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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/13/1977 Meeting MINUTES EUGENE CITY COUNCIL July 13, 1977 - Adjourned meeting from July 11, 1977 , of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller at 12 p.m. on July 13, 1977 , at the King's Table, Oakway Mall, with the following Council members present: Eric Haws, D. W. Harne I , Tom Williams, Ray Bradley (arrived late), Jack Delay, Scott Lieuallen, Brian Obie, and Betty Smith. 1. Council Work Program and Goals: Economic Development June 1977, report on Eugene's economy in the commercial sector and July 13, 1977 , report from the Planning Department outlining excerpts from the "Beuter Report" were distributed to Council. Mr. Ed Whitelaw, Economic Consultants, Oregon Ltd., was present to briefly summarize the report on Eugene's economy. He said that the purpose was to provide a set of economic planning tools for communities such as Eugene. The report also demonstrates how to use those tools. He noted Council had asked that the report isolate and identify those indicators on which Eugene could rely for its economic planning and also for its forecasts for land use planning, etc. Among things mentioned then were indicators such as prime interest rate, etc. He said those indicators will impact on Eugene, but it is costly for planners to read those indicators and try to trace out the implications of changes for Eugene. Rather, he said they have several e agencies reporting effects already. They have tried in the report to tie economic planning tools to data that are accurate and timely. Mr. Whitelaw said another thrust of the report was to provide a descrip- tive context in which to evaluate Eugene's economy. He said they cleaned up data from the State Employment Division which resulted in as accurate a description of the number of employees in Eugene as there exists. He mentioned that those figures are contained in Table 6 on page 14 of the report and that, from those figures, they constructed forecasts of employ- ment for Eugene and Springfield and the subsequent demand for industrial and commercial land. That forecast was compared with likely supplies of land available in commercial and industrial sectors. The key point, said Mr. Whitelaw, is that the acres zoned may not satisfy the demand. Current growth management and economic development studies are both addressing that issue. Mr. Whitelaw referred to Table 5 on page 10 of the Economic Report. The table gives forecasts of employment for Lane County, by employ- ment sector, in 1980, 1985, 1990, and 1995. He said both high and low forecasts are given, with the high forecasts being updated frequently by Bonneville Power Administration. The BPA forecasts are a little high, he said. They appear to embody too low an employment rate for Lane County. They also appear to ignore the implications of "Beuter Report". Mr. Whitelaw referred to Table 6 on page 14 of the report, which gives the emplo~ent figures by employment sector for Eugene and Springfield. e 7/13/77--1 5b2. Mike Beyerle of the Oregon Forestry Department was present to discuss the effects of the "Beuter Report". He said that work on the report began in 1969 when national declines were predicted in timber supplies. e The Forestry Board had begun to recognize the ground swell of local concerns and public meetings were subsequently held around the state to have concerns expressed. The consensus of those meetings was that there was a national concern about timber supplies and about danger to the environment. In order to get a firm handle on the matter, the Board asked Oregon State University to prepare an assessment, which resulted in the "Beuter Report". The report describes what will happen if present trends continue. It shows alternatives to present practices including two different harvesting techniques and different management strategies. Mr. Beyerly said the report confirms that a timber supply shortage could exist before the year 2,000. He added that most of the fall-off is the result of the fact that the forest industry has been harvesting timber at a faster rate than the inventory will support in the long run. The industry has been responding to demand. Mr. Bradley arrived. Mr. Beyerly continued that a 22 percent decline could be expected by 1985. That decline could have serious consequences, he said. He did note that a bright spot not contained in the "Beuter Report" is that, as those lands being harvested now are available for reforestration and that the industry recognizes high levels of intensive forest manage- ment are in its best interest. Many dollars can be put into, stocking, thinning, etc. - In answer to a question from Mr. Delay on the long-run sustained yield level for federal lands, Mr. Beyerly said there is an obliga- tion under the National Forest Act to harvest on an even-flow basis, meaning that, in future decades, they can harvest no less than what is currently being harvested. Because old growth remains and takes a long time to convert to more productive stands, they lock that up, preventing a productive capacity from attaining an early high level. Mr. Delay