HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/20/1980 Meeting
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M I NUT E S
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
February 20, 1980
Adjourned meeting from February 13, 1980, 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.,
with the following Councilors present: Betty Smith, Scott Lieuallen, Eric Haws,
Gretchen Miller, Brian Obie, and Emily Schue. Councilors Jack Delay and D. W.
Hamel were absent.
I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA
ADJUSTMENTS
A.
Items From Council--Ms. Miller stated that the Energy Conservation
Policy Board Meeting for February 27 has been canceled. The review
of the weatherization proposals will begin March 5. The staff report
will be available Friday, February 22; copies are available in the
Manager's office.
Ms. Miller indicated her concern with the City's paying approximately
$15,000 per year to the LEIC budget for small business support which
seems to be focusing on the smaller cities. She is, however, convinced
that economic improvement will pay for itself, but is concerned that
the City may be paying for something which is benefiting the rest of
Lane County more than the City of Eugene. Mr. Henry indicated that
the staff will bring for Council review a report in March on whether
to continue with this organization.
Mr. Haws noted he would be leaving at 1:30 p.m.
B. Appointments--Mr. Henry indicated that the subcommittee had met and
recommended appointment of Marna Elliot to the Eugene Renewal Agency
to fill the unexpired term of Eleanor Mulder.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, that Marna Elliot be
appointed to fill the unexpired term of Eleanor Mulder on the
Eugene Renewal Agency. Roll call vote; motion passed unanimously.
C. Meetings--The Joint Parks meeting will be February 20, at 4 p.m.
The Budget Committee meeting will be held February 28.
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D. Manager introduced Adrienne Lannom, Planning Commission, who would
make a brief statement on the special meeting of the Eugene Planning
Commission held February 19, 1980.
Ms. Lannom referred to the Eugene Planning Commission's report to the
Metro Area Planning Commissions Coordinating Committee on Friday,
February 22, 1980. That report states that the Commission's position
on the Jurisdictional Boundary of the Metro Plan Update is that the
Jurisdictional Boundary should be where it is designated on the
diagram of the Metro Plan Update Draft. The rationale for that
position is that the area beyond the Urban Growth Boundary out to the
Jurisdictional Boundary has been recognized as being part of the
initial Metropolitan Area General Plan. If the plan is to include
these areas, all three jurisdictions should have equal authority in
the long-range planning activities in that area. Also, both cities
have a real interest in planning decisions that take place within the
area of the Jurisdictional Boundary and should have an equal voice in
deciding long-range planning for these areas. Ms. Lannom also indi-
cated there are areas between the Urban Growth Boundary and the
Jurisdictional Boundary for which the designations on the diagram
should be refined in order to indicate existing land use patterns.
Mayor Keller asked whether the land use issue would most likely end up
before LCDC if the City keeps this position. Ms. Lannom responded
that was a correct assumption. Mayor Keller further asked whether the
City of Springfield is supportive and Ms. Lannom replied that they
have maintained the same position. Mayor Keller then asked if it
would be appropriate for the Council to meet and discuss this since
the Council had not been dealing with this issue but, rather, it had
been handled by the Planning Commission. Ms. Lannom responded that
she felt it is a planning issue at this point and it would be best to
let them continue with the Update and that it would be resolved.
Ms. Smith asked if Springfield had taken action and Ms. Lannom
responded that they have taken some prior action. Ms. Miller noted
that she sees no reason why we should change our position at this
time, but when the Planning Commission feels they are at an impasse,
perhaps the Council would become more actively involved.
II. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 6, 1980
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve the
Council Minutes of February 6, 1980. Roll call vote; motion
carried unanimously.
III. RESOLUTION DECLARING INTENT TO ADOPT AN INDUSTRIAL WASTE COST RECOVERY
SYSTEM AT MAHLON SWEET AIRPORT (Memo Distributed)
Mr. Henry noted that Res. No. 3312 is a requirement of the Federal
government.
Res. No. 3312--A resolution declaring an intent to adopt an industrial
waste cost recovery system at Mahlon Sweet Airport Treatment
Facilities.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the
resolution.
