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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/27/1992 Meeting e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall May 27, 1992 11 :30 a.m. PRESENT: Shawn Boles, Bobby Green, Ruth Bascom, Randy MacDonald, Roger Rutan, Kay Robinette, Paul Nicholson ABSENT: Mayor Miller, Debra Ehrman I. ITEMS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND CITY MANAGER Mr. Boles noted that today's meeting will follow the amended agenda that was distributed prior to the meeting. He welcomed those in the audience visiting from Poland. In reference to a recent column in The Register Guard written by Don Bischoff, Mr. Robinette said that the council should decide on whether the Eugene Cele- bration will occur this year. He thought that this would avoid confusion this fall. Mr. Robinette moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, that the Eugene Celebration will proceed this fall according to its original plans. The motion passed unanimously, 7:0. Mr. MacDonald distributed an article that highlighted comments by Governor Roberts regarding the efficiency of local government. He said that her com- ments focused on Multnomah County local governments, but are worded in such a way that they could be attributed to all local governments in Oregon. The Governor expressed concern about the "business as usual" atmosphere and "lack of efficiency." He suggested that the City of Eugene respond to the Gover- nor's comments, describing the City's internal efforts to increase efficiency, including its consolidation and coordination efforts. He said that the League of Oregon Cities is compiling information about the efficiency of local gov- ernment. Mr. Boles suggested that Intergovernmental Relations Division devel- op the response. Mr. Rutan agreed with the suggestion, and added that the response should be informational, not argumentative. Mr. MacDonald said that the League of Oregon Cities is compiling information on the impact of State budget reductions and reorganization on local govern- ment. He requested more information from the City Manager regarding State programs that have a significant impact on Eugene's government. He emphasized that a brief listing of programs would be sufficient. Mike Gleason, City Manager, agreed that this listing might be useful, but stated that it might be a hefty endeavor. Mr. MacDonald stated that he is not requesting any qual ita- MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11 :30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 1 e tive or quantitative information, but rather a listing of the City's liabili- ties. Ms. Bascom reported on the last Metropolitan Policy Committee meeting. She said that on June 16 she will be speaking before the State Transportation Commission concerning the first round of Federal transportation funding. II. WORK SESSION: LANE TRANSIT DISTRICT SITE SELECTION e Mr. Boles clarified that this is one of several meetings concerning the Lane Transit District (LTD) transit station site selection. Phyllis Loobey, LTD, said that LTD is considering the McDonald Theatre site for a transit station. She said that the two opposite corners of the property are owned by the City. She explained that LTD would like to conduct more analyses on the site, but needed clarification on whether the City would be amenable to negotiate selling the property before beginning that analysis. Mr. Boles said that the City Council would need more staff analysis before it would be prepared to discuss that topic. The council expressed unanimous support for further consideration of the site. Mr. Nicholson however main- tained that inadequate consideration has been given to a loop versus a radius system. Mr. Rutan added that the LTD Board should not limit its analysis to maintain current street configurations. Mr. Green requested more information about what site the LTD Board preferred and its criteria for choosing a site. Mr. MacDonald expressed a concern regarding the loss of parking in the core downtown area, especially those commuting to Lane Community College (LCC). He emphasized that utilizing this site would have significant impacts on downtown merchants, especially the McDonald Theatre. Mr. Nicholson agreed that park- ing is a concern and said that providing structured parking will not complete- ly address the demands of LCC or the theatre. He reiterated that a loop system would address those concerns and would not require an expansion of the downtown station. Based on the discussion, Mr. Boles listed the following issues requiring further attention: a comparison of a loop versus radius bus system; parking impacts; inner-city shuttle system with a linkage to the fairgrounds; changes in parking policies; street design and patterns; leveraging; short- and long- term parking policies of major institutions; site selection criteria of the LTD Board; and effects of policies and actions included in the Central Area Transportation Study (CATS). Ms. Loobey said that the LTD Advisory Committee is meeting on June 10, with a work session to be scheduled at a later time. Mr. Rutan requested that the council and the LTD Board meet jointly before the council's July recess. Mr. Boles pointed out that a council work session would be helpful before a joint meeting. It was agreed that a council work session would be held on June 24. Staff agreed to coordinate a joint LTD/City Council meeting time. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11:30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 2 e e e III. WORK SESSION: URBAN AREA BOUNDARIES Mr. Boles explained that the urban area boundary is the boundary within which transportation projects can be Federally funded. He expressed opposition to the boundary expansion, as proposed by staff. Jim Carlson, Lane Council of Governments, referred to the memorandum included in the agenda packet. He said that the urban area boundary is solely for the determination of Federal capital funding eligibility and for the functional classification of streets within the urban area. He said that it does not determine land use or transportation planning area boundaries. Any project that would be funded within the urban area boundary would be required to proceed through usual transportation planning processes. Mr. Carlson said that staff proposes to extend the boundary to include the airport in case Federal funds are needed to improve the transportation in that area. Staff also considered transit service areas, which was a primary reason to include the LCC basin. TransPlan contains plans for a transit station located near LCC but outside the urban growth boundary (UGB). He said that Federal authorities stated that any area that may be urbanizable in the next 20 years should be included in the urban area. In this case, those areas comprise the urban reserve areas. Consequently, staff concluded that the most appropriate urban area boundary should be the Metro Plan boundary. Mr. Robinette wondered whether the boundary could be adjusted in the future. Mr. Carlson was unsure of the process by which amending the boundary would take place, but stated that the boundary is set in conjunction with State and Federal agencies. Mr. Rutan stated that it is to the City's benefit to be more inclusionary because Federal funds may be needed in the future for cer- tain projects that are currently outside the planning areas. He emphasized that proposals will still be required to proceed through local planning pro- cesses. Ms. Bascom said that the boundary can be utilized wisely if careful transportation planning is practiced. Mr. Boles agreed that it is appropriate to extend the boundary to include the airport and the LCC basin (although he thought that the LCC boundary seemed too broad). However, he strongly objected to extending the urban area bounda- ry to include all urbanizable land within the Metro Plan boundary. Despite the disclaimer in the memorandum stating that the boundary has "nothing to do with local land development policy or road standards," he stressed that trans- portation projects drive land use, often without intention. He argued that if the urban area boundary is extended, pressure will develop to extend the UGB with all the intent of delivering the full range of urban services. He said that the City already cannot afford to provide those services to areas within the current UGB. He also cited the City's goal to encourage and promote compact urban growth, and pointed out that this extension contradicts that goal. He added that Commissioner Cornacchia stated that the Lane County Board of Commissioners intends to support the opinion of the Eugene City Council. MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11:30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 3 e e e In response to a question from Mr. Robinette concerning staff's rationale for expanding the boundary, Mr. Carlson said that the boundaries should include any areas that might be urbanizable within the next 20 years. He said that expanding the boundary offers an opportunity to be inclusive but does not prescribe specific transportation facilities. Ms. Bascom said that she needed assurance that the expansion would not drive local land use decisions. She said that a motion to clarify the boundary's purpose is important and that any transportation project should be included in TransPlan or in the annual Transportation Improvement Program. Mr. MacDonald wondered what effect the expansion would have on the Metro Plan update. Mr. Boles commented that this expansion will prompt pressure to expand the UGB. He said that such an expansion would not be consistent with compact urban growth and would be biologically unstable. Mr. Nicholson sug- gested expanding the urban area boundary to include only the LCC basin and the airport, and not the remaining urban reserve areas. Mr. Carlson said that there are enough future transportation projects planned elsewhere and that such an expansion would most likely not greatly affect development projec- tions. Mr. Nicholson agreed with Mr. Boles, and said that the urban area boundary suggests where future urban areas will be located. Mr. Boles moved, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, to expand the urban area boundary to include the airport and the LCC basin, but not the three urban reserve areas indicated in the staff notes. The UGB would