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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/31/1979 Meeting . M I NUT E S e EUGENE CITY COUNCIL October 31, 1979 Adjourned meeting from October 29, 1979, of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by his Honor Mayor Gus Keller at 11:45 a.m., Council Chamber, October 31, 1979, with the following Councilors present: Jack Delay, Betty Smith, D.W. Hamel, Eric Haws, Scott Lieuallen, Gretchen Miller, and Emily Schue. Councilor Obie was absent. I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS A. U of 0 Class Attendance Ms. Smith commented that she had met with 54 University of Oregon recreation students "this morning" and they are also attending "today's" Council meeting. B. Willamette Valley Rail Project--Ms. Smith commented that a Statp Emergency Board meeting will be held November 8 and 9 to discuss funding for the proposed Willamette Valley Rail Project. She wi 11 e keep Council informed on progress, and she also wanted Council to go on record in support of funding for the project. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, that Council go on record in support of funding for the Willamette Valley Rail Project. Motion carried unanimously. C. 5th Avenue Traffic Problem--Mr. Lieuallen noted receipt of a petition signed by 5th Avenue residents who are interested in the traffic management technique of a diverter system for a portion of 5th Avenue. The commuter traffic coming down 5th has been most objectionable and 90 to 95 percent of the residents of the street support some action being taken. It is possible that many of the remaining five to ten percent would also favor action; they were unable to be contacted. Public Works Director Don Allen said that his Department could do a study on the installation of permanent diverters which would take at least six months, but that a decision could be ~ade in 30 days on whether to place temporary diverters. Mr. Hamel wondered if the petition included names from the businesses in the area and Mr. Lieuallen responded that the area did not include much of the business district. D. Revenue Task Force Meetinq--Manager announced that there would be no Revenue Task Force meeting this week and that the next one would be held Thursday, November 8. e 10/31/79--1 ~OO . II. COMMENTS BY AND DISCUSSION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITH DR. ERWIN NIERMANN; STADTDIREKTOR, MINDEN, GERMANY -- tit Dr. Niermann is spending a week in Eugene as part of a West German Government-financed City Manager exchange program in which he and City Manager Charles Henry are participating. Mr. Henry will be going to Germany in March. Dr. Niermann, in comparing the cities of Eugene and Minden, said they have much in common. He spoke of his city's good economic situation; the low unemployment rate; the structure of the Council, which is composed of 51 members and organized in a political manner; and some of the problems of the city including traffic, housing, and redevelopment. He said that he was particularly impressed with the level of citizen participation in Eugene. He spoke also of the mass transit situation in Minden, noting that 38,000 people per day use the bus system. He emphasized the need for cities of this size to preserve their history and maintain them as pedestrian cities. He has noticed that many cities do not have any character of their own and he favors historic preservation, pedestrian malls, a strong economic background, and a very human and warm atmosphere. When asked of his impressions of the fountain on Eugene's downtown mall, he commented 'IWe have the same problems with art. " III. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL A. Approval of Council Minutes of October 17, 1979 Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve the Council e minutes of October 17, 1979. Motion carried unanimously. B. Vacation Easement for EWEB Transmission and Facilities (map distributed) Res. No. 3266--Authorizing easement vacation for EWEB transmission and facilities only, for property located between Garfield and City View streets and 1Rth Avenue West and 29th Avenue West was read by number and title. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously. C. Segregation of Assessments l. Located between Pearl Street and Willamette Street, north of 46th Avenue; applicant: Dr. D.J. Paculdo (SE 79-5) Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve the segregation of assessments as noted. Motion carried unanimously. D. Resolutions Res. No. 3267--A resolution authorizing the transfer of non-contingency appropriations within a given fund between programs and/ e or object groups was read by number and title. 10/31/79--2 bO( I , e Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution. Ro 11 ca 11 vote. Motion carried unanimously. Res. No. 3268--A resolution authorizing the transfer of operating contingency monies in the countercyclical fund for the acquisition of personnel and equipment for the expenditure systems development was read by number and title. Manager noted that there is no commitment to continuing LIse of these monies after the project has been completed. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously. Res. No. 3269--A resolution authorizing the transfer of general operating contingency monies in the General Fund for the acquisition of personnel and equipment; and an interfund transfer to the General Capital Projects fund for remodeling office space for the City's Word Processing Center was read by number and title. Manager explained that the expansion of the Word Processing Center is necessitated by the growing work load. Not only have some departments increased the amount of their work load, but CETA, the Civic Center, e and the Revenue Task Force have begun to use the Center. One full- time daytime position, and one half-time night position are requested. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution. Ro 11 ca 11 vote. Motion carried unanimously. Res. No. 3271--A resolution authorizing the transfer of General Fund operating monies for an interfund transfer to the General Capital Projects Fund for remodeling and addition to lighting fixtures in the mall was read by number and title. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the resolution. . Roll call vote. Motion carried unanimously. E. Bi 11 sand Cl aims Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve payment of $47,050 for dog control services for the first quarter. Roll call vot e . Motion carried unanimously. e bOZ. 10/31/79--3 , IV. CONDEMNATION AUTHORIZATION--SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM: JUDKINS ROAD, ALONG HENDERSON AVENUE, SOUTH TO GLENWOOD BOULEVARD e This matter had been postponed from an earlier meeting in order to discuss further the matter of the sanitary sewer easement with the owners involved. There is still considerable controversy on the matter and Manager suggested giving first reading to the condemnation ordinance and holding it over to November 7 for final reading. Final action is necessary at that time, as the bid offer will expire on November 26. Mr. Hamel noted that he would be abstaining on the matter, due to a conflict of interest. Public Works Director Don Allen said he had just met with Mr. Pape, pro- perty owner, and the conclusion is that there are a variety of arenas in which the issue can be discussed. He pointed out that a legal require- ment makes Council approval necessary before proceeding with the negotia- tions over the acquisition of the easement. His recommendation is that Council pass the ordinance so that meaningful negotiations can be con- tinued; on November 26 staff would come back to Council with a contract awa rd . At that time, Council could discuss the merits and decide whether to award the contract. Negotiations should continue at this time, he said. City Attorney Stan Long clarified 'that if Council wants meaningful negotiations to take place on which they can make a decision, this process. should be followed at this time. The ordinance authorizes negotiations and discussions. Mr. Pape commented that further postponement would allow them time to e prepare adequately for the negotiations and that it might be less costly in the long run for both his company and the City. He felt the time constraints being presented to Council are impeding the negotiation process. CB 2018--An ordinance authorizing the institution of proceedings in eminent domain for the acquisition by condemnation of a 14-foot sanitary sewer easement within the local improvement district established in the area from 160 feet east of Henderson Avenue to Glenwood Boulevard; and between Judkins Road and 160 feet south of Glenwood Orive; and declaring an emergency was read hy number and title only, there being no Councilor present requesting that it be read in full. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the bill be read the first time and held over until the November 7 Council meeting for second read i ng. Roll call vote. Motion carried, all Councilors present voting aye, except Mr. Hamel abstaining. V. QUARTERLY REPORT ON CHAMBER DF COMMERCE CONVENTION BUREAU (information distributed) Mr. David Radcliffe, Chamber of Commerce, was present to give a report e and noted distribution of a financial statement for the last quarter to Council members. He said that confirmed future convention bookings during the past quarter were 80 to 84, which will bring 10,000 people into 603 , 10131/79--4 . the community at a dollar value of $2 million. He said the Chamber is - pleased with the booking activity and added that they have recently played a direct role in soliciting and bringing the World Congress of Sport Sciences to the city. Mr. Radcliffe mentioned that the report given to the Council also dealt with activities relating to sales and convention service activities. The Chamber feels a critical component ;s being able to deliver services to clients to make their stay a simpler one while in Eugene. They are also involved in