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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/23/1981 Meeting M I NUT E S e Eugene City Council City Council Chambers September 23, 1981 12 noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: Gretchen Miller, Brian Obie, Betty Smith, Mark Lindberg, D. W. Hamel, Cynthia Wooten, and Emily Schue. ABSENT: Councilor Eric Haws and Mayor Gus Keller. Adjourned meetinq of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by Council President Gretchen Miller. I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS A. Congratulations to Lindbergs Councilor Wooten conqratu1ated Councilor Lindberg and his family on their new baby. Councilor Lindberg thanked everyone. B. Room Tax Committee Meeting . Ms. Smith indicated that there would be a Room Tax Committee meeting in the Council Chamber at 7:30 p.m. regarding economic diversification for cultural groups. There is a high degree of community interest in this and she urged the council to attend if possible. C. Mid-Town Revitalization Project Councilor Lindberg indicated he had received a response from Terry Lindquist, Acting Superintendent of School District 4-J, and he distributed copies to the council. Councilor Lindberg had sent a letter to 4-J stating that he felt they had made a premature decision. In the response, Mr. Lindquist agreed to sit down with various staff to discuss the pros and cons of the Mid- Town Revitalization Project. Councilor Lindberg hopes this will be beneficial. D. Meetings Mike Gleason, City Manager, stated that there will be a briefing held on the legislative session with League of Oregon Cities' staff at 2 p.m., Septem- ber29, 1981. Also in the councilors' packets are tentative council meeting schedules for the month of November. The City Council meeting of September 28 has been rescheduled to September 29 at 7 p.m., followed by a Budget Committee meeting at 8 p.m. City Council will meet November 9, 18, and 25; council meetings of November 11 and 23 have been canceled. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 1 E. Emerald Canal Feasibility Task Force e Mayor Keller noted that applications are being taken for those wishing to serve on the Emerald Canal Feasibility Task Force. 'l;ll II. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL A. Payment of Bills and Claims (distributed) Res. No. 3585--A resolution authorizing payment of bills and claims for the period September 16, 1981, through September 23, 1981. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lindberg, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. B. Resolution Regarding Danebo Avenue Paving and Fern Ridge Bike Path (memo, map distributed) Res. No. 3586--A resolution authorizing application to the United States of America, Bureau of Land Management, for conveyances of rights-of-way. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lindberg, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. . III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY FROM WILLIAM EATON CONCERNING BIKE PATH REPAVING FROM 24TH TO 30TH AVENUES (memos distributed) William E. Eaton, 2311 Willamette, stated that he is speaking to the council regardin~ the proposed repaving of the bicycle path through 24th to 30th. He feels the council has made a mistake. This was a gross expenditure of public funds. Staff removed asphalt at a cost of $53,000. The asphalt was cracked along the edges in places that did not affect use of the path. Cracking could have come from trucks going through with patching materials. This project is being torn up after having been there for only eight years. He feels the council has been encouraged to make an unnecessary expenditure. He would caution the council to be careful with staff recommendations. Staff tends to go with bigger and better projects and they are not likely to cut back. Ms. Wooten asked if he brought this concern to the attention of staff when the project was initiated. Mr. Eaton responded that he only noticed it once it was under way and mentioned in the newspaper. He volunteered to spend time reviewing the Public Works' projects next year. Ms. Schue stated that this was part of the erp approved by the Budget Committee. She encouraged him to join in the Budget Committee's review and to provide input to them. Councilor Lindberg noted that this was brought to his attention several months ago. This was a part of the 30th and Hilyard Project. Don Allen, Public Works, clarified that the section between 29th and 30th was part of the 30th and Hilyard Project. This e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 2 is mostly north of that and in the CIP with no Federal funding. Mr. Eaton stated that he is not objecting to capital improvements, just to this project. Ms. - Miller stated that it would be helpful for the council if they could look at the CIP list as it comes along. The council cannot be kept current with every pro- ject, and it is hard to find citizens that are willing to spend time and energy helping to track projects. Ms. Smith suggested that Management Services be given Mr. Eaton's name and address to notify,him of Budget Committee meetings. Ms. Schue added that there is also a draft of the long-term CIP list which staff can give to him. IV. ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION TASK FORCE REPORT ON PROGRESS OF EUGENE'S ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM (memo and additional information distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Susan Smernoff, Planning. Ms. Smernoff stated that there were several issues concerning the Economic Diversification Program which she would, like to discuss. The City Council has indentified economic diversification as a priority goal for several years. The Economic Development Committee was established to develop policies that respond to economic development issues. Two of the policy documents that originated from these committee meetings were Eugene's Economic Development Strategies and Guidelines for Locating Firms ,on Special Light Industrial Sites designated in the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan. On May 22, 1981, the council asked staff to develop an action program for economic development. On August 12, 1981, the City Manager's Office presented a six-point program at a City Council study session. The six points are: industrial siting, core area - redevelopment, small business assistance, destination point activities, employment and training, and capital improvement programming. The resolution adopting the / program and additional information were included in the councilors' packets. Councilor Lindberg stated that in the core area, there is an interdependence between housing and commercial development. These should be coordinated in the planning process. Criticism has been received since some feel there are conflicting goals. For example, increasing density conflicts with housing rehabilitation. Rehabilitation prevents increased density and inf{lling. He would suggest that this conflict be pointed out in further discussion. He also felt it would be helpful to get a cost comparison for new versus rehabilitated development, and their impact on the tax rolls. It has cost more in other cities to allow natural deterioration. Another concept is the urban village and the livable cities project, which could be done block by block. These ideas could be joined. Public reaction to core area renewal has been caused by the large focus. He feels core redevelop- ment would be better accepted if done in smaller projects. Mr. Gleason added that the approach of allowing natural decay is an idea created by the Federal government tax laws. This is similar to allowing a person's teeth to rot out before repairs are begun. The Planning Commission and the City Council have experienced how difficult it is to strike a balance between commer- cial and residential areas. A balance can be reached through land use decisions. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 3 -- _._-----~ Mr. Lindberg stated that many people do not understand these ideas. He asked if quantitative data can be made available to help retailers and citizens better e understand the benefits. Mr. Gleason indicated that this would be done. In reference to the Four Corners Redevelopment Contract with the Chamber of Com- merce, Ms. Wooten stated that this is a feasibility study that will be under- taken. She asked if it will only address the potential for reselling redeveloped sites. She would also like to know the expectation of the study. Mr. Gleason stated that would be the first time two committees (the City Task Team and the Chamber of Commerce) would work together to develop their skills. They will determine whether it is feasible to do redevelopment. It could be done by tax increment financing, private financing, or a combined mechanism. He hopes this will provide a mechanism for the commissions to proceed with the West Eugene area. Ms. Wooten stated that it is the council's intention that any redevelopment will be accountable to the City rather than creating a new district or agency. Mr. Gleason agreed and stated that a pool of money will be set aside to use existing skills and knowledge in the community. For example, they can draw on skills at less-than-market value if people are willing to share expertise. Ms. Wooten asked if the project will be bound by State contract laws or bid awards. Mr. Gleason stated that professional services are not necessarily bid on. Ms. Wooten said she would like a one-sheet summary from the City Attorney of when projects must be bid and when they need not be. e Ms. Smernoff stated that the second item she wanted to bring to the council's attention is the Economic Development Committee, which was established by the Mayor two years ago. They have developed two policy documents that the council has adopted: Eugene's Economic Development Strategies, and Guidelines for Locating Firms on Special Light Industrial Sites. The committee has also made recommendations on applications for industrial revenue bonding through the State's Industrial Development Revenue Bonding Program. At the Council Study Session, it was determined that the Economic Development Task Team would report directly to the City Council. Staff would like direction as to whether the task team will pick up where EDC left off or if they should be in communication with each other when appropriate. Mr. Gleason added that there also is a staff support problem. Ms. Schue asked if the Economic Development Committee has a work program and a focus for the future. Ms. Smernoff stated that their focus is the estab- lishment of an industrial revenue bonding program for the City. In regard to abolishing the committee, Ms. Smith stated that she would like to ensure there is a monitoring program that will take their place. Ms. Wooten indicated agreement and noted that those concerns should be taken to the committee. There should be citizen input regarding economic development. In that regard, there should be an ongoing monitoring system. Mr. Gleason indicated philosophical agreement. He felt the council wanted the task team to report directly to them. They can keep the Mayor's Committee informed. Sometimes there is confusion as to who reports to whom. Th is also e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 