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Mr. Lieuallen asked if this proposed resolution is a result of the
facility at the airport being upgraded and if it is to serve the
airport only. Mr. Henry noted that it is just to serve the airport.
Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
IV. ORDINANCE REGARDING DISTRIBUTION OF PAMPHLETS ON AUTOMOBILES
Mr. Henry noted that this resolution is an attempt to narrow the wording
of this ordinance to relate it solely to parking, transportation, and
related items. The added wording to the resolution will be "nor shall
it prohibit the City or its designees from placing on vehicles that
violated a parking ordinance or are suspected of being in violation of
parking regulations, parking citations, warnings, and information per-
taining to transportation." He also noted that an emergency clause has
been added.
CB 2079--An ordinance concerning distribution of handbills; amending
Section 4.060 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and declaring an emergency.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieua1len, 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.
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Mr. Lieuallen noted that the revisions speak to his concerns and he does
not feel that the problem which might have been created by previous
wording will be created by this ordinance.
Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously and the bill was read
the second time by Council Bill number only.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieua1len, that the bill be
approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Councilors
present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18581.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Easement Vacation For L. J. Campbell (EV 79-12) (Map Distributed)
Mr. Henry noted that this easement is to authorize vacation of a
bicycle/pedestrian easement located east from Spyglass Drive south
of Fairway View Drive; and in this instance, one easement is being
replaced by another which is more appropriately located.
Public hearing was opened.
There being no testimony presented, the public hearing was closed.
CB 2080--Authorizing vacation of a bike/pedestrian easement located east
from Spyglass Drive south of Fairway View Drive.
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Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieua11en, 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. The motion passed unanimously and the bill was read the
second time by Council Bill number only.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieua1len, that the bill be
approved and given final passage. Roll call vote. All Councilors
present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered
18582.
B. Alley Vacation For Fifth Street Public Market Partnership
(AV 79-2) (Map Distributed)
Mr. Henry indicated that this is an alley vacation for Fifth Street
Public Market Partnership and recommended that this Council Bill be
given a first reading only since there is a need to work out some
easement problems and there is a fee attached to this proposal of
vacation which should be on deposit. Manager introduced Jim Farah to
provide additional information.
Mr. Farah indicated that this vacation would be of a 14-foot-wide
alley located in the block bounded by High Street, Pearl Street, East
5th Avenue, and East 6th Avenue. He noted that this would be in the
northeast quarter of the block and the reason for the proposed vacation
is to allow development of that northeast border of the block. He
noted that the Planning Commission had approved this proposal unani-
mously. He also noted that there are some questions regarding utili- ~
ties, etc., that will need to be worked out.
Mayor Keller indicated that Mr. Obie is abstaining from voting on this
item.
Public hearing was opened.
Norm Fogelstrom from the Fifth Street Public Market PartQership indi-
cated he was available to answer any questions.
There being no public testimony presented, the public hearing was
closed.
,CB 2081--Authorizing vacation of a 14-foot-wide alley located in the block
bounded by High Street, Pearl Street, East 5th Avenue, and East
6th Avenue.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieual1en, that the bill be
read the first time by Council Bill number only, with unanimous
consent of the Council, and that the second reading would be held
once the deposit is made and the Council Bill is brought back with
additional information for Council consideration as requested.
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Ms. Miller indicated she feels that there is an obligation for the
City to receive appropriate payment whenever a piece of City property
is to be sold. She asked what the selling price on this property
would be. Mr. Henry indicated that the north-south portion would be
$7~667; the east-west portion would be $10,089. Ms. Miller then asked
if these amounts were based on an appraised value or an in-house
estimate. Don Gilman~ Public Works, indicated that this was done by
an in-house right-of-way agent and was in general based on current
similar sales in the area. Ms. Miller also asked for clarification as
to the proposed turnaround for vehicular traffic. Mr. Farah indicated
that this automobile turnaround is intended to be a small drive on the
southeast corner of the block which would be similar to a cul-de-sac.
