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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/14/1977 Meeting . M I NUT E S EUGENE CITY COUNCIL September 14, 1977 e Adjourned meeting from September 12, 1977 of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller at 11:30 a.m. on September 14, 1977 at King's Table, Oakway Mall with the following Council members present: Eric Haws, D. W. Hamel, Jack Delay, Scott Lieuallen, Brian Obie, and Betty Smith. Tom Wiliams and Ray Bradley were absent. I. Items from Mayor and Council A. City of Hartford Memorandum--Mr. Delay called Council's attention to a memorandum, a copy of which was on file in City Manager's office. If related to their Community Development Block Grant Program, a comprehensive economic development strategy, and a description of the Energy Conservation Corporation. B. Northwest Energy Policy Project--Mr. Delay informed Council of an informal roundtable discussion on same that would be held September 20, 7 p.m., Eugene Hotel. C. Prostitution Problem--Mr. Delay was disturbed at the recent news accounts of the Police Department's activities against prostitutes e in Eugene. He said it appeared the emphasis was being placed on the prostitutes themselves, and under the Eugene City Code both parties are violators. He was not comfortable with the process where one class and not the other was being prosecuted. Assistant Manager responded the cases have been presented to the District Attorney's office for all persons involved in violation of the law. It has been very explicit that both parties be dealt with and that has been the basis of the Police Department's actions. Stan Long, City Attorney's office, said that prior to this most recent episode, the City had in an earlier effort brought cases against all parties. , There was a court ruling that made some of those cases difficult to successfully prosecute. He said Council would be receiving an amendment addressing that problem in the near future. Mr. Haws said he would like more information regarding what is gOing on, noting that history might show that the City is wasting its time and money. He requested information as to: (1) what it is the City's doing; (2) why it is happening; (3) who decided to do it, and (4) how much it is costing. Assistant Manager replied he had 40 pages of reading material he was attempting to condense for Council. It appeared that unless this sort of street'problem was dealt with, there could be a major deterioration, i.e., other serious crimes. He said the Police Department is enforcing laws which had been passed by Ci ty Council. e 9/14/77 --1 703 IilIl.. . .. Mr. Obie said he hoped these questions and comments would not lessen any enforcement of the present law on the books, as he felt those laws have to be enforced. _. D. Park Serial Levy Funds--Mr. Obie had been asked by two citizens regarding the funds for the park serial levy, a request for breakdown of spending on acquisitions versus administrative costs; amount spent to date and projected costs. There was concern that administrative costs may be sizeable in relation to the entire amount. Ed Sniith, Parks Department, will respond t~ Mr. Obie's concern. E. Length of Meetings--Mr. Haws hoped the meeting today would end at 1:30, noting the Wednesday meetings were longer and Monday night meetings shorter. He did not object to the longer Wednesday noon meetings as long as he was forewarned. F. Vacancies on Bicycle Committee and Airport Commission--Mayor requested City Councilors to submit to him any suggestions for the vacancies. G. Mayor's Absence--Mayor Keller will be out of town Wednesday, September 21. 1. Introductions--Manager introduced Mr. Steve Burkett of the Corvallis City Manager's staff who was present to observe the processes of the Eugene City Council. He also introduced Mr. Jim Hanks, the new Traffic Engineer for the City of Eugene, coming from Riverside, Ca 1 iforni a. II. Supplemental Agenda Manager noted the supplemental agenda contained two resolutions for e authorization of acceptance of two EDA grants and that action had to be taken at this time in order to meet the EDA deadlines. Res. No. 2751--Authorizing approval and acceptance of grant offer for extension of sewer lines at Mahlon Sweet Field was read by number and ti tl e. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously. Res. No. 2756--Authorizing approval and acceptance of grant offer for improvements to Spencer Butte Park was read by number and title. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously. III. Lane County Economic Improvement Commission and Port District--Various materials distributed to Council. - Commissioner Robert Wood presented his information on the Lane County Economic Improvement Commission. He said the proposal had been two years in the making, and there was no doubt about the need of this 9/14/77--2 e lOY ....... . , sort of cooperative vehicle. He cited the continuing unemployment figures in the County, noting that many who trained for various jobs move out of the area, but those who remain are a drain on the economy. He said the e EIC could address the various needs, such as housing, employment, etc., more aggressively: and receive funds for those needs. A list of questions and answers had been distributed to Council, and he noted his staff had been appearing around the :ounty, and had received support from many cities already. I Ms. Smith wonderea how the Commission would be funded. Commissioner Wood replied CETA positions would be used for the staff support, with general fund money for the director and programming. The County would give initial