HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/18/1980 Meeting
,;.
M I NUT E S
Eugene City Council
June 18, 1980
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Adjourned meeting of June 11, 1980, of the City Council of the City of Eugene,
Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller at 11:30 a.m., June
18, 1980, in the City Council Chamber, with the following councilors present:
Betty Smith, Scott Lieuallen, Brian Obie, Jack Delay, D. W. Hamel, Gretchen
Miller, and Emily Schue. Councilor Eric Haws was absent.
I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS
A. HUD Allocations for Lane County--Ms. Schue stated that earlier in the
year, the council had sent a letter to HUD protesting their decision
to not provide allocations of low-income housing units under the
Section 8 program in Lane County, especially after monies had been
spent the previous year encouraging developers to apply. The Joint
Housing Committee recently received information from HUD that 92 units
have now been allocated for Lane County.
B. Child Care, Inc., Relocation--Ms. Miller indicated that previously she
had asked for a report regarding the facility which had housed Child
Care, Inc., day-care center and she has not seen one to date. Mr.
e Henry responded that they are still checking into the insurance issue
and introduced Ernie Drapela, Parks Department, to provide additional
information. Mr. Drapela stated he had discussed this with John
Janzen, Risk Management, and found that Child Care, Inc., has found a
permanent location at Whiteaker School. The City will proceed with
the insurance settlement offer and then put the building up for sale
to be relocated. Mr. Lieuallen stated that the arrangement with
Whiteaker Community School is not permanent and is not acceptable to
either parents or the school. Mr. Drapela stated he would get back
with Mr. Janzen. Mr. Lieuallen stated he would appreciate an update.
C. Medical Services Task Force--Mr. Delay stated that the Medical Services
Task Force met this week and was presented with the preliminary
report from Touche~Ross indicating their progress and some of the
findings. He encouraged councilors to ask staff for copies of the
report and indicated there would be media coverage of this report.
The questions of what should occur next and what the service level
should be have not been addressed by the task force. They wi 11 beg i n
to look at them at the next meeting in two weeks.
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: D. Tri-Agency Future Funding--Mr. Delay stated that in the past it
, was felt that options should be kept open for negotiations with
Tri-Agency. The City has supported Tri-Agency in the past, but e
now it may be necessary to provide notice of termination of the
agreement in order to negotiate. Both Springfield and Lane County
have decided to make massive reductions in their contributions which
will affect the enforcement aspects of the agency. There will be no
enforcement for Springfield; Lane County will have only one control
person. The City will continue to contribute but it will be impos-
sible to continue service at the present level without the financial
support of the other jurisdictions. There will be massive disrup-
tions of service.
The Policy Committee recommended that the three jurisdictions provide
notice that they may terminate the contract in six months, effective
July 1, 1980. The staff proposal was to do this to reorganize but to
not shut down the agency, as some people believed. Because of the
requirements of the 190 agreement, notice of termination is required
to be given. There is a strong feeling that it is important for each
jurisdiction to determine what it wants for an animal control program
and how it should operate. No progress can be made until the juris-
~ dictions determine their own involvement. Each jurisdiction could
form a subcommittee or task force to determine what it wants in
a new or amended cooperative agreement. The Policy Committee decided
it would be important to keep communications open. He is not sug-
gesting action on this item today, but feels a task force or council
subcommittee should be formed to discuss it in the near future.
Priority attention should be given to this in order to come up with an e
agreement that is more constructive than those in the past. The other
two jurisdictions' financial withdrawal is effective July 1, 1980.
E. Hotel/Convention Center Contract--Mr. Obie stated he and Mr. Delay had
met with the Renewal Agency that morning. The main topic was the
, developer's agreement. They will be working with the attorneys to
correct deficiencies outlined in the previous memo. He encouraged
councilors to let them know if there are other concerns that should be
addressed. They wish to have the contract considered at the June 25,
1980, council meeting.
Mr. Obie stated he feels it is a waste of time for staff to read
material to the council which they have already received and should
have read on their own.