meeting the housing requirements for various activities that are scheduled, e.g., the Olympic trials and the Oregon Logging Conference. He said that the Bureau has produced a promo- tional film entitled "Celebrate Eugene." Also, negotiations are continu- ing with the Springfield Chamber for consolidation of the two agencies. By combining efforts, the Chamber feels that necessary resources can be pulled together to successfully compete with other convention facilities in the region. The target date for this consolidation is the first of the year. He said they are pleased with the progress to date and they are reviewing the third revision of the proposed bylaws. The stumbling blocks are minimal and he feels they can be overcome. He also noted that the Fair Board is involved as well in the consolidation and contractual arrangements being discussed. By the first of December, he hopes to bring back a proposal for the governing bodies to consider. VI. LOCATION OF THE CHARNEL TON-JEFFERSON TRANSMISSION LINES AND SUBSTATION-- EWEB REPORT (information distributed) e Jean Reeder, EWES, was present to explain that plans for expansion involve construction of a substation near downtown Eugene because of the in-fill housing, the jail, etc. Hopefully, the structure will be completed by next summer. She said that, to get power to the substation, it must connect with the Westmoreland and Monroe substations. Options, as to the placement of the lines, were developed by EWEB and taken to the neighbor- hood associations for consideration. The neighborhood groups suggested two additional options. The Friendly Street route was eliminated because of opposition from neighborhood organizations. The 18th Avenue route was rejected because street widening by the City would make it difficult to obtain the right-of-way. The 14th Street-Amazon route is one of the least costly routes hut would involve taking the right-of-way across the Fair- grounds; the Fair Board has refused to allow that action. The 13th Avenue route is twice as expensive as the Amazon route and the lines would be on residential streets. Therefore, EWEB recommends a double circuit line down the Amazon Channel, placing it on the north side as much as possible, and blending it into the landscape. .The plan also provides for five percent of the cost to be used for amenities. Mr. Lieuallen questioned overhead lines versus underground lines. He is sympathetic to the concerns of neighborhood organizations and wondered if it were too late t%pen the question of overhead versus underground lines. Ms. Reeder said that the main issue is one of cost. The distribu- tion lines are bei~g put underground, but overhead transmission lines are planned. The total cost for the Amazon route is near $500,000, and underground lines would cost an extra $3.5 million. e 10/31/79--5 bO'f . Owen Brown, EWEB enginee~ who has had experience investigating high- voltage underground posslbilities, basically explained the types of lines - that could be placed underground. He stated that it can be five to ten times more expensive to place the lines underground. He said that EWEB rates at the present time are predicated on overhead transmission lines, existing overhead distribution lines, and future underground distribution lines. From a cost standpoint, it could eventually have an effect of additional rate increases, over and above rate increases that are caused by inflation. Studies with other cities on the feasihility of putting the lines underground have placed the reliability of underground lines in question. Also, the maintenance costs are much higher with underground lines. Mr. Delay questioned the noise level of the overhead lines. Mr. Brown responded that there should be no substantial noise. The type of facility that is now being built is much less noisy than previous facilities. Mr. Delay questioned the expense of the 13th Avenue route. Mr. Brown said the cost would be over 11 million including the purchase of the right-of-way as compared to $546,000 for the Amazon route. Ms. Miller wanted mor~ research done into the possibility of the 14th Avenue route, as she is not comfortable with the lines being constructed along the Amazon (hannel. Mr. Delay said his concern is the difference in cost between the two projects. Mr. Brown responded that the Amazon route was EWEB's second choice and .the biggest obstacle to his first choice, the Fairgrounds route, is the Fair itself. The Fair Board said that it will grant an easement on the south side of the Channel, but not through the Fair proper. He feels that the planned lines are compatible with the future e use of the Amazon Channel and noted that Alton Baker Park has overhead lines. In answer to a question from City Manager on the dollar figure for amenities, Mr. Brown responded that it would be $54,000. Mr. Haws wondered about the Council IS power to condemn the area should the City favor the 14th Avenue-Fairgrounds route. Mr. Brown responded that condemnation would take a long time. and operation of the