financial support to the Commission, with the hope that by receiving federal~grant monies the Commission would ultimately be self- supporting. No funds would be requested from the City. In response to a question by Mr. Obie, Mr. Wood said the Commission appointments would be made with an initial review of applications by the current Economic Committee of L-COG, and the ultimate consideration made by the Lane County C~mmissioners. However, he said the Commission would ultimately become independent of the Lane County Commissioners to satisfy EDA regulations. . He also noted there were no preconceived thoughts about who should be on the Commission, but it was hoped to comprise a very broad representation from the County. , Mr. Haws wondered'what would happen if Eugene, Springfield, or some other area did not participate. Mr. Wood replied through certain procedures the City could interrupt any proposals the Commission might get involved in. e He said if the City decided not to participate, it would not jeopardize the Commission's func~ions initially; however, later on if the City did oppose some of the functions it might be an interruption. He reiterated this vehicle would be very complementary to the total communities needs and felt it very important. Mr. Hamel agreed with Mr. Wood, noting that he had worked on the proposal the past two years. He also felt it would be a very good thing for the County and for Eugene, citing its use in trying to find ways to cut down seasonable unempldyment and to encourage substitute industries in the event the wood products industry declines. Mr. Wood noted for Council the amount of government funds received by smaller cities and communities in the county are very minimal accord- ing to national averages. He felt this Commission could more aggressi- vely assist the communities to get federal grant funds. Mr. Delay wondered who would be responsible for the major pOlicy de- cisions, i.e., developing industrial parks, attracting other industries, and so forth. Mr. Wood replied the Commission would set up a list of priorities representing the community wishes. He reviewed several areas such as housing and refinement plans to which the Commission could direct its attention. He hoped the Commission would set priorities and then an executive board would direct the daily activities of staff. e 9/14/77--3 105 . John Amundson, Chairman of the Eugene/Springfield Combined Area Chamber of Commerce Port Steering Committee, revieweo for Council the development of this committee. The two Chambers of Commerce had a major concern regard- e ing the economic status and potential in Lane County. Each had been independently exploring this problem. Eugene was exploring the possibi- lity of a economic improvement district or a port district, while Spring- field was exploring other alternatives. The committee was established to fulfill a mission: (1) to improve the economic vitality of the metro area by creating employment opportunities by locating acceptable business and. industries; and (2) to develop an effective program which would offer higher potential to attract and retain these industries. He said the committee was not committed to anyone of the suggested alternatives. He said the committee had been in a research phase for the past two months, noting the preliminary research shown on the graph distributed to Council. Observations made by the committee to date included: (1) a port district and economic development district could co-exist and would be compatible; (2) a port district would have much broader powers and could be provided with loan fund grants for development of programs; (3) a port district would exhibit extremely high returns on a tax dollars levied; (4) the EDD would provide a direct pipeline to federal grants which could in turn provide money for a port district; (5) EIDC was only beginning to be explored. Mr. Amundson continued that at the present time the committee had no recommendation for one vehicle over another. He said it appeared they all could operate together as a package. However, the committee favors direction which would help fulfill the mission, whether it be public or private. He said it was not a growth or no growth issue, but one to create e job opportunities for all the citizens in the community. It was hoped the committee would be out of its research phase in another month or two and would be able to make some recommendation. That decision would be taken back to each chamber of commerce for support and then would be presented to whatever jurisdictions necessary for completion of action and approval. Ms. Smith wondered if the committee had been comparing EDD and port activities, i.e., avoiding duplication of efforts. Mr. Amundson replied that issue had been explored, noting one of the problems was double taxation. However, he said the two could not accomplish the same func- tion, but one in essence could enhance the other. He reviewed for Council the six port districts existing in Oregon. One other comment Mr. Amundson noted was that an EDD is normally a mul ti -county di strict whil e a port district mayor may not cover even one county. He said the committee had not approached any of the surrounding smaller areas outside of Eugene/Springfield regarding port district interest. e 9/14/77--4 lOb Mr. Lieuallen asked for explanation of the administration of a port di strict. Mr. Amundson said it would be formed by election, with the first members of the board appointed by the governor and the subsequent e members elected by the voters in the district. Each port district must establish its own bylaws and procedures, and