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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/13/1978 Meeting M I N 1I T E S e EUGENE CITY COUNCIL December fU97S Adjourned meeting from December II, 1978, of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller, December 13, 1978, King's Table Restaurant, Oakway Mall, 11:30 a.m., with the following Councilors present: D.W. Hamel, Ray Bradley, Tom Williams, Eric Haws, Jack Delay, Scott Lieuallen (arrived late), Brian Obie, and Betty Smith. I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL A. Downtown Parking Policy--Mr. Obie requested information regarding a new restriction on parking hours. Manager said a policy was being considered that in some free parking lots there would be a limitation at the start of the day to discourage employees from using those parking spaces. Mr. Obie mentioned breakfast meetings, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., with persons attending that meeting coming out to find parking tickets. He wondered if the time could be changed to a half- hour later to solve this problem. A staff report will be distributed at December 20 Council meeting. e B. BikeJ:ath on 18th Avenue--Mr. Obie requested Council consider at the December 20 meeting-the possibility of scheduling a public hearing. Manager noted under the present process, normally a request for an appeal is received and is then brought before the Council. C. No Smoking in Council Chambers--Mr. Hamel wondered if Assistant Manager has the authority to make such a decision. Manager said under the Code he does. He said the Planning Commission is the only group really affected. Mr. Williams raised the question of a specific reso- lution passed by Council which stated that groups would consider for themselves whether to ban smoking. , City Attorney will report back December 20, regarding the resolution and/or policy. D. 1990 Update rolicy Committee--Meeting scheduled Thursday, December 14, 7 a.m., Gingerbread House, Springfield. E. Handicapped Commission--Resignation received from Clarence Townsend. Mayor Keller felt it necessary for Council to schedule a discussion soon on the Human Rights commissions. He noted the rapid turnover and felt perhaps Council should look at some type of reorganization. 12/13/78 - 1 - 112.. - -- ."",.""....,..._'...""'~L.'. _ . F. Tri-Agency--Manager said a ribbon-cutting ceremony was scheduled for the new dog pound, involving Eugene and Springfield city councils - and lane County Commissioners. It wi 11 be Wednesday, ,January 10 at 4:30 p.m. Immediately followinC], there will be a social dinner at Quigleys. Mr. lieuallen arrived. G. Scobert Information Report--Distributed. Manager noted for Council, if a claim were filed with the insurance company, most probably the claim would be paid. Mr. Williams cautioned staff might check with the insurance carrier to make sure the premium isn't doubled as a result. Mr. Obie questioned whether the Scoberts had appealed and that appeal had been denied. Ms. Smith said the appeal was not denied, and had never been considered because no Councilor voting on the prevailing side had requested reconsideration. II. Routine Items for Council Approval A. Council minutes of December 6, 1978. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley, to approve Council minutes of December 6, 1978. Motion carried unanimously. I I I. Budget Review Subcommittee Report Re: Processes--Memo distributed. Manager reviewed the memorandum which outlined the Budget Review Sub- e committee's tentative proposals for the 1979-80 budget process. The Budqet Committee would have a meeting the middle of January to provide an oppor- tunity for the entire Committee to review the proposed processes and hear a presentation on a limitation process or formula. Staff would recommend several alternatives. The January 31 meeting would be the deadline for distribution of the new budget service summaries and a briefing session for 'the new Budget Committee members. In February the Committee would go over these service summaries and cost documents as a background briefing for the total budget. He sai d there would be a very heavy meeting schedule during April and May, with the Manager's office making the budget presentation. Adjustments to be made ,I to the budget would have to Le done prior to May 21, the deadline for the late June election. Ms. Smith reiterated this approach would be a bit more time consuming than last year, but the Subcommitte felt the use of service descriptions in the process would be very helpful. She also noted that the use of summary sheets woul d be reinstituted thi s year. Mr. Lieuallen questioned Item D, increasing the Budget Committee's role in po 1 icy. He said he was most concerned that there be discussion as to what the role is rather than considerations expanding that role. Mayor 12113/78 - 2 e ,'3 . . e Keller requested clarification as to whether it meant setting a policy or getting more direct involvement. Manager responded, the staff sensed that some Budget Committee members felt they had no control over or effect on what is happening. This was an attempt to create a situation where Budget Committee members have some sense of accomplishment and control. There was some discussion on whether or not the Council should consider Budget Committee recommendations any differently than Planning Commission recommendations, noting the Council does have the final decision on the budget. However, it was pointed out these proposed processes were an attempt to help the Budget Committee find a more workable solution to deal with the budget document. Ms. S~ith also noted it was an attempt to attain general consensus from the Budget Committee once a budget had been decided on. She felt the