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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/26/1991 Meeting - --- e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall June 26, 1991 11 :30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Roger Rutan, Shawn Boles, Debra Ehrman, Bobby Green, Randy MacDonald, Kaye Robinette COUNCILORS ABSENT: Ruth Bascom, Paul Nicholson The adjourned meeting of June 24, 1991, of the Eugene City Council was called to order by His Honor Mayor Jeff Miller. 1. ITEMS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL, MAYOR, AND CITY MANAGER A. Tour of the Relief Nursery Mr. Green reported that he had an opportunity to tour the Relief Nursery. He said that he was impressed by the quality of the service provided by the e nursery and that it is in the process of consolidating its services onto one site. B. Skateboard Park Mr. MacDonald announced that the Skateboard Park recently constructed by the City at Amazon Park appears to be a tremendous success. A number of youth use the facility on a daily basis. Mr. Green noted that there was some concern when the park was being designed that skateboarding was a male-dominated sport and would serve mostly the male population. He asked whether this seemed to hold true. In response, Mr. MacDonald said that the facility seems to be primarily used by male youth. C. Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) Mr. MacDonald distributed an invitation he received from NEDCO inviting the council to attend a celebration scheduled for July 2, 1991, observing the success of the low-income home ownership program. He invited other councilors to attend. D. University Community Action Program Mr. MacDonald said that the Intergovernmental Human Services Committee (IHSC) voted recently to send a letter to the University of Oregon urging it to find e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 1 - ~ e the resources necessary to maintain its Community Action Program. He said that the program, which provides social service agencies with volunteer stu- dent work, has been invaluable in the past and should continue. He circulat- ed a copy of the letter urging the University to continue the program. E. Fire Prevention and Education Brochure Mr. MacDonald circulated a copy of the brochure announcing the South Hills Fire Prevention and Education Program that is to be included in the Eugene Water and Electric Board's (EWEB) billing mailouts. F. Bach Festival Mr. Boles said that he had an opportunity to attend the opening of the Bach Festival last Sunday. The community is fortunate to be able to host that event in Eugene every year. G. A Systems Analysis Approach to Fire Redeployment Mr. Boles circulated a copy of material from a handbook on a systems analysis approach to fire redeployment. He asked that a copy of the material be sent to the City Manager asking him to share this information with Public Safety Director Dave Whitlow. H. Police Services for Parades e Mr. Boles said that the City's policy with respect to financial participation in parades should be made clear to the public. He noted that some citizens who were concerned about the City's involvement in the July 4 parade received a letter on behalf of the City stating that the City was not planning to make any financial contribution to the parade. However, the City is contributing $2,000 in police services. Bill Gary, City Attorney's Office, clarified that the City has an Administra- tive Rule which stipulates that the City will not charge for police services needed for a parade if either the applicant is indigent or the parade is less than three miles in length. While the Department of Public Safety was aware of the rule, it was not administering the three-mile rule very strictly. Mr. Boles said that if the City is going to invoke this rule, it may need to make retribution to citizens who were erroneously charged for services in the past. Mr. Gary also noted that parades are First Amendment exercises. When estab- lishing regulation, the City must be careful that it does not discriminate against the speech or purposes of the parade. It must ensure that the admin- istrative regulations are content-neutral and administered in a neutral way. If someone has been erroneously charged in the past, the City must make ret- ribution, or risk a potential First Amendment claim. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 2 e Regarding the First Amendment issue, Mr. Boles clarified that exercising the right to free speech does not mean that parade holders must allow all views to be expressed in the parade. I. Request for Postponement of the Downtown Development District Parking Issue Mr. Rutan said that he would be unable to attend next Monday's council meet- ing on the parking options for the downtown and asked the council to withhold its final action on the issue until July 17, 1991. The council agreed to Mr. Rutan's request. Mr. Boles expressed his continued disappointment that Mr. Rutan is unable to attend council meetings on a regular basis. J. Legislative Session Mr. Rutan said that the legislative session is winding down. Although the Legislative Committee has not met within the past week, it is planning to debrief the council on the highlights