HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/26/1979 Meeting
.
M I NUT E S
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
February 26, 1979
Adjourned meeting from February 21, 1979, of the City Council of the City
of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller at 7:30
p.m., Council Chamber, with the fOllowing Councilors present: Jack Delay,
Betty Smith, Eric Haws, Scott Lieual1en, Gretchen Miller, and Emily Schue.
Councilors D. W. Hamel and Brian Obie were absent.
I. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Dennis Murphy, Medical Services, Inc., recognized the following persons
for their CPR assistance for Councilor Bill Hamel at the January 17,
Council meeting. Mike Hamel, son of Councilor Hamel, and Bill Leonard,
MSI, assisted in the presentations. Those receiving awards were: Joyce
Benjamin, Carol Baker, Greg Page, John Janzen, Pam Louviere, and Lori
Corey. Mr. Murphy emphasized the importance of citizens having CPR
training. Mayor Keller, on behalf of Councilor Hamel, thanked those who
received awards.
II.
1980 OLYMPIC TRIALS
e
Mayor Keller announced the recent decision that Eugene would be the
site of the 1980 Olympic Field and Track Trials. He was very proud
of the Oregon Track Club, and especially commended Bill Rau and Jim
Putney who made the presentation on behalf of Eugene. He noted Eugene
indeed was lithe jogging capital" of the world.
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Community Development Block Grant Application for FY 79-80--
Materials Distributed
Manager noted the Council had toured areas where Block Grant funds
have been used. This is the City's fifth year of participation in
the program, and it expects to receive $1.212 million. The Community
Development Committee held a public hearing February 15, 1979, and
is recommending approva1 of the application as submitted to Council.
Paula Ross, HCC, noted this application was primarily for physical
development in neighborhoods, with some social service funding. The
intent of the 1974 Housing and Community Development Act is to aid
in the elimination and prevention of urban blight and to provide
funds for activities which primarily benefit low- and moderate-
income people. With that objective in mind, the Committee adopted
a geographic distribution of funds that concentrates activities
in those parts of the city with the greatest needs. The geographic
e
2/26/79--1
106
distribution is combined with the neighborhood improvement program
concept in which a program is designed to address the major needs
of an identified area. Intensive planning occurs in these areas, .
ranging from land use to building and site conditions, to trans-
portation needs, and neighborhood design elements. The NIP schedule
is as follows: Westside NIP, FY 75-76 through 77-78; Whiteaker NIP,
77-78 through 79-80; West University NIP, 79-80 through 81-82. The
summary of how the money will be allocated was described as follows:
Rehabilitation loans, HCC General and Rehab administration, Planning
Department administration, Finance administration, Whiteaker NIP,
West University NIP, individually funded activities, and a contingency
fund.
She noted at the CDC hearing, the following changes were made:
$20,000 recommended for the Handicapped Commission's request for
removal of architectural barriers for the physically handicapped
was reduced to $14,500. The additional $5,500 will be allocated,
with $3,000 to Fairmount Neighbors for kiosks; and $2,500 to SUNA
for street trees. The Whiteaker NIP has a primary emphasis on
economic development, which is a rather new program. There was
considerable time spent and much discussion before the CDC with the
staff and neighborhood leaders. The allocation for Whiteaker NIP was
made with the following provisions: That all 11 elements be submitted
with the understanding that CDC expects the Whiteaker neighbor-
hood group and staff to work out details of structure and controls
related to investment projects and program implementation before
any funds or Elements 2, 3, 4, and 5 are released or expended.
She noted other items for action requested this evening were: The
Urban Renewal Project, which has already been approved and funds
allocated. However, each year's funding request must be approved
in conjunction with the Block Grant Application. Also included
was the schedule for the Housing Assistance Plan, which must accompany
each year1s Block Grant. It does not require action at this time.
Ms. Ross noted it would come before Council in April, with the public
hearing before the Joint Housing Committee in March.
She reviewed the application as follows: Section 7062 is a descrip-
tion of Eugene; Section 7063 a description of housing, economic
development, and physical improvement needs of the City; Section
7064 includes how the City intends to address the needs in the next
three years; Section 7065 is a list of projects intended for funding
1979-80 and how the City will meet those needs during the next fiscal
year; Section 7066 is a project summary; and Section 7067, a cost
summa ry .
