HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/10/1978 Meeting
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MINUTES
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
May 10, 1978
Adjourned meeting from May 8, 1978, 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 May
10, 1978, King's Table, Oakway Mall, with the following Councilors present:
D. W. Hamel, Tom Williams, Eric Haws, Jack Delay, Scott Lieuallen, Brian Obie,
and Betty Smith. Councilor Ray Bradley was absent.
I. Items from Mayor and Council
A. Agenda Adjustment--Mayor Keller noted Council would attempt to con-
sider all agenda items prior to 12:30 p.m., at which time the work
session on T-2000 would be conducted for an hour.
B. Systems Development Tax--Mr. Obie said at a recent JHC meeting, the
Committee was informed that local lending institutions would treat
the tax as an up-front charge (a lien). Therefore, he was prepared
to make a motion for reconsideration, with a presentation by Betty
Ni ven .
Mr. Haws asked if there were a written report from JHC. He expressed
discontent with a Councilor coming before Council at this time making
motions on issues without having information on the issue.
Mr. Haws requested, seconded by Mr. Delay, to hold the item over
for discussion to the following Wednesday meeting.
Mr. Obie objected, as there was no motion on the table. Mr. Haws
responded he was asking that consideration of this item be set over.
Joyce Benjamin, City Attrorney, said it would be appropriate for
Mr. Obie to finish his statement and then entertain a motion to hold
the item over. Mayor Keller ruled Mr. Obie could make a statement.
Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to reconsider at the meet-
ing May 22, 1978, the vote taken at the Council meeting April 24,
to finally adopt CB 1592 (Ordinance 18170) regarding the Systems
Development Tax.
Mr. Haws again requested that the item be set over, saying he preferred
to have information before the item is discussed.
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Assistant Manager, attempting to clear up the process, explained
Mr. Obie had presented a motion which Council can, by the request
of two Councilors, set over to the next Monday meeting, which would
be. May 22. At that time, Council would consider the motion to recon-
sider; or Council could now vote on the motion to reconsider and set
over discussion of the SDT for the next Monday meeting. By request of
two Councilors, Ms. Benjamin said the discussion for reconsideration
of the motion was set for May 22. Council would then have materials
in advance and could have a full discussion on reconsideration.
Because two Councilors had requested that it be held over, it would
not be appropriate for any further remarks addressing the issue at
this time. Ms. Betty Niven, Chairman JHC, could submit her written
report to Council for consideration May 22. The motion to reconsider
would be the first item discussed May 22. Whether or not the merits
of the Systems Development Tax would be discussed would depend on
result of the vote to reconsider.
C. Willakenzie Neighborhood Association--Mr. Hamel reported at a meeting
held Tuesday evening, the association had divided into two new neigh-
borhood groups: One located east of Coburg Road; and one located
west of Coburg Road. Both would extend from Beltline north to the
city limits. Mr. Delay expressed concern regarding the increased
number of neighborhood groups in view of the budget limitations.
D. Panhandle Committee Meeting--Mr. Hamel noted the meeting was scheduled
for Wednesday, May 10. Therefore, he would not be attending the
Budget Committee meeting.
E. Community School Advisory Committee--Mayor Keller had requested
several weeks ago suggestions from Council for appointment, and
had received no response. He said if Council did not respond in
the next week, he would go ahead and make the appointment. Mr. Haws
noted that he had 20 names to submit, but was not in School District
4-J.
F. Agenda Adjustment--Manager noted the bond bid awards scheduled at
the end of the Agenda had been completed and would be available
before 12:30 p.m. They would be considered after Item V.
G. Budget Committee Meeting--Scheduled Wednesday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
It was the hope of Chairman Richard Hanson that the Budget Commit-
tee would complete its work at this meeting.
H. Tax Revenue Information--Manager noted distribution of a memo in
response to Mr. Haws request for same.
I. Lane Transit District--Manager distributed to Council a letter from
Daniel Herbert, President, Board of Directors, requesting support
for the ballot measure for LTD at the May 23 primary. Mr. Haws
requested this be scheduled as an Agenda item for Wednesday, May 17.
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J. International Association of Firefighters Wage Agreement--N~ws and
letter from Personnel distributed indicating a wage agreement of 7.5
percent for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1978. Manager said this
was the third and last city-union agreement for this year.
