HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/28/1977 Meeting
M I NUT E S
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
e November 28, 1977
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was
called to order November 28, 1977, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber by
His Honor Mayor Gus Keller with the following Council members present:
Eric Haws, D. W. Hamel, Tom Williams, Ray Bradley, Jack Delay, Scott
Lieuallen, Brian Obie, and Betty Smith.
I. ORDINANCES HELD FOR SECOND READING
I-A-l A. Amendment to Human Rights Ordinance: Sexual Orientation
Previously heard by Council October 24, 1977, and lacking unanimous
consent, the council bill was brought back for second reading
at this time. Manager reviewed for Council the amendment defines
sexual orientation; relates term to statutes; prohibits discrimi-
nation in housing, employment, and pUblic accommodations; with
complaints to be filed before the Human Rights Council.
Council Bill 1560--Concerning Human Rights; amending Sections 4.615,
4.620, 4.625, 4.630, 4.635, and 4.645 of Code 1971, was read by council
e 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 approved
and given final passage. Roll call vote. Motion passed with
Haws, Bradley, Delay, Lieuallen, and Smith voting aye; Obie,
Hamel, and Williams voting no. The bill was declared passed -'
and numbered 18080.
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I-A-2 B. Rezoning from C-2 and R-3 to MU Mixed Use Downtown Westside Area
Previously heard by Council October 24, 1977, and lacking unanimous
consent, the council bill was held for second reading at this time.
Manager reviewed the location of the property, noting the matter
had had extensive public hearings and had received approval by the
Planning Commission on two separate occasions.
Council Bill 1543--Rezoning properties located between 7th and 13th
Avenues, extending from Washington Street to lincoln Street, from C-2
and R-3 to MU Mixed Use (Eugene Planning Commission) (Z 76-38) 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 approved
and given final passage.
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Mr. Delay felt Council was setting a precedent on the basis of the
arguments presented so far for taking out two small parcels from the tp
overall zoning.' He hoped all Councilors would consider this in their
voting.
Roll call vote. The motion carried with Obie, Williams, Smith,
Hamel, and Lieuallen voting aye; 'Delay and Haws voting no; and
Bradley abstaining. The bill was declared passed and numbered
1808!.
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS
I-A-3 A. Code Amendment re: Buffering between Parking Areas and Abutting
Streets
Recommended by Planning Commission September 26, 1977, with a 5-2
vote.
Manager said the Code amendment was directed at buffering on street
frontage, not interior lot lines which are already regulated. The
amendment wou1d not be retroactive, but applicable to new or extended
lots. It would provide generally for a 2 1/2-foot high planting.
Jim Saul, Planner, reviewed for Council the process from approxi-
mately 1972 to date regarding the review of the City's existing
parking regulations. He said in August 1975 the Council specifi-
cally had a concern regarding landscaping and parking lots.
In 1975 the Planning Commission had recommended various City parking
regulations to the City Council, with the single exception of e
screening of parking lots. He said the proposed amendment is in
response to statements in both Community Goals and the 1990 Plan
concerning the buffering of vehicles in parking lots from the abutting
streets and properties. Existing regulations speak to landscaping on
interior lot lines but at the present time no regulation speaks to
landscaping on the street side.
Planning Commission had received extensive negative testimony from
citizens and the matter was postponed in 1975. Staff had since
worked with businesses and citizens to develop a better ordinance
which was now being presented to Council. He noted that this parti-
cular ordinance has been reviewed by all businesses that had pre-
viously expressed concern. Also, the Chamber of Commerce and all
neighborhood groups had reviewed it. He said at the Planning Commis-
sion no testimony had been heard in opposition. One concern expressed
was that perhaps it should also cover screening of parking structures.
The amendment specifies that all street frontages will have screening
buffer area which would reach 2 1/2-feet high in a three-year period
of time. Also, the amendment would apply only to new or expanded
parking lots.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
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Council Bill 1571--Concerning parking area buffering; adding a new
e Section 9.593 to Eugene Code 1971; and declaring an emergency 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.
Mr. Obie expressed some concern regarding the amendment in that he
felt Council was moving too quickly. He questioned the timing from
the standpoint of parking spaces available and the reduction that
will occur in the future, and questioned the cost involved based on
the analysis done by the Planning Department staff. He said the
developer would bear the cost which would be passed on to the tenant,
and ultimately would be passed to the consumers. He wondered if it
were really in the best interests of the community right now. He
noted the average of three existing parking spaces lost and expressed
a concern about the unavailability of parking spaces in the Eugene
area at the present time.
