HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/27/1980 Meeting
e
M I NUT E S
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL
February 27, 1980
Adjourned meeting 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., February 27, 1980,
with the following councilors present: Betty Smith, Brian Obie, Eric Haws,
Jack Delay, D. W. Hamel, Gretchen Miller, and Emily Schue. Councilor Scott
Lieua11en was absent.
--- -.----..--------- .
I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS
A. Bowling for Goodwill
Ms. Smith stated that Bowling for Goodwill would be Saturday, March 8,
at 10:30 a.m., at Emerald Lanes.
B.
Tri-Agency
Ms. Smith indicated that she would like some follow-up on what the
plans are for dog control since the blitz, which Tri-Agency was going
to initiate, does not seem to be in effect. Mr. Henry responded that
a discussion of the spay/neuter clinic was scheduled for the March 12
council meeting: and perhaps a general update on Tri-Agency could be
presented at that time. Mr. Delay noted that the Tri-Agency policy
board will get a report as to the problems with implementation
of this program, and that could be given to the councilors.
e
C.
Parade Ordinance
Ms. Miller noted that last fall. the parade ordinance was amended.
She stated that staff, acting through the police chief, was to bring
back proposed administrative rules which were to be presented to the
council. She noted that she had seen the first draft, and it seems to
have some proposed regulations which might have legal implications.
She suggested that staff work with the City Attorney's office on these
regulations. Mr. Henry indicated that this is being done.
D. Proposed Power Lines on 13th Avenue
Mr. Haws asked if action had been taken regarding the petition sent to
him from Mr. Johnson regarding the proposed power lines. Mr. Henry
indicated that the petition had been distributed to the council.
Mr. Haws asked if anything could be done by the council and if the
council wished to pursue the matter. Mayor Keller clarified that Mr.
Johnson's concern is with the proposed EWEB transmission lines on 13th
Avenue. Mr. Henry indicated that council had met with the EWEB Board
e
2/27/80--1
on this issue, and EWEB staff had made a presentation stating the
disadvantages but that the board over-rode their staff recommendation. ~
The EWEB Board stated they would proceed with these lines on 13th ,.,
Avenue. Mr. Henry stated further communication is expected from them
regarding an easement request for right-of-way on property the City
owns where the Marine and Naval Reserves are located. Information
from the neighborhood association and from Lincoln Community School
was given to the board at the time of that meeting, but EWEB is going
ahead with the proposed changes. Mr. Haws asked if the City's only
leverage was the right-of-way easement. Mr. Long responded that the
legal authority for the electric utilities placement is strictly
EWEB'ss but land use and right-of-way questions are under City author-
ity. Mayor Keller indicated that during the hearing, he had expressed
concern with this and thought there might be an alternate route that
he could support. He also stated that it was a difficult environment
at the hearing and they were questioned on what right they had to be
there. He indicated it had not been an "open forum" with EWEB.
Mayor Keller said he could support the idea of raising the issue. He
stated the problem seems to be that those concerned citizens were
never involved in this decision because this route had not been
previously considered. Because of public input on the other routes,
it was easier to use 13th Avenue even though it was not cost-effective.
Mr. Haws noted that he does not know what the best answer would be
but that citizens are concerned. Consensus was to not pursue the
power line placement issue at this time.
E.. Cancellation of March 19 City Council Meeting
Council meeting of March 19 is canceled.
F. National ~eague of Cities Conference
Mayor Keller encouraged any councilors or staff to consider attending
the National League of Cities conference in Washington, DC, during
spring vacation.
e
G. Downtown Parking for Downtown Housing
Mayor Keller referred to the discussion at the February 25 council
meeting regarding downtown parking/housing. He felt the council got
off base in discussing parking for housings rather than discussing the
housing. He asked whether there was support in the council for a
change in the zoning ordinance for downtown housing. He asked for any
comments by the council.
Mr. Obie stated that he hesitates to change the ordinance
but that he would ask the council to reconsider the decision on
these six units. He stated that three parties are involved: the
lender, the developer, and the renewal agency. The lender will not
loan the money unless the City provides a variance for the parking.
.
2/27/80--2
e
The developer says they cannot build it with the present parking
requirements. The Eugene Renewal Agency would like a "good faith"
effort toward having housing there. Yet, the City seems to be the
loser on this opportunity to have six housing units due to inflexi-
bi1ityof policies and procedures. He feels the parking problem would
be solved by the people who buy the units. He also stated, however,
that if offices are put there, which would generate more need for
parking, there is no requirement for additional parking space.