K. MAPAC--As directed by Council, Manager's office had contacted Eleanor
Mulder, who was interested in reappointment. Mr. Obie wondered
Whether this was a legal or policy procedure regarding taking citizen
interest forms and interviewing. Manager said it was mostly a policy
procedure that was followed. .
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to reappoint Eleanor
Mulder to MAPAC for a three~year term ending 6-30-81.
Mr. Delay spoke to her experience and background on the Committee,
and willingness to serve. Mr. Williams said he had no particular
objection to reappointing her. However, he did have some concern
about how it was decided when and when not to use the policy state-
ment to take citizen interest forms and to interview applicants. If
Council were going to carry out the policy, it should do so on a
consistent basis.
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Mayor Keller noted there were several ways Council could appoint:
1) Reappointment; 2) designate the Vice President and President of
Council to appoint; or 3) take interest forms and advertise for
interviews. He felt this was not a drastic change from past policies,
and noted Ms. Mulder had been a good member of the Committee.
Mr. Hamel had not made the motion because he did not know what the
feeling of Council would be in the matter of reappointment. Mr. Obie
did not recall Council having reappointed in this manner in the past.
If there had been a procedure established, he felt following that
procedure would avoid this confusion.
Mayor Keller said the other side of the coin could be to advertise
for 50 applicants on false pretense, and then go ahead and reappoint
the encumbent. He felt that would serve no useful purpose.
Mr. Williams again said he had no objection to reappointment.How-
ever, he noted the liberal-conservative split among the Councilors.
He said if Council were going to reappoint liberals without following
previous procedures, then it should do so with conservatives. However,
Council should make that decision and then be consistent. Mr. Delay
took issue with the liberal-conservative description, noting Committee
members had not been surveyed and classified. He also noted the
subject had been brought up a week ago, and Council had directed
City Manager staff to check with Ms. Mulder about reappointment. He
noted there was no further discussion at that time about advertising
for additional applicants.
Vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously.
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II. Intergovernmental Tax Study Request for Proposal
Letter and memo distributed. Manager said the task force, comprised 4It
of Finance staff, administrators, and mayors and commissioners of Lane
County, Springfield, and Eugene had been meeting on the tax issue. It
was concluded that defining the study and subjects to be considered,
along with parameters, was' extremely complex. The Bureau of Governmental
Research, University of Oregon, could do a preliminary review of the
matter, define issues, develop substance of a request for proposals,
and estimate study costs. That information would be brought back to
the Committee for reference to the various governing bodies. The Bureau
study would provide more precise information, at an estimated cost of
$2,000. The cost would be shared on the basis of population of those
participating, with Eugene's share between $800 and $850.
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to authorize pro-
ceeding with the study by the Bureau of Governmental Research.
Motion carried unanimously.
III. Public Hearing: Easement Vacation (Idea Builders) (EV 77-7)
Unanimously recommended by Planning Commission February 27, 1978. Jim
Saul, Planner, said the easement was established at the time of subdivis-
ion and it had been requested by Pacific Northwest Bell. However, the
various utility companies located all their facilities at the rear of
the lots; consequently, this easement was not used. Because all utilities
are in, there is no need to retain the easement, and staff recommends
its vacation.
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Public hearing was opened.
AllenD. Genault, repesenting Idea Builders, said they had checked with
the people in the area, and there are no lines located in that area.
They would like to have the easement vacated.
Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony
presented.
C.B. 1678--Authorizing easement vacation located south of Murnane Street
between Echo Hollow Road and Juhl Street, was read by council bill number
and title only, there being no Councilor present requesting it be read in
full. .
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, 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. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, that the bill be approved
and given final passage. Roll-call vote. All Councilors present
voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18180.
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IV. Liquor License Applications
A. Annual Renewal of Applications (List attached)
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to approve the renewal
applications. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Change of Ownership: Stadium Club, 375 East 7th; from H. Casady
to Wian, Inc., (Steve Hessel); RMB license.
c. Adding Partners: 7-Eleven #19206, 205 East 18th (PS), adding Donald
Lee and Carma Jean Herbison.
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to forward with approval
to OLCC. Motion carried unanimously.