Vote was taken on the motion which 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
e present voting aye, except Mr. Obie voting no, the bill was
declared passed and numbered 18082.
B. Rezonings
I-A-4 1. Property located west of the northwest corner of Oak Patch Road
and West 18th Avenue from RA to R-2jPD (Adkins) (Z 77-31)
Unanimously recommended by Planning Commission October 4, 1977.
Jim Saul said the property involved one acre and would be an
addition to the already developed Oak Patch Development. If
the rezoning is approved, a maximum of 18 units could be added.
No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by
Council members. Planning Commission staff notes and minutes
of October 4, 1977, were received as part of the record by
reference thereto.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
Council Bill 1572--Rezoning from RA to R-2jPD property located west of
northwest corner of Oak Patch Road and West 18th Avenue was read by
council bill number and title only, there being no Council member
present requesting it be read in full.
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813
Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, that findings supporting
the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes e
and minutes of October 4, 1977, be adopted by reference thereto;
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
present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered
18083.
I-A-5 2. Property located along west side of Danebo Avenue, south of
Royal Avenue (Blair) (Z 77-35) from RA-PD to R-1 SR
Unanimously recommended by Planning Commission October 4, 1977.
Manager noted the location of the property and the change in
zoning. It would involve no change in density and would be a
proposed single-family development. Mr. Saul said the property
encompassed 19.34 acres and several years ago had been rezoned
to RA-PD. At that time there was extensive uncertainty about
the particular alignment construction of the proposed Highway
126. Also there was concern expressed about the number of
mobile home parks .locating in the Bethel-Danebo District. He
said in this instance, the rezoning would not change the density
but simply would change the type of review process. Planning e
Commission had recommended approval and Mr. Saul noted several
factors to be considered. He said in the intervening period,
Site Review Procedures have been changed and appear quite adequate
to review buffering between this property and industrial M-3
development to the south. Also, he noted there had been changes
in the manner in which the City treats mobile homes as subdivisions
and as mobile home parks. For those reasons, the Planning Commission
did recommend approval. The applicant intends to develop the
property in low-density residential single-family subdivision.
There was a request by the Planning Commission to include a
requirement that the Bethel School District receive notification
during the site review so that it can assess the safe and effi-
cient ingress, egress, and on-site traffic circulation, as well
as the off-site traffic circulation plan of the development.
Mr. Lieuallen asked for clarification on the concept of a single-
family residential district in relation to the industrial district
to the south. Mr. Saul replied this was not the first time the
City had faced this situation of residential zoning immediately
adjacent to an industrial zoning area in the Bethel-Danebo district.
The Planning Commission had recommended in this area that east of
Beltline the use of drainage and street system establish a buffer.
He said that option mayor may not exist in this situation. In
other areas where the City faced the same situation, large earth
berms were used.
.
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Ms. Smith wondered to what extent the Bethel School District would
be involved in the site review process. Mr. Saul said when the
e application is submitted, a copy of the plans would be forwarded
to the school district so they would have the opportunity to comment.
He reiterated the primary concern of traffic pattern.
No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by
Council members. Planning Commission staff notes and minutes
of October 4, 1977, were received as part of the record by
reference thereto.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
Council Bill 1573--Rezoning from RA-PD to R-1 SR property located
along west side of Danebo Avenue, south of Royal Avenue, 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 findings supporting
the rezoning as set out in Planning Commission staff notes and
minutes of October 4, 1977, be adopted by reference thereto; 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
e present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered
18084.
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I-A-6 3. Property located southwest of corner of 5th Avenue West and
Adams Street (Fogel strom) (Z 77-36) from R-3 to C-2 SR
Recommended by Planning Commission October 4, 1977, with a
3-2 vote.
Manager reviewed location of the property and the request for
zone change. Mr. Saul said the area involved 13,456 square feet,
and reviewed the surrounding development. The property immediately
west is zoned C-2 and developed with a variety of uses: west is
an office structure, immediately west of that is a single-family
residence and west of that are commercial uses; immediately south
the property is zoned C-2 and developed with a variety
of commercial uses. At the southeast corner there is a small
piece of C-2 zoned property with an office site. Further east of
the site the property is zoned C-2 and developed with parking lot
and Safeway store. North of the site is zoned R-3 and developed
with older residences. He said if the requested zone change is
approved, the applicant intends to expand and consolidate the
existing house, office structure, and Xerox structure. In re-
viewing the request, the Planning Commission was faced with the
fact the zone change may not be consistent with the policy objec-
tives of the City. He said the issue was set forth in the staff
e reports and minutes. However, a majority of the Commission felt
the change, with C-2 and site review attached, was justified.