F. Cancellation of City Council Meetings--Mayor Keller asked for input
about cancellng some of the Clty Council meetings in August. Con-
sensus was to recess 'between August 18 and 31, thereby canceling the
August 20, 25, and 27, 1980, council meetings.
G. Contribution to Better Eugene Committee--Mayor Keller stated the Home
Builders' Association had given a check to the Better Eugene Committee
for dispersement of information regarding the budget. He thanked John
Bennett, representative of the Home Builders' Association.
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H. Northwest Energy Bill Re~--Mayor Keller stated he would like
addltional information a out the Northwest Energy Bill so the council
e would be able to take a position. He indicated he would like a report
from Greg Page, Technology Coordinator. Mr. Lieuallen asked what the
status of the bill was and if council would receive the report before
action is taken. Mr. Page responded that the bill is in Congressman
Weaver's committee and is in the early stages. Ms. Miller stated it
is an important subject and the council should keep in mind that EWEB
has been following this very closely and they have taken a position.
She feels the council should not duplicate EWEB's work but use the
work and effort they have already done. She noted that Congressman
Weaver also has a strong position on this. Mayor Keller noted that
Mr. Page could use those resources and he would be reporting back to
the council on July 2.
I. Interviews for the Opening on Eugene Renewal Agency--Mr. Henry noted
that Tom Ballantyne's term on the Eugene Renewal Agency will expire
July 10. He has indicated a desire to continue with this agency. Mr.
Delay stated that, since Mr. Ballantyne has been Chairman and has been
very involved in many negotiations, the interview process should be
followed with only Mr. Ballantyne being interviewed. Mr. Li eua 11 en
stated agreement and noted that Mr. Ballantyne has been very active
and productive.
Mr. Obi e moved to intervi ew Tom Sa 11 antyne for the open ing on the
Eugene Renewal Agency at 11 a.m., June 25, in the McNutt Room.
Ms. Smith seconded the motion. Roll call vote; motion carried
e unan imous 1 y.
J. Introduction--Mr. Henry introduced Chuck Maichel, who is an intern for
the summer in the City Manager's Office.
K. Elected Officials Coordinating Committee Meeting--Mr. Henry stated
that the Elected Offlclals Coordlnating Committee will meet on June 19
at 7 a.m. The previously announced meeting for next week has been
canceled. Work will continue following tOday's council meeting on the
Metropolitan Plan Update and this will occur at several of the next
Wednesday meetings as well. Jim Croteau, Planning, feels it will takOe
at least three or four more meetings to get through the text and the
committee will also need to discuss the testimony given at the public
hearing. The coordinating committee will schedule more meetings
for next week at tomorrow's meeting. Springfield is committed to
submitting a plan to LCDC by July 1, 1980. Eugene and Lane County
probably will not be at a point of submission of this plan by that
date; however, Mayor Keller noted there could be a day-long session
to get through this material.
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II. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL
A. Approval of Council Minutes for May 27, 1980, and May 28, 1980
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve council e
minutes of May 27, 1980, and May 28, 1980. Roll call vote; motion
carried unanimously.
B. Ordinance Correction (memo distributed)--Mr. Henry noted that this
ordlnance is to amend Ordinance No. 18470 which adopted the amended
1979-80 budget. It was recently discovered that the ordinance con-
tained a typographical error that must be corrected before June 30.
Section 3 of the ordinance lists the appropriations by program and
object group. The very first number, for community safety personnel
services, reads on the ordinance "$11,048,560." That number should
read "$11,408,560." The total for that program and the other sum-
maries in the budget document verify the latter number is correct and
this action must be taken to permit the external auditors to audit the
City against the correct legal appropriations.
CB 2155--An ordinance concerning the budget; amending Ordinance No.
18470; and declaring an emergency
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, 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. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously.
Council Bill 2155 was read the second time by council bill number only. e
Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, that the bill be
approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors
present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered
18654.