4 confuses the staffing question. Ms. Schue asked if the Mayor's committee has assignments worthy of staff time. She asked if there was something the - council can do in packaging of ideas. Mr. Gleason responded that staff will be linking the small business and technical business program through the Private Indusry Council. Destination-point work is being done through EPAC and through the Convention Bureau. The downtown program is through 13 boards and commissions. He is not sure if it is possible to report to boards and commissions and the City Council simultaneously. If the council wants to change direction, that can be done. Mr., Obie indicated that it might be more positive to abolish the committee. He would like more information about the committee quorum and perceived roles. Mr. Gleason responded that the council's request of the committee was for them to deliver policy guidelines and they have. They were also asked to finish working with the IRB plan and it is now at the City Attor- ney's office. Now council has an action plan that can be implemented through the council. It would be best for everyone if there were clear responsibility lines. Mr. Lindberg stated that Ms. Smith had made a good point of not taking a leap until the alternatives are clear. Mr. Gleason said the bases are covered, and abolishing this committee should be part of the packet. He would be willing to serve on a~subcommittee to look at the matrix of boards and commissions involved in economic development. Ms. Miller added that this committee took awhile to get started, but since then has gotten some projects done that the council had requested. Some of these projects are to determine siting guidelines, types of firms desired, and how fast those kinds of firms should locate here. Since then, the committee has had no new direction from the council and the council has actively worked with committee guidelines. The council has pre-empted some e of the work this committee might have done and it has been difficult for the committee to get a quorum together, perhaps because nothing specific has been designated for them to do. It would be appropriate to define tasks to determine if they can be accomplished by this committee. If not, they could be notified that they had done a good job and there is no additional function for them. The people who serve on this committee are busy and would rather be accomplishing things than doing no work. Council must decide what it is trying to accomplish and whether it can take on that kind of leadership. The possibility is to combine committees. Ms. Schue asked how the council can involve as many citizens as possible in this program. If there is a broad base of involvement, then the committee might not be needed. Council must decide where this committee will fit in. Ms. Wooten indicated that she would be happy to work on the subcommittee with Mr. Lindberg. Ms. Smernoff stated that a third issue is the staff recommendation for contracts between the Chamber of Commerce and the City for redevelopment of the Four Corners area and marketing industrial land. This could be a learning process to see if redevelopment can be done in Four Corners and to see if the concept can be applied elsewhere. In the six-point program, there are other contracts such as the Small Business Venture Capital Program and Small Business Management/ Technical Assistance Program. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 5 . Mr. Lindberg noted that he feels the Chamber of Commerce contract would be a fantastic way of involving people in the community and harnessing energy and e experience. Venture capital is needed and most small businesses fail because of lack of expertise. The question is how this will be achieved. Where the money will come come from is another question to be reckoned with. A decision must be made as to how long these programs will exist and whether they will be done with existing dollars or built into the 1982-83 budget. Ms. Smernoff responded that these answers will have to be identified by the consultant and then staff will come back to the council. Mr. Gleason said that the Venture Capital Program could be similar to the housing rehabilitation pool, which would be a reimbursable account. Funding sources such as IRB, SBA, or the public may be financing mechanisms. Or, this could be done through a corporation. There are models around, such as the one in Long Beach. The technical assistance program would use resources from the University of Oregon and Lane Community College and could be focused on existing local businesses. Ms. Smernoff stated that she would be turning the discussion over to Mike Tharp, HCC, to discuss boards and commissions that work with the downtown area. Mr. Tharp stated that there are numerous boards and commissions that could work together on this issue. A matrix is included in the councilors' packets as well as an outline of boards and commissions and what activities they deal with. The dark line on the matrix (the first five groups) shows the most potential for overlap or duplication. If downtown neighborhood groups and the Fifth Street Special District were included, there would be 15 groups active in the area. The issue appears to be one of coordination. Staff would like to propose a method of coordination. This can by accomplished be polling the council and boards and commissions to determine which issues are the most important. This - information will provide a basis for proceeding. For example, two options for proceeding are: coordinating roles or consolidating roles. If coordination is used as the mechanism, boards and commissions could make recommendations