-
Mr. Delay found working on this Committee to be a very rewarding
experience. He noted the responsiveness to neighborhood groups
and their needs. He has seen increasing responsibility on the part of
neighborhoods in working to solve some of their own problems. He
noted some projects were not funded, and hoped that some day the
City will be able to do more about community development in more
transitional neighborhoods.
e
2/26/79--2
101
.
Ms. Miller noted in the SUNA request, funds had been requested
for a project at 19th and Agate. The contingency was that the
merchants fund the project. She stated, as a merchant in that
area, and being one of those persons partly affected, she did not
feel she had a conflict of interest for this item.
-
Public hearing was opened.
Those speaking in favor of the Block Grant were as follows:
Cathy Rapp, 956-1/2 West 4th, President Whiteaker Community Council,
noted the Whiteaker NIP 79-80 package represented considerable time
and effort on the part of the neighborhood people. She said this
program would continue and expand some of the past projects for the
Whiteaker neighborhood, as mentioned in the Whiteaker Refinement Plan.
Such projects included child care, cooperative housing, and economic
development. She believed the proposal had wide neighborhood support
and a dedicated commitment from the Whiteaker Community Council.
Cathy Burke, 92 North Polk, hoped to continue the child-care program
for the community. She said there was a great need in that area '
because of the large number of single families. Also, she mentioned
a need to improve the arts program and development of a Wh;teaker-
based performing arts program for area residents. The request would
continue architectural restoration in the neighborhood, continue
appropriate technology demonstration project, and complete the commu-
nity center by making it handicapped accessible.
Jim McCoy, 1190 West 5th, was a member of the Whiteaker staff working
on the economic development proposal. He noted the proposal was
a result of a housing cooperative feasibility study and research
regarding formation of a community development corporation. The
result of the research and planning were the NIP economic development
component in this block grant. The overall general strategy will
be to form a mutual partnership organization to work with residents,
business people, and others in the neighborhood. He noted the group
would be seeking help from City staff and the State Housing Authority
regarding the housing component. For implementation of this program,
he said the Small Business Association program could increase the
dollars for program implementation. He hoped this funding would help
provide leverage to allow the community to develop this economic
program.
Gary Spivak, 1350 Bailey, said a possible economic development project
could be to purchase a building, remodel it, and use it to provide
adequate facilities for a neighborhood business that might otherwise
leave the neighborhood. Side benefits would be improvement of the
building itself, better opportunities for local employment, and adding
to the existing neighborhood business. He felt this program would tie
in very closely with economic development and planning for the entire
city.
-
2/26/79--3
m
Bill Uhlhorn, 2625 Hilyard Street, was director of the Eugene Emer-
gency Housing. Presently, he is responsible for operating two facili- .
ties which provide housing for emotionally and mentally disturbed
adults. He noted the requested money in the grant would help add
to his program. There were 1,400 to 1,600 persons in the community
who need adequate low-cost housing along with supportive services.
The Housing Assistance Plan presently does not address these needs,
nor do the zoning codes, which presently restrict group-care facilities.
He thanked the City for recognition of this need in the community.
Dorothy McNair, 2207 Willona Drive, a parent, and member of the
Lane County Mentally Retarded Association. She supportive alternative
housing for physically handicapped, noting the only available housing
now is nursing homes. She also felt there was a need for architec-
turally barrier-free homes. She requested Council support the request.
Tom Hubka, 1961 Agate, represented Fairmount Neighbors. The group
was concerned about taking money from the handicapped, and recommended
that that portion be returned to the handicapped for their architectural
free-barrier project. However, the group did request that its project
still be funded within the total program. He said the $3,000 would be
a great help and would go a long way in the neighborhood. He noted
a large number of single-family residents and the kiosks would attempt
to communicate information among the residents.
Public hearing was closed, there being no further testiony
presented.
Ms. Smith wondered if there were any way the Handicapped Commission,
Fairmount Neighbors, and SUNA tree projects could all be funded.
Ms. Ross replied the only place would be from the contingency fund.