Council would be placing itself in the uncomfor- table position of overturning what the Budget Committee recommends. Mr. Williams said it was very unusual for the Council to reverse a Budget Committee decision, but in fact, the Council had gone to great lengths to confer with the Budget Committee. Also, he said if policy definition was the allocation of funds to an activity, then he did not see anything un- reasonable about looking at the whole budget. ~1r. Delay felt the use of service sheet summaries was a very significant improvement and would give the Budget Committee a better opportunity to understand the processes. However, he questioned Item Din the proposed budget process, feeling the word "policy" should be changed to "priority." - The elected officials role is to establish policy. He had concerns that Items A, B, C, E, and F were too general in nature and questioned what they meant; and also, Item 2, setting expenditure limitions. In response, Manager noted for Item A (increased discussions about ser- vices the City should provide), this item reflected interest from the Budget Committee members that perhaps certain services are not in the budget and should be discussed. Item B (response to public concerns regarding rising costs of government) was included because of public discussions on Ballot Measures 6 and 11. It was felt that consideration should be given to various proposals which seemed to reflect the dominant votinq patterns of the community in reducing the cost of government. Item C (seek more general public input in reaching decisions) responded to past participation, mainly by various special interest groups during budget meetings. This would be an attempt to get more general concern and take into account the interests of the general public. He continued, Item E (increased commitment of Budget Committee members) W,IS a response to poor attendance at Rudqet Committee meetings 1 ast year. It(~rn F (providing stronger direction by management in recommending budget) he felt to be a clear statement and the City Manager's Office and staff waul d be happy to do so. For Item G (all ow Budget Commi ttee to see where services have been curtailed or expanded), staff would try to provide documentation to answer that concern. He said Item 2 (the expenditure limitations) referred to the recent tax limitation elections. Staff is committed to presenting proposals for setting certain limitations. e 12/13/78 - 3 '1,+ . Mr. Delay agreed he would like to see more public input and public involvement in the budget process. Manager noted the December 1977, e public opinion survey was more representative of the needs of the com- munity than anything done to date. That survey had been used as back- ground information for the Budget Committee meetings last year. Mayor Keller said it seemed that the basic needs were for the budget process to be simple and easily understood. He felt those were the purposes of the Council goals. Ms. Smith felt the use of the service descriptions would make the process simpler and would provide the opportunity for the Budget Committee members to more clearly understand the process. Mr. Delay wanted more of an explanation regarding expenditure limitation proposals. He felt it would take considerable time, perhaps more than just one meeting. Manager said staff would be presenting expenditure limitations alternatives which would include certain exceptions, i.e., some capital outlay programs. He said it would be necessary to define a base to which the e~penditure limitation would apply Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to accept the budget process and schedule as proposed, with change in the wording in Item D from "policy" to "priority," and a more definitive explanation of the other Items A through G. Motion carried unanimously. IV. Lane County Ordinance Re: Transient Room Tax--Memo and ordinance distributed. Manager said the proposed ordinance would increase the room tax county- e wide by one percent, with the estimated proceeds of $120,000 to be used for promoting tourist/convention business. Approximately $70,000 would be collected within the Eugene city limits. He noted some questions Council may wish to discuss would be how to coordinate the promotion, how it relates to Civic Center development, and what effect this would have for Eugene. Commissioner Bob Wood, Lane County, said the rationale for the proposed ordinance was that the tourist and convention business was a clean indus., try and was increasing in Oregon. It is one which helps the economy in the area. He also noted the competitiveness of the business. The ordi- nance is an effort to centralize the promotion and attraction of conven- tions and tourists. He noted the need for a one-percent increase had been under consideration by Lane County for quite some time. He also noted the need to make the effort self-sustaining. He said the total one-percent would be earmarked for the promotion of these businesses. The Lane County Fair Board would coordinate the effort, as the Fair Board was removed from the politics of Lane County. He felt Lane County has much to offer tourists and convention attendees. This would be an effort to promote the County attractions. He sa i d percentaqes of room tax in other cities would be comparable, noting 12/13/78 - I~ e "5 . Denver--7.5 percent, Portland--six percent, and Seattle--five percent. - He said the budget of $120,000 was not large compared to other cities: Portland, $400,000; and Medford $75,000. He noted the fragmented efforts with several different groups promoting conventions and tourism. He said this ordinance is in no way intended to undermine those efforts, but to bring about a centralized coordination. Consideration of establishing a committee for