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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/1991 Meeting . M I NUT E S Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall January 9, 1991 11:30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Debra Ehrman, Shawn Boles, Ruth Bascom, Paul Nicholson, Randy MacDonald, Roger Rutan, Bobby Green, Kaye Robi nette. The adjourned meeting of January 7, 1991, of the Eugene City Council was called to order by His Honor Mayor Jeff Miller. I. ITEMS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND CITY MANAGER A. Emergency Services in Wards 4 and 5 Mr. Robinette reminded the council of a recent memo concerning the City's ability to provide emergency services during peak traffic hours, particularly to citizens in Wards 4 and 5. He asked staff to keep a record of emergency ~ calls during peak traffic hours to get a better idea of demand. B. Downtown Development District Task Force (DDDTF) Mr. Rutan reported that the DDDTF has completed its work; final recommenda- tions will be coming before the council soon. He stated that Downtown Eu- gene, Incorporated, (DEI) has a major role in the recommendations and is in the process of evaluating its ability to meet these added responsibilities. C. Expression of Appreciation Mr. MacDonald expressed his gratitude to citizens in Ward 1 for electing him to serve on the council. He also thanked ex-councilor Emily Schue for her years of service on the council, and said that he is looking forward to work- ing with staff and the rest of the council. Mr. MacDonald praised the work of Richie Weinman and others involved in the effort to set up an emergency shelter in the community. D. Oregon Arts Commission Award Ceremony Ms. Bascom indicated her strong support of the recent decision to hold the Oregon Arts Commission award ceremony in Eugene. She spoke about the tremen- dous benefit this would provide to Eugene and asked that council consider providing financial support. e. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 1 4It Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to direct staff to review a recent funding request made by the Oregon Arts Com- mission. The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. E. Housing Policy Board Actions Ms. Bascom informed the council of the actions of the Housing Policy Board for the provision of affordable housing in the community. She reported on the success of the Interfaith Emergency Shelter program. She also noted that approximately 600 homeless families made use of the Whiteaker emergency fa- cility on Christmas Eve/Day. F. Train Derailment in Whiteaker Area Mr. Boles asked staff for the following information regarding the recent train derailment in the Whiteaker neighborhood: 1) a history of similar train accidents occurring inside the city limits, 2) a report of this partic- ular event, including a City staff response, and 3) information regarding whether all City costs associated with this accident are being borne by the Southern Pacific Railroad. e G. Council Resolution Regarding War in the Middle East Mr. Boles asked for council support for crafting a resolution on behalf of the council stating concern that we not rush headlong into war and urging the President of the United States and Congress to continue its current strategy with respect to employing economic sanctions. Mr. Robinette said that he is reluctant to support such a resolution and questioned whether it is the council's role to take action on international issues such as this. Mr. Boles moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to direct staff to prepare a resolution on behalf of the council regarding United States action in the Middle East. Ms. Bascom suggested that this item needs further council discussion and suggested that the council consider this question as a process session agenda item in the near future. The motion carried, 5:3; with councilors Boles, MacDonald, Ehrman, Green, and Nicholson voting in favor; and councilors Robinette, Bascom, and Rutan voting opposed. H. State of the City Address Mr. Green congratulated Mayor Miller on the success of the State of the City address. He also asked staff to solicit feedback regarding the location of the ceremony and questioned whether the Hilton might not be a better place to hold the ceremony next year. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 2 # e I. Citizen Concern for Lane Transit District (LTD) Speeding -Mr. Green noted that several citizens have complained that LTD busses have been violating speed zone laws on residential streets in his ward. He asked staff to contact LTD to seek resolution to this problem. J. Council's Committee on Committees Mayor Miller indicated that the Council's Committee on Committees would be meeting soon to assign councilors to committees for the upcoming year and that councilors would be given an opportunity to cite their preferences. K. Telephone/Sound System Connection Mr. Gleason informed the council that it is now possible for City employees to connect to the McNutt Room and Council Chamber sound system by telephone by dialing #110. This new advancement will be beneficial for the City's operational efficiency. II. ELECTION OF CITY COUNCIL OFFICERS Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to elect Roger Rutan as City Council President and Shawn Boles as City Council Vice President. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, e 8:0. III. 8TH AND WILLAMETTE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL Abe Farkas, Planning and Development Director, introduced the item. On June 15, 1990, the Eugene Renewal Agency issued a request for proposal (RFP) on purchase and development of the 8th and Willamette site in downtown. The deadline for submitting proposals was extended to January 3, 1991. On that date, Lorig and Associates of Seattle, Washington, submitted a proposal to construct an office building on one half of the development site and has asked the City to evaluate the options: building on the corner of 8th and Willamette with parking provided by a three-story structure to be constructed by the City and existing parking in the immediate area or building on the 8th and Olive corner with a plaza and underground parking to be provided by the City. Staff is currently evaluating the feasibility of both options! Mr. Farkas introduced Bruce Lorig, representing Lorig and Associates of Seat- tle, Washington and Lee Bodenhammer, representing U.S. Bank. Mr. Lorig provided an overview of the proposal and spoke about the possible 'uses being considered for the other half of the site. He noted that in its agreement to rent this office building, the U.S. Bank has expressed its strong commitment to the future of downtown Eugene. He noted that a public plaza or public parking are among the options being considered for the use of e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 3 e the remalnlng portion of the site, but emphasized that Lorig and Associates will remain flexible on possible uses in order to gain the most beneficial use of the lot. Mr. Bodenhammer concurred with Mr. Lorig on the U.S. Bank's vital interest in the future of downtown Eugene. He noted that U.S. Bank has agreed to rent office space from Lorig and Associates in order to meet its needs for expan- sion and consolidation of bank operations in Eugene. Mr. Bodenhammer com- mented on the lack of suitable office space that presently exists in downtown Eugene and said that the Lorig proposal would help increase this supply in the downtown core area. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Bodenhammer said that after moving into a new location on 8th and Willamette, the bank wants to dispose of the building it currently owns in the most cost-effective manner possible and has proposed a land swap with the City. Responding to a question from Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Lorig said that Lorig and Associates would remain flexible about the use of the remaining portion of the site. e Lew Bowers, Planning and Development Department, provided the council with a timetable for the proposal. Noting that a citizen review committee is cur- rently taking action on the RFP, he said that the council is scheduled to review and take action on this proposal by resolution on February 7, 1991. Under this time line, building occupancy would occur in 1993. In an effort to expedite this time line, Ms. Ehrman questioned whether it would be necessary for both the Downtown Commission and the City Council to hold a public hearing on this issue. She suggested that the council, with input from the Downtown Commission, be responsible for hearing public input. The council supported this suggestion. Mr. Boles expressed concern with the recent incidence of bank failures na- tionally and asked staff to review U.S. Bank's financial competency before accepting this proposal. He suggested that this information be sent to the citizen review committee. Mr. Gleason said that such an evaluation would be done routinely and ex- pressed his faith in the financial strength of the U.S. Bank. Ms. Ehrman thanked Lorig and Associates and the U.S. Bank for their support and commitment to Eugene downtown. Mr. Rutan asked that the Design Review Committee consider the feasibility of a public plaza concept for the remaining space. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 4 e IV. APPOINTMENTS: NOTIFICATION OF MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT TO THE SISTER CITY COMMISSION Mayor Miller announced his appointment of Jim Bjork to the Sister City Com- mission. V. APPOINTMENTS: MAYOR MILLER'S NOMINATIONS TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, SOUTHERN WILLAMETTE PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL, AND THE TREE COMMISSION Ms. Ehrman said that she is concerned with the controversy surrounding Mayor Miller's nomination of Randy Cuddeback to the Tree Commission vacancy. She noted that two members have already resigned from the commission and said that it is unfortunate to lose commission members over the appointment. Mayor Miller pointed out the importance of having a balanced membership on the commission in order to represent the broad range of interests and view- points that exi.st within the community. His appointment of Randy Cuddeback would add such a balance to the commission. e Ms. Bascom said that she is dissatisfied with the proposed committee appoint- ments, noting that its membership is no longer as dynamic as it was. She spoke about the possibility of waiving the requirement that the committee appointee be an officer of an neighborhood organization. If the council chose to do this, other applicants would be eligible for committee member- ship. She also stated that while she is generally dissatisfied with the proposed commission membership, Jacqueline Chama is highly knowledgeable and might provide a moderate voice on the commission. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to appoint the May- or's nominations to the Human Rights Commission, Southern Willamette Private Industry Council, and the Tree Commission as outlined. Mr. Boles moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, to separate the Tree Commission appointment from the other commission appoint- ments in the motion. Mr. MacDonald also expressed concern with the appointment of Randy Cuddeback to the commission. While he generally agrees on the need to have a balanced committee make-up, Mr. Cuddeback is employed as a logger and might be diffi- cult to work with. Appointing him to the Tree Commission would be like ap- pointing a non-human rights advocate to the Human Rights Commission. Mayor Miller said that the council is assuming unfairly that Mr. Cuddeback would not make a good candidate simply because of his employment history. Having a representative from the timber industry on the commission might facilitate a solution to the dispute over timber harvest within the urban growth boundary. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 5 e The motion to divide the appointments carried, 6:2; with coun- cilors Boles, Green, Bascom, MacDonald, Ehrman, and Nicholson voting in favor; and councilors Rutan and Robinette voting against. Roll call vote; the motion to appoint the Mayor's nominations to the Human Rights Commission and the Southern Willamette Private Industry Council as outlined carried unanimously, 8:0. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to appoint Jacque- line Chama to the Tree Commission. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to reopen the remaining Tree Commission vacancy.for one week. Responding to a question from Ms. Bascom, Ms. Ehrman said that she wants to reopen the Tree Commission vacancy rather than chose from the remaining ap- plicants in hopes that those who resigned over the initial appointment might reconsider. e Mayor Miller said he is disconcerted with the council's decision not to for- ward his appointment and suggested that this be a council appointment, rather than a Mayor's appointment. In response to Mayor Miller's suggestion, Bill Gary, City Attorney's Office, said that a code change would be necessary to alter the appointment process. Mr. Boles commented that in choosing not to accept the appointment of Randy Cuddeback, the council is assuming that Mr. Cuddeback represents one certain interest. He also said that he would be more willing to accept an appoint- ment of two candidates from alternate viewpoints. Mr. Nicholson pointed out that the Tree Commission provides a balance against economic interests within the community. The motion carried, 5:3; with councilors Boles, Bascom, Ehrman, MacDonald, and Nicholson voting in favor; and council- ors Robinette, Rutan, and Green voting opposed. Mayor Miller suggested that Councilor Bascom assume responsibility for making an appointment recommendation. Ms. Bascom agreed to do this. VI. CALL FOR ELECTION ON LIBRARY SITE Hillary Kittleson, Planning and Development Department, reported that on December 12, 1990, the City Council voted to direct the City Attorney to prepare a draft resolution which places the question of locating the Eugene Public Library at the former Sears building site on the March 26, 1991, bal- e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 6 e e e lot. A draft resolution has been prepared which includes findings, the bal- lot title, question, and explanation. This work session provides an opportu- nity for the council to discuss and make any necessary changes to the draft resolution. Res. No. 4219--A resolution of the City of Eugene, Lane Coun- ty, Oregon, calling a special election to sub- mit to the voters of the city an advisory mea- sure on locating an expanded library at the former Sears site. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to adopt the resolu- tion. Responding to a question from Mr. MacDonald, Ms. Kittleson said that among all options considered, this option (Option B) is still the lowest cost al- ternative for a library. Responding to questions from Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Gleason said that last year the council tentatively committed $1 million of Urban Renewal funds to be used for costs associated with library construction. It is not yet clear to what extent Urban Renewal fund monies will be affected by State Ballot Mea- sure 5. Mr. MacDonald asked about the structural integrity of the former Sears build- ing, particularly in relation to its ability to withstand a large earthquake. In response, Mr. Gleason said that a structural analysis of the former Sears building was done initially but agreed that if voters approve the site, a more in-depth evaluation of the building's ability to meet potential struc- tural requirements will be needed. Mr. Rutan voiced concern with the proposed wording of the ballot explanation, noting that the council has not "tentatively decided" on the former Sears .site as the location for an expanded library. Mr. Gary suggested the follow- ing alternative wording: "The council has identified the former Sears site as the preferred location for an expanded library." The council accepted the substitute ballot explanation