She noted that fund is used to cover costs and overruns of other
approved projects. Mr. Delay noted the contingency fund is very
small in relation to the entire allocation. He said CDC struggled
with the priorities for funding. He was not sure it would be wise to
use the contingency fund for these projects. He noted the dollars
that would be allocated for the Handicapped Commission's project will
be dollars that will have to be allocated because of Federal legisla-
tion anyway.
-
Ms. Smith favored allocating the $5,500 to the Handicapped Commission,
and considering use of contingency funds for the other two projects.
Charles Kupper, HCC Director, noted there may be money left over from
previous years' projects that could be used. Mr. Delay felt that
would be the best option. Ms. Ross noted the present application
would be submitted in April and approved.in July. She said expendi-
tures will continue between now and July. It wouldn't be possible to
know how much contingency fund might be left over until the end of the
project year.
e
\Oq
2/26/79--4
e
e
-
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith. to approve the Community
Development Block Grant Application for submittal to HUD as
recommended by CDC; with reprogramming of $5,500 into the Archi-
tectural Barrier Project as money becomes available from previous
years' grants. Motion carried unanimously.
B.
Concurrent Annexation/Rezoning property located generally northeast of
Dillard Road (Rodman/Shinn)(A/Z 78-14)
Unanimously recommended by Planning Commission on December 12, 1978.
Jim Saul, Planner, said the annexation/rezoning involves 19.8 acres.
It is a portion of a larger tract in excess of 100 acres. A portion
of that 100 acres is located beyond the ridgeline and would not
be suitable for annexation under present policies. The remaining
portion is within the urban service boundary but is extremely steep,
would not be susceptible to development, and thus was excluded from
this application. He noted the written findings for annexation
included the City's normal standards, pertinent portions of the LCDC
Administrative Rule, and Statewide Goals, which would be applicable
(Nos. 5, 7, 10, 11, and 14).
He noted an unusual aspect of this request in that the 19.8 acres
surrounds 4.32 acres owned by Bernice Sisney. Prior to the Planning
Commission hearing, staff was unable to determine whether or not Ms.
Sisney favored or opposed annexation. The Planning Commission thus
did recommend inclusion of her property. Subsequent to the Planning
Commission hearing, the owner did contact the Planning Department and
did not want annexation. Therefore Council was faced with two options:
1) Exclude the Sisney property, thus creating an island; or 2)
include the property in the recommendation to the Boundary Commission.
He noted if Council took the latter action, it would run the risk that
the owner could petition for election and defeat the entire annexation.
No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by
Councilors.
Staff Notes and minutes were entered into the record.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
Res. No. 3083--Recommending to Boundary Commission annexation
of property located generally northeast of
Dillard Road (Rodman/Shinn)(A/Z 78-14) was read
by number and title.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting
the annexation as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes
and minutes of December 12, 1978, be adopted by reference thereto;
and that the resolution be adopted.
Ms. Smith moved to delete the Sisney property from the annexation.
Motion died for a lack of a second.
2/26/79--5
110
In clarification, Mr. Saul said Council, under current statutes,
may recommend and initiate annexation. However, if there is not a
health hazard or if it is not an island area, any resident on the 4It
proposed property may file a petition for an election. This would
obligate the City to schedule an election and those persons living
in the affected area vote as to whether or not they wished to be
annexed. He said in this particular instance there would be only
person, Ms. Sisney, and she in effect could defeat the entire annexa-
tion. He reviewed again that his attempts to contact Ms. Sisney
were unsuccessful. Only after the Planning Commission had heard the
matter and had recommended annexation did he receive her objection
to the annexation.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieual1en, to amend the motion to
delete the Sisney property from the annexation. Vote was taken on
the amendment to the motion, which carried with all Councilors
present voting aye, except Haws and Miller voting no.
Vote was taken on the main motion, which carried unanimously.
C.B. 1835--Rezoning from County RA to City R-1/PD property located
generally northeast of Dillard Road (Rodman/ Shinn)(A/Z
78-14) was read by council bill number and title only,
there being no Councilor present requesting it be read
in full.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting
the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and ~
minutes of December 12, 1978, 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.
Mr. Saul noted the Planning Commission recommended rezoning of only
the Rodman/Shinn property, excluding Sisney's, because of legal
notification deadlines.
Vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously, and
the bill was read the second time by council bill number only.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smi th, that the bi 11 be
approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All
Councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed
and numbered 18343.
C. Rezoning from RA to R-2 property located on west side of Oak Patch Road
between 11th Avenue and 15th Avenue (Napier)(Z 78-32)
Unanimously recommended by Planning Commission on December 12, 1978.
Mr. Saul said the parcel involved 15,600 square feet. He reviewed
the surrounding property and time of rezoning to R-2. The findings
-
2/26/79--6
II'
.
e
-
for the rezoning by the Planning Commission included in the packet
found the rezoning to be consistent with the General Plan appli-
cable to this area and that there is a public need. If the ~roperty
is rezoned, it could be developed into five residences including the
present dwelling.
No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared
by Council ors.
Staff notes and minutes were entered into the record.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
C.B. 1836--Rezoning from RA to R-2 properaty located on west
side of Oak Patch Road between 11th Avenue and 15th
Avenue was read by council bill number and title only,
there being no Councilor present requesting it be read
in full. .
D.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting
the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and
minutes of December 12, 1978, 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. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved
and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Councilors present
voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18344.
Rezoning from M-1/SR to R-1 property located on Bertelsen Road north
of 18th Avenue (Bottensek)(Z 78-36)
Unanimously recommended by Planning Commission on December 12, 1978.
Mr. Saul said the request involved 2.5 acres and the property was
annexed in 1972 when the M-1 District was applied. The property
is vacant at this time. He reviewed the surrounding property and
zoning. Development would allow a single-family subdivision.
He recommended that the sign district also be cha~ged from indus-
trial to residential.
No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by
Councilors.
Staff notes and minutes were entered into the record.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
2/26/79--7
I , 2...
C.B. 1837--Rezoning from M-1/SR to R-1 property located on
Bertelsen Road north of 18th Avenue (Bottensek)
(Z 78-36) was read by council bill number and title
only, there being no Councilor present requesting ~
it be read in full.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that findings supporting
the rezoning, including change in Sign District, as set forth
in Planning Commission's staff notes and minutes of December 12,
1978, 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. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be approved
and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Councilors present
voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18345.
A short recess was taken.
E. Code Amendment Re: Panhandle Lots
Recommended by Planning Commission January 8, 1979, with a 4:1 vote.
Manager said Council was to consider tonight two separate ordinances
regarding panhandle lots. One would establish certain standards;
and the other would set special assessments for improvements. On
April 10, 1978, Council established a moratorium on panhandle lots. ~
Subsequently, an ad hoc committee was set up by Council to study the ~
various standards and policies regarding panhandle lots. The Committee
recommendations were forwarded to the Planning Commission for review. '
Discussion was held before the Commission at several meetings, with
Commission action January 8. He noted Council Bill 1839 for
assessments requires six votes of the Council and would not go into
effect until six months after passage.
Mr. Saul said the recommendations regarding panhandle lot standards
were primarily a result of the Review Committee, whose members
included: Councilors D. W. Hamel and Scott Lieuallen; Planning
Commissioner~ Randy Thwing and James Pearson; Citizens Arden Munkres,
Elaine Roccio, and Dr. Glen Purdy; Landscape Architect Peter Thompson;
and Architect Dan Childress. The charge presented by the Council
to the Committee was to evaluate the standards as they existed in
an effort to improve the standards and to minimize the basis for
complaints, but retaining the basic concept of panhandle lots for
increasing housing density. The Committee had the benefit of the
records and public hearings, and also held its own public hearing
May 24. Neighborhood groups and interested parties were invited
to attend with the resulting 10 to 15 people attending.
2/26/79--8
-
113
e
Principle problems identified throughout included to what extent
the prior standards had been enforced. The Committee agreed there
had been enforcement problems. Thus, a recommendation was made
to improve enforcement by incorporating the standards within the
City Code to provide a legal basis for enforcement, with penalties
for failure to do so.
e
A second problem involved the apparent inequity regarding assessments
for street improvements. The recommended ordinance for assessments
addresses that problem.
Specific aspects of the panhandle lot policies included driveways,
screening, paving, and those are included in the proposed ordinance.