Ms. Miller then asked if it would make sense to keep the portion
necessary for the turnaround and Mr. Farah replied that it would not
provide enough room. Ms. Miller asked if cars would be coming in from
6th Avenue or from Pearl Street. She also asked who would be paying
for this turnaround. Mr. Farah responded that the applicant will
provide the turnaround. Ms. Miller asked if the applicant would be
providing the land, or the design, or the paving. Mr. Gilman responded
that it would be paid for by the property owner but that there are
some optional ways for dealing with turning movement. Ms. Miller
indicated that the reason for a vacation is to provide greater
public benefit and questioned whether this was the case here.
Mr. Farah responded that the staff had recommended the vacation--at
least the east-west section. He also noted that the vacation is
to provide safe pedestrian use; this would be the second public
benefit. Ms. Miller asked if this area does not provide that benefit
now. Mr. Farah indicated that businesses do not now open onto the
alley. Ms. Miller indicated that she would like to see additional
details.
Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously, with Councilor Obie
abstaining.
C.
New Liquor License Outlet:
786 East 11th; Applicants:
Tea House Restaurant (Retail Malt Beverage);
Kwock-Hing Tom and Tsung-Hui Tom
Mr. Henry noted that staff finds all in order for this new liquor
license application and that staff recommends that it be approved.
Public hearing was opened. There being no testimony presented, public
hearing was closed.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to forward the appli-
cation to OLCC with recommendation for approval, subject to
conditions, if any. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
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VI. ~ AMENDMENT TO THE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE LOCAL
. PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAM FOR NON-OWNER-OCCUPIED, REHABILITATED
. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (Memo Distributed: Additional Information Distributed ...
. Under Separate Cover) ~
I Mr. Henry stated that this is an amendment to a previous resolution which
. applies to single-family, multiple-family, or mixed-use property. A
change in legislation has extended the period of exemption from five to
ten years and this amendment would make this change in the resolution.
This amendment has been reviewed by Joint Housing and they recommend
approval of the amendment.
Res. No. 3313--A resolution concerning limited assessment and local
property tax exemption for rehabilitated residential
property in the City of Eugene, and amending standards and
guidelines adopted by resolutions numbered 2655 and 3277.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the
resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
VII. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION PARTICIPATION IN CIVIC CENTER
DEVELOPMENT (Memo Distributed)
Mr. Henry indicated that this proposal is for approval of the Economic
Development Administration's participation in construction of the confer-
ence center component of the Civic Center. He further indicated that
this is a request for approval of what will amount to approximately a
$1.3-million participation in that funding. Manager introduced Jim ...
Farah, Planning Department, to provide additional information. ,.,
Mr. Farah showed where the Eugene Performing Arts Center would be located.
He noted the Manager has directed the Planning Department to begin work
for a $1.75-million grant to assist in construction of a 35,OOO-square-
foot conference center; Mike Tharp, Ed Smith, and he have been working on
this proposal which they hope to have finished in March. Mr. Farah
further stated that the Economic Development Administration recommended
that this proposal receive priority as a potential funding project. This
project is a part of a larger complex, the Civic Center complex. These
two projects will create more revenues and local dollars as well as local
participation.
In response to Mr. Lieuallen's question, Mike Tharp stated that our share,
50 percent of the construction cost, would come from tax increment funding.
In response to Mr. Lieuallen's additional question, Mr. Tharp indicated
that the funding potential for a bond issue is something that we now have.
It would be a tax allocation bond at nine-percent interest for 30 years.
Mr. Lieuallen then asked for clarification regarding the tax increment
system and whether these monies would be available for operating functions;
Mr. Tharp's response was no, that it was for construction.
Ms. Miller asked what percentage of the State's total allocation from the
Economic Development Administration was represented by this $1.75-million.
