Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/22/1990 Meeting ----- - e M -I NUT E S Eugene City Council Council Chambers and McNutt Room--City Hall October 22, 1990 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Emily Schue, Robert Bennett, Ruth Bascom, Shawn Boles, Freeman Holmer, Debra Ehrman, and Bobby Green. COUNCILORS ABSENT: Roger Rutan. The adjourned meeting of October 17, 1990, of the Eugene City Council was called to order by His Honor Mayor Jeff Miller. 1. EMERGENCY SHELTER ALTERNATIVE FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES Richie Weinman, Planning and Development Department, gave the staff presentation. He noted that last August, a group of homeless mothers proposed that the City set up and operate a campground for homeless families with children. On September 12, 1990, the City Council chose, as an alternative to the campground proposal, to request staff to return by e mid-October with plans for a Winter 1990 shelter proposal that would include: 1) information on nighttime shelter provisions and daytime activity options; 2) a time line that would have the shelter available for use in November; 3) an estimated budget; 4) an explanation of how the proposal meets the goals cited in the "Moms" pro~osal; 5) a management plan; and 6) a list of community organization or agencies that would be involved in the project. In addition, the council requested that staff continue to work with the MOMS group and other community agencies in developing this proposal. Mr. Weinman provided an overview of the community's effort toward housing assistance for low-income families. He noted that the community is spending approximately $10 million annually on permanent housing assistance and an additional $1 million on other types of housing projects. Mr. Weinman said that in response to council direction, staff generated a list of alternatives for the council to consider that would allow it to address the issues of providing adequate winter shelter and daytime activities for homeless families with children. . Chosen for council consideration were the following options: 1) an enhanced County Shelter Service Package; 2) an Interfaith Emergency Shelter System/Daytime Access Center Demonstration Program; 3} a City-operated Emergency Shelter Facility; and 4) an expanded Motel Voucher Program. Mr. Weinman said that staff does not favor either the City-operated Emergency Shelter Facility or an expanded Motel Voucher Program, because of their e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 1 Dinner/Work Session . .- expense. Concerns were also raised that the Motel Voucher Program would not be an acceptable alternative because it would merely displace some of the families presently living in residential motels, in effect shifting the housing need around. Mr. Weinman said that staff recommends that the City enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Lane county in an amount up to $98,000 to provide the following emergency shelter services: 1) $40,000 to participate with Springfield and Lane County in the existing winter emergency shelter program; and 2) up to $58,000 to establish the Interfaith Shelter System and Access Center Program. He noted that in the event that the Interfaith Shelter System and Access Center do not go forward, staff would recommend that the City Manager proceed to fund up to $58,000 for the Commercial Motel Voucher Program alternative. Mr. Weinman reported that nine religious institutions have committed to participate in the nighttime shelter program and nine others have expressed a strong interest. He emphasized that the institutions felt strongly that a complimentary daytime program/access center would be necessary component of the program. Mr. Weinman said that two potential locations have been suggested for the Access Center: the Washington Park recreation building located at 20th and Washington Street or the recently vacated Head Start facility located in Glenwood. Both facilities would need some rehabilitation work; the Glenwood facility would cost approximately $5,000 more to operate because of rental e costs. Mr. Weinman noted that while the proposed shelter program would address the housing need for the next seven months, homelessness is a year-round problem which does not go away in June. In response to council request, Mr. Weinman said that the staff recommendation relates to the goals of the MOMS proposal in that it provides nighttime shelter for homeless families. He noted, however, that the MOMS group is dissatisfied wi.th the proposal and would desire a 24-hour program that provides more stable living conditions, similar to the Opportunity Shelter. Mr. Gleason advised the council that the religious institutions would not be willing to support a program that did not include the daytime access center. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Weinman said that the access center coordinator would be hired through a non-profit organization, rather than a City employee. Ms. Bascom inquired about the comparative cost between the Motel Voucher Program and the City Emergency Shelter Facility. Mr. Weinman responded that both would cost approximately $30 per night. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990' Page 2 Dinner/Work Session -- --- -- e Mr. Holmer asked for an estimate of the entire homeless population in the Eugene community. Mr. Weinman said that it is difficult to determine how many homeless families reside in Eugene because families often alternate between staying in shelters and living with local relatives and friends. He noted, however, that housing shelters are continually full with long waiting lists. Responding to a comment from Ms. Ehrman that none of the options presented would take the place of the Opportunity Shelter, Mr. Weinman agreed and said that the council made a policy decision to target its money toward long-range permanent housing solutions, rather than temporary shelter facilities. Responding to a question from Mayor Miller, Mr. Weinman said that some transportation costs have been included in the Interfaith Emergency Shelter System budget. This might include funding for bus tokens or money for gasoline. Mr. Weinman emphasized that the City predicts that no one family would stay in this emergency shelter system for very long. Responding to a question from Mr. Boles, he said homeless families generally occupy Family Shelter House apartments for approximately 45 days. Mr. Gleason explained that the homeless problem began to escalate several years ago when the Federal Government made deep cuts in housing programs. He noted that it is difficult to solve the problem on a local level; the City is stepping up to the problem more than most. e Responding to a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Gleason recommended that the money to support the shelter recommendation come from the General Fund Contingency. Approximately $400,000 would remain after the drawdown. Ms. Ehrman noted that concerns have been expressed by residents near Washington Park about potential increases in crime. If the access center were located in this area, she asked whether it would be possible to increase police or CAHOOTS Van patrols. Mr. Weinman said that increased police surveillance of the area would be appropriate, although it is not necessary to expect an increase in crime. - Ms. Ehrman asked about the status of the Washington Park facility. In response, Bob Schutz, PARCS Department, said that the City envisions that Westmoreland Center might use it as a satellite facility which would house either a daytime child-care facility, a nighttime rental facility, or a combination of the two. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, to direct the City Manager to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Lane County in an amount up to $98,000 to provide the following emergency shelter services: 1) $40,000 to participate with Springfield and Lane County in the enhanced family emergency shelter program (FY90-91); and 2) up to $58,000 to fund the Interfaith Shelter System and Access Center Program to be in e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 3 Dinner/Work Session ,- e place by mid-November and continue until mid-June, to be tentatively located at Washington Park or another suitable location as determined by the City Manager. In the event the Interfaith Shelter System and Access Center cannot go forward by the first part of December, then the Commercial Motel Voucher program would be put in place using the remaining allocated funds up to $58,000 for six months beginning in December and ending in June. Ms. Ehrman felt that it is the council's responsibility to determine the site of the Access Center. She commented that she attended a meeting of the Washington Park neighbors who have some expressed concerns about locating the facility in their neighborhood. She said that it would be unfair to make a final decision on this without affording the neighbors a public hearing. Ms. Ehrman also suggested that the council add some money to the budget for possible unanticipated expenses, such as child care. Ms. Schue noted that she had an opportunity to tour both facilities prior to this meeting and said that while both facilities have advantages and disadvantages, the Glenwood facility would be more suitable. She agreed with Ms. Ehrman that before locating the facility in Washington Park, the City would need greater interaction with the neighborhood residents. Ms. Schue also emphasized the need to get this program implemented immediately and offered support for the Glenwood facility as the access center location. e Ms. Bascom concurred with Ms. Schue's evaluation of the facilities, agreeing that Glenwood appears to be the most suitable location. Addressing the MOMS concern for having to relocate on a day-to-day basis, she noted that there might be some advantages to this shelter over the Motel Voucher Program. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, to designate the former Head Start headquarters in Glenwood as the access center location. Mr. Boles voiced concern that residents in Glenwood might have the same concerns for public input as neighbors in Washington Park. He also noted that Glenwood is not located within the city limits, so it is not represented by a City Councilor. Mr. Green concurred with Mr. Boles' concerns, and expressed his concerns for transportation problems if the facility were located out in Glenwood. He asked whether LTD has agreed to participate in this program. In response, Mr. Weinman said that LTD has not been contacted on this issue yet, but noted that discussion with representatives from St. Vincent OePaul who believe that it would be possible to put together an equitable transportation system. He also noted that a similar type of Interfaith Program has been successful in Columbus, Ohio, where participating churches have sometimes adopted a particular family and helped them find permanent accommodations. e October 22, 1990 MINUTES--Eugene City Council Page 4 Dinner/Work Session e Regarding Mr. Boles' concern for neighborhood opposition in Glenwood, Ms. Schue said that this facility is located within a commercial area, so there