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No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by
Council members. Planning Commission staff notes and minutes .
of October 4, 1974, were received as part of the record by
reference thereto.
Public hearing was opened.
Mike Farthing, attorney, 975 Oak, represented the applicant, Fogelstrom.
He concurred with the staff recommendation to rezone with site review
suffix. Also, the findings contained in the report ,do fully satisfy the
Fasano criteria, and he urged Council to review those. He acknowledged
the competing policy as outlined in the staff report. The competing
plans and policies regarded consideration of-commercial versus residen-
tial use close to the downtown area. He noted this was a very unique
area and felt it was not an encroachment into a residential area. He
said the subject property was surrounded immediately on three sides
by commercial zoning. He did not feel it was precedent setting as
there was a buffer between the commercial and residential areas. In
regard to establishing public need, he noted the lack of available
office space close to the downtown area. Many small lots are available
but it will be difficult to develop with professional offices and
allow enough space for parking. He felt it would help to resolve the
issue of competing needs and would help revitalize this area in
relation to downtown Eugene. He also noted it was felt the logical
development in the area was hampered by its present zoning. This zone
change would be appropriate due to its unique configuration. It would
resolve a conflicting zone use on an existing block.
Norm Fogel strom, 84520 Sarvis Berry Lane, said he was well oriented to e
the community as he grew up on 5th Street. He noted the deterioration
of the two pieces of residential property, and said the two houses
are an island in a commercially zoned area. With this rezoning,
development would result in upgrading of the property. He felt a
necessity to have more office space available in this area, and to
do so, he would need the zone change. He cited the economics of
trying to develop R-3 property as being very remote due to the high
cost of developing residential property. He again thought the re-
zoning and change to commercial zoning would be a strong factor in
upgrading the area. \
David Filer, 235 East 3rd Street, president of the Whiteaker Community
Council, felt there should be denial of the rezoning, as the applicant
had not established a need for the rezoning. He expressed the need
to preserve residential property close to the downtown area and felt
that issue should be addressed by Council. Area residents had not
expressed the desire for professional offices in the neighborhood but
had expressed a desire to retain the older houses, trees, and resi-
dential character of the area. A lack of commercial facilities does
not in itself demonstrate a need for them. He cited the inner city
does need a potential for increased residential density, and the
current zoning provides that potential. He felt the argument faulty
in the statement of need for more office space. Because of the proxi-
mity of the neighborhood to the downtown area and the alternative e
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transportation available, residents do have access to virtually any
. commercial uses that might be included in the proposed complex. He
cited the abundance of C~2 zoning land in the area and urged the City
Council to consider the need to reduce this R~3 zoning to commercial
use. He also noted housing rehabilitation money has been earmarked
for the area, allowing the residential flavor of the neighborhood
to be preserved. He said the zone change makes sense only when a
person looks at the existing zoning map. If Council were to look at
the actual land use in the area, then the argument that the zoning is
appropriate because it's surrounded by C~2 zoning dissolves. He said,
in fact, the actual land use shows that existing zoning does not
indicate accurately the actual land use which is predominantly resi~
dential along both sides. The only intrusion is the Xerox commercial
structure which provides no neighborhood service. He felt by changing
to the C~2 zoning, it would seriously intrude on the predominantly
residential character of the neighborhood. He also noted that if
this zone change were approved, it could put pressure on other
properties in the area to request C~2 zoning which would result in
even greater reduction in the current residentially zoned land.
He continued, since City Council is firmly committed by policies to
prevent erosion of residential land close to the downtown area; since
neither public need nor the zone change need can be upheld; since
the Planning Commission recommendation was much less than unanimous;
and staff recommendation was very tentative, the City Council should
deny the request.
e Roscoe Cairn, 1008 West 3rd, could not see any way that the zone
change would contribute to the character of the neighborhood, an
area that is largely residential and small businesses.
Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony
presented.
Mr. Saul wanted to clarify in this particular case the staff recom~
mendation was not tentative, but quite straightforward; that the
property should be rezoned because, in staff's opinion, this property
did constitute an extremely unique situation and that it would not
create a precedent for other property in the area. He also noted
the development of commercially zoned property on all three sides.