noted some talk about hardwoods being trashed and wondered if there could be more efficient utilization. Mr. Beyerly said they have found that a high utilization factor has been programmed relative to all species. Mr. Keller wondered if there was a forecast on non- productive lands. Mr. Beyerly said that they do use a value for that. He said that state-wide approximately seven percent of forest ownership is underproductive because of brush or non-stocked backlog. Mr. Ke 11 e r asked for a comparison to the private sector. Mr. Beyerly said that non-industrial private ownership shows about 25 to 28 percent in an underproductive state. On industrial, they show 20 percent of their lands in the non-stocked or underproductive state. Mr. Hamel wondered if the non-industrial areas were farm lands, to which Mr. Beyerly responded that that was partially true. He said that for the most part it is land that has been harvested gradually over a period of time when there were few laws that would facilitate restocking. He added that it is important to watch as shifts are made, how the entire economy adjusts to the timber decline. . 7/13/77--2 / 5b3 / Julia Friedman, economic consultant, added that in doing the report they tried to incorporate the worst of all possible effects. She said the good news is that there is a very robust economy at present so that a tit decline in the timber products industry will not turn the Eugene-Spring- field area into an "Appalachia". Bob Campbell, chairman of the U of 0 Economics Department, added that, when talking about how to adjust, it is important to remember that "we have been doing that since 1951". The growth in the economy has not come from the lumber and wood products industry, he said. Mr. Whitelaw added that the Eugene-Springfield area has grown more rapidly in both the 1950's and the 1960's than either of the other two major areas of the state. He said the area is recovering more rapidly from the recession than anyone had anticipated and that it appears to be acquiring some classics of a major regional center. He said it means that the policy structure should not concentrate on one sector, but should look broadly and accommodate what appears to be a robust growth. As to why the unemployment rate is so high, Mr. Campbell noted that one reason may be because of the lumber and wood products industry decline plus many tourist-related activities that cause people to change jobs seasonally. II. Council Appointments--ERA and MAPAC Council members' votes on who they wish to interview were tallied. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, that the Council interview the top five candidates for the Eugene Renewal Agency and the top four candidates for MAPAC. Motion carried unanimously. ~ Those to be interviewed for the Eugene Renewal Agency are: Sandra .., Bishop, 592 West 10th; Oscar Michael, 408 Stonewood Drive; Samuel T. Frear, 4734 Brookwood Street; Eleanor Mulder, 2775 Emerald; and Stephen Shepard, 1941 "B" West 17th. MAPAC candidates to be interviewed are: Sandra Bishop, 592 West 10th; Constance Holvey, 1213 West 15th Street; Douglas DuPriest, 968 Alder, No. 17; and Richard Anderson, 1515 Goodpas- ture Island Road. It was decided that interviews would be held Wednesday, July 20, start- ing at 4 p.m. III. Liquor License--Accurardi's Old Town Pizza Co. of Eugene, 160 E. Broadway, Eugene--(R)--Restaurant, Fred A. Accurardi, President. Assistant City Manager noted that an "R" license is for beer and wine only. It is the same as an RMB license, which is retail malt beverage for taverns; the only difference is that an "R" license does not carry any package privileges with it. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to recommend approval of the liquor license. Motion carried unanimously. ~ 7/13/77--3 Sblf IV. Overview of 1977 Legislative Action Paget Engen, Legislative Liaison, noted there would be a detailed report e out in about a month on action taken at the Legislature. She said said the most important thing was that the Legislature did not mandate any new major expense functions for city governments. She mentioned State Revenue Sharing, explaining that cities will get 14 percent of liquor revenues over the 20 percent they are now getting. On field burning, Ms. Engen noted that acreage burning limitations were raised from 95,000 to 195,000 acres this year and from 50,000 to 180,000 acres in 1978. She also said the responsibility for administra- tion has moved to the Environmental Quality Commission for policy and the Department of Environmental Quality for administration. In regard to Eugene's position on field burning, Assistant City Manager noted that staff has been looking at the City's options. The City Attorney's Office has advised that there may be legal options available. Staff is currently operating under policy set by Council which mandates that all efforts are made to reduce the effect of field burning upon the Eugene- Springfield area. Mr. Keller felt that staff should pursue, according to City policy, and keep Council updated. City Attorney Stan Long noted that much work needs to be done to determine if a legal course can be followed. At this