A substantial consideration was that panhandle lots shoul~ not be
promoted in established neighborhoods. He said this was expressed in
a vari ety of ways from "not at all II to "maybe under certai n ci rcum-
stances." However, the Committee did face problems of how to define
what constitutes an established neighborhood. Thus, the Committee
came up with a standard which would address the concerns submitted.
These were the basis for the primary recommendation of graduated
standards for minimum lot sizes depending on the location: The
panhandle lot development may be approved if the parcel is: 1) A
vacant parcel containing at least 18,000 square feet and a residence
located within an existing subdivision; or 2) a vacant parcel contain-
ing at least 16,000 feet located within an existing subdivision; or
3) a developed parcel containing at least 18,000 square feet and a
residence located within an existing subdivision; or 4) parcel in an
area specifically identified by the Planning Commission and Council as
appropriate for panhandle lot development.
At the Planning Commission discussion, there was some concern regard-
ing graduated lot standards. However, the Commission did feel the
Committee's proposal was an attempt to respond to public concerns and
something the City should adopt, follow, and evaluate in the future.
Mr. Saul distributed a memorandum dated June 14, 1978, regarding the
number of lots in the City in various size categories.
Public hearing ~as opened.
e
Sally Weston, 2595 Highland Drive, was speaking only for herself
and not the neighborhood group. She did note the neighborhood group
had reviewed the ordinance and did support the compact urban growth
form. She had watched the growth of plans and policies of the
city, supported compact growth, energy conservation, and avoidance
of urban sprawl. She was concerned about reducing the number of lots
with the present ordinance, but noted she could accept that as a
compromise in order to obtain some standards and enforcement for
panhandle lots. She referred to a recent Register-Guard article
where the real objections seemed to be the idea that "ticky tacky"
houses would result. She felt the standards for panhandle houses
would be the same as for any other houses in the city. She noted
2/26/79--9
lllf
a number of very highly developed and desirable panhandle lots in
Eugene. She referred to a sentence in which "substandard intrusion"
was mentioned in the article. She wondered what that meant. By ~
requiring 18,000 square feet for a developed lot, she said that ..,
would mean the lot for panhandling would have to be 50-percent larger
than existing lots for single-family dwellings. She also could not
see where the ordinance spoke to double-panhandle lots. Regarding
design review, she said some new houses on conventional lots could
also benefit from design review. She noted it was costly, but felt it
might be worth including. She felt it is no more appropriate for
panhandle lots than for all new construction. Regarding the assess-
ments, she wondered if this would relieve the front owners, or would
the panhandle lot be paying part of the assessment, or would it tend
to double the assessment. She felt in light of the adopted goals and
policies, the City should adopt this ordinance even though she felt it
to be a compromise.
Nick Burburichh 2290 Cal Young Road, noted the ordinance would drasti-
cally affect t e Cal Young area. Many people have property with ~
17-feet access into the property, with perhaps up to a 1-1/4 acres to
be panhandled. He said the ordinance increasing the width of an
access to 20 feet would, in effect, mean those people could not
panhandle their lots. He requested the Council not adopt the change
in access width. He felt the people in the Cal Young area should be
able to develop their land, just as owners of Valley River Center and
other developments have been able to do so.
Allen Whittington, 585 Oakway Road, represented himself and the owner ~.
of property at 565 Oakway Road. They each own one-half acre, 419- ..,
feet depth, and the land was going to waste. The land is close
to town, could be very useful, and is expensive property. However,
it is land-locked. He noted with the change of access from 15 to
20 feet, with the building five feet from his house or property
line, he would need 30 feet to panhandle his one-half acre. With the
change from 15 to 20 feet, it would effectively block both pieces
from being panhandled. He suggested an alternative of one-way street
in and one-way street out, rather than a 20-foot drive. He also
expressed concern that if he did panhandle, he would be paying a
double assessment. He noted he had just completed paying for an
assessment for Oakway Road. He said he could sell his property
to the City for a park. Another consideration was for a unit trust
to out-of-state college, which he is strongly considering. However,
in deeding hlS half acre, his neighbor's half acre would be entirely
unusable. He wanted to make use of his land, but said the change
of access width would completely eliminate his property.