wording. Mr. Rutan suggested that the words "if you vote yes/if you vote no" be delet- ed from the ballot explanation and offered the following substitute wording: "Assuming a positive outcome Qf the advisory vote, it is the intent of the City Council to gain control of the Sears site for a period of time suffi- cient to develop a whole funding proposal and put it to a community vote. City staff will work with the property owners to gain this control in the most cost-effective fashion." The council would then be able to gain control through a variety of options including maintaining an option or direct build- ing acquisition. Mr. Nicholson stated that the council previously voted to purchase the site contingent upon voter approval of the site. If it is the council's clear intent to purchase the site, the ballot question should be changed to clearly MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 7 e reflect this. However, if the council plans to maintain control through an option, the current wording is acceptable. He emphasized that the intent should be clearly stated to the voters, or the council risks losing their trust. Mr. Gleason said that with a decision of this magnitude, it was important to have council consensus on what actions should be taken. Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to reconsider the previous 4:3 council vote in which the council agreed to pro- ceed to purchase the former Sears building site contingent upon voter approval of the site. The motion carried, 7:1; with councilors Boles, Bascom, Robinette, Nicholson, Ehrman, Rutan, and MacDonald voting aye; and Councilor Green voting nay. Mr. Green explained his opposition to the motion to reconsider, indicating that if the council were to reverse its initial decision, the council will have made no progress on this issue since that meeting. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to substitute the following motion for the reconsidered motion: that if the voters issue an affirmative vote on the advisory library mea- sure, it is the council's intent to continue control of the site. e Mr. Nicholson cautioned the council that in order to maintain community trust in the council on this issue, it should decide what it will do if the public approves the former Sears Building location and that decision should be made clear outright to the voters. Responding to a question, Mr. Farkas said that the cost to maintain an addi- tional six-month option on the building would be approximately $30,000. Mr. Gleason pointed out that, with voter approval, the public would be guar- anteed the ability to acquire the site through public condemnation. However, this might not necessarily be the best solution. The substitute motion carried unanimously, 8:0. 8il1 Gary, City Attorney's Office, summarized the council's amendments thus far.. The ballot question would not change. He suggested the following word- ing for the ballot explanation wording: the City Council has identified the former Sears site as the best location for an expanded library. If the City's voters support that decision, the council intends to continue control of the Sears site for a library. If you vote yes, you will express support for the former Sears site as the location for an expanded library. If you vote no, you will express disapproval. Mr. Gary also commented that the council may want to consider adding to the resolution findings to reflect in greater detail the council's ultimate intention. He also stated that in its earlier decision to change the wording of "tentatively decided" to "identify" e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 8 e in order to make the council's findings consistent with that, changes need to be made in Findings F and G on Page 2 of the resolution. Mr. Nicholson cautioned the council that if the council places this question before the voters and then immediately purchases the building, it will have committed a serious strategic error. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to adopt the amended resolution (replacing this motion with his substitute motion made earlier). The motion carried unanimously, 8:0. VII. EUGENE WATER & ELECTRIC BOARD REVENUE BONDS City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the topic. Administrative Services Director Warren Wong gave the staff report. He said that the EWEB Board is requesting that the council place a $22 million Revenue Bond measure on the March 26 ballot necessary to fund electric system capital improvements con- tained in EWEB's Capital Facilities Plan. The rate structure will pay for debt service. He indicated that Commissioner Hendrickson and EWEB staff would be available to answer questions. Responding to a question from Mr. Rutan, Mr. Wong said that the bonds would not be backed with the full faith and credit of the City but rather be sup- ported by rate revenues of the utility itself. . e In response to a question from Mr. Robinette, Commissioner Hendrickson said that EWEB believes that this is a more rate-effective means of paying for improvements than paying through operating revenues. She explained that rate stability is one of EWEB's goals and said that over the long term, this has been judged to be the best method. Responding to a comment from Mr. Boles, Randy Berggren, EWEB staff, said that the goal is to improve facility efficiency in addition to capacity. He also said that