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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/1990 Meeting e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall February 14, 1990 11:30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Ruth Bascom, Roger Rutan, Debra Ehrman, Bobby Green, Freeman Holmer, Shawn Boles. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Robert Bennett, Emily Schue. The adjourned meeting of February 12, 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. Recycled Paper Ms. Bascom voiced support for a proposal made by David Biedermann to expand the City.s use of recycled paper products. Although the cost of recycled paper is slightly higher than new paper, she said she felt the difference would be justified by the reduced strain on the City's landfill facility. Mr. Gleason acknowledged the council's interest in adopting environmentally- sensitive purchasing procedures and suggested that the City proceed to implement the proposal. If any problems are encountered or higher costs incurred, the issue will be brought back to the council for further discussion. Ms. Bascom noted that Goodwill Industries has initiated a plastics recycling program and said the City should move in the same direction. B. Hult Center Volunteers Ms. Bascom directed council attention to a memo from PARCS regarding the enormous contributions by volunteer staff to Hult Center operations. She recommended that the City Council draft a letter in support of and in appreciation for the volunteers' efforts. Ms. Bascom also suggested that the Eugene Ballet Company receive some form of recognition from the council for providing good outreach to other communities and cities. C. Commuting Alternatives Mr. Holmer drew council attention to a letter from Brian Obie in which he raised the issue of subsidizing bus fares for City employees as a means to mitigate parking problems in the downtown area. He requested that staff prepare a feasibility analysis of the proposal. Ms. Ehrman reported that she MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1990 Page 1 J',.'-- e passed Mr. Obie's letter on to Phyllis Loobey of Lane Transit District (LTD) and said she felt that a discussion of the City's parking program would provide an appropriate forum in which to raise creative commuting alterna- tives. Mr. Gleason asked for council direction regardin~ a proposal to address the issue of transit funding by amending the supplemental budget. Ms. Bascom said she felt that if council's goal is to encourage alternative modes of transportation to the downtown area, consideration should also be given to providing incentives to those who might bicycle or walk to work. She recommended that the issue be referred to the Bicycle Committee. Ms. Ehrman noted that, because bicycle and pedestrian commuting are more long-term issues, it would be appropriate to solicit employee input prior to establishing an incentive program. Mr. Boles agreed and said he felt that, if City resources are to be used to encourage alternative transportation, a means of assessing a subsidy program must be developed. E. Use of Styrofoam Ms. Ehrman reported that she talked with Mayor Morrisette of Springfield about the possibility of pursuing a joint program to limit the use of styrofoam. She noted that Portland's styrofoam ordinance was recently upheld and requested that the council review a copy of the ordinance. The councilors agreed that further consideration of the issue is warranted. e F. Park Blocks Improvements Ms. Ehrman requested that staff prOVide a drawing of what the completed park blocks project will look like. Mr. Gleason clarified that the planned improvements to the park do not constitute major design changes. He briefly explained that the small fountains will be removed, the large fountain rebuilt, electrical fixtures will be installed for the Saturday Market, wheelchair ramps constructed, and landscaping work will be done. In response to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Gleason stated that the project is a capital improvement allocation and is approximately $250,000 over budget. A budget report will also be made available to the council. G. Lane County Urban Youth Corps Mr. Green announced that a press conference commencing the Lane County Urban Youth Corps project would be held on February 15, 1990, at the Lane County Courthouse and will be attended by mayors Miller and Morrisette. The program will include a multilanguage exercise led by Mr. Green and the councilors were encouraged to participate. H. Hawthorne Bicycle Path Relocation Mr. Green reported that a public hearing was conducted to solicit public comments about a proposal to relocate the Hawthorne bicycle path. Councilors Ehrman and Boles attended the meeting to facilitate discussion and offer their expertise. Mr. Green informed council that his position in favor of e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1990 Page 2 & e relocating the bike path had changed after recelvlng persuasive testimony in opposition to the proposed move. He recommended that staff provide council with information about the feasibility of some alternative proposals such as installing turnstiles, repairing fences, and creating a zigzag path configuration. Mr. Green stated that efforts are being made to enhance the neighborhood watch program in the area by mobilizing the neighborhood association and creating a community response team. He encouraged the City to take a proactive stance toward mitigating safety problems along the bike path. Ms. Ehrman commented that she enjoyed the experience of facilitating a public hearing in which residents' perceptions of the City Council were aired. I. Public Service Officer Report Mr. Boles reminded council of its earlier request for a report from the Public Service Officer regarding the level and number of complaints received. He recommended that the report be generated as the position is staffed by a different person semiannually. J. Watershed Spraying Mr. Boles drew council attention to a letter from EWEB regarding the Bureau of land Management's (BLM) plan to spray in Eugene's watershed. EWEB opposes the action and has asked the City Council for its support. Following a brief discussion of the most effective means with which to convey council's position, a decision was made to draft a letter to BlM. Mr. Holmer advised e council to solicit BLM's position prior to making any final decisions. K. Downtown Development District Review Group Mr. Boles announced that, due to a conflict with his schedule, he would be unable to serve on the Downtown Development District Review Group. Mr. Rutan volunteered to take Mr. Boles' place after Mr. Gleason identified the value in having two City Council representatives in the group. l. Public Information Program Regarding Upcoming Ballot Measures Mr. Gleason asked council for its authorization to instruct staff to conduct a public information program to ensure that upcoming ballot measures on the downtown plan and nuclear-free zone are consistent with state law. Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to authorize staff to prepare the appropriate information for the public on the downtown plan and nuclear-free measures. In response to a question from Mr. Green, Mr. Gleason stated that the council would be given the opportunity to see the information, but no action will be taken. Mayor Miller clarified that the information must be generated and presented to the public as completely objective and nonpolitical. At Mr. Gary's request, council clarified that the intent of the motion was to direct e ~ MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1990 Page 3 e e e staff to prepare the public information and to delegate to staff the responsibility for conducting the dissemination of information consistent with State law. The information will be supplemental to the voter's pamphlet issued on the two measures. The City Council will have no involvement in the preparation or dissemination of the information. Roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously 6:0. II. WORK SESSION: BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION TRANSMISSION LINE STUDY Jim Croteau, Planning and Development Department, initiated council.s work session on the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) transmission line by outlining the components of the presentation and noting the high level of public interest in the project. He introduced the BPA project manager, Tom McKinney. Mr. McKinney provided a brief summary of the events leading up to the release of the BPA draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the transmission line study. The project has been an ongoing joint effort between BPA and local agencies to develop a long-range plan for power line siting in the metro area that can be incorporated into local land use plans. Mr. McKinney explained the manner in which BPA customers are served through a series of transmission loops, and he identified the growing need to reinforce the loop in locations within the metro area to ensure reliability. Four alternatives to accomplish this and other long-term improvements in south Eugene have been proposed by BPA and Mr. McKinney acknowledged that each has inherent disadvantages and opposition. Despite growing public concern, BPA considers the project to be worthwhile and is willing to cooperate with local officials in soliciting public input on the most appropriate alternative. Mr. McKinney stated that BPA would like some assurance that once public consensus has been reached, there will be no further opposition to changing the metro area's land use plans. In response to public concerns and requests from local officials, BPA has agreed to defer its public hearings on February 21 and 28, 1990, until the process by which decisions will be made becomes better defined. Mayor Miller expressed appreciation for BPA's cooperative attitude. Ms. Ehrman asked whether service to the population south of Eugene will be considered when determining projected need. Mr. McKinney responded that, based on growth projections, the area south of Eugene will be a significant factor in determining need, and he noted that distant loads served from the Eugene area require the same degree of reliability as those of local customers. At Mr. Holmer's request, he explained that Alternative A (which uses the existing Alvey-Lane corridor to construct a new 13-mile 500-kV line) is generally considered to be the preferred alternative because it may reduce electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and offers the most aesthetic options. Mayor Miller commented that Alternative A would affect the greatest number of people and could jeopardize some of the amenities of an area that residents have been working hard to preserve. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1990 Page 4 e e e Regarding Mr. McKinney's earlier statement that Alternative A minimizes health effects, Mr. Boles asked whether BPA has acknowledged that EMF exposure is hazardous. Mr. McKinney clarified that BPA acknowledges only that there is no conclusive evidence proving or disproving the negative health effects associated with EMF. It is BPA's policy, he said, to avoid increasing EMF exposure and the company is currently participating in and supporting research to determine the effects. Ms. Bascom requested clarification of BPA's approach to joint planning. Mr. McKinney explained that>> as the need for facility improvements becomes more defined, BPA proposes to publicly announce construction, establish a public involvement program, and develop and finalize an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Although BPA currently has the authority to build power line facilities in the area, it has chosen to solicit local public involvement in the predevelopment stage of the process. He warned, however, that a decision to abandon long-range planning efforts now could lead to reduced service capabilities in the future. --- Mr. Boles asked whether it would be possible to design public policy in an effort to ensure that need will not grow so much that it impacts service levels. In response to his question concerning the limitations of BPA's intent to provide service to meet growing needs, Mr. McKinney stated that, only if resources were unavailable would BPA limit its pursuit of providing better service. Mr. Boles noted that resource conservation efforts could result in negating projected growth figures. Mr. Green asked Mr. McKinney to explain the statement that BPA's proposed alternatives would have only a slight impact on air quality. Mr. McKinney said that the finding, as stated in the DEIS, refers to the effects of construction activity on air quality. The Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) would be directly involved in any heavy construction activity. He informed council that the connection project has a 20-year time line. In response to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. McKinney acknowledged that EWEB supports BPA's projected need for a new transmission line but has not communicated its preference on alternatives. Mr. Croteau provided a brief history of the BPA project and other transmission line activity in the Eugene area. In 1982, in conjunction with a joint project to construct a power link between Eugene and Medford, a resolution was passed opposing the construction of a 500-kV line through the south hills. The primary issues motivating the decision was the degradation of the scenic quality of the area and the possible negative health effects. Mr. Croteau acknowledged that, since that time, tower designs have been modified to be less disruptive and health hazards remain unproven. He stated that the South Hills Study, a refinement plan which addresses the area in question, specifically calls for the acquisition and development of a ridgeline park system, limits density and structure height, and prohibits development on the highest acreages. Because BPA's plans conflict with the South Hills Study, staff would have to develop findings consistent with the study in order to allow development. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1990 Page 5 / e e e Mayor Miller asked council to focus its attention on the resolution provided by staff. Ms. Ehrman voiced support for the process pursued by BPA but said the project has not been adequately communicated. She said she felt that passage of the resolution is unnecessary in light of the validity of council's 1982 resolution, and she emphasized that council should not discourage examination of Alternative A on the basis that it affects City residents. Ms. Ehrman suggested that the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) be asked to solicit involvement by interested lay people. Ms. Bascom recognized council's interest in becoming more familiar with the development and maintenance of Ridgeline Park. She suggested that, in order to preserve the quality of land, council may need to consider some realistic trade-offs. Mr. Holmer stated that he would not support the resolution because it implies that council is not open to other alternatives. He suggested that staff work with BPA and EWEB to research the controversial issues and advised council to defer taking action until a meaningful public involvement.process has been ensured. Mr. Rutan said he felt that staff and BPA presented enough new issues to warrant passage of a new resolution. The wording, he said, is general enough to allow flexibility and discussion and it indicates a willingness by BPA to cooperate. Mr. Rutan supported the resolution as presented and stressed the need for council to make a statement. Mr. Boles stated that the justification of need, as requested by Congressman Peter DeFazio, was the key issue to be addressed. Mayor Miller responded that, whether the need exists or not, the purpose of the resolution is to enable participation in BPA's long-range plans. At Mr. Green's request, Mr. Croteau explained the ways in which the 1982 resolution differs from the one proposed by staff. The latter version opposes construction at a specific location and requests that BPA maintain its present DEIS process. The earlier resolution addressed issues associated with the Eugene-Medford project. Mr. Holmer suggested that Section 1 and the resolution findings be deleted and the focus of council be placed on sections 2 and 3. Mr. Croteau pointed out that findings are included to justify passage of the resolution. Ms. Bascom said that BPA's presentation about the need to maintain reliable power linkages convinced her to support the resolution. Mr. Boles voiced concern that reliability was being given precedence over acceptable risk levels. He reiterated that it is unwise to rely on past activity to predict future power needs. Ms. Ehrman supported Mr. Holmer's proposal to pass the resolution without the findings or Section 1. She said she felt it was unnecessary to reaffirm council's position regarding the south hills area. MINUTES--Eugene City Council , February 14, 1990 Page 6 e Mr. Green also voiced support for the resolution but suggested that the language reflect what he perceived to be a missing public involvement piece in the beginning of the project. Mr. Rutan expressed his position that Section 1 is vital to the resolution because it represents recognition by council that Alternative A is unacceptable. In response, Ms. Bascom noted that alternatives B, C, and D are also perceived by some to be unacceptable and said it would be irresponsible of council to reject an alternative without offering an option. Mr. Rutan pointed out that a resolution is needed now to define the planning process. Mr. Boles stated that Section 3 implicitly infers that alternatives B, C, and D may be inappropriate and suggested that the section be made more explicit. Mr. Holmer pointed out that there has been no conclusive proof that Alternative A is not a viable alternative. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to pass the resolution concerning the proposed Bonneville Power Administration 500-kV transmission line between Alvey and Lane substations. e Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to amend the resolution to include only sections 2 and 3 and findings 1 and 6. Roll call vote; the motion carried, 4:2, with councilors Boles and Rutan opposing. Roll call vote; the motion to pass the resolution carried, 4:2, with councilors Boles and Rutan opposing. III. FEDERAL PRIORITIES FOR 1990 AND APPROVAL OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES Linda Lynch, Intergovernmental Relations Director, asked council to review and approve the Legislative Committee minutes of January 30, 1990, because they contain a list of the City's Federal priorities for 1990. She explained that the list of priorities represents a departure from lists of the past because it encompasses a multiyear agenda and asks for a significant increase in funding. The proposed changes will restrict the City's ability to add to the list in the second and third years of the agenda. Ms. lynch stated that, despite lingering controversy, the passenger facilities charge issue could benefit from lobbying by a congressman and from inclusion in the Bush administration budget proposal. In response to a question from Mr. Holmer, Ms. Lynch explained that, as proposed, proceeds from passenger facilities charges would be earmarked for local use. She also assured council that the City would not support imposition of passenger facility charges if it resulted in a loss of discretionary/entitlement funds. e Mr. Holmer moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to approve the minutes of the January 30, 1990, meeting of the City Council Legislative Committee. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 5:0, with Mr. Boles absent from the vote. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1990 Page 7 .~ e e e Ms. Lynch reported that approximately 16 people from Eugene were scheduled to attend the National League of Cities meeting in Washington, DC, including representatives from the University of Oregon, Lane Transit District, School District 4J, and a member of the wetlands project team. She announced that Eugene would be cosponsoring a reception along with the cities of Portland and Salem. The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. // (Recorded by Elizabeth Forrest) mncc 021490 MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1990 Page 8 ~ ~