point, he said, it looks as though the matter should be investigated. Mr. Delay felt the City must continue according to present policy. Mr. Long noted there is enough involved to do at least another month's work and come back to Council with a report on the legality of the field e burning legislation and what the City's options are in that regard. Ms. Smith thought it wise that the City Attorney's Office pursue those options and, after the report comes back, Council can then make a decision on whether to "go" or "no go". Mr. Obie was concerned about costs involved, feeling any decision to proceed should await more details on cost. Ms. Engen mentioned changes to LCDC, noting that local representation has been added to the LCDC Board. Goals and guidelines were redefined, a two-year moratorium on setting up new goals was set, and power was removed from LCDC to take over local planning. Boundary commissions were funded for another year, but Ms. Engen felt that the death knell was sounded for boundary commissions in the future. On tort liability, Ms. Engen noted that legislation was passed which should ease problems of local governments. Regarding personnel changes, Ms. Engen noted that a Department of Workers Compensation was created and the makeup of the Board was changed to include an administrator appointed by the Governor. She said the Circuit Court was removed as a step in the appeals process. Legislation passed in the area of unemployment insurance would set a voluntary State trust fund pool. The cost of becoming involved would be based upon actual experience, rather than a percentage of payroll. e 7/13/77--4 5105 Ms. Engen added that there was no legislation on the juvenile code, confidentiality of criminal records, public contracting, public notice . requirements, the open-meeting law, and the relationship between the state law and what local governments can do on labor relations. Mrs. Betty Niven summarized action taken at the Legislature in the area of housing noting that the date for refunds on homeowner and renter property tax was changed to October, this providing a second refund in 1977 . V. Reconsideration of Council Action on Council Appointments Mr. Lieuallen moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to reconsider the action taken earlier on selection of finalists to be interviewed for ERA and MAPAC. Discussion was held and opinions were expressed that Council might be setting a precedent by allowing members to change their minds once votes had been cast. Mr. Lieuallen felt that Council would not be setting a precedent that does not already exist, 1.e., Council is free to move to reconsider. Vote was taken on the motion which failed, Mr. Lieuallen, Mr. Bradley, and Mr. Delay voting aye and Mr. Haws, Mr. Hamel, Mr. Williams, Mr. Obie, and Ms. Smith voting no. VI. Items from Mayor and Council ~ A. National Conference on Alternative State and Local Policy ... Mr. Delay noted that his attendance at that conference was fruitful and productive. He intends to put information he gained from that conference in report form for distribution to Council. VII. Womenspace: Status Report Materials have been distributed to Council members. Julie Lamberts, Women's Commission member and spokesperson for Womenspace, noted that there are three facilities of this type (shelter for battered women) around the state; they are located at Lincoln City, Portland, and Salem. In addition, there are other temporary facilities in Ashland, Grants Pass, Hillsboro, and one in eastern Oregon. She said that in Eugene there is a core group of eight working on the proposal as well as a nine-member board and various taskforces who are working on grant writing, fund raising, statistics, and emergency housing. She said the group has received notification of non-profit incorporation and that their official name will be Women's Resource and Shelter Space. She noted they also have been collecting pledges on a monthly basis to provide for an office with a 24-hour hotline service. She said that since January they have served 71 individuals. Of those, 89 percent have been abused by a spouse or male person with whom they were living. The remainder have been psychologically abused to the point of fearing for their lives. Additionally, people have learned of Women- space primarily through word of mouth, although they are receiving referrals from CARES, the Crisis Center, and Lookinglass. e 7/13/77--5 Slob Ms. Lamberts said that at this point Womenspace desperately needs a housing facility for battered Women. Mr. Keller noted that Womenspace e is on a future County Commissioners' agenda. Mary Milhaupt, Women's Commission member, said it is hoped that the County and City will jointly support providing a shelter home. Assistant City Manager noted that there is already a County-City program to deal with these kinds of concerns, i.e. , the Joint Social Services Revenue Sharing Committee. Ms. Smith said that she is opposed to going outside the existing structure to fund despite the critical need. She believes that any decisions should be made through the Joint Revenue Sharing Committee. Mr. Delay believes this request is outside the