Ms. Schue stated she shares the concern with others and would prefer
to see houses there rather than offices. She said that no plan was
presented by the developer for dealing with parking, which is what she
found unacceptable. If the developer had presented an option to the
parking requirement, then perhaps a variance would be in order.
Ms. Smith asked, when discussion was occurring about changing the
ordinance, if that would impact the present project. Mayor Keller
answered that this is a pilot project and thinks the council will be
confronted with this sort of thing more often. He further stated the
council seems to support housing in the downtown area.
e
Ms. Smith stated that she would support review of the ordinance and
reconsideration of the variance request for this project. She also
stated the City could assume some responsibility for helping to
negotiate parking for a developer as in leasing space in City lots.
Mr. Henry stated that under the existing ordinance, space probably
could be found but it would be necessary for some changes to occur in
policies of the Downtown Development Board. One suggestion that
has been made is that the Downtown Development Board provide parking
space for small housing projects. He noted that these kinds of
conversions, such as second-floor retail stores into apartments,
would not be possible unless some leasing options were available.
Ms. Miller feels that the council seems to agree on looking at changes
in the ordinance regarding downtown parking for residents, especially
since they are supportive of downtown housing and realize that people
want to have their cars nearby. She feels the ordinance should be
changed in a general sense, not for special projects. She also said
that this particular project seems to have been poorly planned and
many deadlines have been missed at checkpoints along the way. They
have already asked for extension on their time and after receiving an
extension, came in and requested a variance for parking. She feels
that there is not any reason to change the decision for this project,
but rather the ordinance as a whole for future impact.
Mr. Obie stated he cannot see the negative impact of these six units
without parking spaces but could see some positive learning experi-
ences in regard to how people would handle downtown parking problems.
He would like to find out if there are people who do not have cars and
would choose. to live downtown.
e
2/27/80--3
Ms. Schue stated that a further problem seems to be that the Eugene
Renewal Agency policy is concerned with businesses, not with housing. ~
Mr. Delay noted the variance code is specific and difficult to comply ..,
with. He stated that he would not be in favor of changing the previous
decision on these six units. He felt that this would be setting an
extremely bad precedent. He feels that situations such as these need
to be looked at in a comprehensive manner.
Mayor Keller stated that he had two points in mind when bringing this
before the council. First, he felt bad about losing those six units
for downtown housing; and second, the council will be confronted with
similar proposals in the future and they will need to determine how
these will be dealt with.
Mr. Obie stated that it seems the council has moved beyond those
specific six units and expressed concerns regarding the total issue of
downtown housing and parking. He said this larger question could not
be resolved within the developer1s time line for these specific
units. He also said he would like to see staff prepare a downtown
parking study. Mayor Keller said that perhaps this could be addressed
in the near future. Mr. Henry said that staff will go to ERA and the
OOB and perhaps they can solve this problem.
H. Jefferson Pool Tour
Mr. Henry stated a tour of Jefferson Pool would be held immediately
following this council meeting.
e
I. Meetings
Budget Committee Meeting, Thursday, February 28, 7:30 p.m.
Joint Parks Meeting, Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 a.m., in the McNutt Room.
Energy Board Meeting, March 5, 7:30 p.m.
II. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL
A. Approval of Council Minutes of February 11, 1980, and February 13, 1980
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to approve the council
minutes of February 11, 1980, and February 13, 1980. Roll call
vote; motion carried unanimously.
B. Improvement Petition
1. Fergus Manor Subdivision (Affected Property on Petition: Assess-
able Costs; paving, total front footage, and front footage peti-
tioned 2,669.97 feet, 100 percent; sewers, total square footage
270,964.4 feet, square footage petitioned 230,752.0 feet, 85
percent; City costs: none).
e
2/27/80--4
.
Res. No. 3315--A resolution authorizing street paving, sanitary sewer,
and storm sewer construction within Fergus Manor Subdivision
and sanitary sewer construction within 160 feet of the
boundary of Fergus Manor Subdivision (1732).
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution.
Roll call vote: motion carried unanimously.
c. Segregation of Assessments
1. Located south of 1st Avenue, east on Bertelsen Road; applicant:
Willamette Valley Title, c/o Vic Bender (SE 80-3).