IV. Authorizing Sale of GO Improvement Bonds (Bids Opened 5-10-78 at 10 a.m.)
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~Ianager said the results of the bond sale bid openings were very favor-
able, and very close.
Richard D. Roberts, Ragen, Roberts, and O'Scannlian, Portland, Oregon,
said the results of the bid openings indicated the excellent credit the
City of Eugene enjoys. Bidders were from allover the United States. He
noted the National Bond Index for an average of 20 firms was 5.98 percent.
Most of the bids for Eugene were from 4.9 to 5 percent. This also indi-
cated the very attractive credit this city has to offer.
Mr. Lieuallen requested clarification as to the meaning of net effective
interest rate. Sherm Flogstad, Finance Director, explained there was a
net effective rate and a true interest rate. Net effective rate is
interest calculated without using a time differential, while true interest
rate was calculated over a period of time. The net effective rate would
be the one used by banking institutions as reported in various financial
reports.
Res. No. 2901 -- Awarding sale of GO Bancroft Improvement Bonds in the
principal Qmount of $3,125,000 to U.s. National Bank
of Oregon at a net interest cost of $866,875, net effec-
tive interest rate of 4.9536 percent was read by number and title.
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to adopt the resolution.
Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously.
Res. No. 2902 -- Awarding sale of GO Airport Development Bonds, Series
1978, in the principal amount of $500,000 to Continental
Illinois National Bank at a net interest cost of $137,650,
net effective interest rate of 5.0055 percent was read by
number and title.
,r1r. Hamel moved, serondad by Mr.. Delay, to' adoot the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
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Res. No. 2903 ...- Awarding sale of GO Street and Sewer Projects, 1978
Bonds, in the principal amount of $1,000,000 to United
California Bank at a net interest cost of $269,983, net
effective interest rate of 4.9088~was read by number and
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title.
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to adopt the resolution.
Roll call vote~ Motion carred unanimously.
VI. Approval of Minutes
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to approve Council Minutes
May 3, 1978. Roll call vote. . Motion carried unanimously.
A short recess was taken.
VII. T-2000 Plan: Wo~k Session
Jim Fara~, Planner, responded to questions raised regarding the south...
bound traffic on arterials, especially south of 18th. Comparisons had
been made of the north-south street volumes as follows:
NORTH...SOUTH STREET VOLUMES
Location
,. .
Year
1977
Year
2000
Capacity Improvements
North of 18th
Chambers
11 ,200
14,900
Widen and improve inter...
section at 18th
None...(18th...19th couplet
will improve traffic flow)
Improve intersection at 18th
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Willamette/Oak/
Pearl/High
18th to 24th
Chambers
30,600
35,500
10 , 900
15,100
Wi 11 amette/
Amazon Parkway/
Hilyard/Patterson
39,700
42,800
Improve intersections of 24th
and Willamette and Amazon Park
South of.30th
Willamette/Hilyard
Improve intersection at 30th
and Hilyard
He noted the relationship of transportation planning to land use. The
major volumes anticipated for the years ahead will be for the west and
south areas of the city, where the major growth will take place.
33,300
45,400
Mayor Keller noted the increase south of 30th Street seemed to be rather
substantial. Mr. Farah responded that was correct, that it was felt
the improvement to the intersection at 30th and Hi lyard to be very impor...
tant,and one of the major ways to prevent Service Level E from occurring
in that area.
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Mr. Delay wondered if the improvement at the Franklin/Hilyard/Patterson
intersection would be projecting an increase in the arterial north of
Hilyard/Patterson couplet. Mr. Farah responded he did not believe so.
The kind of function of the street would be the same, that is, carrying
through traffic. The primary problem is at the intersection. Dave
Reinhard, Planning Engineer, said the volume of traffic on High Street
is not projected to increase substantially between 19th and 30th. The
proposal from 13th to Broadway comes about as a function of the University
of Oregon and Sacred Heart traffic going northbound through those
intersections.
Regarding the increase of traffic on Hilyard north of 30th, Mr. Lieuallen
wondered if the intersection at 30th and Hilyard is projected to carry
an increased capacity. Mr. Farah said in work on the West University
Plan, volume counts have shown some decrease in the arterials near the
University of Oregon. This suggests alternative modes are being used.
