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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/06/1980 Meeting ., M I NUT E S EUGENE CITY COUNCIL -- August 6, 1980 Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller in the City Council Chamber, August 6, 1980, with the following councilors present: Betty Smith, Scott Lieuallen, Jack . Delay, Gretchen Miller, and Emily Schue. Councilors Brian Obie, Eric Haws, and D. W. Hamel were absent. I \ 1. ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS A. L-COG Regional Conference Ms. Schue stated that she had represented the council at the L-COG Region 10 Conference. The EDA Director, Phyllis Lamphere, was present and Ms. Schue discussed the Conference Center with her, as well as promoting it at the conference. B. Transportation Patterns for Goodpasture Island Road Ms. Miller stated that she would like to know what work has been done regarding transportation patterns for Goodpasture Island Road. Mr. e Henry stated that the Engineering staff has discussed this with the County and there is some disagreement. The County is asking for a study to be done with outside consultants. There will be a meeting next week with Parks, Public Works, and Planning staff to discuss the study. C. Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Days Mr. Lieuallen stated that Clergy and Laity Concerned staff had pre- pared a proclamation, which he read. liThe Eugene City Council, cognizant of the fact that August 6 and August 9 mark the 35th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiro- shima and Nagasaki, and that it is important to remind ourselves of the awesome power and danger to humanity of nuclear weapons which have continued to grow in numbers, deadliness, and proliferation until they now threaten the lives of hundreds of millions of persons, perhaps even threatening life itself, and further that it is important to remind ourselves of the enormous economic burden to a hungry humanity as long as the nuclear arms race continues, does hereby proclaim August 6-9 as Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Days. e 8/6/80--1 I "By this proclamation, we encourage the citizens of Eugene to partici- pate in the activities planned by the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Committee in order that we, the citizens of Eugene, may take this e opportunity to reflect on this vital part of our history, to educate ourselves and our children, to meditate on the significance of Hiro- shima and Nagasaki, and to strengthen or resolve that nuclear weapons shall be banished from the Earth." "We further urge all citizens to observe a three-minute period of silence at noon on Saturday, August 9, Nagasaki Day, in remembrance of those who died 35 years ago and in witness to our determination that nuclear weapons shall never be used again." Mr. Lieuallen asked the council to support this event and urged the citizens of Eugene to take part in the activities. Ms. Schue indi- cated agreement with Mr. Lieuallen's comments. Mayor Keller stated that the City has a history of not having proclama- tions, but he felt that sending a letter of support stating that the council would encourage citizens to participate would be appropriate. Ms. Schue indicated concurrence with Mayor Keller's comments and agreed that a letter should be sent. Mr. Lieuallen thanked the council for their support. Mayor Keller said that the letter would go out in today's mail. D. Eugene Cycling Club Race Mr. Lieuallen introduced Linda Gordon, Eugene Cycling Club, to give e information about the race that that club will be holding on August 24 in Skinner Butte Park. Ms. Gordon explained that there would be a series of races, and their hope is to have an 11:50 a.m. politicians' race. She said she had discussed this with Ernie Drapela, Parks & Recreation, who suggested holding the politicians' race on the flat part of the course with the winner being the one with the slowest, not the fastest, time. She asked for a commitment from the councilors and stated that two Lane County Commissioners had agreed to take part. Ms. Miller said she would be out of town. Mayor Keller appointed ~r. Lieuallen as chairperson to arrange for councilors to take part. Mr. Delay stated that he would participate. Ms. Gordon stated that Eugene Parks & Recreation Department is holding a Bike Fair at the same time which will be covered in Sunset magazine. They are projecting that 4,000 people will attend. . 8/6/80--2 E. Appointments Mr. Henry stated that the council would be casting ballots for an e opening on the Eugene Urban Renewal Agency to rill the unexpired term of Sam Frear and that a time would need to be set for interviews. Council consensus was that interviews would be held at 10:45 a.m., August 13, 1980. According to the tally sheet, the potential candi- dates in weighted rank would be William Frye, Dustin Posner, and Joyce Slusher; unweighted, the candidates would be Joyce Slusher, Dustin Posner, and William Frye. Eugene Urban Renewal Agency--August 6, 1980 Jack De 1 ay William Frye Dustin Posner Frank Kaufman Scott Lieuallen Linda Bray Dustin Posner Joyce Slusher Gretchen Miller Dustin Posner Joyce Slusher Paul Harri son Emil y Schue Paul Harri son Joyce Sl usher Wi 11 i am Frye e Betty Smith Wi 11 i am Frye Frank Kaufman Joyce Sl usher F. Agenda Adjustment Mr. Henry stated that an item originally scheduled for the Wednesday, August 13, council meeting