would likely be little neighborhood opposition. Mr. Holmer said that he shares Ms. Bascom's concern with the Motel Voucher Program, but noted that the Homeless Action Coalition preferred this option because it provides more family stability. He commented that the City would still have Interfaith Program support if it implemented the Motel Voucher Program, and it might lead to more comprehensive housing support. Regarding the apparent lack of support in the Washington Park neighborhood, Ms. Ehrman noted that potential roadblocks could be set up to prevent the council from acting quickly. She said residents have circulated a petition requesting a public hearing on this issue. Ms. Ehrman said that the City will not be able to adequately address the housing problem with this temporary solution, and emphasized the need to widen community participation in the problem. Mr. Boles said that the fears expressed by residents may be the result of a lack of exposure to this problem. He noted that isolating the shelter from residential neighborhoods will not assuage these fears and wondered if the council should consider implementing the Motel Voucher Program. Responding to the Homeless Action Coalition's concerns for family stability, Ms. Schue noted that the Whiteaker School has indicated that it accepts responsibility for and would be willing to provide education for the children e in this program. Mr. Boles said that he is not convinced that the Whiteaker School is set up to handle this problem. He pointed out that this problem is shared by all areas of the community, and they should be willing to share the burden. The amendment carried, 6:1; with councilors Ehrman, Schue, Bascom, Green, Bennett, and Holmer voting in favor; and Councilor Boles voting against. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to add $30,000 from the Contingency Fund to the budget for the Interfaith/Access Community Shelter program. Ms. Bascom expressed her opposition to this amendment, reminding the council of its decision to target its financial support toward long-term housing solutions. Mr. Bennett concurred noting that this additional money would go a long way toward permanent, emergency shelter. Mr. Green expressed his support of Ms. Ehrman's amendment and suggested that the money be targeted; he suggested the money be targeted toward Whiteaker School. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 5 Dinner/Work Session - - -- --- - ------ -- - -- - e The amendment failed, 2:5; with councilors Ehrman and Green voting in favor; and councilors Boles, Bascom, Bennett, Holmer, and Schue voting against. The main motion carried unanimously, 7:0. At 6:35 p.m., the Eugene City Council recessed for 10 minutes and reconvened in the McNutt Room, City Hall. II. TRANSPORTATION PLAN/GOALS UPDATE Chris Andersen, Public Works Director, gave the staff presentation. She said that the purpose of this work session is for staff to provide information on the FY91 transportation work plan and to get council direction on its priorities for the upcoming year. Ms. Andersen said that to assist the council in its discussion, all of the transportation policies from TransPlan which relate directly to alternative modes of transportation have been organized together into a single document. This document has been divided into four major categories: providing facilities and services; using land-use planning and development regulations; providing strong incentives; and marketing alternative modes. Ms. Andersen pointed out that many of the TransPlan policies require interagency cooperation. e Dave Reinhard, Public Works Transportation, addressed several of the proposed implementation strategies in this document. He explained that next to each policy in this document is a summary of the City's current practice and a recommendation for future action. He reviewed the recommendations which differ from the City's current practice and advised the council to raise any issues of concern. 1. Providing excellent facilities and services. Ms. Andersen emphasized that the basic road system is the fundamental component behind all the alternative mode strategies. The bulk of the capital projects which fall into this policy category target infrastructure upgrades rather than new construction. Ms. Andersen noted that the major assumption behind TransPlan is a 23-percent shift to alternative modes usage. Mr. Gleason pointed out that this projected shift toward alternative modes also assumes that most of the major intersections will go to Service Level D, the level of congestion which has been considered by the community as acceptable for Eugene's current population density. Mr. Bennett voiced concern that there has been little progress in our community over the past ten years toward the 23-percent alternative modes e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 6 Dinner/Work Session . e goal. He described this goal as unrealistic and wondered if the lack of progress which is being made is an indication that the community is not behind the goal. Ms. Andersen explained that the goals in the TransPlan are based on avoidance of intersection Service Level E, a service level far below what is currently being experienced in the community. Mr. Reinhard said that the lack of apparent progress which has been made in the community toward this goal can be attributed to a lack of awareness. He also noted that automobile traffic per capita has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Ms. Bascom commented that exhaustive discussions were held in the 1970s about which transportation service level would