Mr. Farah responded that this figure would represent at least 30 percent,
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perhaps more, of the State's total, at least in relation to what was
received last year. If the Economic Development Administration appropri-
ation bill goes through Congress, it will probably be an amount similar to
the dollar figure from last year. He further indicated that the City has
not received EDA participation funding for some years. Ms. Miller then
asked if EIC did not put us at the top of their list for priorities if
there were contingency plans for funding. Mr. Farah stated that the City
is committed to building the Civic Center complex. Without this funding,
we would be losing the ability to finish the interior of the complex and
it would be difficult to complete the on-site parking, among other things.
The hope is that they will participate so this project can be completed in
a timely manner. Ms. Schue asked for clarification of Lane EIC's relation-
ship to this project and if projects 1 or 2 on the priority list were
funded last year. Mr. Farah responded that projects 1 and 2 in the
priority listing last year (Cottage Grove and Florence) were funded
and that our project was No 3. He also indicated that it is very impor-
tant to have local comments received by EIC on this proposal. Ms. Smith
asked if it was true that we really did not know what the appropriation
would be for 1980-81. Mr. Farah stated that both Houses are now working
on setting a resolution, and it appears to be going back to the level of
funding from last year; he also indicated that they should know by May.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve the proposal
for Economic Development Administration participation in construc-
tion of the conference center component of the Civic Center.
Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
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VIII. JEFFERSON POOL STATUS REHABILITATION REPORT (Memo Distributed; Additional
Information Distributed)
Mr. Henry referred to an engineering report on the status of Jefferson
Pool and a series of options contained within the memo. He further stated
he did not expect the Council to approve any of the options at that time
but rather to refer them to Joint Parks meeting later in the day at 4 p.m.
He also noted that staff feels Options 1 and 2 should be seriously consid-
ered for this year. Option 1 would require an immediate expenditure of
$23,465 in order to extend the life of the present pool complex for one or
two years. The bubble and blower would remain in their present condition,
but important repairs would be made to the building. Option 2 would
require an expenditure of $256,078 to extend the life of the pool for five
to ten years. He also noted this is close to the staff estimate of
$200,000 to accomplish about the same repairs for approximately the same
extended time. Mr. Henry indicated that if grant funds are available, and
apparently Federal block grants possibly could be matched with State grant
funds for approximately another $80,000, this work could happen by 1980-81
fiscal year but that we would not know if it could happen until close to the
end of this fiscal year. He also stated that Option 3 would be a complete
rehabilitation of the pool at a cost of $762,560, plus $67,320 if the pool
is solarized to extend the life of Jefferson Pool 15 to 20 years. Option
4 would be a totally new pool to be constructed on the same site at a cost
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of $2,160,000 to $2,400,000 plus $388,000 for a high-efficiency solar
system, which would have a life expectancy of 40-plus years. Mr. Henry ~
further stated that these options would be considered at the Joint Parks ..,
meeting.
Mr. Haws asked where funds for Option 1 would be obtained and Mr. Henry
responded that we would try to proceed with Option 1, and it would be paid
for out of other recreation programs, which will be discussed later.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to refer the Jefferson
Pool Status Rehabilitation Report to the Joint Parks Committee.
Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
IX. PUBLIC HEARING--PARKS AND RECREATION POOL AND OTHER BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS--
1979-80 BUDGET (Additional Information Distributed)
Mr. Henry indicated that this is an opportunity for the public to give
testimony on Jefferson Pool and other budget adjustments as well as
the rotating pool closures. He further indicated that the Council had
received an itemized breakdown on how savings could be obtained from the
Parks Department budget in various areas. He also noted that a series of
alternatives had been presented to the Council, which will be discussed
later.
Public hearing was opened.
Speaking in favor of keeping the pools open:
Jane Willson, 477 East 32nd Street, stated that she wished to talk about
the pool closures and short- and long-term status of Jefferson Pool. She
encouraged the Council to support the Aquatics Program, and Jefferson Pool
in particular. She stated that the Aquatics Program can be therapeutic as
well as recreational and is one which touches all segments of the citizenry.
She did not want to have the issue referred to the Joint Parks Committee.