Mr. Lieuallen was curious about the intersection capacity at 30th and
. Hilyard. Mr. Reinhard said the significant figures were the combined
growth on Willamette/Hilyard south of 30th (an increase of 33,000 to
45,000). The figures are assuming a substantial modal split using those
north/south streets.
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Mr. Lieuallen questioned why there was projected 12,000 car increase
south of that intersection, and only 3,000 increase north.
Manager said many bypass the center of the city by turning
at the intersection to go to Springfield, Interstate 5, and are going out
30th. Mr. Farah said there was a funneling effect being seen at that
intersection with the traffic dispersing east from Willamette, west on
24th, etc. At 29th there are only two major arterials carrying traffic,
and it is collected at those funnel points.
Mr. Delay wondered if this was assuming use of the 30-30 Connector to add
as an attracter to encourage use of 30th. Mr. Reinhard said the figures
include the 30-30 Connector. However, figures had been collected without
that facility, and they were not that much different (perhaps a few
thousand).
Regarding the nature of the modal split from the South Hills to the
University or downtown area, Mr. Lieuallen wondered why people were riding
the buses to their employment centers at a higher rate than other parts of
the city. Ollie Snowden, L-COG, said specific calculations on the South
Hills was not done, but rather on major corridors (i.e., Ferry Street
Bridge, Franklin Boulevard). Traffic that goes through 30th and Hilyard
mi ght carry a hi qher percentage of tri ps on buses than a city-wi de average.
Mr. Farah noted that the other end of the trip (the downtown area) about
37 percent of the downtown work trips . would be on public transit.
Mr. Lieuallen wondered what reasons were that that particular residential
area used a higher rate of mass transit. Mr. Farah said the model is not
saying people are taking the bus because, for instance, they live in a
hi ghri se apartment. But the model is used as a tool to project traffic,
not for making decisions for peof:Jlrei in the future. The kinds of trips taken and
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nature of locations of employment are important to consider. It is
anticipated the downtown to continue to be a stronger attractor of ~
employment trips. The model is responding to those things that have .
been plugged in. The main reason people might ride the bus is it is more
convenient, there would be no parking problem at the other end of the
trip, and transportation has become more expensive than housing.
Mr. Snowdon said the transit split was a given. The modeling done after
that reflected where people desire to go using their autos. TPC tried to
look at where the general ridership patterns are today, and proportionately
increase those until they reached 14-15 percent modal split for Eugene.
The downtown area is such a strong attraction in terms of jobs, and people
from the South Hills area are oriented to the white collar businesses
located in the downtown area.
Mr. Farah said the plan anticipates a goal of five-percent bike rider-
ship. Also, TPC is making a statement that bike ridership is very
important, and should be encouraged through suggestions from the Eugene
Bicycle Committee. It suggests that work be continued through the
Bicycle Committee as part of Metro Bikeway Plan.
Mr. Obie wondered how, in the procedure, Council would come to grips with
the mass transit goal. Mr. Farah said the policy, as drafted, includes
wording for Lane County, Springfield, and Eugene. As the City Council
moves for action, it is acting only for the City of Eugene and suggested
wording that would embody a metro-wide plan.
James Bernhard, President, Planning Commission, reviewed for Council the
various policies and changes made by the Planning Commission. He called
to the Council's attention the importance of the land-use issues involved.
He said some were existing and should be reinforced; others are amended
and should be dealt with at the time of the update. However, it was felt
there should be a strong official commitment to the update process.
The Planning Commission recommended major review be done every five years,
with continued update yearly.
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Mr. Farah noted the policies are an important part of the plan as those
policies would be used by Council in making decisions regarding transpor-
tation in the coming years.
Mr. Obie referred to the section on page 21, item I, A and B, regarding
major new commercial development in the downtown area. He wondered if
that policy might create more transportation problems than it solves.