Mr. Bradley raised the question of vacancy statistics on professional
office spaces in the downtown area, the Westside area, and the
entire City. Mr. Saul did not have the exact figures and felt un~
comfortable with making a guess. Mr. Bradley said he was under the
impression there was an abundance of office space in Eugene. Mayor
Keller said such a request would require looking at many different
types of office spaces, and as he understood, this was going to be an
extension of the Xerox office space. Mr. Bradley was not sure that
was the intent and said it could be quite an array of various office
spaces under C~2 zoning.
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Mr. Lieuallen wondered when Council considered a rezoning if one of
the things it had to consider was the need for the rezoning. Hi s .
understanding was that the Council does not consider the need on the
basis of what the developer says he might or might not do, but on
the basis of all possible uses that could be put on the property.
Mr. Saul responded that in general, the Planning Commission and
Council had followed the practice of evaluation in terms of the
overall appropriateness of the request for the district as opposed
to zeroing in on a particular proposal by an applicant. Council
has not held that that related solely to the question of public
need. He said one of the problems involved is that it is extremely
difficult for an applicant to demonstrate all the public needs
listed in a C~2 District. He said the public need which would come
in an applicant's statement would focus on perhaps one or two of
those.
Stan Long, City Attorney, said it had been extremely difficult to
precisely define the term IIpublic needll. He said there were a
number of things that could be involved, such as the need for more
land of a particular kind of classification, the need to absolve
ambi guity, etc. He said the need could be fairly specific or it
could be very broad. It was a matter of Council's discretion based
on the evidence before it.
Mr. Farthing said with respect to public need, Council had two
competing policies before it; he felt there was a third one involved.
He said Council had general guidelines that propose there should be
development in the most economically efficient manner. This existing e
zone does not allow the most economic, efficient, or most appropriate
need for the neighborhood.
Mr. Bradley wondered if staff would recommend that this item be post~
poned until the Whiteaker Refinement Plan is completed. Mr. Saul said
staff specifically did not make that recommendation because the City
could not take the posture that zone changes or other forms of appli~
cation should be under moratorium until such plans as the Whiteaker
Refinement Draft could be finalized. He said the most important point
was that the Whiteaker Refinement Plan is simply a draft, and the City
has never established a moratorium process waiting for such plans to be
finalized. He noted the refinement plan had not even reached the stage
of public hearings.
Council Bill 1574~~Rezoning from R~3 to C~2 SR property located
southwest corner of 5th Avenue West and Adams Street 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 findings supporting
the rezoning as set out in Planning Commission staff notes and
minutes of October 4, 1977, be adopted by reference thereto; 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.
11/28/77 ~ 8 ..
818
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Mr. Lieuallen felt he was going to vote against the rezoning. He did
not see any need for the proposal but did find a continuing need
e for housing. He also noted the abundance of office space in the
downtown area and was not persuaded there was a general guideline
that property should be developed in a more economically efficient
manner. He said that was not a requirement of the Code. The
proximity of incompatible uses argument was not persuasive in line
of the recent Mixed Use rezoning. Also, with the consideration that
the City has housing rehabilitation money available for this area, he
was going to vote to keep the housing available for that rehabili-
tation.
Mr. Bradley felt the public need had not been demonstrated and would
like to promote the policy of the maintenance of housing stock. Mr.
Delay noted he was also going to vote against it on the second reading.
He felt by going to C-2 zoning at this time, it would establish a
precedent. He said actual uses in the area are primarily R-3, and
zoning C-2 would increase the pressure on more commercial and parking
areas. He also noted the Whiteaker Refinement Plan was in progress
and did not see any reason to support this rezoning at this time.
Mr. Hamel expressed difficulty with determining what was the public need.
He thought the area.should be looked at as there were four parcels in
the immediate area zoned C-2. He said if those were going to be changed
to R-3, he could understand a zone change. However, he said this was a
request for change from R-3 to C-2 on a very small parcel in which
it might be possible to develop only one single residential unit. He
e felt it was unwise to have an island of R-3 on this one side of the
street. He expressed having mixed emotions about whether there is a
need, but felt he would vote in favor of the rezoning.
Mr. Obie's impression regarding office space being available in the City
was that it was not that easy to find, and certainly not easy to find
at a price that was in competition and in a good location. He felt the
need for office space that takes people out of the downtown area and
away from congestion on a main artery was desirable. He felt having
office spaces in the surrounding neighborhoods was desirable. Mr. Wi 11 i ams
concurred with the idea of having office space on the outskirts of the
downtown area where parking was available.
