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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/29/1980 Meeting ; M I NUT E S . EUGENE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER October 29, 1980 11 : 30 a. m . COUNCILORS PRESENT: Betty Smith, Scott Lieuallen, Eric Haws, Jack Delay, D. W. Hamel,. and Gretchen Miller. Councilors Brian Obie and Emily Schue were absent. Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller. 1. ITEMS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS A. Appointment Ms. Smith stated that Mr. Obie recommended Jonathan Bates, 3605 Kevington Drive, to fill the term of Joe Soderberg, which will expire at the end of this year. This appointment would be for three years on the Budget Committee, commencing in January 1981. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to appoint Jonathan Bates to the Budget Committee. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e B. League of Oregon Cities Meeting Mayor Keller stated that the Legislative Committee of the League of Oregon Cities would be meeting on October 30 and 31. Any items which councilors would like to have addressed by this committee should be given to him or Ms. Smith. C. Report on Sister City Activities Mr. Henry welcomed Peggy Hoyt, Tom Hoyt, and Margaret Anderson who have just returned from Kakegawa, Japan, Eugene's Sister City. Ms. Hoyt distributed pictures and a schedule of the trip to Japan and discussed some of the activities and ceremonies which they attended. . She noted that many ideas ,were shared with them and expressed the hope that a Sister City pen-pal program and student exchange program would be formed. She noted she learned about trade, government, and their schools. Mr. Hoyt stated that the Sister City Program is alive and well. The group that visited Japan was treated like royalty and they learned a great deal from the culture. He noted a solid foundation between the two cities. He encouraged others to take advantage of this program and to learn from them and noted that it was his pleasure to represent the mayor, the council, and the City in Kakegawa. Mayor Keller noted that this is the third venture in this program. He feels the community will benefit from the interchange. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 1 D. LOC Bulletin e Mr. Henry noted that congress has not re-enacted revenue sharing but the Lame Duck session starts November 12 and will finish before Christmas. This bulletin urges contact with the legislators to express how very important Federal revenue sharing is to cities. Eugene receives about $3 million per year which is used for operations. If revenue sharing is not reinstated, it would have a consider- able impact, although it would not be as bad as passage of Ballot Measure 6. E. Meetings Mr. Henry stated that on November 5~ there will be a demonstration of the new fire fighting equipment at the Airport. This equipment was financed by the airlines and the Federal government. An executive session of the council will be held at 1:30, November 5, following the regular council meeting to screen City Manager applications. The Eugene Performing Arts Commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the McNutt Room, November 5. The Civic Center Commission will meet in Municipal Court Room 1, November 6. There is a department head retreat scheduled beginning this evening through Friday afternoon. Pat Larion will be acting in capacity as City Manager. II. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL A. Approve Council Minutes of October 13, 1980 Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to approve council minutes of October 13, 1980. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e B. Finance Resolutions (memo distributed) Mr. Henry stated that these resolutions transfer moneys into the contingency fund and out again to cover various expenses since formal adoption of the budget, June 30. The CETA program must prepare to receive $2.8 million and must appropriate this money. Loren Stubbert, Budget Officer, Bill McGuire, Finance Director, and Randy Miller, CETA Program, could answer questions. Mr. Delay asked if the $25,000 for mall patrol was for a new position. Mr. Stubbert responded that in 1980-81, the Downtown Development District budgeted $25,000 for an additional patrol officer on the mal'. It is easier to have this person's time coded to the general fund although the money is received on a contractual basis from ODD. He said this is a shift in the way this is accounted for, not new funds. . Res. No. 3436--A resolution authorizing the transfer of non-contingency appropriations within a given fund between official budget categories. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolutions. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 2 Res. No. 3437--A resolution authorizing the transfer of contingency appropriations within a given fund to official budget e categori es. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Res. No. 3438--A resolution authorizing adjustment to estimated revenues and authorizing the adjustment to appropriations and expenditures relating to those revenues. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel~ to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. III. PUBLIC HEARING A. Liquor License Outlet 1. Hotstuff Gasoline (package store license); located at 4701 West 11th Avenue; applicant: Euroco Oil Incorporated dba Gilmore Petroleum Company Mr. Henry stated that the appropriate City departments have reviewed the appli- cation and recommend approval. Public hearing was opened; there being no testimony, public hearing was closed. e Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to forward to OLCC with recommendation for approval, subject to conditions, if any. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. IV. CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, INC.--QUARTERLY REPORT (report distributed) Mr. Henry stated that this is a quarterly report and it had been held over from a previous meeting. He introduced David Radcliffe, Convention and Visitors Bureau, to provide additional information. Mr. Radcliffe stated that the Eugene/Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau incorporated in January and they have been moving forward to develop Eugene/ Springfield as a desirable meeting place. Some areas, based on economic condi- tions, have been slow but are now picking up. Progress is as was projected. There are several concurrent bookings in which the bureau has played a direct or supportive role. Among these, West Coast Western, a major clothing apparel show, will be held here in February and was previously held in Seattle. This group also has made a tentative commitment through 1986. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 3 ---.- Also confirmed are the Oregon Chapter of the National League of Postmasters, the e National Association of Counties, the Society of Experimental Psychologists, the Pacific Northwest Ski Patrol, and the National Meeting of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. There are two major bookings that are not listed in the quarterly report. From September 24 through October 2, 3,500+ people from the Worldwide Church of God were booked here and spent more than $2 million. They will be back in October 1981 and are tentatively committed until 1986. Mr. Lieuallen arrived at the meeting. The Worldwide Church of God conference included a 300-booth exhibit. These people were from 15 western states and will be having meetings in January and May beginning in 1982. Previously, they met in Portland. They now have memberships totaling over $20,000, which is about half of their objective, and feel positive considering that times are tough and business has not been good. They have begun an aggressive program and have done radio advertising. They feel that conventions are an important part of the communityls economic base. There are new plans for promotion including a four-color poster which will come out in early December with a major promotional blitz in Salem in December and Portland this spring. They made a presentation to the Oregon Society of Associated Executives and that group is committed to bringing in more business. They are pleased with the progress and encouraged by the support beginning to develop in the business community. They are projecting another banner year in 1981, although 1980 has been the best year for group levels in the community. They've begun discussion with Lane Regional Arts Council and e made plans for the Eugene Summer program for next year. Mayor Keller noted that the Worldwide Church of God group was the first chance to use Lane Transit District and asked how that worked. Mr. Radcliffe stated that it went well. They ran a shuttle and LTD was very supportive and accommodating. Ms. Smith asked for a comparison regarding the statement that 1980 was the best year ever. Mr. Radcliffe responded that room tax revenues have increased 12 to 20 percent. Mayor Keller thanked him for his report and asked him if the League of Oregon Cities Conference would be held in Eugene next year. Mr. Radcliffe stated that that would be appropriate since Mayor Keller will be the incoming pres i dent. IV. REPORT FROM GARBAGE BOARD ON THE DUMP SITE USER FEE (memo distributed) Mr. Henry stated that a report is attached to the agenda. The Garbage Board met and reviewed the rate structure. The compaction ratio was discussed but the data is skimpy. Lane County has advised that they will weigh trucks beginning January 1, 1980, and adjust fees accordingly. It will be necessary for the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 4 , board to reconvene at that time to determine if a fair charge is being passed on to customers through the contractors. He indicated that Terry Grondona, Business e Licenses, could answer questions. Ms. Miller stated that the earlier memo raised questions regarding the fees which were based on an average can of non-compacted garbage and this memo does not address that. Mr. Henry stated that the charges are computed on a non- compacted basis and the haulers are charged by the County