be the most feasible for the Eugene metropolitan area. She noted that the community agreed to accept service Level 0 because it was deemed livable and, at the same, would lower the overall costs of street and freeway maintenance which would be required. Responding to a question from Mr. Bennett, Ms. Andersen said that in the past, the City has not aggressively pursued getting the public to shift toward alternative modes of transportation. One of the few City strategies toward this, the carpool program, was not very successful. The City is now planning an aggressive strategy toward this goal. Ms. Andersen said that increasing bicycle ridership is one area in which the e City can make headway toward the 23-percent goal. She explained that through a citizen attitudes survey, the City hopes to identify b(rrierS which are keeping people from using the bike system in an attempt 0 overcome them. Mayor Miller remarked that City's bicycle corridor system is not complete enough to make bicycling a successful alternative mode of transportation. Mr. Bennett asked whether the City is modeling its transportation program after a similar program of a city of similar size. Ms. Andersen responded that because most cities of a similar size have not yet addressed the growing congestion/pollution problem as comprehensively as Eugene, Eugene's plan is not modeled after another. 2. Using land-use planning and development regulations as tools to bring about greater usage of alternative modes Mr. Bennett asked whether the City has evidence demonstrating that those places that have adequately secured bike facilities get greater commuter bicycle usage. Mr. Reinhard acknowledged that this type of information would be helpful, but said that the City does not currently have such information. Mr. Boles said that there are several transportation areas which are not aggressive enough. For instance, he suggested that higher rates should be levied on downtown parking, the possible implementation of a carbon tax, and restriping some of the parking spaces in major downtown lots for small cars. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 7 Dinner/Work Session e Mr. Boles also commented that several transportation policies are missing and said that while businesses have been provided with several "carrots" for making the transportation shift, they have little motivation because there are too few "sticks." Mr. Bennett suggested that the City needs more specific implementation strategies to ensure that it will be accountable for the success of its alternative transportation goals. Ms. Schue said that she does not agree that the City's transportation program toward alternative modes has been unsuccessful. Ms. Bascom agreed, pointing out that in comparison to other cities, Eugene has done well to retain its current level of bus ridership. 3. Providing incentives to users of alte!native modes and employers or other trip generators 4. Marketing alternative modes aggressively and effectively Ms. Andersen explained that it is particularly in this area that the City plans to use the community survey to identify the obstacles to alternative modes usage. She explained that promoting bicycle usage as a commuting tool (as opposed to leisure trips) has a potential for reducing congestion problems during peak traffic hours. Ms. Andersen highlighted that pursuing legislation for increased funding for e alternative modes will be particularly important in the future if the City is to make headway toward its goal. She noted that traditionally, money has been targeted toward automobiles, but hoped to gain flexibility in this area for other types of transportation. Ms. Andersen also pointed out the importance of pursuing legislation for the creation of incentives for alternative modes usage, such as by providing pollution tax credits. Mr. Holmer pointed out that if the City is going to promote alternative modes of transportation and other pollution-reducing activities, it needs to be consistent within its own organization, i.e., get rid of Public Works internal combustion engines. Mayor Miller pointed out some obstacles to bus usage. He indicated that for some persons, the only conceivable way to shift away from automobile usage to the bus system as their primary transportation mode would be to increase the number of times that the bus stops, particularly in the downtown core. Mr. Gleason commented on ways to increase ridership would be to design the land-use system to promote alternative modes usage, decrease the parking requirements for business that provide free bus passes, and design an inner-core bus system that would be able to handle the increased volume. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 8 Dinner/Work Session e Responding to a question from Mr. Boles, Mr. Gleason said that City employees pay the market rate for its parking spaces and said it would be unfair to charge more than that. The council agreed to continue discussion of this item at its Wednesday work session. Mr. Boles agreed to work with staff on specific strategies which he felt were left out of this document and' which could be implemented to further the council's alternative modes goals. The council considered time changes for its upcoming October 26 and 27 goals session. It agreed to make a final decision on this at its October 24 work session. The council adjourned its meeting at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitt~d, ~/.(. ,~ . 'V'1 Micheal Gleason City Manager (Recorded by Traci Northman) mncc 102290-530 e e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 9 Dinner/Work Session