Vote was taken on the motion which 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. Voting aye were Obie, Williams,
Smith, and Hamel; voting no were Delay, Haws, Bradley, and Lieual1en;
Mayor Keller voted aye to break the tie. The bill was declared
passed and numbered 18085.
I-B-2 4. Property located west of Highway 99N and south of Elmira Road
(Miller) (Z 77-37) from RA to C-2 SR
Recommended unanimously by Planning Commission October 4, 1977.
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Manager reviewed location and request for zone change. Mr. Saul
said the property had been used for a number of years as an .
outside storage shed. The area involved is approximately one-
half acre in size. He said the bulk of the property on the west
and south sides are either owned by the Oregon State Highway
Department or developed with rather intensive commercial uses. The Planning
Commission did recommend approval with addition of Site Review.
Ms. Smith wondered if access would be primarily from Iowa Streett
and if there would be any need for additional improvement to the
road. Mr. Saul replied Iowa Street is a problem in that it is
20 feet wide and unimproved. He said the real problem with the
question of access from Iowa Street was thatt in the need for
improving the streett it would be necessary to acquire additional
dedication and perhaps acquire additional right-of-way from the
state. Howevert he continuedt those problems exist whether the
zoning is R-3 or C-2.
No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared
by Council members. Planning Commission staff notes and minutes
of October 4t 1977t were received as part of the record by
reference thereto.
Public hearing was opened.
Mrs. Harry Mi11ert 362 Highway 99Nt owner of the propertYt indicated
that her home was adjacent to this property zoned C-2. She said
access to one piece of the property is off Iowa Street. The property e
is now zoned residential but has lost its residential
character and cannot be developed in any way that will conform to
that zoning. If the zone change is a110wedt the development will
be a storage building as an accessory to their business. She clari-
fied for Council the business was 75 percent sales and service with
only 25 percent well-drilling. She said as far as traffic was con-
cernedt the development would not increase the traffic on Iowa
Street. She said the lot had lost its identity as a residential 10tt
and the request for zone change would appear to be a more legal deve-
lopment for this particular piece of land and a more appropriate use.
Public hearing was c10sedt there being no further testimony
presented.
Council Bill 1575--Rezoning from RA to C-2 SR property located west of
Highway 99N and south of Elmira Road was read by council bill number and
title onlYt there being no Council member present requesting it be read
in full.
Mr. Haws movedt seconded by Mr. Hamelt that findings supporting the
rezoning as set out in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of
October 4t 1977t be adopted by reference thereto; that the bill be
read the second time by cQuncil bill number onlYt with unanimous
consent of the Council; and that enactment be considered at this
time. Motion carried unanimously, and the bill was read the second e
time by council bill number only.
11/28/77 - 10
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Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, 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 18086.
A short recess was taken.
II-A-I C. 1Uth and Overpark Assessments
Manager noted the item came before Council because of a change in use.
Home Federal Savings and Loan bought property originally owned by
Montgomery Ward. It had not been previously assessed when owned by
Montgomery Ward as free parking was allowed. Now Home Federal Savings
and Loan will provide parking for customers and employees. Staff has
recommended assessment be levied as a change in use has occurred.
.
Public hearing was ~pened.
Dean Quick, 130 West 1st Street, Albany, attorney representing Home
Federal Savings and Loan, reviewed for Council his previous remarks
and number of documents submitted. He disagreed with the statement
that there has been a change in use. He contended there had not
been a change in use as compared to the use Montgomery Ward made
of the parking lot at the time it was exempt from the assessment.
He contended signs were in evidence showing the parking lot was for
use by Montgomery Ward customers and employees only. He reviewed
the past ten years of history of the assessments for this particular
piece of property, including two suits which were filed regarding the
e Overpark district. He noted for Council the original assessment on in
the property was $186,518, later reduced to $101,000. He noted that
an appeal on the suits filed, the Oregon State Supreme Court both
affirmed and reversed some parts of the suit on the basis that certain
procedural errors had occurred, noting these centered on this parti-
cular piece of corner property. He reviewed the various ordinances
passed from 1966 through 1972 at which time the Downtown Development
District was set up for the free parking program. He said subse-
quently, the parking area of this particular piece of property was
leased to the City of Eugene. In January of 1977, a letter from Home
Federal Savings was sent to the City that construction was beginning
and the lease to the City would be terminated in February, 1977.