Mr. Henry noted that this segregation of assessments is in order and
approval is recommended.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to approve segregation of
assessments as noted. Roll call vote: motion carried unanimously.
D. Safe Deposit Box Rental Agreement
Mr. Henry indicated this resolution is to allow the Finance Director
access into the safe deposit box and would require a change of names
on the authorization slips.
Res. No. 3316--A resolution authorizing safe deposit box rental agreement.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution.
~ Roll call vote: motion carried unanimously.
E. Finance Resolutions (Distributed)
Mr. Henry stated he did not feel the memo attached to the agenda was
clear. He said that the memo specifies that this money will be
transferred to personnel services which will allow the City to comply
with Federal regulations which require the monies to be appropriated
for specific expenditures rather than in a contingency account.
This money has been used for the redesign of the budget and purchasing
systems. The resolution has come about because the Federal government
requires that the resolution should designate the money be shown as an
appropriation rather than in a contingency fund even though it will be
used in 1980-81 for completing the redesign of these systems.
Res. No. 3317--A resolution authorizing the transfer of operating contin-
gency monies and the countercyclical fund for the acquisi-
tion of personnel and for materials for audit of special
grants.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution.
e
2/27/80--5
Mr. Hamel asked if these funds should have been in the budget last
year. Mr. McGuire responded that these monies cannot be held over,
but must be committed, according to Federal law. This resolution
commits it to the fiscal system's development program.
.
Mr. Hamel asked whether this could I:>e considered "under the cover"
funds. Mr. Henry stated that countercyclical funds are given to the
city based on unemployment and other aspects and are based on a
, Federal formula. Money has been appropriated to the various projects
and they are trying to extend these through next year. He also said
, that the money might not be entirely used.
Ms. Miller asked what the money would be used for. Mr. McGuire said
that the money would be used for ongoing projects to develop an
automated budget system. The budget report that the council would
receive on April 17 would be the initial product of that design.
This project will include the expenditure system. It will take about
, 18-24 months to complete the project. Mr. McGuire also stated that
this money has been appropriated through the Data Processing budget
and this department had six positions funded by countercyclical
funds; the recommendation is that this money be kept in that section
of the budget. He said that there may be some unspent funds in the
Finance Department relating to this project and they would request
that these funds be transferred to the Data Processing budget to keep
those six positions on the project until it is completed. Mr. Henry
noted that the number of positions had been reduced to four.
Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
.
Res. No. 3318--A resolution authorizing the transfer of operating contin-
gency monies in the general fund for the acquisition of a
security and fire alarm system for the Library and for
repair and upgrade of the sound equipment for the council
chamber.
Mr. Henry noted that this is an emergency, especially pertaining to
the Library security system.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution.
Mr. Obie questioned the urgency of these items in regard to the
council chamber sound system. He stated that he felt there were
other priorities rather than the sound system upgrade and repair.
Ms. Smith asked if there were restrictions on what this money
should be spent for and if it had already been appropriated. Mr.
Henry responded that in regard to the sound system, they were trying
to make corrections to the system and to make it a more workable one,
but in regard to the Library, it is much more of an emergency situation.
-
2/27/80--6
e
Ms. Smith asked if this money could be used to keep the pools open.
Mr. Henry responded that staff did not recommend using contingency
funds to keep the pools open.
Ms. Miller thought the sound system would do for now. Ms Schue said
she would like to have her microphone fixed.
Mr. Henry noted that this could be amended to a figure of $10,000 and
recommended deletion of the repair and upgrade of the sound equipment
in the council chamber.
e
Mr. Obie noted that if it is not an emergency, it should be considered
with the rest of the budget.
Ms. Smith moved to delete the words "and for repair and upgrade
of the sound system for the council chamber" from the proposed
Resolution No. 3318, seconded by Mr. Hamel. Roll call vote:
motion carried 6:1 with Councilor Delay voting no.
Roll call on amended motion; motion carried unanimously.
Res. No. 3319--A resolution authorizing transfer of non-contingency
appropriations within a given fund between programs and/or
object groups.
Ms. Miller asked if the $17,000 from the Police Department is part of
the matching share of the Integrated Criminal Apprehension Program
(ICAP) grant; Mr. McGuire responded that it is grant money. Mr. Obie
asked if this was based on a re-evaluation of the ICAP program and
noted he would like more information. Mr. Henry stated we are
receiving such good marks on the ICAP program, that we will receive
additional money and some techniques such as criminal analysis,
reporting, and data processing are being demonstrated to other cities.