hospitality and promo- tional industry and a marketing program was underway. It might be comprised of representatives of the motel/hotel business, the conven- tion bureaus of the Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce, and other citizens. The advantages to the program would be no administra- tive costs and minimizing of confusion. He noted the ~arge number of dollars spent in the area from this industry and felt it was time for a coordinated effort. Ms. Smith expressed concern regarding the relationship and cooperation between the chambers of commerce and Civic Center, and wondered if a competing type of program should be set up. She also wondered if this was in compliance with the contracting laws. Ms. Joyce Benjamin, City Attorney's Office, said she presumed the County Counsel had looked at the ordinance; however, she would check it further. Commissioner Wood assured the Council it was appropriate ~nd legal. In response to a question from Mr. Bradley, Manager said there is a county- wide five-percent room tax. Within the city, three percent of that five percent returns to the City for room tax funds. Lane County keeps the other two percent. In terms of dollars, the City of Eugene gets about - $210,000 per year. The County gets about $100,000 within the city limits plus all the proceeds collected outside the city. Mr. Bradley wondered if the County could ammend an ordinance without the City passing a companion ordinance. ~ls. Benj ami n said she woul d rev i ew and report back to Council. Mr. Obie expressed concern regarding the time element involved. He felt it very critical, especially as it relates to the Civic Center program. He would like Council to ask the Commissioners not to act on the ordinance until the City could explore the text of the ordinance in more detail. He also noted the potential concern of three bodies needing room tax monies: the Civic Center, Chamber of Commerce, and the Fair Board entity. However, he felt efforts for consolidation and coordination to be admirable. He was also chagrined to find out the fair grounds was more a convention center. He felt that to be a wrong approach, especially on a competitive basis. He again requested delay by the County until the City staff and Council had time to further consider the proposal Commissioner Wood said he was responding to interests of all persons in the community. He said the improvement at the fair grounds had been going on for three years and was not a new issue. He said he was looking at the general interest of the public. Public dollars are building the fair ground improvements and he felt it necessary that the County compete e 12/13/78 - 5 ", ~- . and promote the tourist/convention business. He felt the way for coor- dination in this effort was to establish a committee which can consider e various ways to coordinate and decide on priorites which are complimentary. Commissioner Wood was thanked for his presentation before the Council. Manager said one basic concern was what organizational arrangement would ensure the City's interests being protected with respect to convention activities. He suggested that perhaps being under the head of one poli- tical board would not be the best assurance. Dean Bumgartner, Director of the Civic Center, said the primary concern of all involved parties is the non-biased disbursement and use of the funds. The process of collecting the existing transient room tax funds and the intergovernmental disbursement of these funds is well established. Of primary concern is the assignment of the additional one percent tax increase to the Fair Board Fund 21 by the proposed County ordinance, and the failure of the proposed ordinance in defininq how these monies will be used and the governing body which will be charged with determining who the" user will be. Since the room tax funds are collected on a county-wide' basis, it is necessary the disbursing body ensure the funds are used to benefit the entire county and not just one facility or one area. Further, the primary source areas for the collection of these funds must be the primary recipients of the benefits from the use of the funds in promoting convention business and tourist activities. He said, in general terms the most frequently used method for achieving the above-stated end product in other jurisdictions is usually a nongovernmental body which is established specifically to engage in promotion and solicitation of tour- e ism activity, convention business, and related activities. A board of directors representing the hotel/motel industry, tourist business, public convention and entertainment facilites, the general public, and appropriate governmental bodies, becomes the policy-making entity for the organization. A professional staff is hired and charged with the responsibility of per- forming within the policy guidelines established by the board. A govern- mental or intergovernmental agency is established to receive and disburse the room tax funds to the approved entity. He felt this would be the best approach to achieving parity in fund usage and achieving maximum desired impact from these monies. He suggested that the International Association of Conventions and Busi- ness Bureau in Champaign, Illinois be contacted for advice and counsel on the procedure. This organization can provide consultants and assis- tance in establishing and operating a visitor and convention activity for this area. Don Mason, Manager, Eugene Chamber of Commerce, said his group was con- cerned because it appears there will be three possible room tax increases: (1) The City; (2) the State; and (3) the County. He felt these increases may put Eugene to an unfair disadvantage with other cities. He said the fair ground efforts are more trade-show oriented, and do not always generate a great number of room sales. The Convention Bureau of the Chamber is more concerned about the total commununity. 