Janet Calvert, 1062 Woodside Drive, spoke on behalf of the League
of , Women Voters of Central Lane County. The group has consistently
supported compact urban growth and feels that all neighborhoods
should accommodate a variety of housing types. The group supports
panhandle lots and other innovative methods of gaining greater density,
especi ally in new areas. However, they urged Council to al ter the
proposed ordinance to allow 14,000 square feet to be the standard
e
2/26/79--10
115
e
lot size for all vacant lots whether they are in old or new subdi-
V1Slons. Also, more creative use of large vacant lots should be
considered. It was hoped that Council would have staff prepare
ordinances as soon as possible to permit housing types such as
duplexes or two attached single-family homes on large undeveloped
lots. They recognized that higher density has to have some degree of
public support. In order to accomplish higher density and maintain
certain amenities of living, it was suggested that innovative design
and design compatibility with the neighborhood be encouraged. They
also supported the new assessment ordinance for panhandle lots.
She emphasized the groupDs feeling that a uniform vacant lot the
size of 14,000 square feet for panhandle lots would be a more consis-
tent implementation of the City's policy for compact urban growth.
Karen Lansdowne, 10 Donovan Drive, spoke on behalf of the Gal Young
Neighborhood Association. She noted that this issue had been a
primary concern of the neighborhood as many lots are being developed
in their area. A major problem was that the 1990 Plan had not been
developed before that area started growing. It was felt that if
a plan for a panhandle lot development is too specific and not reviewed
within a reasonable amount of time it would be highly detrimental to
the City's goals. Thus, it was suggested that the City take action
which would allow flexibility and revisions of particular requirements.
Perhaps certain guidelines could be set up, with a mode for appeal
from those guidelines, i.e., perhaps the 20-foot access width would
not be applicable to some lots. She questioned why four-parking
spaces were required when two were the normal requirement. She noted
the lack of money for City parks. If the City continues infilling
with asphalt/housing, it will destroy the few green open spaces that
do exist. Thus, the livability feature will also be destroyed at the
time the City is trying to create infilling in housing. She was
concerned about play areas for children, and stressed the Council
should look at whether it's eliminating open spaces with too much
infilling.
R. L. Whitson, 2359 Lariat Drive, spoke to the section in the ordi-
nance regarding enforcement. He felt some panhandle lots had been
"attrocious," and hoped there would be teeth in the ordinance for
enforcement. He felt the 20-foot access driveway to be an error and
did not think it fair to increase the access when 15 feet would be
plenty wide for such access. He was very concerned about the four-car
parking lot requirement.
e
Rob Robertson, 794 Crest Drive, spoke on behalf of the Crest Drive
Citizens. They supported the panhandle lot ordinance and feel there
is a need for implementation as quickly as pOSSible. He noted the
problem in the requirement increasing 17-1/2 to 20-foot paving
width. They favored the 20- to 25-foot access with the 12-foot paving
width. He said if a 12-foot paving width was adequate for single-
family homes, then it should be adequate for panhandle lots.
e
2/26/79--11
116
Charles Kennedy, 2706 Sorrel Way, favored the ordinance. He felt
if it was the best the staff could come up with, then it was necessary ~
to pass it tonight as there is a need for that land to be available. ~
He noted most of this land will end up with small developers and
the City needs that kind of small capital investment. Regarding
the increase in driveway width, he cited that as an example of what
happens when engineers set standards based on optimum conditions.
He felt this would drive up the cost of housing. He said it was
not necessary under any conditions to make driveways 20-feet wide.
He felt it might be an optimum condition, but it might not be workable.
Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony
presented.
Mr. Saul said regarding the assessments, that by increasing the
assessable width for the panhandle lot, it would reduce the assessment
for property fronting the lot in excess of 60 feet. Regarding the
access width, several factors should be noted. The paving width for
two or more lots actually represents a reduction from existing stan-
dards which now require 20 feet. The ordinance reduces that standard
to 17-1/2 feet for two or more lots. The Committee did modify the
access and paving width requirement for one lot. The requirements to
provide four parking spaces is not a change. The present requirement
requires four off-street parking spaces on a rear lot. The only
change is that two may be within an enclosed garage.