He said that earlier in the week, this had been demonstrated to cities
of over 10,000 population and it looks as though this will be contin-
uing and better use will be made of personnel and equipment resources.
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution.
Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
III. CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEE INCREASES (Memo and additional information
distributed)
Mr. Henry noted that this is the most comprehensive study done in recent
years. He indicated that affected groups have been notified by mail of
this proposed fee schedule. If adopted today, it could become effective
March 15, and any funds generated by building activity beginning March 15
would be included. He said that it would be the largest single period for
permit activity throughout the year.
e
2/27/80--7
Mr: Henry introduced Larry Reed, Assistant Building Superintendent. Mr.
Reed stated that fee schedules have not been increased in approximately ~
five years. These increases are being requested at this time to bring ,.,
them more into line with the State fees already adopted. He stated that
it is important to note that Eugene will still remain lower in single-
family and duplex fees since the City of Eugene is the only local jurisdic-
tion that has adopted a combination one- and two-family dwelling permit.
He said they had contacted the Homebuilders Association of Lane County,
the National Electrical Contractors Association, Mid-Valley Plumbing and
Heating Contractors Association, and the Association of General Contrac-
tors. These proposed increases were reviewed by the City Attorney's
office and Department of HCC. He noted he was available to answer any
further questions.
Mr. Keller asked if any groups responded to these increase proposals and
Mr. Reed stated that the General Contractors Association said they would
support the fee increase, but they indicated that there were other areas
they wished to talk with the City about.
Speaking about the issue:
James McAlexander, 310 Garfield, stated he was at the council meeting to
represent the Homebuilders Association. He stated that the letter to the
users, dated March 14, was received by them on March 17. He stated
further that this time was inadequate to respond to such extensive coverage
of fee increases. He requested that the council table the motion until
their organization had time to study the fee increases and comment or to
table the motion indefinitely. He stated that permit fee increases would ~
have a ripple effect, increasing plan check fees, systems development
fees, increasing the cost of new construction, which increases replace-
ment cost, which in turn increases taxes.
To illustrate his point, he said that for one house for which they have
complete records--the house consisting of 11,720 square feet and the
garage consisting of 464 square feet--in 1977, the valuation was $34,430
and the building permit fee was $262. In 1978, the valuation on the house
was $41,388; the building permit fee was $274.56 plus a systems develop-
ment charge of $593.53 for total permit fees in 1978 of $869.09. In 1979,
the valuation of this house was $44,695, the building permit fee was
$287.04 plus the plan check fee made the cost of the building permits
$373.04, and the systems development charge was $629.92, for total permit
fees in 1979 of $1,000.96. In 1980, the same house was valued at $46,628,
the building permit fee was $295.36, the plan check fee was $89, the
systems development charge was $648.03, for a total in 1980 of $1,032.39.
He further stated that although the building permit fees themselves had
not increased that much, the cost of total permit fees for the same house
within four years has risen from $262 to $1,032.39.
Mr. Hamel stated he agreed with Mr. McAlexander's presentation; when the
systems development charge was added, it was quite a shock to the builder.
He stated this would be discouraging to someone building since the fees
have been increased about 200 percent. He stated that if the fees need to
be increased, that should be done on a more regular basis, not in five-year ~
increments. ,.,
2/27/80--8
e
Mr. Obie asked how long the Homebuilders Association had had to review
this matter and Mr. McAlexander responded they had had approximately ten
days from the time they received the letter. Mr. Obie then asked how long
it would take for them to properly analyze the matter and Mr. McAlexander
responded that it would take 30 to 45 days.
Ms. Schue stated that it seemed to her that the fees were small increases
and were intended to raise the City to the level that the State had
adopted. She further stated that the systems development charge was not
the matter for discussion at this meeting.
Mr Delay asked if the proposed permit fee increases would actually cover
the cost of the department's operation or if it would still be subsidized
at least in part by taxes. Larry Reed responded that still about 30
percent of their operation would continue to be funded by general funds.
Mr. Delay agreed that the systems development charge is not related to
this matter. It becomes a question of whether everyone in the city pays
for construction or whether the user pays. The funds will either come
from increased taxes or from the increased permit fees.
e
Ms. Smith suggested that this matter be delayed for one week. She stated
she felt the fees should be charged to pay for the services. Mr. Haws
stated that this is one way that the city can make up part of the deficit
which comes, in part, from subsidizing new construction. He felt the fees
should cover 100 percent of that operation. He also stated if people want
something, especially if they are making a profit, they should pay for it.