I I I. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Proposal to Prohibit Smoking in Certain Areas--Interim Report (memo
distributed)--Mr. Henry stated that this item deals with a proposal
from Councilor Schue relating to a possible no-smoking ordinance and
a memo is attached to the agenda. This memo presents the changes that
have been made since the last proposal and these changes are under-
lined in the memo. Mr. Henry noted there are still several unanswered
questions that have been raised. There has not been a definition in
this memo of "school buildings." They received a memo from the
University regarding Sections 5 and 8, which would be in conflict
with the University's policy. They also received information from the
McDonald Wholesale Corporation, as well as other comments relating to
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the enforcement of this proposal. This memo does not include any
dollar amount for penalty and there are questions of enforcement since
e there are no City resources for enforcement. This would have to be
self-enforcing unless a citizen would wish to take it to court. There
are also no City resources available for producing signs.
Ms. Schue stated that additional research has been done, as council
requested, and now would be the time to modify general ideas in this
proposal for a future ordinance.
Ms. Smith asked, in regard to the process, since a public hearing is
being held today but there is no ordinance, if once the ordinance is
drafted there would be another public hearing. Mr. Henry responded
that there would be. He noted the issues today are those con-
flicts with the University primarily, which address a gathering of 20
people or more. He also asked if this should include private as well
as public places and mentioned that since Lane County has facilities,
he wondered if the Fairgrounds would be included. Ms. Schue responded
that modifications can be made to Section 8. The University handles
it with "20 or more," which might be better than "ten or more," which
she has proposed.or could be amended to read "20 or fewer."
Mr. Obie stated he has concerns with this proposal but would state
them following the public hearing.
Public hearing was opened.
e Speaking in favor:
June Ann Konker, 1262 Lawrence Street, Suite 7, stated she works with
the Oregon Lung Association and supports the proposal. She has been
involved in a statewide initiative measure petition regarding smoking
and they are gathering signatures to have the measure placed on the
, general ball ot. About one-half of the signatures on the petition are
from this area.
Speaking against:
Arnie Nelson, 3559 Kevington, stated that item 13 in the memo would be
detrimental to small businesses. They should have the right to run
their businesses as they desire and would prefer to comply with their
customers I wishes since that is what is keeping them in business. The
proposed ordinance infringes on the rights of small business. He
noted that more restaurant owners would have been at this public
hearing if it had not been held during the lunch hour which is a very
busy time for them. He felt it would have been better to hold this
particular public hearing at night.
Vernon Thomson, 2818 Sarah Lane, is manager of McDonald Wholesale
Company. He feels businesses should have the right to make marketing
and planning decisions on their own. With this proposal, if it became
an ordinance, there would be a cost to business for establishing
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barriers. There is the poss'ibility this could be very costly. He
also feels there is a possibility of lawsuits. In his opinion, the
majority of private businesses would be against a proposal of this e
kind and when the initiative, if it makes it to the general ballot,
is before the voters, then it will be obvious what the majority of
the citizens want. He feels this should have waited until after the
November election.
Bob Hasson, 2625 West 10th Place, is a non-smoker who believes smokers
have rights too. He indicated that it has not been shown that second-
hand smoke is detrimental. Smokers are basically courteous, and in
most situations where the two are together there is self-policing
already. He noted that even some businesses which are owned by people
whose religions do not allow smoking still allow smoking in their
establishments because that is the wish of their customers and that is
where they receive their income.
Arthur Wick, 1170 Highway 99N, stated he feels it is fine that the
council does not allow smoking in the Council Chamber, but in his
business he feels he should be the one to determine whether smoking
should or should not be allowed. He is involved with a bowling alley
that has 45,000 tons of air conditioning which provides a clean air
flow. He feels this idea should be forgotten. Business owners have
the right to make their own decisions.
James Jennings, 888 West 2nd Avenue, stated agreement with Mr. Wick.
He said the business owner is most directly affected and feels the
worst part of this proposal is that it would be unenforceable as an e
ordinance. He does not feel it would be cost-effective and suggested
that perhaps having a City policy for City-owned buildings would be
all right. The council would be acting within their jurisdiction, but
not to carry it over "into private industry. He feels the State
initiative measure petition that is being circulated, if on the
. November election, will be a better indication of what people want.