normal framework. There is a clear, immediate danger to people in the community that has not been addressed before, he said. He noted that no way can the Joint Revenue Sharing Committee fund this project now since money has already been allocated for the 1977-78 fiscal year. Mr. Williams agreed with Ms. Smith that the Joint Social Services Committee should be the tool used in this regard. Mr. Lieuallen felt that there are many times where a need gets to the point that justifies violating a fixed process. Anita Larson, Lane County staff member to the Joint Social Services Committee, noted that, if the City and County were to put additional money into the fund, it could be possible to fund Womenspace. She did note, however, that other non-profit agencies are watching very closely. They are very supportive of the concept, yet each one is feeling as though their financial lives are at stake as well. e Bill Wilhorn, director of Family Shelter House, noted that they are presently providing emergency housing to families including abused women. He said he wanted it to be very clear that there is a facility in town, partly funded through Social Services, that is providing this kind of a service. He noted there has been Some cooperation between them and Womenspace but that, if Womenspace had been more cooperative, such a facility as has been mentioned would be a reality today. Mr. Delay and Mr. Bradley both felt that an ad hoc committee should be formed to work in cooperation with the Joint Social Services Committee. Assistant City Manager felt it would be appropriate to ask the Committee to look at the need and report back by the middle of September. Addi- tionally, he felt it would be wise to let Council members know when any meetings take place, so that individual Council members can attend. Mr. Williams pointed out that the Social Services Committee received many requests that were not able to be funded. He is certain that, had this request come before it, it would clearly have been funded. Ms. Smith added that the policy of the Social Services Committee was not to fund any agencies that were not formally in existence at the time of consideration. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, to hold further discussion of the matter over to the July 20 Council meeting in order to allow Council members time to reflect on it. Motion carried unanimously. e 7/13/77--6 5b7 VIII. Public Hearing: Street name change located south of Barger Avenue, west of Be1t1ine Road, from Hancock Street to Haven Street (SC 77-5) Map has been distributed to Council members. . Public hearing was held with no testimony presented. C.B. 1514--Concerning the change of name of Hancock Street located south of Barger Avenue and west of Belt1ine Road to Haven Street, and declaring an emergency was read by number and title only, there being no Council member present requesting that it be read in full. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hame 1 , that C.B. 1514 be read the second time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the Council, and that enactment be considered at this time. Motion carried unanimously and the bill was read the second time by council bill number only. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Harne 1 , that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Council members present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18028. IX. Relocation of Data Processing Department: Lease of Office Space Report was distributed to Council members. Assistant City Manager noted that leasing of office space for Data Processing in the Parcade appears the most economical option at this point. Part of the space can be used for meeting rooms or leased to other possible tenants. The Counc il can consider that matter later. e Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Harne 1 , to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract for lease of the space. Motion carried, all CQun~11 m~m~ers present vot~nB aye excep~ Mr. Ramel vo~~n6 no. X. Further Consideration of Previous Council Action on Council Appointments Mr. Bradley noted that any Council member can, with the concurrence of another, set an issue over to another meeting. He suggested setting over selection of finalists to be interviewed for MAPAC to the July 25 meeting at which time Council can decide whether to interview more than four. City Attorney Stan Long said he recalled that there are two mechanisms to deal with the process. With respect to matters on which no decision is made, two Council members can set the matter over. On matters having been decided, Council can reconsider at a Monday night meeting. His judgment was that this matter had been decided and that the Council could reconsider it on a Monday night, except that Council cannot reconsider twice and it has failed in its motion to reconsider once already. If a member of the Council disagrees with a ruling of the Mayor the procedure would be to put it to a vote of the full Council, the question being shall the chair be sustained. ~~ncondnd and passnd, the meeting was adjourned. A. K. Martin e Assistant City Manager 7/13/7 7 -- 7 DP:AKM:jm/CM23al 5b8