12/13/78 - 6 e ", . e Mayor Keller requested Mr. Mason provide total expenditures for the Council for promotions in the area. Mr. Lieuallen suggested that if Lane County does pass the ordinance, perhaps it would relieve the City room tax obligation by three-fourths of one percent. That money could be used rather than request an increase. Manager felt that perhaps the staffs should cooperate with the Fair Board in looking for information on models in other cities. He suggested a delay of perhaps two months to assemble information and propose something more constructive. Mayor Keller suggested the type of committee that might be best for hand- ling this program would be representatives of the Eugene and Springfield chambers of commerce, Lane County staff persons, representative of the Civic Center Commission, and one to three members of the industry. He felt those persons who are directly involved in the business would know more than lay persons. It was consensus of Council that City Manager would relay to Lane County Commissioners a request for delay of action on the proposed ordinance for two months. A short recess was taken. . V. Consideration of Metro Wastewater Management Commission Budget FY 1979-- - Manager said the budget has been approved preliminarily by the Metro Wastewater Management Commission. However, under the Joint Power Agree- ment, all three jurisdictions must approve before final approval is given by the Commission. William Pye, Metro Wastewater Management Commission Manager, was available to answer questions. Ms. Smith said the Commission had reviewed the budget and felt it to be adequate. The County is reviewing it today, and Springfield has approved it. Res. No. 3058--Ratifying the budget of the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission and authorizing City Manager to include up to the sum of $107,026 in the proposed City budget was read by number and title. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution. Roll ca11 vote. Motion carried unanimously. VI. Consideration of Code Amendment Re: Licensing Procedures--Memos and ordinances distributed. Mr. Williams questioned the section of the ordinance dealing with elec- trical sales. He said as it read, it would require a license for persons selling light bulbs, hair dryers, or extension cords. He felt this to be e iZ/ 13/78 - 7 "8 . unnecessary, and suggested wording be inserted requiring a license for e "permanent attachment" or install ation in el ectrical sal es. Shirley Swenson, Finance Department, said this was a consumer protection measure which gives the buyer an opportunity to make sure such devices are UL approved. Further, it is a fire protection measure. It is pri- marily aimed at electrical appliances. She said wording could be changed to address Mr. Williams' concern. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to change the language under electrical sales to include "permanent" or "require UL approval for sale in the city." Don Allen, Public Works Director, said he could present legitimate con- cerns where the City has had to use the ordinance to eliminate problems. However, he felt the ordinance could be amended to meet Mr. Williams' concerns. Vote was taken on the motion which carried with all Councilors ,present voting aye, except Mr. Haws voting no. Mr. Hamel moved, seconded by Mr. Bradley, to schedule public hearing on the licensing ordinances January 22, 1979. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Swenson noted for Council that the ordinance deals just with Business License Chapter and would repeal bike licensin~. She noted the memo sent to the Bicycle Committee, and had concurrence with the University of e Oregon, that dropping such licensinq would not be detrimental to their free marking program. It was noted that licen~ing of bikes has proven to be very inefficient, and the proceeds which were marked for bike paths have not even covered the cost of administering the' program. The City would encourage people to mark their bicycles, perhaps with driver's license numbers, which would be more effective nationwide.. Mr. Lieuallen agreed the bike licensing program was a waste of time. He noted the possibility of a statewide program, and felt the State should be made aware that the licensing program is unworkable and probably not effecti ve. Mr. Obie left the meeting. VI I. Briefing Re: Major Legislative Issues--Papers distributed. Manager said the format of the meetinq with the legislators December 14, 6:30 p.m., Valley River Inn, would be as follows: Introducti on by the Mayor, presentation of the issues, and then individual query of the legislators by Councilors. Paget Engen emphasized the Councilors should have individual interactions with the legislators, to alert them of the Council's interest in various issues. 12/13/78 - 8 e ,1Q . . - VIII. Review of Manager Evaluation Questionnaire and Process Mayor Keller said the subcommittee had met and drawn up a procedure for evaluation, which had been distributed to Councilors. He noted a grading process for Councilors to use was in the packet, and requested personal comments. They are to be returned confidentially to the Mayor by December 20. He also noted materials included for reading and review. The Mayor will then discuss privately with each Councilor any major concerns. Once the process is completed, the Mayor again will confer with each Councilor individually to inform them of the outcome of the evaluation. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the meeting was adjourned to December 20, 1978. c~r?~ Ci ty Manager DT:er/CM26b21 e e 12/13/78 - 9 ;80