If there are not enough signatures to have it placed on the ballot,
then obviously that will indicate what the people want. He noted that
more than half of the signatures that have been collected have come
from Eugene rather than from other areas of the state since the drive
has been centered in Eugene. He feels that they will not collect
enough signatures to have it placed on the ballot. He feels this is
another instance where government's involvement in private industry
creates problems. He stated this is an idealist piece of consumerism
but it ;s impractical. If the people want this, it will be accomplished
through the State initiative. Eugene's money does not need to be
spent in this way.
Jack Jennings, 888 West 2nd Avenue, is a non-smoker but smoking
doesn't create a problem for him. He is concerned that in the last
few years there has been a general disregard of various kinds of laws.
He sees no need to pass more laws that are going to be unenforceable
and which would breed disrespect of the law.
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Craig Estey, 2625 West 10th Place, stated he feels each business
would do what is best for them and if customers prefer smoking then
they will allow smoking; on the other hand, if they do not prefer
e smoking, then smoking probably will not be allowed. He feels the
American economy is self-policing.
Fred Lee, 2975 Gilham Road, stated he supports the previous testimony
and is president of the Lane County Chapter .of the Oregon Restaurant
and Beverage Association. They are opposed to any- mandatory non-smoking
ordinance.
Alan Lonstron, Valle River Inn and Villa e Green, stated that Section
8 meetings wou d be very detrimental to them. They are in the
business of attracting conventions and meetings to this area. It is
not realistic to expect people to poll their members or conferees
prior to coming to Eugene to see if those people want to smoke in
meetings or not. He does not feel this ordinance would be enforce-
able. In regard to Section 13 (restaurants), he feels this is
totally unrealistic. He noted it is very difficult to segment areas
within an establishment. Trying to segregate would be very time-
consuming. He sees the potential for people having to stand in line
more than they already have to to be accommodated. He added that it
would be difficult to enforce.
Speaking in favor:
Betty Niven, 3940 Hilyard, said she is a non-smoker who is affected by
smoke. She patronizes restaurants that have non-smoking sections.
e She stated that conference rooms generally have the worst ventilation
of any.
Speaking against:
Harvey Zugan stated his rights would be taken away if a proposal like
this became an ordinance. He respects the rights of others and is
courteous. He does not wish to have his rights as a smoker taken
away.
There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed.
Ms. Schue stated that partitions would not be required, just signs and
designations of sections of rooms. The ventilation system should be
taken into account, but nothing is required to be built. Medical
reports have shown that second-hand smoke is harmful. There was a
question of whether this would be within the legal authority of the
City and she understands that it is. Tim Sercombe, City Attorney's
office, stated that the proposed ordinance makes it a violation and it
relates to criminal types of enforcement. The attorney's office would
need to do additional research on the mechanism of enforcement
as to whether certain types of courts would have appropriate juris-
diction to rule on these cases. By the home rule provision the
council can rule that certain things are nuisances or crimes.
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Ms. Schue stated they would do the research before bringing the
ordinance back to the council. She sees this as primarily an
educational activity allowing legal enforcement when necessary. e
Smoking used to be allowed in the Council Chamber, but about five
years ago no-smoking signs were posted and ashtrays remained and
she hasn't seen anyone smoking in there since.
Ms. Miller stated that in the New England Journal of Medicine about
six weeks ago there was an article which stated that passive smoking
is just about as harmful to one's health, if a person is exposed to it
on a sustained basis over a period of years, as is moderate cigarette
smoking over the same period of time. There is an effect on the
cardia-vascular system. Approximately 200,000 deaths each year in the
United States are caused by the use of tobacco' products compared to
about 100,000 deaths caused from traffic accidents, according to the
article. She feels this is a major public health problem. The
situation is that smokers should be able to smoke if they wish, but
not when it jeopardizes someone else. Reasonable, enforceable laws
should be established. The law should be enforced by voluntary
compliance rather than by other means.