which uses a 2.5:1 compaction ratio. The problem is whether the ratio is correct or not, but it is fair for them to pass on charges that they pay at the dump site. Ms. Miller asked if the average customer pass-through is $1.10 a month. Mr. Henry indi- cated that it is. The County charges for loose refuse are $1.60 per cubic yard. That amount in a 32-gallon can would cost $1.08; that figure was rounded off to $1.10. At the dump, the hauler pays at a rate of $4 per cubic yard because the trucks compact the refuse. The hauler pays the compacted rate and the homeowner pays the loose rate. Mr. Delay stated that the earlier memo did not make that clear and that is why staff was asked to bring back additional information. Mr. Henry indicated that perhaps a better job of explanation could have been done. He assumed council was questioning the 2.5:1 ratio. Mr. Delay indicated that the concern was whether the customers were paying a higher rate than the amount required for the haulers to recover costs but now the charges appear to be fair. He stressed that a profit should not be made from this. VI. METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION SEWER USERSI CHARGES (memo distributed) e Mr. Henry stated that the commission had originally requested levying a $5 charge per single-family dwelling unit which included a capital reserve. Eugene City Council approved this rate contingent upon the actions by Springfield City Counc il . In the meantime, Springfield requested consideration by the commission of a charge of $4.25. This was reviewed by the commission and an alternative of $4.25 was calculated by deleting the capital reserve charge for consideration by Springfield. The council could reconsider the rate structure and Council Bill 2208 has been altered to show the new rates being considered. Springfield has not taken further action yet. Bill Pye, manager of MWMC, is present to answer questions. Mr. Delay asked what the capital reserve was for. Mr. Pye responded that the difference between income and costs would supplement the capital program, recognizing that delays have caused costs to be inflated. The $29 million bond levy may be inadequate to cover the costs. It was anticipated that these funds would be used to cover the Federal funding shortfalls. In two years, there will be a better idea of how much those shortfalls will be and whether a new bond measure will be necessary. Mr. Delay asked if this reserve would be enough to finish construction. Mr. pye responded that it would be if the shortfalls are small, but they probably will not be. Mr. Delay asked if the strategy now is to wait and go back to the voters with another bond measure. Mr. Pye responded that that is a possibility. e MINUTES--Eugene City_Council October 29, 1980 Page 5 Mr. Lieuallen stated that it is clear now that the current bond will be inade- -- quate. He would support the new rate structure since Springfield supports it. Ms. Smith indicated that Eugene should have the same cost as Springfield. The commission had recognized that this reserve would not pick up all the additional costs but felt it would help. Mr. Haws asked if the same rates previously approved with the capital charge included could be charged in Eugene and thus build a pot for the future to lessen the crunch for Eugene citizens. Mr. Henry responded that it would not be practical to create our own capital reserve fund which would later be pooled with other jurisdictions. Mr. Delay asked if it would be a question of equity to the rate payers. Mr. Henry stated that it would be unfair to have Eugene citizens pay more than Springfield citizens since it. would all be pooled in the end. Mr. Delay asked about the commission's principle of equality. Mr. Henry said the commission tries to work with that principle; that fair payment is made for assets given up and a fair charge is levied for services provided. Mr. Delay asked about the condition of certain pipes being taken over and noted that there is a considerable difference in the quality of pipes between the jurisdictions. Don Gilman, Public Works, stated that the pipes are taken over in their existing condition and the value of the line is based on age. Mr. Delay asked if there is a significant difference in maintainability of each jurisdictional system. Mr. Gilman stated that Springfield's system will require more rehabilitation. Mr. Gilman added that the cost would be significant. Mr. Delay asked if they have had a smaller budget for maintenance than Eugene. Mr. Gilman responded that they have. Springfield did a master sewer study and e has identified $27 million of additional work--some rehabilitation and some new construction. Mr. Delay asked if it will be twice as expensive to deal with their system than ours. Mr. Gilman responded that it would be. Mr. Delay asked how this would be funded. Mr. Gilman responded that it would be funded by a user charge and a bond issue. Mr. Delay asked if this is coming out of the general pool. Mr. Gilman responded that it is. Mr. Delay asked what the dollar figure was. Mr. Gilman responded that Springfield's study showed $18-20 million would be the regional responsibility. Mr. Delay suggested that the question of equity be addressed in this area by the commission. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the City had inspected the sewers earlier. Mr. Gilman responded that a sewer system evaluation was done by a consultant and it was determined that the rehab work was the most cost-effective method. Some Federal grant funds will be available to do that work. Springfield will receive $4 million and Eugene will receive $1 million from that Federal program. Mr. Lieuallen stated that he presumes the commission will talk about this. Ms. Smith indicated that she assumes so, but not all of the figures are available yet. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the commission is aware that these issues will be raised. Ms. Smith said that it is. Mr. Henry stated that there is a question of policy whether the individual cities should maintain the distribution system. This is not just a matter of rehab; there is also new development. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 6 -- ------ Ms. Smith stated that the commission originally recommended the $5 charge; she e is willing to go along with Springfield's charge of $4.25; however, she feels the commission would still support the $5 charge. If Eugene's council still supports their original position, there is a possibility that Springfield would also. She asked if there is action that could be taken today to establish the charge at $5, but if Springfield doesnlt approve the $5 charge, to have the charge be $4.25. She noted that she would prefer the $5 charge. Mr. Henry noted that they could move to adopt the ordinance with a charge equal to action taken by Springfield. Keith Martin, City Attorney, stated that this could be passed based upon what Springfield does next Monday, or held over until next Wednesday after Springfieldls actions are known. Ms. Smith noted that the $5 charge would generate needed income. Mr. Lieuallen noted that originally he had supported the staff recommendation but feels this is not the proper way to create a capital reserve fund. The moneys could also be used for maintenance operations and the staffing level is unknown. He feels it is appropriate for the council to take the same action the Springfield council is considering. They should deal with the capital construction problems in a more direct manner rather than to create such a small fund in this manner. Ms. Smith stated the council still must approve the commissionls budget. Mr. Pye stated that it is correct that the commission cannot spend money without budget approval by all three jurisdic- tions. If the money is set aside for capital projects, that is what it must be used for. There is control. Mr. Lieuallen asked if that control and the limitation are within the ordinance. Mr. Martin responded that that is not necessary as the commission must do that as part of their contractual agree- ment. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the capital reserve fund were to be .included in e the charges, what could or could not be done with those funds. Mr. Henry noted that it would be listed as capital outlay in the budget. Mr. Lieuallen said there seemed to be a question about it previously as to how it could be used. Mr. Pye stated that according to the Attorney General, it would be subject to audit law but not budget law and they would have to request approval from the council for a different usage. Mr. Martin stated that the effect of the basic agreement says that to amend the budget the councils must approve it. Mr. Delay asked, in regard to the $4.25 single-family charge, why there is a lower rate for multi-family dwellings and if these are load-based figures. Mr. Pye responded that they are 10ad-based--6,000 gallons per month for a single family dwelling and 5,000 gallons a month for a multi-family dwelling. Mayor Keller stated that $.75 per month might be a painless way to get some additional financing in the years ahead, especially since it is known how this money would be used. He would hope that Springfield would think that that would be good, too. No action could be taken today and the council could respond to Springfieldls action. Mr. Delay requested that staff let the Springfield council be aware of the council IS position. Consensus was to take no action on the item and hold it over until November 5. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 7 . VI1. CONSIDERATION OF PARKING RATE CHANGES IN DOWNTOWN AREA (memo distributed) e Mr. Henry stated that this item comes back to the council after a number of work sessions. They are trying to follow the council's request to equalize charges between City employees and the general public within the Downtown Development District. Substantial changes have been made in the wording. Areas that have been addressed are: 1) clarification of the City Manager's authority to set standards to be used in setting parking fees; 2) the need for an appeal proce- dure for persons aggrieved by the Manager's decisions; 3) flexibility needed to set fees to ensure maximum use of facilities within council policies; 4) clarification of the practice of providing reduced or no fees for carpooling, ridesharing, the physically disabled, city officials, and service vehicles; 5~ allowance for parking permits to be sold on other than a monthly basis; and 6 updating the title of "Meter Maid" to "parking Control Officer." Mr. Henry stated there are good reasons for the changes. They are trying to implement City policy to encourage alternate modes of transportation balancing this with needed revenues for parking structure costs. They have tried to take locations into account. This has been reviewed by the Downtown Development Board and they agree with the recommendations from the October 23 memo. He stated that Duane Bischoff and Jim Hanks, Public Works, were present to answer questions. Mr. Delay asked how many spaces have to be rented in the Performing Arts faci- lity to meet the projections. Mr. Bischoff responded that it would require 85-95 percent occupancy, which is projected for 1983-84. In the first years, this facility will operate at a loss. Mr. Delay asked how they will get parking e patrons into that facility on a regular basis with the Parcade costing less. Mr. Bischoff responded that there is a ceiling on the number of permits that will be issued for the Parcade. It may fluctuate on patron interest. Mr. ,Delay asked if the Parcade is operating in the black. Mr. Bischoff responded that it is, but it was built with tax increment funding. The retail spaces are not carrying the operational costs of that building. Mr. Delay noted that 85-95 percent occupancy sounds optimistic. He has a concern that there is nothing in the rate structure that would make people want to park there. Mr. Martin indicated that Mr. Delayls concerns are well taken. This is why a flexibility range was given to the City Manager who must look at the various lots closely and be able to respond quickly. The flexibility in the ordinance is to deal with these concerns. Mayor Keller asked what happened to the number of permits sold when the fees were raised. Mr. Bischoff indicated that that was difficult to answer because at the time the fees were raised, various alternatives were provided. The number of permits sold were reduced, but the Downtown Development District and the City are now serving 230 people per day on the shuttle service as well as having implemented carpooling and ridesharing programs. They are not sure what will happen with this next increase. Mr. Lieuallen stated that the Parcade will not operate in the black if parking revenues decline. He asked if City employees are one of the sources of revenue for the Parcade and if the shuttle level is having an impact on revenues at that facil ity. Mr. Bischoff responded that they are not certain where the ridership on the shuttle is coming from. He stated that the permits may have dropped off e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 8 . .. because of the shuttle. He added that establishment of the shuttle was not meant . to be a competitive measure for Lane Transit District but to fill a gap in the meant ime. Mr. Henry noted that carpooling and ridesharing have had more of an impact than the shuttle service. Mr. Bischoff indicated agreement. These services account for the largest drop in the permits sold but the rate increase may have been the incentive. Mayor Keller asked what budget figures were used for the Parcade in determining the number of permits needed to be sold. Mr. Bischoff stated that the intent was not for the sale of permits to cover all costs but additionally revenue was expected from the retail space. Mayor Keller noted that he feels Mr. Delay has a valid point regarding the variance of the Parcade and the Performing Arts parking facility. Mr. Delay stated his concerns could be taken care of by restricting the number of spaces available in the Parcade. Perhaps this would help target the Performing Arts Center facility. He does not feel that $2 or $3 difference per month will make a difference. Mayor Keller noted that the rates change December 1 and asked if any considera- tion was given to waiting until after the holiday season. Mr. Henry noted that the rates increase affects only City employees and they are reduced for the public, rather than raised. Mr. Delay stated that he is very supportive of the flexibility concept rather than the actual fees listed now. CB 2202--An ordinance concerning parking; establishing certain fees; amending Sections 5.010, 5.040, 5.232, 5.275, 5.280, and 5.285 of the Eugene Code, 1971; adding Section 5.335 to that code; repealing Sections 2, 3, and 4 of Ordinance No. 18554; providing e effective dates; 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 2202 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 18715. The meeting was adjourned to November 5, 1980. R~SUbmitted, J~. Charles T. Henry City Manager (Recorded by Lynda Nelson) CTH:LN:so/CM23b1 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 29, 1980 Page 9