Regarding design review, he said the Committee did debate that and
determined not to include it for several reasons. One was inability ~
to arrive at an adequate standard. Concerns were expressed about
costs involved in design review, both for the developed housing and
direct cost to the City. He noted during 1977, 110 panhandle applica-
tions were reviewed. Using the City's normal costs for initial
review, the City costs were $48,510. However, he noted design review
had been a concern of the Committee.
Ms. Smith questioned whether yearly review of the proposed ordinance
was discussed by the Planning Commission. Mr. Saul said the Commis-
sion recognized that both it and the Council will be involved in a
review of panhandle requests.
Ms. Schue moved to amend the motion to retain one-lot access
width at 15 feet and retain the paving width at 12 feet.
Mayor Keller suggested Ms. Schue wait until the main motion was on the
floor before offering an amendment.
Mr. Delay asked if the only thing that prevented development of half
of the possible panhandle lots was the inability to provide 25-foot
access, would the existing variance code be applicable for these
situations? Mr. Saul said the panhandle ordinance simply deals
with a question of land division. The provisions and variances
e
2/26/79--12
\n
e
of the Code do not come into playas those are different standards.
He noted a problem in that panhandle lots are already a modification
of normal frontage requirements under the Code. These standards
have always been reviewed as minimum ones to be met to qualify for
modification. He noted the City normally does not grant a modifi-
cation to a modification.
Mr. Delay wondered if information were available regarding expanding
subdivisions and number of lots that might be divided. Mr. Saul
said he did do a ramdom sample of 11 panhandle lot applications
submitted in 1977-78. By increasing the access width from 15 to
20 feet, it would have eliminated two of the 11; by increasing from
15 to 25 feet, six of the 11 would be eliminated; increasing from
15 foot to 30 feet, eight of the 11 would have been eliminated.
C.B. 1838--Concerning panhandle lots; amending Sections 9.005 and
9.010 of the Eugene Code, 1971; adding Sections 9.095
and 9.100 to that Code; and declaring an emergency, was
read by council bill number and title only, there being
no Councilor present requesting it be read in full.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, 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.
e
Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to amend the motion
to change the access width on one lot from 20 to 15 feet, and
retain paving width at 12 feet.
Ms. Schue felt it unfortunate that a technicality would decrease the
City's intent to increase density. Ms. Miller agreed with Mr. Kennedy's
testimony in that the City has a tendency to legislate for optimum
conditions on the drawing board. She noted there were other access
points in the City which were very small, and people did not seem to
dislike them. She felt most people did not want to live in the middle
of parking and paved lots.
Vote was taken on the amendment to the motion which carried
unanimously.
Mr. Haws commended the the Committee, staff, and citizens for their
work, and for the testimony given this evening. He favored panhandle
lots as a good way to increase density. He felt there was one major
problem that was not addressed. That involed a case where a dwelling
was an established residence for quite some time. Perhaps the owner
died or moved, and a developer could come in, create a panhandle lot,
and then move away. He felt the problem was when are the lots going
to be developed. ----
e
2/26/79--13
118
Mr. Saul noted there were 122 lots within the 14,000 to 16,000 square-
foot range, which are eliminated by the ordinance because they have
residences on them, and could not be panhandled at this time.
e
Mr. Haws said he would prefer to delete Item 3 which stated a developed
parcel containing at least 18,000 square feet and a residence located
within an existing subdivision would be allowable for a panhandle lot
development. He favored an annual review and a slow increase in
the number of panhandle lots allowed.
Mr. Haws moved to amend the motion to increase the square footage
in Section 9.095(a)(3) from 18,000 square feet to 20,000 square
feet. Motion died for lack of a second.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to amend the motion
under Section 9.095(a)(3) to decrease from 18,000 square feet
to 16,000 square feet requirement.
Mr. Delay said there were 2,000 possible lots in existence under this
section. The current limitation would eliminate 60 percent of them;
with his amendment only 32 percent would be eliminated.
Mr. Lieuallen felt the staff had done a fine job trying to balance
all the interests regarding this issue. However, he did not particu-
larly like the outcome. He reviewed the past history and the various
appeals that had come to Council. Some appeals had been denied and
others upheld, with no apparent consistency. He had supported the
moratorium because of the technicality of timing. He served on the Ad
Hoc Committee for some time with a high interest and concern in trying 4It
to set certain standards for panhandle lots. Subsequently, he came to
the conclusion the Committee was being swayed by certain people trying
to promote exceptions for certain classes in certain neighborhoods.