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Dorothy Snelling, 2477 Cal Young Road, #17, from the Eugene Commission on
the Rights of Aging, encouraged the City to keep Jefferson Pool open all
year. She urged finding a solution on behalf of the senior citizens of
Eugene.
Carl Hosticka, 2420 Emerald, representing Citizens for a City Center Pool,
stated he felt the referral to the Joint Parks Committee for the rehabili-
tation of Jefferson Pool was very good. He also stated that he would like
to ask the Council to direct Joint Parks and the Parks Department to work
together with citizens on plans and also to put a deadline on the process
of April 1 to report back to the Council.
Tom Andersen, 790 West Broadway, spoke to the short-term rotating closure
issue. He stated that this question of rehabilitating Jefferson Pool
surfaced in mid-year, and that people had previously worked hard with the
Budget Committee and had also helped to get the budget passed. When this
decision was made to institute rotating closures at the pools, the only
option left fo~ th~se people was to come to the City Council. He requested
that the Councll dlrect the Parks Department to continue to work with this
group of people and to try to save the necessary funds elsewhere in the
budget.
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Ray Broderick, 1375 Corum, asked the Council if the two memoranda, dated
February 11 and February 20, which he had sent to them had been received
and if there were any questions. Mr. Keller stated that he would like to
wait to discuss these memos until after all had testified. Mr. Broderick
further stated that II it makes no sense to have a Di rector of Parks,
Superintendent of Recreation, Director of Pools, and Director of Sandboxes,"
and he "would rather have the facilities than the facilitators."
Wayne Stevens, 3125 Alder, identified himself as a volunteer instructor at
the pools. He noted several examples of people he had worked with who had
benefited directly from the aquatics program. He also suggested re-evalua-
ting the program which is so valuable and noted that he is in full support
of the program.
Bob Guldin, 443 Madison, noted that he is glad the City Council is starting
to move in a positive direction regarding the support of the pools, partic-
ularly Jefferson Pool. He also noted that he feels it is a worthwhile cost-
benefit ratio. He felt funds could be shifted from park development. He
suggested that other financial resources might be used to subsidize the
aquatics programs.
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Carol Dawes, 2328 Washington, noted that she is a swimmer and psychologist
and feels that swimming has been a tremendous benefit to a great many
people.
Jo Lu Roberts, 2775 Friendly, stated that she felt that areas in which the
City could save some money could be to not grant an approximate $1,000
to buy the Barn in the Whiteaker neighborhood, to stop condemnation of the
Seobert land, and to reduce use of the City Attorney's office, which she
stated is a private law firm. Also, she suggested that a complete in-
depth audit be done to see exactly how much money exists, including all
continguency funds.
Ronald Franklin, 568 Almaden, stated that the City Council and the Budget
Committee have a moral and ethical responsibility to make a commitment to
save lives through physical fitness, for physical therapy, and to keep the
swimming pools open, as well as to help promote city center growth. He
also stated that most of the alternatives that have been brought forth
were from the citizenry, not from the Council and that the Council must
respond to the needs of the citizens.
Suzanne Ledford, 1333 Jefferson, urged the Council to review the pool
closures. She urged continuance of Bethel School District and Eugene
School District swim instruction programs and to keep the pools open. She
stated that it is the City's responsibility to educate all the children on
water safety.
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Wendy Maltz, 2742 Spring Boulevard, spoke on behalf of swimming for
pregnant women. She stated that in the swimming program that she was
involved in, at least four to seven pregnant women swam every day. She
noted the benefits for pregnant women were a shorter delivery time
and a shorter recovery time. She is in favor of keeping the city center
pool open.
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Edward Bay, 4387 Avalon, stated he had had a heart attack and open
heart surgery and due to his swimming, he is now off medication.
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Ivan Niven, 3940 Hilyard, said he would like to add that swimming is also
beneficial to injured athletes and often their coaches will permit
no other kind of exercise but swimming. He also distributed a document to
the Councilors showing data that he said he had received from City staff
which shows that Jefferson Pool has the largest population area to serve
of any of the year-round pools. He further stated that priority should be
given to short- and long-term development of Jefferson Pool.