would exist as an independent governmental unit. It has inherent taxing capacity of 15 cents per $1,000 without voter approval. It operates under state legislation, has broad powers of the law, and does not have to be a seaport. Mayor Keller asked if the main difference between the EDD and port dis- trict was the ability of the port district to tax which gives it some continuity rather than relying on grants. Mr. Amundson said the port district has the ability to tax, and the ability to deal in both pUblic and private arenas. Mayor Keller then questioned if there were obvious reasons why dry ports had not been pursued more actively. Mr. Amundson said most economic activity in Oregon is related by chance to seaports. Evidently the barrier has not been broken for dry ports as compared to seaports. Assistant Manager noted, in his experience in looking at a dry port, there was some concern by the general-purpose governments that a port district was creation of another independent service district that was apart from the general purpose government. Mayor Keller wondered if any discussion with the Port of Siuslaw had been covered regarding establishment of a port district in Eugene. Mr. Amundson said yes. It had been discussed at length and the Siuslaw group would welcome very much another such district in this area. He said a e port district must serve a definite geographical and economic area. Mr. Wood said he felt an EOD group could address the issue of a port district and give initial effort to assist in its development. He asked the following from Council: (1) endorsement of the County's Economic Commission plan, assuring Council they would have a voice in future deliberations; (2) select a member for the Commission; (3) contact his staff at 687-4422 or 4423 with any questions; (4) give direction to Council's LCOG representative to vote for establishment of the commission. He said the group would never have a tax base; that, it would be initially supported by the county, and would become financially independent through grants from the government. Bob Wynia, Lane County staff, said the most imminent thing was timing, noting government grants are available now. He said if an EOD had been in existence, emergency assistance could have been given to the Westfir and Oakridge communities when the mill closed down. Also, in the housing area, EDD would have been available to assist in getting emergency housing funds for the Palace Hotel. He said in discussions with EDA, they would very much like to have a group dealing with them on economic activities as they come up, and would support the establishment of a group as quickly as possible. He also noted this would not be mutually exclusive of creation of a port district, but simply a first step toward economic improvement in the area. - e 9/14/77--5 101 , Mr. Lieuallen wondered if Commissioner Wood was saying there would be three groups in existence, the commission, a port district, and EOO. Mr. Wood replied the commission would become the EDO and could be initiated e immediately. The port district would take considerable time, community support and debate, with EDO helping in establishing such a district by gathering facts of need and how it should be implemented. Ed Whitelaw, Economic Consultants of Oregon, said his remarks would proceed from the logical policy implications of the research he had done. for Eugene and Lane County, and from his familiarity with operations of and attempts at creating port and EDD districts elsewhere in Oregon. He said these groups are typically responsive to severe economic prob- ~ lems in areas that lack aggregate demand for labor. He cited the Coos/ Curry/Douglas Counties who suffered from a lack of jObs and rapid growth. Their response was to create entities to help attract more jobs. He said Lane County hardly suffers from a lack of demand. If the problems which exist in Lane County do not come from a lack of aggregate demand, then that has different policy implications. He said Lane County should not be seeking these kinds of entities out of desperation, but rather should deal with them on the supply side that exists from present economic growth. He felt institutional arrangements such as creation of a port district should be the last step. First it should be determined in some detail what problems exist, what the goals of the community are, and isolate the target variables. He cited target variables as being perhaps per capita income or lack of industry. The City should then work with policy instruments that would have the greatest impact on these target variables, then arrange organizations to e facilitate the implementation of those policies. He continued the unemployment in this area derives from different causes (not lack of demand) as compared to other areas in the state, saying Lane County has a net in-migration made up of two distinct groups: those changing jobs or moving into the area and seeking jobs who would not be the same unemployed group next year; and those who are in the unemployment categories year in and year out. He said attracting new industry will not solve the problem for this latter category. He cited this as being the supply side of the labor market. Thus the City needs to have pOlicy in- struments to deal with this supply side of the labor market. He suggested the kind of economic planning the city should undertake should not be out of desperation for lack of aggregate demand, but as a result of looking at the robust growth and demand likely in the area. The City should try to take a more integrated community-wide perspective, including private and public