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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/09/1990 Meeting . M I NUT E S Eugene City Council Oregon Electric Station--27 East 5th Avenue July 9, 1990 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Ruth Bascom, Shawn Boles, Rob Bennett, Debra Ehrman, Bobby Green. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Emily Schue, Freeman Holmer, Roger Rutan. The regular meeting of the Eugene City Council of July 9, 1990, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Jeff Miller. Mr. Gleason announced that councilors Bennett and Boles recently represented the council at an informal discussion on housing problems in Eugene with several homeless mothers. These homeless activists presented councilors with a list of grievances regarding the lack of available shelter in Eugene and requested that the council: 1) repeal the ban on camping ordinance; and 2) be allowed the opportunity to meet with local officials to discuss this issue and become involved in finding a solution to the housing policy issue. Mr. - Gleason said that the councilors agreed to bring the issue of the ban on camping ordinance before the full council for possible reconsideration. Mr. Boles said that Planning Commissioner John VanLandingham has agreed to serve as chair of an ad hoc Housing Task Force that will address the housing problem in our community, explore possible solutions, and present a report to the council. Mr. Bennett said that he feels that committee work could be valuable in terms of looking at the provision of social services in our community. Given the fact that the council appears unwilling to repeal the camping ordinance and that the County appears unwilling to assume a greater financial burden for social service provision, he expressed concern that the task force might create unrealistic expectations in the community. He stressed the importance of being clear up-front about what can be accomplished on this committee. Mr. VanLandingham said that the County's Housing Task Force has determined that housing demand is greater than supply within our community. He noted that the Opportunity Shelter looked at the possibility of establishing a campground two years ago, specifically for the homeless population, but determined that for a variety of reasons such a campground would not be workable. As chair of this proposed committee, Mr. Van Landingham said he plans to reexamine the possibility of establishing an emergency campground for the homeless population including a review of sanitation and security - MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 9, 1990 Page 1 Dinner/Work Session . e needs. He asked for council assurance that it would be willing to hear the results of this report when it is completed. Jim Johnson, Lane County Administrator, said that the planned formation of a Housing Policy Board which includes representatives from Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County, should be completed within the next two weeks. He suggested that it might be appropriate for the results of the task force's report to come before the Housing Policy Board. Mr. Johnson noted that although new revenue for housing is not likely to be added to the County's social service budget, based on the results of this report, it is possible that budgetary money might be reallocated. Mr. Bennett said that the council must consider how monetary support for this ad hoc committee might draw financial resources away from its long-term housing goals. Responding to a question, Mr. VanLandingham said that staff support for the committee will be minimal. At the very least, this task force will provide an opportunity to educate the homeless community on the basic needs and restrictions of instituting an emergency campground. Responding to a question from Mr. Green, Mr. Vanlandingham said that for the purpose of this task force, the term "single-family" is being divided into three categories: 1) single mothers with children; 2) single fathers with children; and 3) single men without children. The council must determine to which groups of persons it is most sympathetic. e Ms. Bascom said that in light of the fact that the council has already ear- nestly reviewed the camping ordinance, she is reluctant to reconsider this issue. Responding to a question, Mr. Vanlandingham said that three homeless mothers were present at the initial discussions. These mothers contend that they represent other homeless mothers in Eugene. He indicated that it would be impossible to be certain whether these mothers were representing others. Pointing to the small number of people serving as representatives for the entire homeless population, Ms. Ehrman voiced concern that the results of this discussion might not be disseminated throughout the entire homeless community. If the council agrees on the need for this ad hoc committee, the final report should be processed through the Social Goals Committee. Mr. Gleason said that he feels these discussions could have some merit, but warned the council to remain aware of its present work load. Mr. Boles acknowledged that the ultimate responsibility to provide social services lies with the County, but said that the County does not appear willing to participate. He noted that the perception of the homeless commu- nity is that it would be impossible to recognize the true imbalance between housing supply and demand without repealing the camping ordinance. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 9, 1990 Page 2 Dinner/Work Session e Richie Weinman, Planning and Development Department, said that the basic demand of the homeless activists was that the council immediately rescind the camping ordinance. When this group realized that a repeal of the camping ordinance was not immediately forthcoming, it requested a meeting with the council to reconsider a possible camping ordinance repeal. He noted that if the council is not inclined to repeal the camping ordinance, this should be made clear up-front. Ms. Ehrman said that in light of the fact that the full council was not present at the earlier camping ordinance discussions, she would be willing to review this decision. She said that she is not certain that a meeting with homeless mothers would be valuable to further discuss this item. Mr. Green noted that a repeal of the camping ordinance would provide a short-term solution to the long-term housing problem. He stressed that it must be made clear in the community that the council is aware that a one-hour meeting is not adequate time to solve the housing issue, but will hopefully lead to a long-term solution. He stressed that the decision that is made should be viewed with a sense of permanency. Mayor Miller summarized the council's position on this issue, saying that the council appears willing to consider the lack of available housing in Eugene particularly as it relates to children and their attending adults. It is also willing to meet with representatives from the Housing Task Force to receive a report of its discussions. e I. SPECIAL LEVY FOR LIBRARY OPERATION Tony Mounts, Financial Management Services Director, reported that on May 8, 1990, the Budget Committee recommended the placement of a three-year library serial levy on the September ballot in the event that the countywide vote on June 26, 1990, failed but received a majority vote within the city. The Budget Committee recommended that if the levy failed within the city limits, a City levy not be sought and, instead, $50,000 be added to the Library book budget on the first supplemental budget of FY91. Mr. Mounts said that at the council's June 27, 1990, meeting, staff indicated that the County levy failed both within the city as well as countywide. The council requested that staff provide an analysis of the election results before making a final determination. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to offer the coun- cil's support for the Budget Committee's recommendation. The motion carried unanimously, 5:0. II. TRANSPORTATION ISSUES Dave Reinhard, Transportation Engineer, summarized the contents of a report from the Transportation Division providing an overview of its future plans e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 9, 1990 Page 3 Dinner/Work Session e for transportation and highlighting specific transportation concerns raised by the council. He noted that the purpose of this work session is to allow the council an opportunity to provide input into the Transportation Divi- sion's work plan in order to shape the transportation program to meet the council's goal of balanced transportation for the city as a whole. Mr. Reinhard noted that Eugene is ahead of many communities in terms of alternative modes of transportation. Eugene must now attempt to influence the attitudes and behaviors of those individuals not currently using alterna- tive types of transportation. Mr. Reinhard pointed out that because of community size and the need to plan incrementally, staff believes that Eugene must rely on improving its arterial street systems as the primary focus for transportation system improvement. An update of the Central Area Transporta- tion System (CATS) plan is the best way to approach this transition to alter- native modes of transportation. Ms. Ehrman said that the status of the Alder Street parking structure should be incorporated into the CATS system update. Mr. Boles said that while this document being presented supports the coun- cil's goal for alternative modes of transportation, he expressed disappoint- ment with the progress being made toward an energy-efficient transportation system. He suggested that staff compile a list of possible ordinances which the council might choose to adopt to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation. As a part of this, he suggested that the Ferry Street Bridge Corridor Study be integrated into this transportation report. Mr. e Boles noted that the council should decide who has the ultimate authority for setting the mass transit corridors and, in turn, what type of transportation system would be most beneficial for Eugene. Mr. Reinhard said that the Transportation Division is already working to integrate the Ferry Street Bridge proposal into discussions on alternative modes of transportation. He noted that as indicated in the TransPlan, a rubber-tired transportation system has been determined to be the most viable transit system for a city of Eugene's size and population density layout. Ms. Bascom stressed the City's need to work closely with the Lane Transit District (LTD) in planning for alternative modes of transportation. Mr. Boles agreed with Ms. Bascom, saying that LTD should provide the City with a set of clear