LaVerne Edwards, 1260 President, stated that she is interested in the
pools and also in the entire budget. She stated that a study done by
Friends of the Library shows that the Fire and Police departments, the
Library, and the Parks and Recreation Department, who have the most impact
on the people, have had their budgets i~creased very minutely over the
last five years while other departments have had their budgets increased
in a much higher proportion. She stated a concern that perhaps tax relief
being given to building developers would not be enough incentive to build
if facilities were being closed down. She also referred to previous
testimony about attorney's fees and said that the fees are disbursed to
not just the one firm mentioned, but by quite a few firms (according to
information she said she had received from the Finance Department). She
also stated that consultants' fees make up a relatively large portion of
the City's budget and she realizes that the Parks Department does not have
the money at this time to keep the pools open, but suggested that an
interdepartmental transfer of funds could be done. She also stated she
does not want to see any of the pools closed and expressed hope that the ~.
City can solve its budget problems.
Carolyn Orum, 2389 Laurel Hill Drive, stated agreement with previous
speakers regarding keeping the pools open. She also noted that as a
senior citizen, she can swim for free. She suggested perhaps having the
users pay more in order to keep the pools open.
Delta Sanderson, 985 Lorane Highway, stated that swimming at the pool had
relieved her stress when her husband died, that she is arthritic and would
be in more pain without being able to swim. She would like to see
how budget monies are spent and felt it important to maintain programs
that relate directly to the public.
Speaking against keeping the pools open;
Bob Martens stated that he is not against swimming, but he is looking at
this issue from an economical point of view. He suggested that those who
wish to swim pay for this activity. He also suggested alternative forms
of exercise which would be beneficial to the public during the closure.
He stated that he did not see how taxpayers could afford to pay for all
the services which all the people want.
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Ralph Myers, Eugene Sports Program, stated that in 1954, the City had
agreed to take part in subsidizing Eugene Sports Program activities by
providing ball field maintenance. He stated that he had received a letter
from Ernie Drapela'stating that the City would no longer be able to provide
the services due to budget cuts. The amount that would be cut would be
$18,500 which would be a 100-percent cut of their fie.ld maintenance.
The on'ly alternatives ESP had are either to use volunteers for field
maintenance, which the Parks Department has not been in favor of in the
past, or to charge higher fees to the youths taking partin athletic
competition. They already pay $22 to participate. He further stated that
if the fields were not maintained, there would be an increased number of
injuries and recent lawsuit settlements have awarded damages to children
and their parents who have been injured playing on fields that were not
properly maintained. He added that if Eugene Sports Program did not exist
to provide athletic activities for those 3,000 youths, the responsibility
for this program would become the Parks Department IS. He urged reinstate-
ment of the $18,500 into the Parks Department budget for field maintenance.
There being no more testimony to present, the public hearing was closed.
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Mr. Obie stated that he had three concerns. The first, is what the dollar
figure would be to immediately reopen the pools. Second, he is concerned
with the cost of the ball field maintenance, and third, he would like to
know the cost of reopening the Library on Sunday.
Mayor Keller adjourned the meeting for a break.
Mr. Henry indicated that at the library, $3,000 has already been saved
with an additional $3,000 anticipated savings. As to the savings to
date by closing Echo Hollow Pool, Mr. Henry will check on that.
Mr. Obie asked what the savings would be if the pools remained closed and
Mr. Henry responded that the savings would be approximately $30,000.
Mr. Henry introduced Ernie Drapela.
Mr. Drapela stated that he is trying to keep people well-informed. He
gave a brief outline of the February 20 memo and the alternatives therein.
The first alternative would be for the pools to remain closed on the
rotating basis. The second alternative would apply savings from the
closures to the repair of Jefferson Pool during the time it was scheduled
to be closed down. The third alternative would be to shorten the pool
closures and to work with the school districts and to take another look at
re-funding the Eugene Sports Program ball field maintenance. The fourth
alternative is not recommended; although it would keep the pools open, and
would restore the ball field maintenance to Eugene Sports Program, park
maintenance would be drastically reduced and many other services would not
be able to be provided. He further stated that staff will be taking leave
without pay, which has presented a savings for the department. In response
to Mr. Lieuallenls concern about funding programs that take citizens
outside the city, he said that such activities are being curtailed.