Mr. Snowdon said it was felt this policy inclusion would be one of the
most effective ways of encouraging transit ridership. Potentially, if
transit ridership is not achieved, wi:th concentration of much of the
development in the downtown area, it is not effective to serve that type
of concentrated development by the automobile. Mr. Porter said that
particular item referred to by Mr. Obie should be read in context with
the one on page 22, numbered 4. He said those combined are encouraging
City goals directed toward the central area as it is felt to be the heart
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of the city as far as a whole series of issues are concerned. There
are other places for retail development outside the downtown area. It
is hoped the plan will encourage placement of the shopping and employ-
ment centers closer to where people live. However, it does recognize
the downtown area as a unique part of the city which has something for
everyone. However, that is not to say satellite communities are not
important. He cautioned Council could not just isolate one area, but
had to look at all areas in making transportation decisions.
Mr. Delay did not like the idea of facility tolls. He felt Mr. Bernhard
said the Planning Commission was not happy with the idea of diversion of
traffic as a goal, and requested a comment from Mr. Bernhard on that. Mr.
Bernhard said the Commission took the example of establishing tolls on the
Ferry Street Bridge at peak hours, and examined how it would affect the
transportation corridors, and how it would affect the transit ridership.
Regarding the transportation corridors, it would overload them; regarding
transit ridership, it would increase. He said tolls should not be used to
force people to use buses.
Regarding the diversion aspect, Mr. Delay said he was not sure that was
not a good goal as it would spread the capacity across existing facili-
ties. Mr. Bernhard said the diversion was one thing; however, he wondered
if it was necessary to go with a toll facility. It was the Commission's
feeling that diversion was already in existence (i.e., 30th and Hilyard).
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Mr. Delay asked, forgetting the toll as a vehicle, why was the diversion
policy in the plan? He wondered if there was better mechanism to accom-
modate the projected increased capacity. Mr. Farah said the diversion
policy was an attempt to encourage transit ridership, carpooling, etc. It
was not intended to be a dispersal tool. The intent of the whole plan was
not to disperse traffic but to try to accommodate traffic projections on
arterial facilities as opposed to having them use residential areas.
Mr. Porter said the problem with the proposal regarding tolls was that
everyone had a different version as to how tolls would work. Staff had
not adequate research and information when it was presented to the
Planning Commission. Personally, he felt it could work as a positive
tool if it were worked out properly. He felt it was something that
should be looked at at a later time.
Regarding diversion, Mr. Snowdon said there would be diversion occur-
ring from Ferry Street Bridge to 1-105, based on increasing congestion on
the bridge. In terms of the traffic growth, there was no way to handle
the traffic and avoid service level E without adding capacity to Ferry
Street Bridge.
Regarding the toll, Mr. Williams wondered, rather than viewing it as a
policy system, how much consideration had been given to using it as a
financing system. Mr. Bernhard said it was discussed at great length.
Questions that arose if it were used were: What kind of land use would
exist, how would it affect land use, and would the toll be equal for
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e~e~~body in the city. Mr. Porter noted a recent use of a toll system in
Berkeley, California, made it very unattractive for people wanting to go ~
into the central area. He noted Eugene's Planning Commission wanted to
make the plan positive rather than negative actions.
Mr. Delay spoke to policy No. 49, noting he would like to delete the
wording regarding users' fees for bikes. He felt people should be
encouraged to use bikes, and noted the small amount of money put into
bike systems ($75,000), compared to the amount of money invested in
streets (millions). He felt it suggested that bike riders were not
paying their way and he felt just the opposite was true.
Mayor Keller noted the Bike Committee' had looked at such a fee for several
years. He himself did not find it offensive, as a licensing policy might
help in policing. Mr. Delay said it did not address the issue of licensing,
but was a users I fee as a source of revenue for facil i ti es. He fel t
there could be licensing fees, but did not think there was a need for a
users' fee to support the meager investment made in the bike system.
Mr. Bernhard agreed with Mr. Delay. Bike facilities should be financed
with highway funds. He said much discussion had taken place and
this policy was placed in the plan because it related to providing locked,
lighted bike facilities in all public and community facilities. Therefore,
the users' fee would be used for that reason, and not for pathways, etc.
Mr. Haws left the meeting.
Mr. Obie felt if better facilities were provided, it might increase the ~
bicycle ridership. Mr. Delay did not view the users' fee on bike riders
as a practical source of major revenue. Mr. Lieuallen felt that the
facilities could come from private resources and should be voluntary
efforts. He thought it would be a fee that would be hard to collect,
woul d not generate that much money, and woul d create ill will. Hewoul d
rather see it not mandated by the local government, but left to voluntary
efforts, which he felt would be forthcoming.