of the session soon. K. Study on the Impacts of Gateway Development Ms. Ehrman pointed out that the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) is proposing a study on the Willakenzie/Valley River area. It has also con- ducted a study on the impacts of the Gateway development on the surrounding e area. The study is available for the council to review, if interested. L. Street Lights in the Market District Ms. Ehrman inquired about progress being made on moving an historic light from the new "Market District" to a Lane Transit District (LTD) station on Pearl Street. She explained that a property owner in the district had placed historic lights on the exterior of the building and did not feel a need for additional street lighting. Ms. Ehrman also noted that with the increased cooperation of the property owners in the new Market District area, there has been a plan to place lights along both sides of the street. She asked if the City might contact the owners to expedite the plan. II. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Human Rights Commission Mr. Green said that progress on the Human Rights Program restructure has been slow; this is not unexpected considering the major changes that are taking place. He noted that there has been some debate in the community about what the priorities of the commission should be. The commission is in the process of educating its members on the full range of human rights issues. Mr. Green e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 3 e said that the commission has targeted September as the month to begin sched- uling subcommittee meetings. B. Intergovernmental Human Services Committee (ISHC) Policy Subcommittee Mr. MacDonald said that the IHSC Policy Subcommittee, which was designed to look at various policy-level issues related to the County's human service delivery system, has met recently to devise a work plan. The committee has been charged with the task of compiling and clarifying existing policies, procedures, and practices. In addition, the committee will also be looking at how to achieve greater cooperation between its funding sources, the char- acteristics of the social service network, interactions between IHSC and other agencies, the geographic distribution of social services, the effec- tiveness of past IHSC allocations in addressing the needs of the area, and potential new revenue sources. Ms. Ehrman suggested that the committee consider looking at the administra- tive procedures associated with the distribution of social service funds. Mr. Boles offered his support for that suggestion. C. Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) Mr. Boles indicated that CIC will be integrating the Community Attitudes Survey into Eugene Decisions and said that for the most part, the CIC has signed off on the citizen participation plan for the Eugene Decisions pro- e cess. The committee has designed flowcharts and will be making a presenta- tion to the council on the different ways to handle citizen involvement for low- verses high-controversy issues. This process will be used by depart- ments and advisory bodies. Mr. Boles said that in the future, CIC will be evaluating the function of ad hoc committees and discussing how they relate to already approved citizen participation plans. It will also be looking at broadened input for citizen participation. In particular, it will be looking at ways to get input from citizens who are often only passive observers. D. Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau Mayor Miller indicated that the Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau is taking an aggressive approach to bring conventions into the commu- nity. The Bureau recognizes the impact of Ballot Measure 5 and is discussing the relationship between this and convention activities. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mayor Miller indicated that the bureau is still considering the possibility of relocating its office to the fairgrounds. Mr. Boles noted that the Fairgrounds Master Plan should be put in place before the relocation occurs. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mayor Miller indicated that the City was successful in its effort to bring the Physicists Convention to Eu- gene. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 4 e E. Metro Partnership Mr. Rutan said that City will be involved in discussions with John Lively of the Metro Partnership about a more efficient organizational approach to part- nership activities; this might possibly involve the Eugene Business Assis- tance Team. The partnership is evaluating its role in the community and determining what adjustments need to be made as its role in the community changes. Mayor Miller pointed out that the Metro Partnership is becoming involved in evaluating the land use patterns that exist in the Eugene area and determin- ing what type of land use classifications would be most marketable within the community. In its restructuring efforts, Mr. Boles suggested that the Metro Partnership be aware that public financial assistance to the partnership will likely decline in the future. He also recommended that the partnership become clear on the mission of the organization. Mayor Miller said that the the