He again alluded to the pictures taken in 1966 of signs showing the
parking was for Montgomery Ward employees and customers, and yet the
property was exempt. He said from 1966 to 1972, that was the status
of the parking--for the use of Montgomery Ward customers. He con-
tended Home Federal Savings and Loan intends to use the parking space
for customers and employees in the same manner. He cited Section
4.475(d) which says only upon a subsequent change of use can an
assessment be made. He contended no change in use of the property
could be shown, and therefore, the property should be granted an
exemption. The use of the property by Home Federal Savings and Loan
at this time will be no different in any respect than the use made by
Montgomery Ward when the exemption was granted. Therefore, he con-
~ tended the City could not make an assessment unless a change in use
had been proven.
11/28/77 - 11
88/
Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony
presented. .
Sherm Flogstad, Finance Director, said it was true that some lots
in the downtown area had signs indicating parking for customers
and employees prior to the construction of the 10th and Oak
buil di ng. By agreement of those property owners, all such signs
were removed and those lots, including the Montgomery Ward lot,
were opened to the public. At first there were charges made to
park by the hour with the lots operated by Diamond Parking; later
the City used the golden token system with the cooperation of the
Downtown Businessmen.s Association. Still 1 ater, they were
included in the free parking system. The one consistency was that
all the lots were open to the general public and not operated as a
service or convenience for customers of a particular business.
Home Federal Savings and Loan has indicated their parking lot
would be for certain officers or employees and for customers only.
Other lots in the City which are used for customers only have been
assessed and staff recommends this lot be so assessed. When there
has been a change in use from public parking, then the property
has been assessed.
Mr. Lieuallen asked for clarification. Stan Long, City Attorney, said
the Code provides if a parking lot is open for the general use of the
public, then it is exempt from assessment. The Code also says if there
is a change in that use, if it is no longer open to the general public,
then the exemption is lost. If the business provides parking only for
customers and employees, then it is considered to be benefited. It is -
understood that Home Federal Savings and Loan is going to have customer
and employee parking only, constituting a change in use. Mr. Quick
was saying because of photographs taken in the late 1960.s showing signs
allowing employee parking, and the property having been exempt, then
Home Federal Savings should have the same exemption today. He said when
the Overpark was completed, the signs were removed, and the Montgomery
Ward lot was used for the general public. After the Overpark was com-
pleted, the City leased the parking lot which was open to the general
public. He said it was evident there was a change from the City use to
that being proposed by Home Federal Savings and Loan. Ci ty Council
should decide if there has been a change in use in what is being
proposed; and whether what is being proposed is a general use public
parking facility. If not, then the entire property should be assessed.
Mr. Obie wondered under zoning requirements if there was any requirement
the Federal Home Savings and Loan had to have a general parking lot. Mr.
Saul replied in a C~3 District there is no such requirement.
In response to a question by Mayor Keller, Mr. Quick replied Home
Federal Savings and Loan bought the land in June 1976, and at that
time assumed approximately $96,000 in Overpark assessment. Mayor
Keller continued he would assume that when a piece of property is
purchased, the purchasor would be aware of any assessments against
the property. He wondered if there was any way the purchasor would
not have known. Mr. Long replied as a lawyer, he would assume it
would be noted on a title report, and most purchasors would inquire -,
"'
11/28/77 - 12
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into such assessments. Mr. Quick replied Home Federal Savings and
Loan had no idea of the possibility of an extra assessment. They
thought the $96,000 was against the entire parcel. The title report
did not disclose anything other than the $96,000 assessment. He said
4It in talking to personnel from Cascade Title Company, it was noted to be
a difficult problem in trying to anticipate parcels of property that
had not previously been assessed. He also stated he did not feel the
record showed any agreement that Montgomery Ward would take down the.
signs when the Overpark was completed.
Mr. Lieuallen said it appeared the exemption was granted to Montgomery
Ward under the assumption it would become public parking. The signs
came down after the exemption was granted. Therefore, Mr. Quick was
saying if Home Federal Savings and Loan made the same use, then an
exemption should be maintained. Mr. Lieuallen felt the exemption should
not have been granted originally without some kind of an agreement. Mr.
Long replied it is clear that the City Council could make a determination
on exemptions based on what might Occur in the future. He said as far
as it was known, the signs did come down, and that was a sufficient basis
to grant the exemption.