Specifically, item 2 (taxi cabs) should perhaps be reworded to indi-
cate that smoking would be permitted according to customer "or" driver
preference. Item 4 (theaters, etc.) should have the same sort of
language as some of the others--barriers, ventilation, etc.--to
minimize the effects. Any references to school buildings should
conform to the University's and Lane Community College's policies if
possible. She understands item 8 (conference rooms) to mean that e
separate areas would be designated by the person in charge so smokers
would be on one side and non-smokers could be on the other with those
who do not care sitting in the middle. She asked for clarification if
that is not what item 8 means. Item 9 (indoor work places) may be
difficult to get agreement on, but she thinks it means that if all
, employees in the area agree, smoking would be okay. If they don't all
agree, then employers can try to work out different accommodations,
divide people so non-smokers are together, or else designate a non-
smoking area. Item 11 (indoor service and waiting areas) should have
the same provisions as item 7 since they are so similar.
Mr. Obie stated that he agrees with most of what Ms. Miller said.
He is concerned that the council does not pass laws which people will
ignore. The council has the responsibility to consider public accept-
ance of the law--if people don't accept it, it would be creating a
poor environment for citizenship. He would like to approach this with
the concept that the no-smoking standard be established where there is
public acceptance and as public acceptance grows, it could be expanded.
Many of the proposed items fit within those parameters but others would
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require modification. Items 1, 2 (including Miller's suggestion), 3,
5, 10, and 14 would fit within these parameters, but item 4 is border-
e line--people who do not smoke, historically, sit in their seats and
the smokers go to the lobby. Item 6--he thinks people will ignore
this item completely so does not feel it would be in the best public
interest to do this yet. He has talked with many retailers in the
past few weeks and they are opposed to it because they do not feel
their customers will appreciate it and then the customers will go
to competitors' businesses where they can smoke. Item 7 --he woul d
appreciate a separate waiting room to be established due to a concern
for people who are already in stressful situations. Additional stress
is not needed. Perhaps this could be done by agreement of those
present. Item 8--he agreed with Ms. Niven's comments about conference
rooms being the worst; he would like to see this increased to 20
or would be comfortable with the solution of having smokers on one
side and non-smokers on the other side. He feels item 9 is a real
problem. In warehouses or factories the areas are so large and the
ventilation so good that he does not see smoking to be a significant
problem. He suggests talking with those who work there. It could be
a problem in offices with rows of desks, but he feels segregation is a
better answer than no smoking. Item Il--he feels that segregation
would be better. Item 12--he feels is okay. He feels that, regarding
item 13, it would not be a problem to divide a restaurant which is
large enough to accommodate 50 people, but he would like to hear more
from the owners. He is also curious as to why bars and cocktail
lounges are not included.
e Ms. Smith stated that whatever ordinance is adopted must be enforce-
able. She hoped that some of the suggestions made by Councilors Obie
and Miller would be taken into account. She does not feel there is
any problem with banning smoking in public meetings but has a problem
with banning it in private businesses. People with clients will not
want to tell those clients they cannot smoke there because the client
may go elsewhere. She feels that non-smoking and smoking areas are
generally appreciated. Private rights should be taken more into
account to make the ordinance enforceable.
Mr. Delay stated he feels comments regarding the "passage of unenforce-
able laws" may be idealistic. Workability is an important aspect.
Individual rights are important and sensitivity to smoke varies with
each individual. He questions letting a cab driver make the decision
whether to allow smoking in a cab or not since the passenger might be
sensitive to smoke. Mr. Delay suggested that Mr. Obie work with Ms.
Schue on some of the issues.
Mayor Keller stated that although he is a smoker, it does not offend
him when people ask him not to smoke or if there are signs saying that
he cannot smoke because he has the option to walk away and smoke
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elsewhere. It would be a mockery to pass this ordinance if it could
not be enforced. This seems to have been a half-hearted effort to
propose something people believe in but that cannot be accomplished.