mission of the organization is clear among board members. The Metro Partnership is focusing its efforts on keeping existing businesses in Eugene. Taking into account the changing external impacts on the economy, such as the decline in timber harvesting and Ballot Measure 5, Mr. MacDonald asked wheth- er the Metro Partnership has begun to reassess its present economic strate- e gies to determine whether they are still appropriate given the present situa- tion. Mr. Rutan responded that the Metro Partnership has a variety of eco- nomic strategies in place and is constantly reevaluating those strategies. He pointed out that there has been a quiet diversification of employment in the community and said that economic indicators for this area suggest that the economy in Oregon is very strong. F. Lane Council of Governments (L-COG) Mr. Robinette reported that L-COG has been examining mechanisms for coopera- tion among jurisdictions in the provision of services and is asking for feed- back on how it might begin to explore the issue and what role it might play in these efforts. Mr. Boles suggested that one way L-COG might begin the effort is to ask the Regional Executives Group (REG) to provide a list of areas which might bene- fit most from the consolidation of services. L-COG could then bring this list back to its board to explore the possible impacts and to prioritize the list. Mr. MacDonald suggested that the Metropolitan Service District should be included in any proposal for intergovernmental cooperation in terms of pro- viding services and facilities. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 5 e G. Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) Ms. Ehrman said that the MPC has resolved the Good Neighbor Care Centers proposal by increasing the buffer between residential and industrial uses on the land. The proposal also limited the number of homes that could be con- structed, thus lessening the impact of the development on schools in the area. She noted that Springfield schools are already experiencing over-en- rollment problems. All parties involved seem to be satisfied with the re- sulting proposal. The agreement will go back to each jurisdiction for final action. Ms. Ehrman said that the MPC recognizes the difficulties that arise in having all three jurisdictions deliberate to final action at separate times and will be discussing possible modifications to this process in the future. Ms. Ehrman said that the MPC has the opportunity to hear such diverse issues as refuse and recycling issues, transportation planning, cable access, and the TCI franchise. Ms. Ehrman indicated that the MPC has indicated its opposition to TCI with respect to negative opinion marketing. If there is a change at the Federal level regarding local control over regulation, it might choose to become involved in more detail in franchise issues. Mr. MacDonald wondered to what degree the City's negotiations were hastened e by TCI in light of the impending Federal regulation. Mayor Miller also ques- tioned what additional latitude there might now be in controlling the market. With respect to the Good Neighbor Care Center's proposal, Mr. Robinette said that the jurisdictions were becoming too involved in site-review issues, rather than planning. He suggested that in the future, the jurisdictions redesign the Metro Plan amendment process to allow for plan changes without looking at the ultimate end use of a particular piece of property. Mr. Boles emphasized the need to have a comprehensive update of the Metropol- itan Plan in a timely manner. This issue should be on MPC's agenda soon. He suggested that transportation planning should be folded into the update. H. Legislative Committee Mr. Green said that this legislative session has been very valuable for the City. He also noted that the feedback the committee gets from the council on legislative issues has been very helpful. The committee will schedule a debriefing with the council soon. Mr. Boles voiced concern that the City tracks too many issues during the legislative session. Often, this is a result of reacting to legislation. He suggested that the council discuss a limitation on the number of issues that the City tracks at the next goals session. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 6 , e Mr. Rutan pointed out that the City tracks on a priority basis. He suggested that too many issues are brought before the Legislature that the City is forced to track. Mr. MacDonald pointed out that Linda Lynch does a spectacular job at the Legislature and suggested that it might be valuable for the City to get a blueprint of its legislative strategy, in case a staff change occurs in the future. 1. Council Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) Mr. Boles said that CCI is continuing its work planning efforts. It appears that the bulk of the committee work in the next six to eight months will involve storm-water systems and infrastructure financing issues. Mr. Boles said that street and transportation corridor standards will be coming before the council soon. CCI has identified six kinds of transporta- tion use patterns and is attempting to craft a plan that is sensible and sensitive to the needs and uses of those involved. J. Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) Mr. Rutan said that most of the MWMC work program has been completed with the council's recent action. The rate-setting process was not as unpleasant as he had anticipated. e K. Airport Commission Mr. Rutan said that the runway project at the airport has been delayed due to poor weather conditions. It is unlikely that the project will be completed this construction season. L. Highway 99N Annexation Mr. Rutan reported that the agreement between the City and the Highway 99N property owners has been finalized. Mr. MacDonald inquired about the status of the ICCD neighborhood organization agreement. Mr. Rutan agreed to contact Gale Dvergard on this issue and re- port back to the council. Mr. Boles noted that the citizen involvement process that took place with respect to the Highway 99N issue was not satisfactory with the CIC. M. Ferry Street Bridge Technical Advisory Committee Mr. Robinette indicated that impact studies on the Ferry Street Bridge design are under way. He noted that this is a very sensitive issue for all involved and said that it will be difficult to select a design solution that will be acceptable to many. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 7 e Ms. Ehrman asked that the committee be prepared to give the council one de- sign recommendation. N. Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA) Ms. Ehrman reported that the Legislature is considering legislation that would remove the requirements for LRAPA members to be elected officials. She noted that such legislation could reduce the council's workload. Ms. Ehrman said that efforts are also being made to expand LRAPA's representation to include parties outside of the three jurisdictions; LRAPA is looking strongly at representation from Oakridge. Ms. Ehrman said that LRAPA has discussed long-range planning efforts. There is strong support among members that LRAPA become a critical player in trans- portation issues. Among its proposed activities LRAPA is considering the implementation of a car inspection program. Ms. Ehrman noted that LRAPA has manufactured and patented an air-monitoring device that is being marketed around the country. The proceeds from the device produce income for LRAPA. Mr. MacDonald noted that the HB2175 passed by the House Ways and Means Sub- committee will likely provide increased funding for LRAPA to undertake a monitoring program. He explained that under the new laws, fees would be placed on automobiles to reflect the impact of auto exhaust on the airshed. The funds generated will support mass transit capital acquisition. e o. Community Development Committee (CDC) Mr. Boles noted that CDC has completed its three-year plan and said that it has earmarked moneys for capital acquisition and rental rehabilitation. He also noted that there has been some strong concerns expressed on the commit- tee with the administrative process IHSC uses to manage fund money. P. Central Area Transportation Study (CATS) Mr. Boles said that the focus of CATS has been restricted geographically, but indicated that various subcommittees will be created to look at specific areas of transportation, including policy issues. Q. Fairgrounds Master Plan Mr. Boles noted that the Fairgrounds Master Plan has still not been undertak- en and said that he would find it difficult to support any land use decisions for that area until it has a master plan. Acting Assistant City Manager Linda Norris assured Mr. Boles that staff has been discussing what actions can be taken to get the Fairgrounds Master Plan under way. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 8 ~.~. ....., e R. Social Goals Committee Ms. Ehrman stated that councilors should be thinking about what the social goal should be for next year. Noting that this will be a major transition, she asked whether the Social Goals Committee or the full council should de- cide on the social goal. By consensus, the council agreed that staff could provide some suggestions for the social goal. The ultimate goal should be made by the full council at its goals session. S. Goals Session Mayor Miller suggested that the council consider postponing the goals session until the beginning of next year. He noted that the Eugene Decisions pro- cess, which will not be completed until October at the very earliest, will heavily influence the council's goal-setting process. If the council chooses to hold the goals session in October, it should be aware that it might have to modify the goals based on the decisions that come out of the Eugene Deci- sions process. Mr. Robinette noted that he was offended by the council's decision last year not to involve recently elected councilors in the goal-setting process. He said that it was difficult for him to support goals that he did not partici- pate in setting. Mr. MacDonald agreed. e After discussion, the council agreed to give Mayor Miller and staff the lati- tude to schedule the goals session when it would do the most good. It also agreed to tentatively reserve the October meeting for discussion of Eugene Decisions issues, if needed. The meeting adjourned at 1 p.m. (Recorded by Traci Northman) mncc 062691-1130 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 26, 1991 Page 9 ~ --. --.