employers, employment and training programs, and land use planning. He referred Council to his memo dated September 7 directed to the Planning Department, giving emphasis to the material under item 4, institutional arrangements. He reiterated the City is currently coping with growth, and it should maintain the major determining role in whatever institutional arrangements are established because the City is the only single institution capable of maintaining this integrated, community-wide perspective for economic development in Eugene. e ~ 9/14/77--6 108 John Porter, Planning Director, said the City Council had economic develop- ment agencies such as the Eugene Renewal Agency to meet the goals the Council has set forth. He said this would not be a new process and e Council had previously adjusted its procedures as it saw needs that should be addressed. Mr. Delay expressed appreciation for Mr. Whitelaw's comments and concurred there were many tools available. He wondered if the staff should respond with an integration of the comments that had been made by the three presen- tors before Council making a decision. He noted one of the Hartford documents addresses this economic issue. Mr. Hamel thought the three presentations could be worked together with Mr. Whitelaw setting forth problems and solutions, and Mr. Wood and Mr. Amundson furnishing the wherewithal to solve those problems. Mr. Lieuallen and Ms. Smith expressed concern about needing more time to study the issue before making a decision. Mr. Obie noted a deadline of September 22 for the LCOG meeting, at which time Mr. Haws would have to vote for or against the Lane County Economic Improvement Commission. Mr. Wood said he would be available to meet with Councilor staff to , supply more infonnation. As an individual he told Council it was an extremely important concern to him and felt the creation of this Commis- sion could address many economic problems in the area. Mayor Keller expressed appreciation for the presentations by all three persons. Mr. Obie cautioned Council not to let individual concerns override the . County's responsibility, saying he felt Council should not be a road- block to the County's needs. In pursuant discussion, it was detennined that Council would continue its discussion regarding the request by Lane County at September 21, Wednesday meeting, with the discussion confined to that one point, so Mr. Haws would have some direction by Council as to how to vote at the LCOG meeting on S~ptember 22. Mr. Wynia told Council the timing was critical, as well as City endorsement being critical. He sai d if the City did not endor,se the action, it would be difficult to get designations and receive endorsements from a number of other areas. The issue has to pass LCOG before the group may go to Seattle to negotiate, and nego- tiations would be more difficult if the City were not in agreement. I I V. Airport Bond Issue Election and Improvement Program Discussion-- Memo Distributed to Council. Manager referred to memo from Airport Commission, saying it outlined the need for funds and conditions regarding use of government funds for development of the airport to meet future needs. The conclusion was that the Commission would like to place on the November 1977 ballot a $900,000 bond issue which would be a general obligation bond issue to be repaid by airline charges, enabling the use low-interest rates on the bonds. He noted one possible complication was the stated intention by the County to place a bond issue for development and rehabilitation of the Fairgounds on the same ballot. . 9/14177--7 109 ~ I I Bob Shelby, Airport Manager, said he felt the issue'had been discussed at last week's meeting and was available to answer any further questions from the Council. Dr. Glenn Gordon, Airport Commission, said the Commis- . sion felt this to be very timely and necessary. He recommended Council place the issue on the November ballot. It would allow for construction during the full season next year. The Commission intends to establish a committee to explain to the community the bond issue would be repaid by airline leases. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to place the $900,000 bond issue for Airport improvements on the November 1977 ballot. Motion carried unanimously. V. Calling Public Hearings October 26, 1977 C.B. 1540--Calling public hearing October 26, 1977 re: easement vacation, located south of Vine Maple Street, east of north Shasta Loop (Francis/Rusk)(EV 77-5) was read by council bill number and title only, there being no Council member present requesting it be read in full. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, that the bill 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. Hamel, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Council members voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered ~. . C.B. 1541--Calling public hearing October 26, 1977 re: street vacation, located between Wisconsin and Dakota Streets, north of Barger Avenue (Jesssen Street)(SV 76-6) was read by council bill number and title only, there being no Council member present requesting it be read in full. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, that the bill 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. Hamel, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Council members voting aye; the bill was declared passed and numbered 18051. VI. Discussion of Proposed County Commission and City Councils' Joint , Meeting Agenda Manager said discussion had been held with City Manager of Springfield with their number-one topic for discussion to be double taxation. Spring- field Council felt there was not much to be accomplished by discussing the sewer and 1990 Plan as there were mechanisms in existence to work out problems and those should continue to be supported. 