form the urban area boundary in these locations. Mr. Rutan opposed the motion, maintaining that the urban area boundary will not drive development because the community has strict land use policies that direct land use decisions. In response, Mr. Robinette pointed out that if that were the case, it would not make any difference whether the urban area boundary was extended, because land use decisions are required to follow those strict procedures. Mr. Carlson said that the reason the urban reserve areas were included in the expansion was because of the possibility that in the Metro Plan or TransPlan updates those areas would be included in the UGB. If that were the case, those areas may require urban services. Mr. Green expressed concern that if the urban area boundary is extended, there are no assurances that the council will not be pressured to expand the UGB. The motion failed, 3:4 (Mr. Boles, Mr. Nicholson, and Mr. MacDonald in favor). Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Nicholson, that the approval of the modifications to the urban area boundary to the Eugene Metro Plan boundary is meant to define the area for Federal capital transportation funding and that any project to be funded must first be included in TransPlan and the annual Transportation Improvement Program. The motion passed unani- mously, 7:0. MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11:30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 4 e IV. WORK SESSION: EUGENE DECISIONS Tony Mounts, Financial Management Services Director, said that included in the agenda packet is an analysis of Eugene Decisions Strategy C. He offered to answer questions and wondered if further staff analysis would be needed in preparation for work sessions in August. Mr. Boles left the meeting (12:47 p.m.). - Mr. Mounts said that the information includes staff's understanding of "core services," and asked whether staff had reflected the council's intent. Mr. MacDonald brought up the issue of the library. He pointed out that al- though reference services would be eliminated under the strategy, the public will still ask questions. Mr. Gleason said that under this strategy, library staff will not be available to answer those questions. The council expressed general concern about whether this reduction in services could actually be implemented for the library. Mr. Nicholson said that throughout the Eugene Decisions process, police ser- vices have generally not been considered for budget reductions or change in services. He said that the library received a great deal of public support, however, and wondered if the council should examine changing police services to accommodate public support for the library. Mr. Mounts pointed out that all three strategies are the result of public input. Ms. Bascom stated that the tabloid provides an opportunity for the public to write in specific com- ments. Mr. Boles returned (12:51 p.m.) Mr. Green said that closing or selling the swimming pools does not correspond to his definition of "core services." Mr. MacDonald said that that decision was based on council policy for service priorities. Mr. Gleason stated that the City Council will have an opportunity to revisit the issue of priorities and revise the definition of "core services" in August. V. ANNUAL WORK PLAN AND 1992-93 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING ALLOCATION Mr. Boles introduced John VanLandingham, Chair of the Community Development Committee (CDC), and Linda Dawson, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coordinator. Mr. Vanlandingham said that last year, CDC received considerable public input regarding developing a new Three-Year Plan and the plan was adopted last spring. The plan included new initiatives on accessibility for publicly owned facilities, capital improvements program for nonprofit agen- cies, and more funding for housing development. He said that a small amount of the capital is set aside for nonprofit emergency repairs. In addition, the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11:30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 5 e CDC considered a program that would assist low-income individuals in buying and renting homes. That issue will be further examined next year. During the third year, CDC will continue to examine accessibility issues and allocation to human service agencies. Mr. Vanlandingham said that last year Ms. Ehrman replaced Mr. Boles as City Council representative on CDC. Kerin Hoag was appointed to replace Carol Rucker as the low-income representative, and Kevin Hayden was appointed to replace Grisel Maria as the low-income tenant advocate. Mr. Vanlandingham said that the plan requested for adoption is the same as the Three-Year Plan, except for the following changes: $50,000 has been added in administrative funds to run the HOME Program (the new Federal program for affordable housing); $64,000 has been added to the nonprofit capital projects category in response to the council's request to move the Relief Nursery project from year three to year two; and $16,000 was added for overall admin- istrative costs. The added expenses were covered by the plan's reserve and an increase in the