He also stated he would not be willing to delay this matter longer than
one week. He also suggested that the fees should be raised to be made
current with other jurisdictions.
Mr. Obie agreed with Mr. Haws and felt that the Homebuilders Association
should be allowed to have time to prepare an adequate argument. He then
asked if the matter were held over until March 10, if it could be imple-
mented on March 15. Mr. Reed stated that March 5 would be better since
new forms will have to be printed.
Mayor Keller responded that this could be done.
Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to delay action on this
matter until March 5. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
IV. STATUS OF CETA CONSORTIUM DISCUSSIONS--STAFF PRESENTATION
(Memo distributed)
Mr. Henry stated that since the agenda was prepared, the City has been
given approximately one more month to deal with this matter. He stated
this is a very complicated situation and the hope is to resolve something
with the County within the next week or two.
Mr. Delay asked if there would be a formal presentation and Mr. Henry
responded that Gary Long, Personnel Department, would make a statement.
e
2/27/80--9
Mr. Long stated that because Oregon1s population information had not yet
been published by the Bureau of Census, the City would have an additional
30 days after publication to submit its consortium application. The ~
discussion this week would focus on the City Option Three of the February ..,
21, 1980, memo (distributed). Mr. Long said he was available to answer
ally quest ions.
Mr. Delay asked if the previously announced March 3 deadline was still in
effect and Mr. Long responded that that was the Federal deadline but an
extension will be given because the Oregon population data has not yet been
p~b1ished by the Bureau of Census. Mr. Delay stated he found the information
in the memorandum to be inadequate for his understanding to even be able to
d'scuss the matter. He stated he feels this is an important decision and
would like to have more input from the City and the County about what is
being negotiated. He could not follow it from the memo.
Mr. Long stated this is a $10- to $14-mi11ion program representing approxi-
mately half the City budget. He further stated he could provide any and
all information needed.
Mr. Delay asked if this was a filing for "intent" only. He asked if we
could file and still keep our options open. Mr. Long responded that it is
not just an intent, but would include some basic ingredients as to how the
consortium would operate. March 1 is when they would need to decide how
they will proceed. He further stated that April 1 to 15 would be critical
since they are already looking at the phasing of responsibilities and to
the consortium. Mr. Delay stated he feels he would like to hear from the
City and the County on where they stand and how they see the issues as ~
well as hearing from some of the user groups. Ms. Miller stated she ..,
agreed with Mr. Delay; she would like to see information presented to the
council as suggested. She stated she has some understanding of what the
City wants and what the County wants and minimal understanding of what the
user groups want and cannot see why the problems at this point seem to be
insoluble.
Mr. Long stated he does not feel the problems are insolvable. His hope is
, the briefing memo will provide a basis for questions. He further stated
they might want to develop some way of receiving user input. Ms. Smith
stated that the Advisory Committee had met February 26, and the City
is concerned as to what the best program for all user groups wi 11 be. She
stated she would be happy to talk with any councilors regarding details of
the proposal and the proposal itself. She is concerned that Eugene be a
partner and be involved in decision-making and staffing issues.
Mayor Keller stated that the councilors' points are well made and he would
like to schedule a meeting between Gary Long and the councilors.
V. CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVE BUDGET CUT PROPOSALS
Mr. Henry referred to two memos distributed~ one memo from the librarian
regarding restoration of Sunday hours, the other from the Parks and
Recreation director regarding alternative budget cut proposals, especially
in regard to swimming pools and ball fields.
.
2/27/80--10
e
Manager stated the Library has expended a majority of its book budget. If
the Library were reopened on Sundays with that money, they would deplete
all new book purchasing money. The librarian feels they should continue
the closure on Sundays.
Manager stated if any changes are going to be made in the Parks Department
budget, they would like to see those changes made in reverse order from
how they are listed on the memo. Mr. Henry introduced Ernie Drapela,
Parks Department, to provide additional information.
Mr. Drapela stated that his February 25 memo was a response to the
councilors' request to identify potential sources of funding and how
they relate to present service levels. He stated that by staying within
the figures outlined in that memo, two things could be accomplished.