recommendations on policy changes which the City could make to encourage alternative transportation modes. He noted that all trans- portation plans currently in place rely on the assumption of adequate fuel supply in the future--an assumption which he does not share. Mr. Bennett said that although he does not concur with Mr. Boles' views on the fuel issue, he does share Mr. Boles' concern for alternative modes of transportation. He argued that the council, not LTD, should have the ulti- mate authority to set land use policies in order to support its transporta- e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 9, 1990 Page 4 Dinner/Work Session e tion planning efforts. Mr. Bennett stressed the importance of taking an aggressive lead in planning for future technological advancements in trans- portation systems. Responding to a question from Mr. Bennett, Mr. Reinhard said that based on the current situation and current fuel availability, research demonstrates that an insufficient population density and city size exist in Eugene to support a light-rail transportation system. He noted, however, that these factors could change in the future. Mr. Gleason commented on the importance of having all entities working to- gether toward a single, shared vision for city transportation. He noted that this might require a different type of forum than has been used traditional- ly. Christine Andersen, Public Works Director, said that the Ferry Street Bridge study provides the perfect opportunity for discussions surrounding alterna- tive modes of transportation. She noted that one portion of this study, the community survey, will involve the public in identifying those major factors which inhibit them from using alternate transportation means. Ms. Andersen stressed the importance of involving the public in whatever transportation plans are developed. Mr. Green remarked that the shuttle to Autzen Stadium currently being contem- plated would only be beneficial for those who live east of Beltline Road. He said that he would favor a shuttle service to downtown instead. e Mr. Boles requested that staff provide the council with a list of ordinances which the council might decide to adopt in order to improve the viability of alternative modes of transportation. He also requested that staff prioritize this list in terms of potential influence on use of alternative modes. Responding to a comment from Mr. Boles, Ms. Andersen said that the inability to predict what will happen in the future in terms of fuel availability is largely responsible for the progress made on planning efforts for alternative modes of transportation. Despite this difficulty, planning for the future transportation system must be done and should be based on present predictions of the future population base. Ms. Andersen said that the TransPlan, one component of the Metro Plan, provides a good vehicle for making transporta- tion changes, but requires communication between several bodies including the cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane County, and the State. A joint update of the Metro Plan and TransP1an is needed to provide more direct linkages between land use and transportation policies and plans. Mr. Bennett expressed support for using the projects currently in place to get at higher transportation goals. He voiced concern with the use of ordi- nances as a means of regulating modes of transportation on the grounds that ordinances often simply substitute for much-needed community support. Ms. Bascom said that the council should consider new ways to energize the activities of the Bicycle Committee. Ms. Andersen said that the Bicycle e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 9, 1990 Page 5 Dinner/Work Session e Committee is looking at ways to involve the community in bicycling activi- ties. She suggested that the role of this committee may need to be expanded to take charge of the broader goal of alternative modes of transportation. Mr. Miller said that the city of Eugene does not yet have an integrated bicycle system and felt that the Bicycle Committee should focus its attention on improving and expanding the city's present inventory of bicycle routes. In summary, Mr. Miller said that it is the council's position that the Ferry Street Bridge Corridor Study should be used as a vehicle for discussions with LTD and other necessary entities in order to coordinate a shared vision for alternative modes of transportation. The council has requested that staff return with a list of possible ordinances which the City might engage in to encourage alternative modes of transportation in the community, and sugges- tions for greater effectiveness of the Bicycle Committee and the Metropolitan Policy Committee in the transportation arena. Mr. Gleason suggested that staff provide a very specific description of what a fully operating CATS system might look like for the next 20 years. At Mr. Green's request, he also suggested that a list of potential costs and sources of revenue be provided as a portion of this. Mr. Gleason pointed out the importance of matching local and Federal revenues for funding projects which include alternative modes of transportation. The meeting of the Eugene City Council adjourned at 7:20 p.m. e (Recorded by Traci Northman) mncc 070990-530 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 9, 1990 Page 6 Dinner/Work Session