Council Bill 1559--Declaring previously exempted property within the
boundaries of 10th and Oak Overpark Assessment District to be benefited
property, levYing assessments thereon, directing entry of assessments, and
declaring an emergency was read by council bill number and title only, there
being no Council member present requesting it be read in full.
Mr. /laws moved, seconded by ~lr. !-lame I , that the hi 11 be read
the second time hy council bill numher only, with unanimous
-." Consent of the (oll:1ci i, anJ th~lt enactment he considereJ at
at this time.
Mr. Lieuallen said he was going to support the motion because it
seemed the property was going to have a change in use. He said the
fact the property was exempt because it was used as a public parking
lot and now there was a change to private use was the basis for assess-
ment.
Vote was taken on the motion which 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
present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18087.
II-A-IO D. Liquor License Application: New Outlet
Lyon1s Restaurant, Villard and Franklin Blvd., (DA), Lyon1s Restaurants
of Oregon, I nc.
Manager reviewed the OLCC report, noting there were three objectors:
Continental Auto Parts, German Auto Service, and Mocny's Barbecue. There
were seven non-objectors. Staff found all papers in order and recommended
- approval.
:,,--r.~ 11/28/77 _ 13
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883
Mr. Bradley raised the question he had raised previously as to how
many DA licenses have been allocated to Eugene based on Eugene's
population. He felt it extremely important before making recom- e
mendations to OlCC as Council might be exhausting a limited supply
and find itself in a predicament where a particular applicant might
be favored over another. He felt City Council should set up some
criteria based on planning and development for distribution of DA
licenses.
Public hearing was opened.
Maris laipenieks, 1875 Trousdale Avenue, Burlingame, California,
spoke as senior vice president for lyon's Restaurant. He gave a
background of the kind of restaurant, noting it would be a 24-hour
family restaurant serving an extensive menu. He fel t it very
important to obtain a liquor license as part of the total package
of service to the customer. He described the interior of the
restaurant as being divided into a coffee shop and a club room,
with no cocktail lounge per see He entered exhibits of pictures of
the restaurant, both inside and out, menus and various items regarding
the restaurant. He cited the economic contribution to the community
of approximately $1 million per year. He felt the general type of
operation would be a great addition to Eugene. In rega rd to the
limited number of DA liquor licenses possible, he said OlCC had indi-
cated it was very much in favor of lyon's purchasing an existing busi-
ness and transferring that license to Eugene so it would in no way
exhaust the supply for future DA licenses.
.
Vernon Gleaves, 975 Oak, attorney representing the owners of the
property, described the conditions of the location of the building , . .....
'-'
and parking in the area. He noted the property was now owned by
Myrmo, Inc., and the parking to be available for the restaurant would
be in excess of total needed and would help alleviate parking in the
area. He said it would be a leased operation and the land would
continue to be owned by Myrmo's. The Myrmo Corporation is satisfied
this restaurant would be a very good asset to the community. He said
the proposed restaurant would be within walking distance of a number
of motels and the heavily populated east side area where there is only
one DA license at this time. lyon's had surveyed many properties
in the Eugene area and had selected this as the best location for its
restaurant.
Donna Mocny, 569 Brookside Drive, entered exhibits to Council of letters
and correspondence to OlCC. She indicated Mocny.s Restaurant had been
in operation since May of 1975 with a beer and wine license. From the
letters entered into the record, it was noted the numerous times Mocny's
had applied to OlCC for a DA license. Each time the request had been
denied. She felt there was an issue of discrimination against small
locally owned "businesses as opposed to large corporations such as lyon's
Restaurant; and also an issue of discrimination as her husband is black.
She and her husband were not opposed to competition in the area, but
.
11/28/77 - 14 ~.~
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felt they had not been treated fairly by the OlCC in their
- applications for a DA license. She raised this question before
Council to make them aware of the problem that small businesses
in Eugene are facing with regard to treatment by OlCC. She also
noted the rigorous treatment Mocny's received in being surveyed
for a beer and wine license as compared to other restaurants in
the area who appeared to receive their licenses with no problems.
She said, however, Mocny's had decided to wait the six month period
and reapply for a DA license.
Mr. Obie wondered if this request came from the liquor Commission.
Assistant Manager noted the liquor license application request came
from OlCC and was submitted to the local jurisdiction in an attempt
to improve the relationship between OlCC and let the local jurisdiction
know when there is a new outlet being proposed. The field investigator
from OlCC makes its information available, as well as the internal
City reports, before the matter is brought before Council. Council
can then make an endorsement of no objection, objection, or no decision.
