of the funding package that has been presented as a result of the deliberations of the County Task Force. e Mr. Homer moved, seconded by Mr. Rutan, to amend Mr. Bennett's motion to state that the council offers its conceptual support of the County Task Force's housing provision and that the County be encouraged to seek the appropriate financial means of accomplishing the goals laid forth in that proposal. In opposition to the amendment, Ms. Ehrman reminded the council that the County Task Force has spent a great deal of time working to identify what it believes to be the best possible package and expressed her confidence in the task force's recommendation. Roll call vote; the amendment failed, 2:6; with Councilors Rutan and Holmer voting in favor; and Councilors Green, Bennett, Boles, Ehrman, Schue, and Bascom voting in opposition. Roll call vote; the motion carried 6:0:2; with Councilors Green, Bennett, Boles, Ehrman, Schue, and Bascom voting in favor, and Councilors Rutan and Holmer abstaining. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 4 e L. Parking Task Force Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, to appoint Mr. Boles to the Downtown Development District Review Group (DDDRG) Parking Task Force. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. II. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY CB 4189--An ordinance authorizing the institution of proceedings in eminent domain for the acquisition by condemnation of property interests in or adjacent to the Riverfront Research Park for the purposes of construction of street improvements, construction of other public facilities, and development or redevelopment; and declaring an emergency. - Les Lyle, Public Works Engineering, provided the council with a staff report. Staff requests approval of an ordinance authorizing acquisition by condemnation, as needed, for street rights-of-ways in order to implement the Riverfront Research Park infrastructure improvements. Properties which require acquisition by the City have been defined and are identified in the exhibit to the ordinance. Approval of the ordinance will enable the Public Works Department to conduct the acquisition process and to use condemnation only if it is necessary to ensure that the improvement project proceeds. Following approval, appraisals of the properties will be prepared and negotiations with affected property owners will be conducted. Condemnation proceedings will be used only when negotiations do not result in successful acquisitions. Mr. Boles asked whether the City has secured a development agreement with the potential developer of the Riverfront Research Park and, if not, indicated that permission for condemnation should be put off until such an agreement has been obtained. Abe Farkas, Planning and Development Director, said that the City has secured a predevelopment agreement with the developer and is in the process of negotiating the development agreement, which should soon be forthcoming. Responding to a request for clarification from Ms. Ehrman, Bill Gary of the City Attorney's Office said that in initiating this ordinance, the City is beginning the process of acquiring the property and will presumably be negotiating for the property pursuant to this ordinance. Condemnation proceeding, if used, can be dismissed at any time, but the City may be obligated to pay certain costs incurred by property owners as a result of this step. Mr. Rutan indicated that although he will support this ordinance, property condemnation is one of the most severe steps a City can take and should not be considered lightly. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 5 e Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, that the bill, with unanimous consent of the council, be read the second time by council bill number only, and that enactment be considered at this time. Roll call vote; the motion passed unanimously, 8:0. Council Bill 4189 was read the second time by number only. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, except Councilor Boles who voted nay, the bill was declared passed (and became Ordinance No. 19660). III. CONSIDERATION OF ELECTION DATE FOR REFERENDUM David Biedermann, Finance Operations Manager, gave the staff report. Mr. Biedermann informed the council that local citizens have collected a sufficient number of signatures to refer to the voters the Urban Renewal Plan update recently passed by the council. The council has the authority to decided whether this ballot title will go to the May 15 primary election as indicated by City Code, or to the March 27 election. Council members offered no objection to allowing this ballot title to go to the May 15 primary election as indicated by the City Code. e IV. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY LONG-RANGE PLAN Tim Birr, Department of Public Safety Public Information Director, gave the staff report. Through long-range planning, the Department of Public Safety, working with the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), is in the process of implementing the council1s goal of establishing new public safety strategies. The program, entitled "Partnerships for Public Safety," describes a process to transition from a primarily reactive service delivery model to a partnership model. This 20-year draft plan emphasizes increased prevention and networking services which build on the Crime Action Task Force recommendations and Community Response Team program elements. Richard Green, PSAC Chair, indicated that this document is the extension of continuing effort on issues which have been addressed in the past, beginning with the Crime Action Task Force. Mr. Green emphasized that this is a draft document and will also be forwarded to the community for input as to what level of public safety is desired in this community. Mr. Green stated that the cost of this program cannot be determined until the community has decided what level of public safety is required. He also pointed out that in deciding the overall cost of this program, consideration should be given to how much public safety will cost if this program is not e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 6 e e e instituted. Mr. Green ascertained that the cost for public safety will be substantially higher if this proactive plan is not put in place. He indicated that there will have to be a major monetary and resource commitment to public safety in the future. Mr. Boles expressed his support of the concept of partnership within public safety and offered some suggestions about how to strengthen this document. Among these were the addition of an evaluative component to help determine how effectively the goals laid out within are being met and further work on the transition services component of this plan. Mr. Holmer suggested that this program might have more credibility if its scope is reduced from its current 20-year horizon to a 10-year horizon. Ms. Bascom also suggested that in order to strengthen this plan, more emphasis should be placed on crime prevention. V. WORK SESSION: COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM PROGRAM UPDATE Lieutenant Jim Hill, Department of Public Safety, gave the staff report. At the council's October 23 meeting, staff presented the results of the Community Response Team's (CRT) pilot phase. At that time, council gave tentative approval to continue the program with the understanding that staff would return with a detailed budget for the balance of the year. Lieutenant Hill highlighted several significant factors in this program. Included in these are support for the hiring of officers to backfill for the officers serving on the CRT; expansion of CAHOOTS Van operation; participation of communications personnel on the operation committee (as recommended in the evaluation); and the development of a subcommittee to look at the juvenile component of this program which the council determined to be problematic. Lieutenant Hill pointed out that no money has been budgeted in this fiscal year for program evaluation, but that money has been dedicated to the evaluative component in the next fiscal year. Mr. Boles stressed that the evaluative component is needed to ensure that this is a meritorious program and to act as a mechanism to shift CRT focus as needed. Mr. Holmer agreed that data should be collected between now and July to make an adequate evaluation of program activities for FY89. Mr. Gleason said it would be possible to include evaluation of the program between now and July 1990 for approximately $2,000-$2,500. Ms. Bascom also supported this position. Mr. Boles said that this plan makes no mention of the Parks and Recreation summer playground program, a program which the council deemed meritorious and expected would be included in the Parks and Recreation base budget. Mr. Gleason responded this is a program budget, and although he is confident that the Parks and Recreation program will be funded through this budget, the program would only be depicted in a line-by-line budget. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 7 e e e Ms. Schue moved) seconded by Mr. Bennett) to direct staff to prepare a supplemental budget) including an evaluation component, for the Community Response Team for the remainder of FY90. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously) 8:0. The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. . (Recorded by Traci Northman) mncc 011790 MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 17, 1990 Page 8