Ms. Smith felt the policy was stating that new revenues could come
from a users' fee and as such should be investigated. She wondered
about the amount of time Council was spending considering this issue,
as she had no problem in accepting the Commission's recommendation.
Mayor Keller said if the City were consistent regarding users' fee, it
could be constructive. It would be an equitable way of paying for services
that the community is asking for.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to delete in Policy
Section No. 49, unedr "Di scussion", the words added by the
Planning Commission relating to a bike user's fee as a source of
revenue.
Mr. Hamel spoke in favor of the motion. He said if the need for a fee for
bike users should come up later, it could be dealt with at that time.
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Mr. Williams opposed the motion. He felt substantial money was being
spent on bikes, noting the bike paths and lanes marked off in the street
system. He felt the amount would be more than the $75,000 Mr. Delay
referred to earlier. He felt to reject the concept of attempting to use
fees for bikes any more than for autos seemed to be inappropriate.
Mr. Delay did not suggest the concept be categorically rejected. He felt
it was not serious or fruitful at this time. Also, he felt the financing
comparison he had used earlier was correct, noting it was dealing with
local funds as a comparison.
Vote was taken on the motion, which was defeated, with Delay,
Lieuallen, and Hamel voting aye; Smith, Obie, and Williams voting
no; and Mayor Keller voting no to break the tie.
Mayor Keller felt it to be a portion of the transportation plan and felt
it did not imply any negative impact on bike riders. It would provide an
alternative source for financing.
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Mayor Keller questioned policy No.9, as to how it was arrived at. Mr.
Farah said in a state of chaos! TPC felt that if it was trying to build
the most effective transportation system, that is building facilities and
preventing service level E, that arterial streets and traffic capacities
that might be gained from removing parking on arterial streets to be a
key. The first function of arterial streets would be to carry through
traffic, with parking as a secondary function. Removal of parking would
allow gains for greater 'capacity. Assistant Manager noted this was a
statement of a long-standing City policy. Mayor Keller then wondered
where the bike paths would fit in. Mr. Farah said the plan was an attempt
to provide for movement of people by increasing capacity through use of
all modes of transit, even use of sidewalks.
Mr. Obie wondered, in light of the City.s apparent move in the direction
of potentially reducing minimum lot size and allowing more on-street
parking, whether these would be in conflict with this goal. Assistant
Manager said there was a balancing effect already ongoing. This plan
would be dealing with arterials as distinguised from residential streets.
He noted there would always be areas of policy conflicts which would need
to be resolved on a case-by-case basis.
Manager noted the Council would be in a jOint meeting May 18 with the
other jurisdictions. Part of the effort would be to arrive at tentative
agreement today, or at least prior to that meeting. Following that joint
meeting, there will be further discussion and, hopefully, final adoption.
Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to tentatively adopt the
Policies for the T-2000 Plan as recommended by the Planning
Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
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Mr. Li euallen requested that staff present information to the Council,
outside the context of the T-2000 Plan, regarding some proposals for ~
action attempti ng to all evi ate probl ems, specifically the 6th/7th avenues, .,
8th Avenue, and Washington/Jefferson/Lincoln couplet (the overall corridor
problem). Specifically, he was concerned about the WOW Hall and an
interim solution to the Washington/Jefferson Street problem. He was
concerned about maintaining the basic character of that neighborhood. He
requested assent from the Council to continue looking at those problems.
He complimented staff on the work it had been doing and felt staff
. 'to be capabl~ in coming up with some resourceful solutions.
Regarding the Pri'nciples Section of the plan, Mr. Porter said there were
alternatives in managing the various jurisdictional differences as the
plan progressed toward the year 2000. He suggested again to Council that
it concentrate on the five-year program that could be agreed upon by the
three juri sdi cti ons. If any of the programs were substanti ally changed.,
the entire plan would have to recycled. However, they can be adjusted
somewhat.