The posting of signs is important as well as a strong education e
program. These people are as dedicated to improving health as the
council. If this ordinance cannot be enforced and the intent is as
Ms. Schue stated to be an eductional program, the council could work
with these organizations in providing more education which would be
more successful than passing an ordinance that cannot be enforced.
Ms. Schue noted that requiring no-smoking signs is one of the most
helpful things they could do. She is not sure if the finances
of these organizations will allow free distribution of no-smoking
signs. June Ann Konker responded that many varieties of signs are
available from the Lung Association at no charge.
Ms. Smith suggested that Ms. Schue and staff review suggestions and
bring them back to the council before being drafted into ordinance
form. Mr. Hamel asked if the council should decide whether or not
this is a worthwhile item to spend time on. Mayor Keller stated these
proposals could be further reviewed and Ms. Schue could bring them
back again at a later date. The other option would be for Ms. Schue
to make a motion at this time which would be her prerogative. Ms.
Schue noted she was not sure what she was being asked to do. She was
not sure how many times the council wants to discuss the technical
points of this. She had hoped to be able to order a draft of the
ordinance today. Ms. Smith noted there have been some suggested
changes given to Ms. Schue and she should take those into considera-
tion and then bring back a proposal to the council. It could be in
draft form. If she is not inclined to take those suggestions, she e
could bring it back in the form it is now and the council could vote
on it. Ms. Schue said she would take the suggestions, but did not
want to order a draft that would be rejected.
Mr. Obie asked if staff could prepare an ordinance which included the
suggested changes from this meeting. Mr. Lieuallen noted the ordinance
could be drafted taking the suggestions into account. Mr. Henry noted
he views the instructions as having staff prepare a draft ordinance.
Mr. Delay stated he would again like to encourage Mr. Obie to work
with Ms. Schue. Mr. Obie stated he would be glad to.
IV. CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION ORDINANCE
Mr. Henry stated that the $500 tax has been eliminated and the rate
formula has been changed to an advisory function as the major changes.
He introduced Tim Sercombe, City Attorney's office, to provide additional
information.
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Mr. Sercombe stated that the updated version of the condominium conversion
ordinance includes deletion of the conversion tax and making the rate
. formula advisory. In addition, there were several minor changes: 1)
inclusion of the informational brochure described in Section 6(c)(2) in
the definition of "condominium instruments" (page 11) and the deletion
from that definition of the notice of intent to convert given to tenants;
2) addition of the words "or commercial" in line 5 of the definition of
"conversion" (page 12); and 3) Section 10(d), Rulemaking Authority, has
been amended to allow the director to issue rules relating to expiration
and revocation of final conversion permits. At this time, it is not known
whether a time limitation should be placed on the effectiveness of a final
permit. This section has also been amended to not require mandatory
review of the rules by the council. Many of the rules deal with adminis-
trative matters and mandatory review would be unduly consumptive of
council time. However, where policy decisions are reached in the rule-
making process, the director may forward those rules to the council for
review.
Jim Croteau, Planning Department, stated he was responding to comments on
tenant protection raised from testimony at the public hearing of June 9.
Concern was raised that the conversion ordinance inadequately protects the
individual and particular housing needs of displaced tenants. It was
suggested that the definition of "comparable housing" be expanded to
include the special needs of the tenant (aesthetic quality, protection
from noise, etc.), that the housing counselor be hired and supervised by
the City, that lifetime leases be mandatory if no comparable housing is
found, and that special protection be given to those who would be trauma-
e tized by a forced move.
The staff responded to the needs of special housing for particular needs
of a displaced tenant. The tenant survey is designed to pinpoint those
needs early in the process. The housing counselor contract, which is
subject to City approval, must require that the counselor use best efforts
tO'obtain replacement housing which meets the special need of each special-
category tenant. The ordinance requires that comparable housing include
"similar special facilities for the particular tenant's needs if the
tenant is handicapped or elderly." Draft rules on this section will be
av ail ab 1 e soon.