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! Ms. Smi th noted that she shares the concerns and is sympathet i c to them ~
as well as sharing the frustrations of the citizens. She noted that
she is grateful for the suggestions that had been made during the meeting. ...
. She further suggested that CETA funds be considered as a possible solution ...
, for the mai ntenance problem and asked if moni es cou 1 d be taken away from
. book acquisition funds and those funds used to reopen the Library on
Sund ays .
. Mr. Henry further noted that Block Grants cannot be used for pool opera-
. tions but that they could possibly be used for rehabil itation and for
planning. He added that comments by citizens regarding legal services
were not correct. Also, monies had already been cut from park development
and a moratorium had been placed on existing planning projects. This
moratorium would not be curtailed until additional monies for development
are avail ab 1 e.
Mr. Drapela noted that some projects are still being worked on which had
been contracted prior to the moratorium but had not been completed due to
weather. He also stated that using CETA funds for ball field maintenance
had not been an alternative considered but he would contact Personnel.
Ms. Smith expressed hope that something could be done to satisfy all with
regard to ESP.
Mr. Obie said that he shared the frustration of the audience of trying to
deal with the budget cuts and suggested that better communication is
needed. He added that he had asked for a Lay Parks Committee previously
but it had not been formulated to date. He added that Council had approved
budget cuts totaling $1.6 million and he felt that perhaps they had made e
a mistake in $63~000. He would urge the Council to reinstate opening of
the pools. He stated that he would support reopening the Library on
Sundays.
Mr. Obie moved~ seconded by Ms. Smith~ that the pools~ the
ball field maintenance~ and the Library being open on Sundays be
reinstated up to the amount of $70~000.
Mayor Keller stated that he would like to know the alternative cuts in
other areas where the savings could be made if these items were to be
rei nstated.
Ms. Schue noted sharing in the frustration and felt the highest priority
should be a permanent rehabilitation of Jefferson Pool. She said that the
permanent closing of Jefferson Pool would not be acceptable to her.
Mayor Keller asked staff to return to the next meeting with alternatives
for existing budget cuts.
Ms. Miller stated she also shared in the frustration of dealing with the
same problems as had been dealt with during the budget preparation time.
She also noted that Joint Parks would be discussing this issue and would
encourage the citizens to work with the Joint Parks Committee. She stated
a concern about removing money from the budget in order to balance it and
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then putting money back into the budget of the Parks Department without
knowing where that savings would be coming from. She added that each area
where budget cuts were involved would have an interest group or support
group and these kinds of issues could go on indefinitely. If this were to
happen, the budget would not be balanced by the end of the fiscal year.
She noted that even if the pools were to reopen immediately, negotiations
would have to be made with the school districts to see if they would be
willing to resume school swimming lessons and to pay for these. Ms. Schue
noted that if she did not vote for the motion, it did not mean she was not
in favor of the programs. She added that she would like to postpone a
vote until she had additional information and alternatives.
Ms. Miller suggested that this motion could be held over until the
February 27 meeting.
Mr. Obie noted that this issue has been going on and on and he felt it
should be dealt with soon or the Council should state they were not going
to deal with this issue.
Mr. Lieuallen felt that he could make a better decision if he had some
alternatives.
Mayor Keller ruled that further discussion would take place on February 27
with staff presenting alternative budget cut proposals, even if it meant
meeting an hour earlier.
Mayor Keller expressed his appreciation for everyone for coming to the
meeting and said that it had never been the intention to close pools just
for the sake of closing pools. He further encouraged everyone to review
the total budget cuts and find alternatives.
Meeting was adjourned to Monday, February 25.
~)
Charles T. Henry
City Manager
(Recorded by Lynda Nelson)
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