as to how they should proceed. The chairpeople of the boards and commissions can report back to the council. A formal or informal steering committee could be established to guide the role of boards and commissions. Every board and commission could be requested to develop a work plan and a budget for dealing with that plan, or the council could develop a work program to present to the boards and commissions. The other option would be to consolidate boards and commissions, which would be a sensitive issue. After the information is shared, there could be a joint meeting or work session with the council and boards and commissions to determine how best to proceed. Mr. Gleason stated that the areas of the most overlap occur in the core area. The others seem manageable. In the core area, many boards and commissions work hard and are successful. There is no unified central city policy or staff because it is fragmented. The staff is not saying that the solution is consoli- dation. Boards and commissions are concerned about their effectiveness. There should be an analysis to rethink the urban village concept and come up with a process. Ms. Smith added that as one reads through the list of ideas, one sees several boards and commissions dealing with the same issue. She feels there must have been a great deal of overlap in the boards and commissions and what staff does. Issues must be identified to determine what the function is of each advisory group. Mr. Lindberg added that the council must be the body to provide e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 6 " direction. A similar process was gone through in the CETA program where a committee of representatives was formed to look at the charges they had been - given and come up with a decision on division of labor that might include some consolidation or elimination of committees. With staff assistance, each committee should develop a workplan to refine ideas. The council should review the workplan to make sure it conforms to the council's ideas. Ms. Schue added that it is important to decide what the downtown citizen committees should be about and what they are doing currently. She has been waiting for two years to see what will be done with parking for downtown housing, and she is sure there are other issues to be addressed as well. Mr. Obie stated that there must be better communication between boards and commissions and the council. Mr. Gleason stated that this could be good input for review at the council goal session. Both the council and boards and com- missions could be polled to create a foundation for discussion. Another option to consider is to simply leave things as they are. Problems sometimes are outweighed by benefits. Mr. Obie suggested that the discussion could be held either at the council goal session or at a Monday evening work session. Res. No. 3584--A resolution adopting the Eugene Economic Diversi- fication Program Report. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lindberg, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Ms. Smernoff stated that she would also like a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign contracts and requests for proposals. e Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith to authorize the City Manager to enter into contracts with the Chamber of Commerce and to issue request for proposals for consultants to develop and implement a venture capital program for small businesses and to inventory and catalog all local public and private small business management resources. Ms. Wooten asked if these items had been sent out and noted that she would like to see them. Mr. Gleason indicated that they would be made available and a budget format will also be given to the council. Ms. Miller~asked what the cost of this would be. Mr. Gleason stated that RFPs must be sent out to see what the cost will be. If the recommended budget is not acceptable, the program can be revised. Ms. Miller noted that there are some blank spaces in the Chamber of Commerce contract and asked if these will be filled in. Ms. Smernoff responded that the details will be filled in after the Chamber of Commerce review. Ms. Miller asked why a contract would be signed when the figures are not avail- able. Ms. Smith stated that dollar figures will not be known until the RFPs are received and she would like for staff to proceed with the RFPs. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 7 , .- Mayor Keller announced that the United Lane Forum would meet this afternoon at Valley River Inn at 3:30 p.m. e V. CONSIDERATION OF METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FY 1981-82 BUDGET (memo and budget distributed) Ms. Smith stated that MWMC has reviewed their revised budget and they have approved it contingent upon the transition plan. The plan will be worked on by Eugene and Springfield city managers and the Lane County Administrator. This is the present status and not a new position. There will be an opportunity for further review in November. Ms. Wooten asked if recommendations can be made on the budget. Ms. Smith responded that they could. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to approve the Metropolitan Wastewater Management budget for October 1, 1981, to September 30, 1982, as an interim budget subject to an adequate transition plan by November and a budget revision conforming to the transition pl an. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. VI. CONSIDERATION OF TIER II LEVY (memo distributed) Mr. Gleason indicated that the Budget Committee has decided not to resubmit the Tier II Levy to the voters. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to approve the Budget e Committee recommendation and not to resubmit the Tier II Levy. Roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. VI I. CIVIC CENTER COMMISSION'S REQUEST TO EXPEND ADDITIONAL BOND INTEREST FUND MONEYS (memo distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Ed Smith, Performing Arts Development Director. Mr. Smith stated that additional interest has been earned in the bond interest fund which leaves an available balance of 1.6 million dollars. The memo that had been distributed shows expenditures of $1,073,306. The buyback list was also distributed and it shows what has been previously approved. Authorization for the additional expenditure from the bond interest fund would allow completion of the buyback and deferral list and to put back into the project several items that were removed through the value engineering process. These dollar figures are estimates only, so we must begin the bidding process to get actual dollar costs. Tomorrow, it will be one year until the grand opening so we must move fairly rapidly. The available balance is based on a conserva- tive estimate leaving $542,000 in the reserve fund. Ms. Wooten asked Mr. Smith to review the project office budget in more detail. Ms. Smith responded that all contractual obligations were for 30 months. These figures are based on extending that to September 1982. There are two e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 8 , 0 major items. The amount for insurance premiums and professional services is e $198~OOO~ but he feels that $25~000 for professional services will be returned. Mr. Gleason explained this in more detail. Ms. Wooten asked if consultants are being hired to work with Mr. Smith on the Willamette Street redesign. Mr. Gleason responded that this is being designed and constructed simultaneously. Ms. Wooten responded that she would never feel comfortable with this. Ms. Smith added that at the Civic Center Commission meeting last week, the commission was pleased to see these figures since they will not now have to go to the Eugene Arts Foundation for private sources for the buybacks. There is flexibility with working with donors. These expenditures are for capital and construction needs~ not for operations. Mr. Obie asked if the consultant1s fees are part of the $90,000. Mr. Smith responded that they are not. Those were cut out but this would include on-site inspections. Mr. Obie asked if the on-site inspections could be cut out. Mr. Smith responded that there was no way that they could be. Mr. Obie asked what the alternative was when these items were cut out before. Mr. Smith stated he had indicated at that time that they would have to be done. Mr. Gleason added that these are performance hours and will be used only as necessary. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith~ to authorize expenditure of $1~073~306 Bond Interest Fund moneys. Ms. Wooten asked if it is possible for the council to transfer bond interest moneys into operations. Bids are lower and interest rates are high so there may be a surplus. Mr. Gleason indicated that a report would be prepared'after e examination of the bond proposal. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Mr. Smith noted that the advantage of having a construction manager is that the change orders are only seven-tenths of one percent at this time, which is very good. VIII. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT ON MUNICIPAL JUDGE SELECTION PROCESS (memo distributed) Ms. Miller stated that this is a better procedure than the existing one. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt the council subcommittee recommendation on the municipal judge selection process. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. IX. CONSIDERATION OF EUGENE COMMISSION ON THE RIGHTS OF AGING RECOMMENDATION REGARDING SOCIAL SECURITY (memo and minutes distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Charles Strong, Eugene Commission on the Rights of Aging. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 9 ~ - Charles Strong, 496 West 26th, stated that he was making this presentation on behalf of the Aging Commission. He noted that he had distributed a memo to e the council stating that the Aging Commission is aware of the generally wide latitude in activity allowed to it by the City. However, the Aging Commission considers the proposed resolution to be a pOlicy statement and a potential lobbying pos~tion which is understood to be the prerogative of the City Council. The resolution would suggest approval by the City Council but he believes that it would serve the Aging Commission's purpose if the'City Council would allow the Aging Commission to support Social Security reform to benefit the aging. There were six recommendations in the proposed resolution and the Aging Commission would go with the acceptance of the general statement instead. Mr. Obie noted appreciation for Mr. Strong's presentation. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to support the commission proceeding to support the Social Security program for the aging. Ms. Smith stated that the council would like to be kept informed and aware of any further instances in which the council can be of assistance. Mr. Strong indicated that he would be happy to provide this information. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. X. ORDINANCE REGARDING VISION SAFETY PARKING ZONE (memo, ordinance distributed) Mr. Obie stated that he would like to have this item held over. Council concurred. . The meeting was adjourned to September 29 at 7 p.m. submitted, (Recorded by Lynda Nelson) LN:cj/CM7a5 . MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1981 Page 10 -