The director may withdraw City approval of the counselor if she/he fails
to abide by the contract, alienates a substantial number of tenants so as
to impair effectiveness of the counselor's performance, or refuses to deal
with or ignores the needs of any affected special-category tenant. The
alternative of requiring comparability for aesthetic or other factors in
the definition of comparable housing was rejected because it is highly
subjective and it is doubtful with such inclusions that any comparable
units could be found. The director is given rule-making authority,
however, to expand the definition of comparable housing which could be
used in the future if this concern becomes a great problem and any tenant
is free to negotiate on comparability.
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.
Mr. Croteau stated that having the housing counselor as a City employee
i was rejected in fear of potential anit-trust problems. Anti-trust
exposure would be created by City selection of a single counselor the
developer must pay for. As written, the ordinance allows developer .
i selection with City overview which minimizes the anti-trust potential
liability.
Mandatory lifetime leases were rejected earlier by the task force. As a
practical matter, lifetime leases will be offered if no comparable units
can be found. The ordinance precludes eviction and substantial rent
increases. -It is too early in this regulatory process to create a six- or
twelve-month deadline for the provision of comparable housing. In some
cases, it may take that long and there is equity in requiring a move after
.30 days' notice at any time that comparable housing has been secured.
:In regard to traumatized tenants, Mr. Croteau stated that it was suggested
no evictions occur (or even displacement to comparable units) if the
tenant will be traumatized by the move. It should be noted that if a
person is handicapped, he/she may be classified as a special-category
tenant. Staff concluded that the determination of such trauma was too
subjective to be an enforceable or manageable requirement and that a
broad-scale granting of lifetime tenancy to such a person was beyond the
wishes of the council in light of the earlier rejection of lifetime
tenancies as mandatory for all special-category tenants.
Mr. Lieuallen noted that in regard to supervision of the housing counselor
selection and dealing with special needs as well as other tasks, perhaps
the Director of HCC would not be the person who directly deals with this.
Mr. Sercombe noted that his authority would be defined in the administra- e
tive rules. Mr. Lieuallen asked whether giving the authority to the HCC
Director to not approve a facilitator would be an anti-trust issue. Mr.
Sercombe said this is not the same issue as the City only having one
fac i1 itator. Adequate notice will be given to any developers if a coun-
selor is found to be inadequate. In regard to traumatized tenants, Mr.
Lieuallen asked if this expresses the concerns of the task force. Ms.
Schue responded that it was not a concern for lifetime tenancy itself.
It is difficult to know before a move if someone will be traumatized.
Mr. Delay noted these people are difficult to identify in advance and
after they have become traumatized it is too late to do anything about
it. Mr. Lieuallen suggested that perhaps someone could research cases
where there have been documented traumatized tenants.
Ms. Smith asked if the review of the ordinance's impact after one year was
included in the ordinance. Mr. Sercombe responded that he did not think
it had been. She noted she would like to know the impact on the rental
housing market and would like administrative costs to be included in the
review. Manager suggested that this review be included in the motion.
Mr. Lieuallen noted that if, on a nationwide basis, "traumatization" can
be established as a problem and could be predicted, then he would request
that the ordinance be amended. He would argue for life-time tenancy if a
corre 1 at i on was est ab 1 i shed. Mr. Delay added the need to make housing a
high priority for the Joint Housing Committee.
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6/18/80--12
CB 2137--An ordinance relating to the conversion of apartment buildings to
condominiums; and declaring an emergency
. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, 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, with a review at one year of administrative costs and
impact on the rental housing market. 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. lieuallen, that the bill be
approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors
present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered
18655.
The meeting was recessed to the McNutt Room for agenda item V.
V. METRO PLAN UPDATE
Mr. Croteau stated a summary of the River Road/Santa Clara area situation
was sent out by special courier. Mayor Keller noted that last night three
jurisdictions approved all 12 items as outlined on the June 16 agenda.
The original 12 issues are all resolved, except for the River Road/Santa
Clara item.
