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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/30/1980 Meeting .;<. ~. M I NUT E S e EUGENE CITY COUNCIL July 30, 1980 Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller at 11:30 a.m., July 30, 1980, in the City Council Chamber, Eugene, Oregon, with the following councilors present: Betty Smith, Scott Lieuallen, Jack Delay, D. W. Hamel, Gretchen Miller, and Emily Schue. Councilors Brian Obie and Eric Haws were absent. I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS A. Ash Education Week Mayor Keller stated that August 3 through 9 will be Ash Education Week. The Eugene Register-Guard and other news media are doing a joint campaign. During that time, information will be given to citizens to prepare for potential fallout and ensuing problems. B. Presentation To Those Who Worked On the Metropolitan Plan Update - Mayor Keller read a resolution recognizing the outstanding job done by Steve Gordon, L-COG, for service and cooperation. Mr. Gordon thanked Mayor Keller for the recognition and stated that after talking with the City Attorney he feels that it is possible the council will be seeing him again. Mayor Keller also ackowledged Jim Farah and Jim Croteau, Planning, for jobs well done. Ms. Miller presented mementos to staff for their outstanding work. C. Announcements Mr. Henry introduced the new Chief of Police, Jim Packard. He indicated that the new chief has outstanding qualifications. D. Appointments Mr. Henry stated that the council subcommittee has recommended the appointments of Allen Johnson, 1991 Madison, to MAPAC, and Alice Lee, 2610 Highland Oaks Drive, to the Youth Commission. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve the appointments. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e 7/30/80--1 .' " E. Memorandum From Lane County Mr. Henry, noting the DEQ agreement which refers to the ground water situation in the River Road/Santa Clara area, said it is an agreement which says Lane e County will continue its moratorium on building in that area and educate resi- dents on potential hazards. The County will have a hearing on the agreement August 21. The situation is much more serious than was reported previously. The hearing will be held from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and then continue at 7:30 p.m., if necessary. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the agreement stipulated that DEQ would continue the moratorium. Mr. Henry responded that DEQ has lifted its moratorium although Lane County's moratorium continues. In response to Councilo~ Lieuallen's question about reinstating the moratorium by Lane County, Pat Decker, Planning, stated that if the County agrees then they will maintain their moratorium and there is no reference to the EQC's minimum lot size of 1.3 acres. Ms. Miller asked if this is in response to the DEQ well report, and, if so, she requested a copy. Ms. Decker stated that it is in response to DEQ's report and copies will be provided to the council. The EQC has reviewed the report and feels that there is a serious ground water problem. F. Boundary Commission Legislation Mr. Henry stated that he had spoken with Paget Engen in Salem; she reported that the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate have agreed on strategies to continue funding the Boundary Commission at least through September. The League of Oregon Cities and representatives of various cities have met and are attempting to secure funding through June. This will probably be dealt with in - the regular session of the Legislature. Ms. Engen may be calling various councilors requesting that they call legislators and urge continuation of boundary commission funding. Mr. Hamel asked if letters could be written now. Mayor Keller responded that this had already been started. G. Meetings Mr. Henry announced that at 5:30 this evening, a dedication for Spectra-Physics would be_held and Springfield Night would begin at 6:30 p.m. A special council meeting will be held on July 31 at 6 p.m. at the Thunderbird, regarding recruitment of the new city manager. He indicated that information has been distributed from Don Murray, the consultant for the meeting. II. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL A. Approval of Council Minutes of July 9, 1980 Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve council minutes of July 9, 1980. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. '- 7/30/80--2 . B. Calls for Public Hearing 1. Street vacation for Krumdieck, Inc. (SV 80-1) (map distributed) e ~ CB 2181--An ordinance calling a public hearing for September 17, 1980, re: street vacation for Krumdieck, Inc., located on 29th Place between Willamette Street and Oak Street. 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. CB 2181 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 18687. III. EWEB PRESENTATION OF FUTURE GENERATION RESOURCES Mr. Henry stated that the council had received a publication from Keith Parks, EWEB, that will be used in his presentation. The council had requested infor- mation on future generation preparations being made by EWEB. Mayor Keller stated that the council would also like to know how they can help EWEB. e Mr. Parks stated that this process has been a very long-term proposition for EWEB, parts of which have been worked on for seven years. He noted that the distributed booklet contains current energy resource information and also a summary of current EWEB energy resources and contractual agreements, as well as information on their resource development program. The results of the 1970 election have caused EWEB to not parti'cipate in nuclear generation. Since 1974, when he was hired as general manager of EWEB, they have dedicated resources, . time, and staff energy to the development of alternative energy resources. Their first project was a co-generation project with Weyerhaeuser. This project is one of energy conservation