facility is planned for as early in 19RO as possible. Also, it is not normal procedure for one government body to condemn the property of another govern~ent body. Mayor Keller left the meeting and Council President Jack Delay assumed the Chair. VII. COMMUNITY ENERGY CONSERVATION POLICY BOARD--STAFF PRESENTATION Greg Page, Technology Coordinator, explained that staff has drawn up an energy issue flowchart and a resolution for Council consideration along the lines directed by Council at an earlier meeting. The resolution establishes the members of the Energy Conservation Policy Board which includes two Councilors, two Planning Commission members, and one EWEB Board member. The Board will develop recommendations on incentives, educational programs, and mandatory measures through the use of energy conservation and renewable resources in existing and future structures, commercial and industrial facilities, transportation systems, and waste collection systems. The Board shall solicit and encourage extensive input from affected interest groups and the general public and provide progress reports to the Council upon request. The Board will further participate - with other jurisdictions and a series of meetings will be held prior to 10/31/79--6 b05 e the adoption of any policies. Refinements will be made by the Board before submitting proposals to the City Council for approval and a public hearing. Mr. Page suggested that two packages be presented, one for short-term programs, and one for the long-term projects. The resolution has left open the establishment of target dates, and Council decided that a work program should be presented to Council no later than December 31, 1979, and work completed no later than December 31, 1980, at which time the Board will cease to function. Mr. Lieuallen felt that work should be completed within a year. He would like some parts of the program com- pleted between now and the end of August or September if possible. Both Ms. Miller and Mr. Delay agreed that they would like some projects com- pleted earlier if possible. Ms. Miller felt that the flowchart structure provides much opportunity for a wide variety of interest groups to be involved. Mr. Delay commended Mr. Page's ability to interpret Council IS wishes on the formulation of this Board as shown in the flowchart. Mr. Haws left the meeting. Mr. Delay suggested segregation of issues, so that some may be planned for early completion. Res. No. 3270--A resolution creating a community energy conservation policy board of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was read by number and title. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution. e Ro 11 ca 11 vote. Motion carried unanimously. VIII. CETA AGENT APPEALS REPORT (Materials distributed to Council) The minutes of the Appeals Subcommittee of the Program Agent Advisory Council dated October 25, 1979, outline recommendations regarding FY 79-80 CETA position funding denials, and the PAACls October 26 memo suggests adoption of those findings with two amendments as follows: l. PAAC approved an amended transition rating for Eugene Emergency Housing (EEH) based on facts substantiated in the appeal proceed- ings thus giving EEH a total scoring of nine points and therefore continuing funding of two positions; 2. PAAC approved an amended labor market rating for the four Active Bethel Citizens Energy Project positions after concluding that the labor market demand data upon which it based its initial evaluations was inadequate given the recency of the energy conservation industry. PAAC concluded that there would be a demand for energy job skills and concurred to work with ABC and the project supervisor to be certain an intensive technical training component is provided for each par- ti ci pant. The labor market demand rating recommended was moderate (three points) and the score for the four positions is recommended to ..... be ten poi nts. e bOb 10/31/79--7 e Action is needed to approve these recommendations. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to apyrove the recommendations of the Program Agent Advisory Council. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Miller commented that in reading over all of the information in the memo about which groups are being served, she was concerned about the concentration of women in lower-paying jobs. She agrees with the notion of providing non-traditional jobs for women and men and encourages employ- ers to hire men in clerical jobs. Perhaps that action will raise the rate of pay for those jobs. IX. CONSIDERATION OF THE USE OF PHENOXY HERBICIDES IN THE EUGENE WATERSHED Discussion of this matter will be held over until the November 7 meeting. Mr. Lieuallen said it was unfortunate that it had to be postponed again and hopes there will be some opportunity for discussion among Council members and with EWEB. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the meeting was adjourned to November 7, 1979. e Charles T. Henry ~ City Manager CTH:sp/CM7a11 J e , 10/31/79--8 b07