He was willing to support this amendment to the ordinance. However,
he was concerned that this was a retreat from good City policy.
He would support it if it would indicate to the community that the
Council has shown consideration for their concerns, but at the same
time he wanted citizens to assume their responsibility and accept the
outcome.
Ms. Miller said she was generally inclined to support the amendment
based on the need for increased housing density in the city. She
noted some resistance from people who do not want to see their parti-
cular neighborhoods change, and she expressed sympathy with those
people. However, she said the City has a major policy that supports
infilling; 16,000 square feet would still allow a fairly large city
lot.
-
2/26/79--14
\ l'\
~-'e
Mr. Haws was against the motion. He was not opposed to the intent
of the ordinance regarding infilling of the city. But he felt it
would be easier if it was done by a step-by-step basis. He felt
changing the requirement from 18,000 to 16,000 square feet would
be acting too quickly.
Mr. Delay said nothing had been demonstrated to Council that
indicated that lot sizes had anything to do with the real problems.
He said that lot sizes only restrict the number of lots that can be
panhandled. The main concerns from the citizens had to do with
activities that the City does not control with any other housing,
i.e., design review, paving, and screening. The amendment to the
motion would simply increase the opportunities for infilling.
In response to a question from Ms. Smith. Mr. Saul said the Committee
did consider the variety of figures for square footage from 12,000 to
26,000. The ultimate Committee recommendation recognized the limita-
tions when trying to specify a blanket figure. Once it was decided
to set a lot-size standard, the Committee simply chose 18,000 square
feet in an attempt to recognize the restraints imposed by existing
housing.
Ms. Smith opposed the amendment, but noted it important it to update
the panhandle pOlicy. She noted the Committee had been formed and
had given a great deal of consideration to this and felt the Council
should support the Committee's recommendation.
.-
Vote was taken on the amendment to the motion, which carried
with all Councilors present voting aye, except Smith and Haws
voting no.
Vote was taken on the main motion which carried unanimously,
and the bill was read the second time by council bill number
on 1 y .
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be
approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All
Councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed
and numbered 18346.
C.B. 1839--Regarding special assessments; amending Section 7.180
of the Eugene Code, 1971; and declaring an emergency
was read by council bill number and title only,
there being no Councilor present requesting it be
read in full.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, 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, an the bill was read the second
time by council bill number only.
.
2/26/79--15
120
/
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be
approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All
Councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed
and numbered 18347.
.-~
Mr. Lieuallen said he felt the most positive aspect of the whole
process had been to codify this system. Mayor Keller thanked the
the Subcommittee, the neighborhood groups, and citizens for their
part in the process.
F. New Liquor License Outlets
1. Shakey's Pizza Parlor (R), Fred Meyer Shopping Center (Subject
to Building and Fire departments' conditions)
2. Genghiskhan Mongolian Barbecue (R), 900 West 7th
(Subject to Building and Fire departments' conditions)
3. 4th Street Depot (RMB), 453 Willamette Street
(Subject to Building and Fire departments' conditions)
Managed noted staff found all applications in order, and recommended
forwarding to OLCC with recommendation for approval, noting the
various conditions from the Building and Fire departments.
Public hearing was held with no testimony presented.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to forward to OLCC
recommendation for approval, subject to conditions. Motion
carried unanimously.
~.
II. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING--None
III. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING--None
IV. RESOLUTIONS
Res. No. 3084--Authorizing payment of bills and claims for period
:ebruary 12 through February 26, 1979, was read by number
and title.
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution.
Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve Council
minutes of February 12, 1979. Motion carried unanimously.
.
2/26/79--16
l21
-
-
e
VI. ADOPT FINDINGS OF FACT--Distributed
Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt Findings of
Fact re: Goodpasture Island/Nazarene Planned Unit Development
diagrammatic approval (PD 78-16). Motion carried unanimously.
Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the meeting was adjourned to
February 28, 1979.
~)~
Charles T. Henry
City Manager
DT :jm/CM12a1
2/26/79--17
Il2