and they have fully used energy resources at that plant in the processing of paper. This project came in on schedule and under budget and is working very well. The success of this project spurred them to work in other areas. He feels that conservation is something everyone needs to be aware of. A shortage of electricity was inherited when the program began in 1973. This, in combination with gasoline shortages at that time, posed some ' real problems but they made it through because of an abundance of rainfall. They have, however, maintained and improved on their energy conservation program. This is an energy conservation-minded community. He indicated that the council can assist EWEB in their effort to educate and encourage citizens in energy conservation. e 7/30/80--3 . In 1973, one of the first solar panel projects was completed. It ran into many problems. They have continued their research in this area as this is one resource that could have great impact on energy needs. The council could assist -- in increasing passive solar utility possibilities. At the local level, there is a need for land use controls to protect the air space of those who invest in solar energy for their homes. EWEB began developing a research program to determine what geothermal resources are available in the state. They have acquired a large number of private leases in the Cascades, should this prove to be a good commercial venture. They also have 24,000 acres on file with the Federal government. The 1970 Geothermal Act has not yet been fully implemented. It is hoped that the present barriers in developing this resource will diminish in the future so reserve capacity can be determined. . They also have been working with capturing IIdump hydroll from dams that are used for flood control. They have filed for these four times but do not have one yet that is working. Blue River, Dorena, Fall Creek, Minton, and Sunnyside provide 75 megawatts of power for this area. They would only be taking water that flows through the dams with no change in water flow. EWEB has also experimented with wind projects and has been working with other public utilities in this area. There is a 500-kilowatt wind project in operation near Newport which will provide experience on the feasibility of these projects. For a long time EWEB has been actively seeking uses for wood wastes. There is an abundant supply, but the problem is to retrieve it from the forest and use it in energy cost-effective activities. They are now working on one project in cooperation with the State. Much of the problem in this area has been created e by bureaucracy, particularly from the Federal government. They have difficulty accepting change. Congressman Weaver's office is also working on this project. They have also had promises from the Forest Service but nothing has happened yet. He is not certain why this kind of project cannot be accomplished. He says he finds EWEB in a "Catch-22" situation. 'At this time, it would not be possible to build a generating plant such as the co-generation plant with Weyerhaeuser because it would need to be shown that there is a current, not future, need. They are not certain if BPA administrators would then subtract that power from their current allocation, leaving EWEB with higher-cost power. He feels enough studies have been made and it is time for action, but they need help. Improved legislation may help them. No one can say that there will be adequate power in the next decade. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the statement about the reduction of Bonneville alloca- tion by an amount generated by a new alternative source was accurate. Mr. Parks responded that he is not certain but that that would most likely be the case. They would need to prove that this new power is needed as a resource to meet e 7/30/80--4 . , current energy needs in addition to the BPA allocation. Mr. Lieua11en asked whether, if a project were built and the BPA reduced our allocation, we could go - back later to BPA if additional power were needed. Mr. Parks responded that no one knows for sure. They would not be able to look at just one utility being short, but would need to look at everyone's needs. Mr. Delay asked, in terms of alternatives and from information in the booklet showing projected deficits, what kind of time frame and process EWEB is looking at in pursuing alternative generation or conservation. He also asked how Mr. Parks sees the'uti1ity participating in the planning process. Mr. Parks responded that EWEBls planning involves this entire area. The resources being used now were planned in 1966. There is tremendous planning and cooperation. Two to ten years would be the time frame for co-generation which would be the fastest along with "dump hydro." They are still trying to tell people it can be done but would like to be able to actually go and do it. He feels it is a gamble to think that nuclear plants will come in on schedule. Mr. Delay asked whether it is an engineering decision and if there would be tradeoffs and how the choices would be made. Mr. Parks responded that it is not a simple engineering decision. They must get the project designed, obtain preliminary approval and preliminary licenses, and present an entire package which is acceptable to the public. There are numerous occasions for public input prior to construction. Mr. Delay asked what the time line is for the different options. Mr. Parks responded that four years ago was when it should have started, but they do not know the ground rules they will be working under. Mr. Delay asked if it were accurate to say that utilities are in a position to propose several generating e alternatives if they were not being held up by the Legislature. Mr. Parks responded that this is the case. Mr. Delay asked if one of the problems might be possible deficits of materials. Mr. Parks responded that there are all kinds of materials that can be used. Mr. Delay indicated