Mr. Farah stated that Policy 7 states that urbanizable land can become
e urban land only through annexation. It was determined at last night1s
meeting that this was true everywhere except River Road/Santa Clara. They
have prepared a two-page summary of the tabloid. An opinion survey by
Lane County showed that people in the River Road/Santa Clara area feel
they need additional information before annexation would occur. Mr.
Lieuallen stated that one of the issues raised last night was whether or
not the City position addresses the concerns of the people in River
Road/Santa Clara. One main question is sewers and costs. He asked if
staff is working on costs of alternatives. Special service districts
would be more than annexation, but this information needs to be demon-
strated to the people. He asked if the City would be pushing for
resolution of this situation prior to completion of the study. Mr. Farah
noted the tabloid is a compilation of facts, not a study. Ms. Mi 11 er
noted she did not feel that LCDC would support the plan. It does not
contain a resolution to the River Road/ Santa Clara situation. She feels
it will become no easier to resolve. She said she is not certain it will
be productive to say that we will work together with Lane County. She
felt it would be better if citizens were more involved. Mayor Keller
noted agreement with this.
Mr. Lieuallen noted that if the City found a process for annexation to
take place, another element should be that ad valorem taxes would be used
for direct benefits.
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6/18/80--13
Steve Gordon had talked about the sewage problems and stated that there is
no such thing as an interim sewage program; they become permanent. Mr.
Lieuallen asked if that means the City would oppose this on a long-term .
basis. He feels Lane County is probably capable of doing this as much as
. the City is. Mr. Delay noted the City would like to avert what happened
in the Bethel-Danebo area when the City tried to work out the annexation
.. situation there. Mr. Delay stated that a couple of years ago, a report
. with novel suggestions for funding had been presented to Lane County and
he wondered what happened to that report. Mr. Farah indicated that it was
presented to Lane County and he is uncertain what happened to it after
that. Mr. Henry stated that several communications of this type had
been sent out, one suggesting that incremental provision of services and
charges be initiated. The City is not going to be able to pave every
street immediately or at one time. Sanitary and storm sewers would be the
major expenses and the City would pay for the storm sewers. Mr. Farah
noted that alternative sewage treatment simply would not be supported by
City policy. Mr. Lieuallen stated he had understood that the soil condi-
tions in the River Road/Santa Clara area were unique and not found in
other areas. Mayor Keller noted that density was the major concern and
that it concludes that, ultimately, the sewage will have to be dealt with
by a sewage treatment plant. He did not feel that the Metropolitan
Wastewater Management Commission or EPA would allow this. Ms. Smi th noted
that funding for the new sewage treatment plant is difficult enough as it
is. Mr. Lieuallen stated he did not know where the money was coming from
to build the main plant, let alone the infrastructures in an area like
River Road. Mr. Lieuallen stated that other areas, such as Laurel Hill
Valley, are not being developed to urban density as they could be either.
He feels if there is going to be a hard-nosed attitude about density that e
it should be city-wide. Mr.Obie noted the trade-off would be concrete
and blacktop across the farm lands of this county.
Mr. Delay noted that everyone has agreed with everything else except for
the River Road/Santa Clara area and what the policy should be there. He
does not feel it is hard-nosed to confront the issue.
Mayor Keller noted another proposal was an alternative city, but he did
not feel that that would be allowed either. The City is trying to be
sensitive to the people, even though they are being portrayed as giants
trying to swallow them.
Mr. Croteau noted that at the next meeting there would be a brief overview
and they hope to get back to the text. Individual issues could be looked
at 1 ater.
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6/18/80--14
Mayor Keller noted that Springfield is moving for adoption by the July 1
deadline because they could lose half of the financing of $10,000 they
e would receive by submitting a plan on time. Mr. Croteau stated that
Springfield has been waiting for Eugene and Lane County to resolve their
issues and suggested that perhaps a letter could be sent to encourage LCDC
to give more time. Consensus was to send a letter.
The meeting was adjourned to June 23, 1980.
Respectfully submitted,
~J
Charles T. Henry
City Manager
(Recorded by Lynda Nelson)
LN:so/CM7b12
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