operational considerations drive the demand for enhanced electrical substation transmission capacity. The replacement underground cable has proven more reliable than the one currently in place. Mr. Berggren explained that some increase in rates will be necessary to pay for facility construction over time. Lower rates will be seen in the first few years. The alternative to this bond would be a higher increase in rates initially to create capital for facility improvements. Ms. Bascom inquired about the steam-generation facility located near the University of Oregon. Mr. Berggren commented that this facility is providing a mutual benefit for the steam utility and the University. Ms. Bascom encouraged EWEB staff to publicize and program the use of the public plaza located near EWEB's facility. She also spoke positively about the relationship which currently exists between the EWEB Board and the City. - . MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 9 e CB 4273--An ordinance authorizing the City of Eugene, acting by and through the Eugene Water & Electric Board, to issue up to $22 million aggregate principal amount of revenue bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the City, payable solely from net revenues or any portion thereof of the electric utility system of the City, for the purpose of financing certain improve- ments to the electric utility system; and providing for an effective date. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, 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 carried unanimously, 8:0. e Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. proved and given final passage. ors present voting aye, the bill became Ordinance 19741). Res. No. 4218--A resolution calling a special city election to be conducted by the Lane County Elections De- partment on March 23, 1991, in accordance with Chapter 254 of Oregon Revised Statutes; for the purpose of referring to the legal electors of the city of Eugene for their approval or rejec- tion, Ordinance 19741 authorizing issuance of $22 million aggregate principal amount of reve- nue bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the City, payable solely from net revenues or any portion thereof of its electric utility system, for the purpose of financing improve- ments to the electric utility system of the City of Eugene; and providing for all acts necessary for the carrying on of said election. Boles, that the bill be ap- Roll call vote; all council- was declared passed (and Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to adopt the resolu- tion. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. VIII. RESOLUTION REGARDING A SPECIAL ELECTION RELATED TO A PUBLIC VOTE ON THE DOWNTOWN Warren Wong, Administrative Services Director, gave the staff report. He explained that this is a resolution calling a special election to submit to the voters of the city an amendment to the Eugene City Charter that requires a public vote to authorize additional vehicles on the downtown mall. The signatures were turned in and verified by the City Recorder's Office. If the council decides not to take action on this measure, it will go to the May 1992 primary election. If the council wishes, it may place the measure be- - MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 10 - fore the voters at an earlier election. The resolution before the council places the measure on the March 26 special election ballot. Res. No. 4220--A resolution of the City of Eugene, Lane Coun- ty, Oregon, calling a special election to sub- mit to the voters of the city an amendment to the Eugene City Charter that requires a pubic vote to authorize additional vehicles on the downtown mall. Mr. Rutan moved, seconded by Mr. Boles, to adopt the resolu- tion. e Ms. Ehrman asked whether Section 4 of the measure (which contains a clause retroactive to August 1, 1990, that repeals any council action to open the mall to vehicular traffic) has a practical effect on council action taken thus far. In response, Mr. Gary said that no ordinance has been adopted thus far that would be covered by Section 4 at this time. In the event that some- thing happens between now and then, it would be covered. Mr. MacDonald asked whether the term "vehicular traffic" includes bicycles. In response, Mr. Gary said that this would be subject to interpretation after the measure has been passed. Mr. Nicholson asked whether this measure, if passed, would have any effect on the downtown design vote currently contemplated by the council. In response, Mr. Gary said that the question for that measure has not yet been crafted, but could be crafted to comply with the requirements of this measure. Mr. Rutan asked whether the proponents of this initiative have indicated whether the ballot question and explanation satisfactorily meet their intent with the measure. Mr. Gary said that the City has no indication that these are unsatisfactory. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. , Mr. Rutan introduced Kelly Chapel, a Political Science senior at the Univer- sity of Oregon, who will be helping him with his council duties for the next few months. At 1:30 p.m., the meeting of the Eugene City Council was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, ~~~rrl Micheal Gleason City Manager (Recorded by Traci Northman) mncc 010991-1130 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 9, 1991 Page 11