would be held on Monday evening, August 11. This would be the introduction of the Energy Board discussion and no decisions would be made. G. Meetings Mr. Henry stated that there would be no Civic Center meeting this month. There may be another council meeting at 8 a.m., August 11. Mr. Henry, in discussing the council goal-setting session, said it appears that sometime in October would be the best time. It could be held over a two-day period. It could be held October 3 and 4, or October 10 and 11, but it must be held within the corporate limits of Eugene. e 8/6/80--3 Mayor Keller stated that the councilors should check out both of these dates so a consensus on the date would be reached next week. H. Legislative Activities e Mr. Henry stated that a compromise Boundary Commission bill is being acted on which would extend funding for two months for boundary commissions. The Governor's veto has been overridden regarding the moratorium on building, and there will be a new State statute to limit moratoriums to 120 days. The veto on police and fire benefits was sustained. The billboard legislation veto was sustained. There is other labor legislation still pending. There is no move to reduce tax relief or revenue sharing at this point. Mr. Delay stated, in regard to the building moratorium legislation, that it would not be possible to deal with situations like the conversion of condominiums if that State law had been in effect at that time. He asked if poor legislation by the State makes the State liable. Tim Sercombe, City Attorney, responded that it does not. Mayor Keller stated that the City's position of not supporting this legislation had been indicated. II. ROUTINE ITEMS A. Approval of Council Minutes of July 14, 1980, and July 23, 1980 Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve council minutes of July 14, 1980, and July 23, 1980. Roll call vote; e motion carried unanimously. B. Improvement Petitions 1. Southwood Lane (affected property on petition; assessable costs: storm sewer, 46 percent; City costs, 60" storm sewer, $42,000, deferred assessment, $15,360). Res. No. 3406--A resolution authorizing storm sewer construction approxi- mately 200 feet north of Southwood Lane from Country Club Road to Fairway Loop (1895). Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolu- tion. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. 2. Orr Lane (affected property on petition; assessable costs: paving, total front footage, 1,920.71 feet, front footage petition 987.04 feet, 51.1 percent; City costs, none).. -- ."./ 8/6/80--4 Res. No. 3407--A resolution authorizing street paving on Orr Lane from 19th Avenue to 22nd Avenue and on 19th Avenue from Cleve- e land Street to Orr Lane (1905). Council consensus was to allow testimony. Kit Campbell, 58 Fairway Loop, stated that he is president of the Elmwood Association, previously Southwood Association, of 24 townhouses. They have been working on this problem for five years. For a long time, the drainage ditch was located halfway between the City and the County, but the Country Club is now in Eugene. They were told by Oscar Spliid when he sold them the townhouses that the ditch would be filled. A study was made in the 1960's in regard to filling the ditch. The inlet to this ditch is 72 inches and the outlet is 36 inches and higher than the water flowing into it. The problem is severe drainage to these townhouses. They have had water back up to their decks and almost to their foundations. They would like to work with the City and get the ditch filled. The ditch is now filled with blackberries and weeds which are coming up under their decks. A contractor said they should wait to work something out with the City. They would like to get the Engineering Division and the council's help to fill this ditch. They have signed a petition and will do anything they can to work with the City to fill this ditch. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolu- tion. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. ,_ Mayor Keller asked if this resolution would solve the problem. Mr. Gilman stated that a petition had been submitted by the majority of the residents. There is a need for a 60-inch storm sewer between the houses and the Country Club. The cost could be as much as $42,000 to the City and $30,000 in assessments. There are a number of problems yet to be resolved but this would authorize them to begin the process and perhaps construction could begin next year. Mr. Campbell noted that there is a 36-inch outlet hole. C. Application for Business License as a Wrecker of Motor Vehicles or Salvage Pool Operators Mr. Henry stated that this is a State license which requires the council to act on the application. Bernard Gilkison, Zoning Inspector, has approved this item and approval by the council is recommended. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to approve application for business license as a wrecker of motor vehicles or salvage pool operators for Lynn T. Vierling and Michael C. Milan doing business as Emerald Cycle Parts located at 1541 Highway 99 North. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e 8/6/80--5 I I D. Update on Progress of Metropolitan Plan Update Jim Farah, Planning, stated that Springfield modified its version of the plan to agree with Eugene so that the two plans are the same. e Yesterday, the Lane County Commissioners took some actions which were a departure from what the EEOC had decided. They were: a portion of the industrial triangle would be included in the urban growth boundary; and policies were included to allow industrial growth outside the urban growth boundary with public or private urban ser- vices. He feels the City should continue with their plan and finalize a letter for the Mayor to submit to LCDC by next week. Mr. Delay asked what the status of unilateral actions is and noted that this is a totally independent action that was not discussed previously. He feels it is important to note that there was a total lack of coordination about these particular decisions. Mr. Farah stated that that is true and it will be noted in the letter from the Mayor. Mayor Keller directed staff to expedite the letter. III. EWEB RESOLUTIONS (maps distributed) Res. No. 3408--A resolution authorizing a property exchange between EWEB and Gordon L. and Delores M. Nelson to establish the Cantrell Road access to the Oak Hill Water Reservoir site. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolu- tion. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Res. No. 3409--A resolution authorizing vacation of an EWES easement held e in the name of Mountain State Power Company in the Link Road area. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolu- tion. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Ms. Miller asked why this referred to Mountain State Power Company. Mr. Henry responded that he does not know, unless perhaps EWES granted them an easement and it is no longer needed. Mayor Keller asked the staff to bring back information as to the involvement of Mountain State Power Company. IV. COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF ROLE OF CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE AS OUTLINED IN ANNUAL REPORT (memo distributed) Mr. Henry stated that two issues are involved: 1) to expand membership by adding two citizens-at-large, one of whom would be {or recently has been) a member of the Neighborhood Leaders Organization, and 2) to what degree the Citizen Involvement Committee must investigate the quality of citizen involvement in the planning process. He introduced Terri Vanderpool, Planning, to provide background information. e 8/6/80--6 Ms. Vanderpool stated that in regard to membership, the Citizen Involve- ment Committee recommends the membership be extended by two citizens-at- large, one of whom would be a representative from the Neighborhood Leaders . Organization.. She noted that MAPAC has requested a seat as a voting member but that is not a part of the Citizen Involvement Committee's original recommendation before the council. The CIC had invited MAPAC to continue to work with the CIC in a non-voting, liaison capacity. One reason for the committee's consensus was the possibility of a non-Eugene resldent being appointed as the MAPAC representative. Ms. Smith stated that it could be designated that the MAPAC representative would have to be a Eugene resident. Ms. Schue stated that it was agreed that the relationship with MAPAC was needed but they did not agree on the voting status. She said the Citizen Involvement Committee has felt a need for more citizen-at-large representatives. With two councilors and two planning commissioners already on the committee, there was some hesitancy to add another non-citizen-at-large representative. Mr. Delay noted that MAPAC, like the Planning Commission, is an existing "citizen-involved" bOdy in the planning process. He felt it may be desirable for the CIC to be composed of added citizen-at-large members who are not already directly involved in the planning process. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to expand the member- ship of the Citizen Involvement Committee by two citizens-at- large, one of whom would be from the Neighborhood Leaders Organi- zation, serving a one-year term. e Ms. Miller moved to amend the motion by deleting one councilor position on the committee, replacing that position with one citi- zen-at-large member. Mr. Delay seconded the motion. Ms. Miller went on to explain that she feels it is appropriate to retain two planning commissioner seats on the CIC and delete one councilor position, adding that both Planning Commissioners now serving on the committee are active and making valuable contributions. Mr. Delay inquired about the neighborhood leader seat on the CIC. Ms. Vanderpool explained that the neighborhood leader representative would be appointed by the council annually and would be or recently have been a leader of one of Eugene's recognized neighborhood organizations. The neighborhood leader representative would act as a liaison between the CIC and the Neighborhood Leaders Organization, regularly attending meetings of both bodies. Roll call vote on amendment; motion carried unanimously. Ms. Schue verified that the council would receive applications from neighborhood leaders before making the appointment. Roll call vote on the amended motion; motion carried unanimously. e 8/6/80--7 Addressing the second issue, Ms. Miller offered to brief council on the question being presented: Is the CIC to count numbers of people attending public meetings, and is that participation, or is there some way of measuring beyond how many people come to hearings to gauge the effective- e ness of citizen involvement? She felt it obvious that citizen involvement is more than numbers of people attending meetings. More difficult ques- tions