that he still does not know exactly what EWEB is planning. Mr. Parks stated that he would be happy to work further with the council and provide any information they desire. Mayor Keller said that one reason EWEB opposes the Northwest Power Bill is the loss of local control. He asked what EWEB is planning to do if this bill passes. According to the information EWEB has provided, it looks as if there would be trouble within the next five years. He asked what EWEB planned to do. Mr. Parks responded that EWEB is concerned, too, and that they will continue planning as they have done before. If the legislation passes, they would have to put all the projects in their "hip pocket" as there would be no alternative. Ms. Miller indicated that she did not have a clear picture of how the alterna- tive projects fit together to meet the demand for electricity. She stated that some figures do not seem to be available. If wind turbine projects do not prove to be feasible, she wanted to know what part they play in the total plan. She wanted to know what could be used to replace the energy that was to be derived from them. Mr. Parks stated that to provide such information he would need to spend a good deal of time with the council as he did with the EWEB Board e 7/30/80--5 . '. because it is not an easy subject. He stated that no one accepts anything in electrical generation unless it is there. One1s plans and reality can be very different. Some progress could be made in a short period of time if various e barriers were removed. He feels that council could add to EWEB's efforts by their land use decisions. EWEB plans as best they can and updates as often as new data is received. Ms. Miller indicated that she would like to hear periodically what the council could do to help. If there is leverage the council could apply, she would like to know specifically what it is. Mr. Parks stated that working with the Energy Conservation Policy Board would be helpful. He is not sure what role the EWEB Board would want the council to have. He is grateful that utilities were included in the the Metropolitan Update process. Mr. Lieuallen indicated that they have been working on land use and conservation as well as talking about other projects which would affect the load on EWEB's system. If there are other things the council could do, the council needs to hear what they are from the EWEB Board. Mr. Parks noted that he would be unable to discuss policy matters as that is the responsibility of the EWEB Board. Mr. Lieuallen stated that he is talking only about information and ways that the council can help EWEB, particularly in educating the council of EWEB1s needs. Mr. Parks asked if the council is familiar with Congressman Weaver1s forest slash burning program. Mayor Keller asked if that includes making alcohol from wood wastes. Mr. Parks responded that it could and indicated he would provide further information to the council on this proposal. Ms. Miller asked if there would be new utility rates to encourage conservation. Mr. Parks stated that they may be moving in that direction. Residential rates have been IIleveled offll and commercial rates may be adjusted in a similar -' manner. This would make the rates more equal. e Mayor Kelle~ asked if, as indicated by the graph, 1991 appears to be an important year when a real deficit would begin to occur. He asked if information could be prepared, preferably in a graph format, indicating how EWEB plans to handle this deficit. Mr. Parks indicated that the graph was based partly on assumptions and that there could be numerous scenarios depending on hydro, wood 'wastes, and geothermal. Mayor Keller indicated that he would like to see the scenarios for the various alternatives. Ms. Miller asked, in regard to the graph, what happens between 1991 and 1992. Mr. Parks stated that BPA will reallocate all its power, and the worst scenario would be that we could receive less from BPA. Mayor Keller stated that the council is vitally concerned and would like any information to help deal with problems in advance. . Councilor Miller stated that at the August 13 council meeting they will receive a memo indicating the recommendations of the Energy Conservation Policy Board. -- 7/30/80--6 IV. AMENDMENT OF THREE-YEAR PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT e APPLICATION (memo and grant application distributed) Mr. Henry stated that the CDBG application amendment is to correct the previous three-year plan which stated that Whiteaker Neighborhood would remain the NIP for all three years. The NIP is in the West University Neighborhood this year and will move again to the Jefferson and Far West neighborhoods next year. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve the revised appplication. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. V. ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDATION ON SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION (resolution distributed) Mr. Henry stated that there are two different kinds of events that this resolu- tion covers. There is the community events license application for non-profit organizations and a special event liquor license application for events held by a private firm and in conjunction with an existing licensed operator. These must be reviewed and approved by the Police Department. Res. No. 3405--A resolution establishing procedures for recommendations on special event and community event liquor license applications. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolution. Mr. Lieuallen stated that he does not recall that the council had ever denied e applications and would assume that they would be dealt with liberally. Mr. Henry stated that the process for appeal of the City Manager's decision is to go before the council. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned to July 31, 1980. ~espectfully submitted, ~J~ City Manager (Recorded by Lynda Nelson) CTH:LN:pm/CM7a10 ,,-e 7/30/80--7