First, this would enable the $38,000 savings to still be accomplished, and
second, they would be able to identify potential service reductions which
are currently being cut back so these services could continue to be
reduced in the 1980-81 budget preparation process. He further stated that
resources are available to accomplish Options One, Two, and Three. He
stated the staff recommends Alternative Two as most acceptable, as it
restores ball field maintenance and allows for rehabilitation of Jefferson
Pool.
e
Mr. Obie stated that the previous motion had included two budget cate-
gories: Library and Parks and Recreation. He would like to change the
motion to adopt Alternative One as proposed in the February 25 memo.
Mr. Haws asked if this motion involves the Library and if the staff recom-
mends Alternative One for the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Obie
said the motion does not include the Library.
Mr. Drapela stated that staff recommends Alternative Two if the original
course of action is not maintained.
Mr. Haws then asked if there were any other places which could be cut to
obtain the goals. He stated that citizens had called him and stated that
there is $100,000 in the Parks budget to maintain parking spaces.
Mr. Drapela stated that they could discuss all the funds within the
Parks Department budget, but some funds cannot be shifted to other areas.
The required cuts apply only to funds under the general operating budget
of the Parks Department. He stated the options listed on page 3 are
readily available and feels that Alternative Two would be the most equitable
choice.
Mr. Haws stated he would like to know if there are alternatives in the
complete Parks Department budget, for example, if they could terminate ten
staff from the Parks Department if that was determined to be the best
choice. Mr. Drapela responded that in the February 15 memo, they had
outlined $91,920 in cuts, a number of which would adversely affect the
operating programs, and they have since withdrawn those suggestions. Mr.
Haws stated that he realized they could choose either way but none of the
choices was ideal.
e
2/27/80--11
t
M~. Obie stated he had met with Mr. Drapela last week and felt that at
that time, Mr. Drapela was supporting Alternative One, but that he
would still speak for the motion he had made. On page 2, the cuts seem to ~'
be a reasonable list of cuts taking a broad cross-section of the department. ~
He could not justify maintaining and operating the ball fields. He also
stated he firmly hoped that when the Community Development hearing was
held that $23,000 be allocated for Jefferson Pool rehabilitation. He
further suggested that the City take another look at its revenue situation
since there may be some increased revenues which could be put to use in
this matter. Alternative One seems to be the best solution to a bad
situation.
Ms. Miller asked for clarification on the uses of funds set aside for
parking spaces at the Overpark and the Parcade. Mr. Henry responded that
the Downtown Development District pays the Parks Department to administer
the parking lots. Ms. Miller then suggested that perhaps the Downtown
Development District would like to pay for a swimming pool.
She further stated in looking over the engineer's report, that the engi-
neer's Option One stated that the repairs need to be immediate and she
would like clarification on what immediate should be. Mr. Drapela stated
he felt the engineer meant that the repair needs to be done as soon as
possible. Whether that would occur during the scheduled shutdown time or
during the summer, or next fall, it should be done at a time when the roof
repairs could also be made. They would like to reduce interruptions to
users of the pool to the extent that they could.
Ms. Miller stated that it seemed the repairs could be made during the ~
scheduled shutdown time and savings from the shutdown could be applied ~
to rehabilitation. Ms. Miller stated she does not wish to put the repairs
off in hopes that the Community Development funds could be used.
Mr. Delay stated he would like to clarify the situation with regard
to the Community Development Committee. First, the committee decided that
it would take no action on this year's grant proposal. He stated there
was an accumulation of $79,000 in contingency funds from the previous
years' grants and that money could be used on pool rehabilitation if the
City and the core area neighborhood groups were involved together with the
committee. He stated the $23,000 needed for repairs could not come from
Neighborhood Block Grants. These funds cannot be used for operation and
maintenance. These kinds of things should come out of the General Fund.
He stated, however, that he does think the group will come to an agreement.
He then asked if it was better to make across-the-board cuts that would
affect more people a little rather than affecting fewer people a lot. He
asked Mr. Drapela if Alternatives One and Two were better options than
closing the pools and if so, why they had not been considered earlier. He
then asked if the council should go with Alternative One or Alternative
Two. He felt the Jefferson Pool should be repaired while it is closed.
.
Mr. Drapela stated that the staff had reviewed all the alternatives and
the ones listed for alternative cuts on this memo were services the staff
had considered at the time of the six-percent rollback. At that time,
s~aff ~as ask~d to not pursue certain projects. Therefore, these reduc-
tlons ln serVlces can be made at this time and no controversy is expected.
e
2/27/80--12
e
Mr. Obie stated he felt that Jefferson Pool could be rehabilitated by
Community Development funds according to what he had understood from Mr.