are being asked here, though, relating to measuring the quality of. citizen participation. Related philosophical questions being posed are: Where is policy really made--at meetings attended by citizens or elsewhere? To what extent are staff-prepared background papers elements of the planning process in which there is no citizen involvement? Etc. She said she personally had not been able to develop a reasonable method at reasonable cost to address this issue. Mr. Delay expressed confusion about the issue at hand. Ms. Schue felt the question posed was not fully addressed in the staff's August 1 memo to the council; it is more complex than was stated. She said the question being posed to the committee could be illustrated in the effect citizen testimony had on the decision made by the County Commis- sioners on the Metro Plan, as was discussed early in the meeting. Was the citizen input process at the Fairgrounds window dressing or not? That is the type of issue being brought to the committee. Ms. Schue went on to say that the committee has not dealt seriously with the issue of measuring citizen effectiveness, for lack of a workable means to do so. Mr. Delay asked if the issue could be restated as: The present land use e planning process for zone changes (e.g.) is not working; how does the Citizen Involvement Committee evaluate those processes? If that were a correct restatement of the issue, he said he might suggest observation and comparative analysis of the various processes. Ms. Schue explained that the CIC has a work program and is actively pursuing it. She cited an example of a questionnaire being developed to survey citizens' understanding of planning processes. She went on to explain that the issue as raised is measuring whether citizen input has changed a decision being made by the councl1, though the council is acting in the best interest of the City as a whole. Mr. Delay felt the question of measuring citizen effectiveness in the process is not answerable. He noted that in some cases, too, the council's decision must be made within a quasi-judicial framework. Mayor Keller felt that the key issue is for citizens to have access to the process. Ms. Miller explained that she has not been able to attend CIC meetings recently but has kept abreast of committee activities through the agendas and minutes. She expressed satisfaction with the present direction of the committee's work activities. She felt that the council as a whole should give some similar expression to the CIC. 8/6/80--8 e . ." Mr. Delay was pleased with Ms. Miller's satisfaction with the progress of the CIC to date, but expressed further confusion on the issue at hand. - Mr. Lieuallen felt the questions posed are, "Should the CIC monitor the relationship between positions taken by citizens and the actions taken by po 1 i cymakers? II "Secondly, can that be done and is it worthwhile?" He said another question being posed is "Are sheer numbers sufficient to validate the efforts of the CIC?" He felt the first question (monitoring relationships) was definitely not the charge of the committee--it is too philosophical, expensive, and impractical. He did not feel that numbers of citizens present at meetings was an exclusive indicator, either. Mr. Lieuallen went on to say he definitely feels citizens have the right to question the judgments made by elected officials, but embarking on a process to monitor relationships between citizen input and decisions made is another question. Mr. Delay asked whether it might be helpful to educate the public about types of information which are most helpful to decision makers. Mr. Henry pointed out that there are processes presently in existence to educate board and commission members on how to receive and use citizen input. Also, there is an effort made by the Neighborhood Liaison office to educate neighborhood group members on how to be effective before the Planning Commission and the City Council. Ms. Schue comm~nted that the revised citizen involvement program had proceeded very well, as compared with problems the council faced several months ear 1 i er. She felt that the CIC has been very effective; its e citizen-at-large and Planning Commission members are interested in the group's charge and very active. Mayor Keller asked if the committee could proceed with the direction that the council had given today, and Ms. Schue responded that she felt that they could. V. APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANT FOR CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT Mr. Henry stated that the council had appointed a subcommittee during their discussions at the July 31 City Council meeting at the Thunderbird. They had decided to pursue appointment of a consultant. The committee had reviewed three proposals, as did the entire council to some degree. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to .approve the subcom- mittee recommendation of appointing Ralph Andersen and Associates as consultant for the city manager recruitment. Ms. Smith stated that they had reviewed the proposals and had talked to the representatives from the various firms. Andersen and Associates are familiar with this area and they recruit nationally. This firm was unanimously recommended by the subcommittee and he could begin next Monday. e 8/6/80--9 r. Mr. Lieuallen stated that at the July 31 meeting, several implicit deci- sions were made, one of which was the need for a recruitment firm. This was not explicitly discussed. He feels this is a relatively expensive process including both consultant fees and related expenses and could cost . as much as $8,000-$10,000 depending upon travel time, the number of trips, etc. He feels there are two arguments for hiring a consultant: 1) these people have files with names of people who have sought them out to be considered for these types of positions and who might not respond to just an ad; and 2) the consultant will assist in writing the profile and screening applications for minimum qualifications. These arguments need to be balanced with whether City staff could do the screening and whether the City Manager could assign a staff person to do this. The cost must be balanced against the half-dozen applicants who would not otherwise apply and he does not feel it is worth it. Mr. Delay stated this item was not discussed because it was never ques- tioned at the July 31 meeting. He feels that more money will be spent on phone calls and flying candidates in than on the consultant. This kind of firm does more than the City could. He does not feel that other city managers would normally write resumes for a position of this kind and he thinks they must be actively recruited. The proposal from this consultant for basic fees was $6,000. He feels that files of applications are not necessarily the answer and that this firm has strong, active contacts with ICMA, NLOC, and State leagues of cities, as well as a whole network of people who are not currently managers and those who are managers in various parts of the country. It is not a routine matter for city managers who are doing well to apply for jobs elsewhere. A consultant who performs this service on a regular basis is a professional and will help define the profile to use. Regarding the screening process in the subcom- e mittee, Ralph Andersen and Associates were not chosen just because they are least expensive and closest, but for their rapport and abilities to deal with the council. They indicated that the councilors could be involved in any way in which they would like to be in this process. Mr. Andersen's attitude is that the more the council is involved, the better. He is open and flexible on the screening process. Mr. Delay stated that his question is why not use a professional firm with a network and con- tacts to identify and talk with potential candidates. Mayor Keller noted that it is an expensive process and the council may make it even more expensive if they want the consultant here more fre- quently. He would estimate that the firm will probably make 25 to 50 personal contacts. He felt there is a cost even if our staff were to do the work. He does not feel he would have time to work up a screening process. He thinks this is a chance to use a professional and incurred expenses will be paid back many times over. Mr. Lieuallen stated he feels the burden of proof is for the council to prove that the money should be spent for this purpose. There are about a half-dozen minor supportive reasons but no substantial ones. There will be fixed costs and he questions whether they will find "greatly" better 8/6/80--10 e candidates using a consultant. He asked where the money would be coming from. Ms. Schue stated that she had talked with a former mayor of Tacoma e and that this opening is already on the grapevine. She feels a consultant will be able to locate potential candidates who have not already applied and encourage them to apply. Mr. Delay stated that costs are there regardless of whether a consultant is used or if current City staff would be diverted to work with this process. There also could be some questions raised about staff chosing their own boss. He does not think that that is appropriate. He does not see any reason to use any other process. Mr. Lieuallen stated that the cost is pertinent and reasonable to discuss. There will be staff time appropriated to this process anyway. He restated that he does not feel the cost is worth it. Mayor Keller stated that the subcommittee appreciates Mr. Lieuallen's comments. Roll call vote; motion carried 4:1 with Mr. Lieuallen voting no. Mayor Keller stated that there would be a council meeting at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 11, in the McNutt Room to meet with Ralph Andersen in a briefing session. From Monday to Wednesday next week, Mr. Andersen will be individually interviewing councilors and councilors-elect. On Wednesday, August 13, there will be a public hearing where input will be given to the council. Additional input will come later from responses to questionnaires. On August 13, following the council meeting, there will be a work session with Mr. Andersen to try to develop the profile of e an ideal city manager. Mr. Lieuallen asked if Mr. Andersen is aware of this schedule. Mayor Keller responded that all of the firms have been requested to keep these days open. Mayor Keller asked Mr. Sercombe if he was comfortable with this arrangement. Mr. Sercombe responded that he was. Mr. Henry stated that a tour had been scheduled for the council for the South Firs Neighborhood and that the van would leave in five minutes. Councilors Schue, Smith, and Miller have indicated an interest in attend- ing. The tour will last about 15 minutes. The meeting was adjourned to August 11 at 8 a.m. Respectfully submitted, ~)~ City Manager (Recorded by Lynda Nelson) CTH:LN:db/CM7a18 It 8/6/80--11