He said it had seemed that the recommendations Council had made had
had little impact except for a negative endorsement.
Ms. Smith expressed concern regarding the situation, noting Council
is not really making the final decision. She did not want to find
Council in a position of selecting one outlet over another. Mayor
Keller did not think Council wanted to get into the position of
selling licenses. It appears Council could possibly get into a
position where it is responsible to select those people who should
- dispense liquor. He said the normal process was for approval or
disapproval endorsement to OleC. Ms. Smith wondered if Mocny's
were to reapply, whether or not a strong endorsement from City Council
might have any bearing in the future. Assistant Manager again said
he felt City Council endorsement had little impact except if it
were negative.
Mr. Lieuallen expressed strong feelings regarding the OLCC granting
of licenses and the favoritism that seems to be shown. He said if
it were a choice between a locally owned business as compared to a
nationally owned business, he would vote in favor of the locally owned
business. He was tempted to vote against the request.
Mr. Hamel expressed sympathy with Mocny's Restaurant; he noted he had
participated in both restaurants and felt both were very fine. He
disagreed with Mr. lieuallen as he said tonight Council was not judging
between the two, but simply being asked to approve only one. He said
Mocny's might have been put at a disadvantage because it did not bring
this matter up when it had been denied the license previously. However,
City Council should act tonight on the basis of the information before
it, and if there is a problem with Mocny's, then City Council should
address that problem later, but should not impede lyon's request.
e 11/28/77 - 15
K85
.
Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to forward with approval
to OLCC. -
Mr. Bradley expressed difficulty again because City Council had no
established policies in determining where these licenses should be
located. He felt it incumbent upon Council to set criteria reg~rding
location in order to create a systematized standardization of promoting
its own policies and goals. He felt it in the community's interest
that the Council should take a very strong and active role in telling
the OLCC where Council wants certain liquor licenses to be located.
He said in this instance he would rather take no position, or only
approve if the applicant is able to purchase and transfer their
liquor license to Eugene.
Mr. Delay cautioned Council to be careful in talking about such a
jurisdictional problem. He said the City did not have the staff
available to do necessary research nor the mechanism necessary to
review all data from every DA application in the City. He felt the
OLCe practice of distributing licenses was highly questionable, but
City Council was not in any position to replace OLCC. He said if there
were a decision between these two restaurants as presented tonight, he
would have no problem in supporting the local restaurant. However, he
felt it unfair to deny Lyon's application. He felt if Council wanted
to deal with the issue, it should do so on a policy basis and how to
deal with liquor license applications, but not on a case~by~case basis.
Vote was taken on the motion which carried with all Council members
present voting aye, except Mr. Bradley voting no. e
II-B-2 E. Public Works Bids (Opened November 15, 197)~~tabulation attached
Manager said this bid was for the sanitary sewer at Mahlon Sweet
Field and was part of an EDA grant of $100,000. Cost to the Ci ty
would be $3,165.06. Low bidder was Shurway Contractors with a bid
of $103,165.06.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to accept low bid as
recommended by staff. Motion carried unanimously.
III. ORDINANCE FOR FIRST READING--None
IV. RESOLUTIONS
II - B-4 Resolution No. 2791~~Authorizing payment of bills and claims for period
November 16 through November 28, 1977 was read by number and title.
Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution.
Ro 11 ca 11 vote. Motion carried unanimously.
11/28/77 - 16 e
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,
.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
. Mr. Haws moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to approve Council
minutes October 24, 1977. Roll call vote. Motion carried
unanimously.
Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the meeting was adjourned to
November 30, 1977.
~n2~
Ci ty Manager
DT:ng/CM23a18
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887
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.-
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Engineering Division
Bid No. 14
Opened: November 15, 1977
1. SANITARY SEtVER: Mah10n Sweet Field, Eugene Airport
(Job No. 590)
Bidders: Contract Cost
1. Shur-Way Contractors, Inc.--------------------_________$ 103,165.06
2. Eugene Sand & Gravel, Inc.-----------------____________ 103,824.75
3. Wi1dish Construction Company----------------___________ 135,987.36
4. H & J Construction-----------------____________________ 145,922.50
5. James A. Hi11------------------------__________________ 151,914.35
6. Kenneth R. Bostick Construction Company---------------- 154,613.00
Cost to City
Economic Development Administration Grant Amounted Budgeted
Project #07-51-23279 $100,000.00
$ 3,165.06 -
COMPLETION DATE: April 1, 1978
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