Drapela. Mr. Drapela responded that Mr. Delay was correct and that the
request was for $100,000 and the hope was to obtain matching funds else-
where. He stated that CDC has reserved about $80,000 depending on what
success will be met in receiving matching funds elsewhere. He stated that
the earliest any State or Federal matching funds could be secured would be
in early Apri 1.
Mr. Delay stated that he had noted that the Community Development Committee
wants to hear from the affected core area neighborhoods. He felt that it
is in everyone's best interest that the Community Development Committee
monies should be used for this project.
Mr. Obie stated he felt Jefferson Pool should be repaired when it is
closed or close it when it is being repaired, but it should not be closed
until after Amazon Pool is opened so that the South Eugene area would
not be without a pool.
Mr. Henry noted these proposed alternative cuts would not be without
effect on certain groups. He noted that Parks Department staff are being
urged to take leave without pay and certain programs and events would be
dropped, for example, at senior centers, special events will not occur,
and in the bicycle program, events will be eliminated and use of the van
will be eliminated. These are little programs that are being dropped.
However, he noted that some cuts are the result of attrition.
e
Ms. Schue asked for clarification of the $23,000 in Alternative Two that
would be spent on rehabilitation of Jefferson Pool. She wanted to know
how this fits in with the overall rehabilitation needs of Jefferson
Pool.
Mr. Drapela stated that the service cuts are identified with a dollar
savings. He stated that the $23,000 in the engineer's report is included
in Alternative Two. He further stated the Joint Parks Committee would
need to devote more attention to the various options presented in that
report, especially Alternatives Two, Three, and Four.
Ms. Schue then asked if the repairs the $23,000 was used for would be
temporary repairs that would need to be torn apart later. Mr. Drapela
responded that this would not be the case.
Ms. Miller stated she thinks it is a shame that the pools are being
reinstated and that services such as Specialized Recreation and Bethel
Youth Sports are being cut back. She further stated that she felt a lot
of these reductions were caused by the general turmoil in the Parks
Department by these budget cuts causing staff to go on leave without pay
or terminate since they were not sure what would happen with the budget.
She further stated she agrees with Mr. Obie's comments and felt they were
very sensible, especially about not closing Jefferson Pool until Amazon
Pool is opened. Mr. Drapela stated that the Amazon Pool would not be
/e
2/27/80--13
e
opened until about the third week of June. Ms. Miller asked if it has
ever been opened in May in the past. Mr. Drapela responded not to his
knowledge. Ms. Miller stated it would far superior not to close Jefferson
until Amazon was open if they could, but the budget must be balanced this
year. Money still would have to be found for repairs in 1980-81 and
services will have to be cut again next year so she cannot agree with
Alternative One. She would go with Alternative Two. It would be a
hardship for people for six weeks, but this is not the only pool within
150 miles; there are alternatives.
Mayor Keller stated that Alternative Two would be his first preference.
He stated he felt the problem with Alternative One would be that the pools
are already in the process of being closed and the community would have to
have it explained why only the Bethel community was having their pool
closed. He felt the process, even though it was not perfect, was a good
process and that he felt the justification for the closure is in the
needed rehabilitation. He stated that Amazon Pool would be opened during
part of the time Jefferson Pool would be closed. He further stressed the
importance of rehabilitating the pool within two years. He suggested
continuing with the closures of the pools and that the opportunity to
extend the life of the Jefferson Pool be pursued.
Mr. Delay moved to amend the motion and substitute Alternative Two
in place of Alternative One, seconded by Ms. Miller.
e
Mr. Obie stated he does not want to withdraw his motion and that what Mr.
Delay is proposing to do is against Robert's Rules of Order.
Mr. Long stated it would against Robert's Rules of Order if it changed the
subject matter.
Mayor Keller stated that this amendment was out of order and indicated
that a roll call vote would be held on Councilor Obie's amended motion to
adopt Alternative One as proposed in the February 25, 1980 memo.
Roll call vote; motion carried 4-3, Councilors Obie, Haws, Smith,
and Hamel voting yes, and Councilors Delay, Miller, and Schue
voting no.
Meeting was adjourned to March 5, 1980.
Respectfully submitted,
II~/~
Donald Allen
Acting City, Manager
(Recorded by Lynda Nelson)
--e CTH:LN:al/CM7a12
2/27/80--14