Ms. Smith wondered what the consequences might be if mutual agreement were
not reached by the three jurisdictions. Mr. Porter thought in actuality
the three jurisdictions would be able to agree for the' next five years
quite easily. There will be a major update in five years. He said there
were many uncertainties in transportation with the federal government,
state government, and local government. The Plan was created as best as
possible, given these uncertainties, for the next 20 years.
He again reiterated for Council these are goals, not fixed policies. He ~
felt Council should try to keep the jurisdictions together for the first
five years of the plan. He noted there would be many things in the Plan
with which individuals in three jurisdictions might not agree, and those
should be noted as high priorities for the yearly reviews and five-year
upda te .
Ms. Smith then wondered what changes might have to be made for the three
jurisdictions to agree in five years. Mr. Farah replied the key would be
setting a direction now to bring it together in five years, that an
agreement on a metro-wide transit goal should be reached in the next five
years. That would address the differences that perhaps might be seen ljy
the three jurisdictions. He said this is a beginning point, and continued
work would be ongoing. One big portion of that work would be to bring the
goal s together.
Regarding the transit usage (item No.4), Mr. Obie said he had not been
provided with information that a IS-percent goal would be reasonable. He
did not want to pursue an unreasonable objective. He understood there was
a two- to three-percent usage now, which has taken ten to 15 years to
reach. He though perhaps over the next 20 years, it could be expected
the percentage would increase a little more. He felt an objective of
less than ten percent and more than five percent would be a reasonable
one for Eugene to approach.
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Mr. Williams responded it is impossible to answer the question. Council
was dealing in a situation in which it did not know how much energy
would be available or the state of automobile technology, or what personal
transit vehicles will be used 20 years from now. There will be massive
societal changes that could effect the Plan, which are difficult to
determine at this time. Mayor Keller said the biggest key to the problem
would be the five-year update.
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Mr. Obie wondered if consideration was given to developing incremental
goals. Mr. Porter said part of the decision in reaching the 15 percent
goal was the rationale of trying to get people to use modes of transpor-
tation other than single-ridership automobiles. He said it had to be
looked at more in a philosophical way, as it was not known how to reach
15-percent goal from the current two to three percent. He said it was a
philosophy that it would be better if the community were not completely
relying on automobile transportation by the year 2000.
Mr. Allen said the only consolation he could give is that in the process
of reaching this goal, there had been many bodies strewn along the way of
reduci ng the goal down to 15 percent from 100 percent. .
Mr. Obie then wondered if it might be better to use some language that
forgot about specific percentages and talked about where Council is trying
to go and what it is trying to do, thereby eliminating the controversy of
the percentage transit goal. Mr. Porter said technologically, a percen-
tage is needed for modeling for facilities over a considerable time frame.
He thought the 15 percent goal for the City of Eugene to be a proper one
model for future transportation systems. If the 15 percent predicted goal
were not used, there would be considerable difference in the facilities
that were being proposed for the year 2000. Mr. Farah said if in 1985,
there were a four-percent transit ridership, the same alignments regarding
facilities to handle greater capacity would be recommended by staff.
Mr. Delay reiterated one of the greatest assets of the plan was the way it
defers capital investments, noting it was really buying time. Mr. Obie
did not think it was buying time. He felt it was creating a potential of
forcing people out of their cars because they could not use the streets
because of congestion. He did not think that to be good transportation
planning. Mr. Delay did not feel staff was reflecting Mr. Obie's comments
in this Plan, but rather recommending a plan to avoid service level
E.
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Mr. Williams reminded Council of the lack of funding for the Plan,
noting the lack of money for present street programs. He felt the whole
concept of the plan was a farce as there was no money with which to build
it. Mr. Allen felt the staff was in error in leading Council through the
exerci se because it mi ght go on and on until money was found to buil d it.
He noted the City was the lowest level for financing. If the Federal and
State have no money, the City's chances of raising it were pretty slim.
There are many projects which need to be done, but the funding capability
simply is not there. However, he felt the City was doing a good job of
planning within its means.
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Mr. Porter fel t the Eugene communi ty was creative enough to deal with the
plan, and could find solutions. He saw it as exciting transportation ~
planning. He noted changes were coming that were necessary for the ..,
community to plan for, and he felt it could be done in a creative manner.
Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the meeting was adjourned to May 17,
1978.
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Ci ty Manager
DT:so/CM7a1
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