annual grant amount. e Mr. MacDonald commended the CDC, especially for the work it has done with the nonprofit capital projects program. He expressed concern about using reserve funding for other projects and the lack of funding flexibility that may re- sult. Mr. Vanlandingham agreed, but added that during the third year, the reserve will be re-established at its planned level. Mr. Boles and Mr. MacDonald expressed a preference for more funding being used for rehabilitation of existing facilities rather than for acquisition of new ones. Ms. Dawson said that during the third year, more money will be allocat- ed to rehabilitation. Mr. Green moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to approve the use of $2,091,000 in CDBG funds in 1992-93. The motion passed unani- mously, 7:0. Mr. Green moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to approve the use of $15,000 in 1990-91 CDBG funds for accessible playground equip- ment to be located at Westmoreland School. The motion passed unanimously, 7:0. Mr. Green moved, seconded by Ms. Bascom, to adopt Resolution No. 4330--a resolution adopting a Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for the City of Eugene. Mr. Boles stated that the replacement housing applies only to low- or moder- ate-income individuals and is limited to a period of three years. He said that this actually does result in displacement, but that it is simply spread out over three years. He wondered whether replacement housing would have to be on the same piece of property. Mr. Vanlandingham said that it did not. The motion passed unanimously, 7:0. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11:30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 6 e VI. WORK SESSION: DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE RESOLUTION (DBE) AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN Glen Potter, Management Analyst for Intergovernmental Relations, said that the City Council established the City's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program in 1980 under Federal regulations. He said that there have been changes in those regulations since that time. The draft administrative order and the resolution included in the agenda packet were previously referred to the Accessibility Committee of the Human Rights Commission. That committee held a public hearing on the issue on April 28. The committee also developed recom- mendations. Some of the recommendations referred to policies regarding gener- al City purchases as opposed to Federally funded projects. Mr. Potter thought it would be appropriate for staff to develop a series of recommendations on those policies. He said that today, the council could discuss the proposed resolution and provide direction concerning any desired amendments. The resolution could then be presented to the council for adoption at a later date. Mr. Potter summarized the resolution, stating that it reaffirms the City's policy that disadvantaged business enterprises have the maximum opportunity to participate in Federally funded City projects. The resolution directs the City Manager to designate a DBE liaison officer, to establish procedures to ensure maximum DBE participation, and to provide for record keeping and appro- priate sanctions for noncompliance. e Mr. Green requested that the resolution include an annual review of the pro- gram. In response to a question from Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Potter said that it would take until December to develop a recommendation for a program for non- Federally funded purchases. The council discussed the responsibilities of the DBE liaison. Mr. Robinette emphasized the importance that the council have a full understanding of the cost impacts of any new program. Mr. Gleason ex- plained that the liaison will provide a centralized focal point for project managers with respect to costs. It was agreed that staff would incorporate the council's concerns into the next recommendation it presents. VII. FIRE HAZARDS Mr. Gleason expressed concern about increased fire hazards in the area because of the unusually dry winter. He said that home owners must take precautions to reduce the threat of fire, such as picking up leaves and yard debris. Mr. Gleason added that the current fire safety system is inadequate for potential hazards. He said that while the firefighters are evacuating people, the fire continues to spread. Mr. MacDonald stressed the need to upgrade Station 5 and establish more stringent development standards in the south hills of Eugene. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11:30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 7 e e e Mr. Rutan left the meeting (1:30 p.m.). Mr. Robinette and Mr. Green agreed that home owners need to be educated on proper fire precautions. Mr. Boles added that this is a health and safety issue and that the City Council has the responsibility to act. He suggested that precautionary measures be strongly enforced before any damage is done. The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. o/~ Micheal Gleason, City Manager (Recorded by Kathy Varner) cclla27.052/mncc 052792 MINUTES--Eugene City Council 11 :30 a.m. May 27, 1992 Page 8