9/14/77--8 , v '110 " Mr. Delay requested a general discussion item for metro-area services, potential services that could be delivered on a metro basis that are . not now so delivered; and a general discussion on economic development. Mayor Keller said it might be necessary to review those services being supplied by County vs. the City, i.e., water service and ambulance service. He said it was necessary to know where peopl e are regarding whose responsibility it is to do these things. Mr. Hamel requested a discussion regarding a 36-hole public golf course for the metropolitan area. Ms. Smith wondered if an annexation policy of the City in terms of who is providing services might be an agenda item. Assistant Manager said there might be some restraints regarding discussion of annexation policies because of current litigation. Mr. Long reported to Council new guide- lines have been set forth by the Supreme Court in that annexations are now partially quasi-judicial, noting the implications from that decision are not clear. However, future annexations will be subject to statewide goals and guidelines. He noted staff will be working very hard in the next few weeks to see what the implications of this decision are and will bring a report back to Council. VI I. Authorization to exercise option for property for Park purposes in Hawkins Heights and Highland Oaks Vicinity (memo and map distributed) Manager noted the funding would be from the serial levy. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to authorize the e Manager to exercise option for purchase of Tax Lot 5600 located in Hawkins Heights and Highland Oaks vicinity for park purposes. Mr. Delay wondered about Tax Lot 5500, and Manager noted that would be discussed in executive session. Walt Haniuk, Parks Acquisition Specialist, said the two parcels on the agenda were both vacant and these were priority purchases. The other property has residences and will be scheduled for discussion at some future date. Vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. VIII. Authorizing exercising power of eminent domain to acquire property for park purposes, located in Hawkins Heights and Highland Oaks vicinity (map and memorandum distributed) Walk Haniuk said the request was made by the Parks and Recreation Department, and somewhat at the desire of the owner, who is not a willing seller. Res. No. 2752--Authorizing institution of proceedings of eminent domain for acquisition by condemnation of property in vicinity of Highland Oaks Drive and Hawkins Heights for park purposes was read by number and title. . 9/14/77--9 "111 c ';' i Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Haws 1, eft the meeti ng. . IX. Request authorizing construction of sidewalks on Lindley Lane (memorandum and map distributed) Manager noted four properties on Lindley Lane were issued building permits for sidewalk noncompliance in December 1973 and January 1974. L i ndl ey Lane was paved in 1975. Three of" the four properti es have made arrangements to complete paving, with'the City needing authoriza- tion to install the fourth sidewalk. The owner may still install the sidewalk up to the time the contract is authorized. Res. No. 2753--Authorizing initiating construction of sidewalks on Lindley Lane was read by number and title. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to adopt the resolution. Motion carried unanimously. X. Improvement Petition Res. No. 2754--Authorizing initiating process for sanitary sewer on South Shasta Loop from the east boundary of Deer Park Subdivision to 700 feet west (1476) was read by number and title. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to adopt the resolution. Motion carried unanimously. XI. Authorization to execute Agreement No. 6221 re: traffic signal - installation on Pacific Highway West (ORE 99)(7th Street) at Monroe Street Don Allen, Director of Public Works, recommended approval by Council. Mayor Keller and Mr. Lieuallen questioned the need for so many stop lights in the area. Mr. Allen replied the major problem was the safety of cross traffic, noting there may be signals at every intersection on 6th and 7th in the future. Res. No. 2755--Authorizing execution of Agreement No. 6621 with State Highway Division re: traffic signal installation on Pacific Highway West (ORE 99)(7th Street) at Monroe Street was read by number and title. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to adopt the resolution. Motion carried unanimously. XI I. Approval of Minutes Mr. Delay requested amendment on page 12, second paragraph, to read from "rarely put off maki ng deci si ons" to read "really di d put off maki ng decisions". .. . 9/14/77--10 -- ll~ ,. . Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to approve Council minutes of September 7, 1977, as amended. Mati on carri ed unanimously. e XIII. Council Assistance Manager noted Ms. Smith had requested Council try to arrange special meeting to discuss this issue. It was the consensus that Council might meet September 26, for a supper meeting prior to the Monday night meeting. Mr. Delay wondered if staff would have sufficient time to prepare a charter amendment for the November election. Mr. Long replied if staff had all the options worked out, the necessary papers could be ready. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, meeting was adjourned to September 21, 1977. ~2~ Ci ty Manager cTH:DT:ml:jm/CM25a1 e e- 9/14/77 --11 113