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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/29/1981 Meeting " , M I NUT E S . Eugene City Council City Council Chamber September 29, 1981 7 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Gretchen Miller, Brian Obie, Betty Smith, Mark Lindberg, Cynthia Woeten, and Emily Schue. COUNCILORS ABSENT: D. W. Hamel and Eric Haws. Adjeurned meeting .of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregen, was called te order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller. 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Emerald Canal Feasibility Task Ferce Mayer Keller neted that one more counciler is needed fer the Emerald Canal Feasibility Task Ferce Subcommittee. The subcommittee will review the appli- catiens and make a recommendation to the full council on who should be appeinted. They would like to be able to make the appointments September 30, 1981. e B. Springfield City Hall Mayor Keller thanked those who had attended the dedicaticn .of the Springfield City Hall. C. Announcement Mayor Keller stated that Mike Gleason, City Manager, was not present at today's meeting and Dave Whitlow, Assistant City Manager, weuld be taking his place. II. PUBLIC HEARING ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: NEEDS/GOALS FOR THREE- YEAR PLAN (meme and additional infermation distributed) Mr. Whitlew intreduced Chris Hefmann, HCC. Ms. Hofmann stated that the purpose of today's public hearing is te hear sugges- tions from the public regarding neighborhood imprevements for the next three years. Also, staff will hear the ceuncil's cemments and ideas and work on options in October with the recommendation to come back te the ceuncil by October 26, 1981. The staff recemmendation is fer the ceuncil to provide direc- tion to the three-year plan by assigning the council's CD subcommittee to werk e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 29, 1981 Page 1 with the Cemmunity Development Committee and staff te develep the options fer the three-year plan, and to meet after the goal setting sessicn tc review public tit testimony and cemments. Then, that greup would list alternatives for using COBG resources to meet City geals and cemmunity needs and this weuld be discussed at the Octeber 26, 1981, meeting. Mayor Keller noted that this public hearing is not tc discuss reprogramming .of COBG funds; that will be done en Thursday, Octeber 8, 1981, in the McNutt Room. Public hearing was ~pened. Michael Connelly, 1350 Chambers, stated that he is Oirecter .of the Indian Alcohel Pregram of the Southwest Oregen Native American Consortium. He is net certain that his comments are relevant but the council can make that decision. He represents 4,500 Indians in this area whe need services. Indian needs are .often .overlooked. The County and the Federal government have recognized that Indians have needs to be met but the wheels .of bureaucracy move slewly. There is an active Indian cemmunity which does things together and they need a place te meet. The needs of Indians have always been .over- looked and their poverty rate is three times greater than any other race. There is seme responsibility te attempt to meet the needs of thcse whc are sharing this land. A center would help meet these needs. There are nine different pregrams in this ceunty and that is not financially wise. They are looking toward beceming a seurce of infermatien and education for the Mayor and the council. They have peeple willing to work with them. ~ Robert Jerden, 2360 Haig, stated that he is the eutgeing chair of the Active .., Bethel Citizens and now is in the Bethel Triangle Neighbors. He feels that rehabilitation of heusing in the Bethel Triangle is very impertant. The housing there is an average of 30 years .old. HUO ruled them as an eligible neighberhood last year but ne loans have been made. He would urge adoption of the staff report so the money can be made available. Roefing and weatherizing are needed and the money weuld ge further new. This would help te impreve the living conditions in that neighborhoed. Jay Rood, 1555 Jefferson, stated that he represents an advisory greup of the Jefferson/Far West Neighborhood. He distributed a handout. They intend te previde recommendations fer a three-year NIP. He stated that for the past year-and-a-half they have worked to produce a 1981-82 NIP program. This was accomplished with the guidance, advice, and approval .of participating neighbor- heeds, HCC staff, COC, and City Council. Recently, they were informed that a large pertien of that program would not .or could not be implemented. HUO .officials at the district level had recategorized the planning, public service, and outreach projects inte administrative brackets. The impact of this recate- gerization en the lecal CDBG budget caused inclusicn .of more administrative costs and prejects then the City's 20 percent administration limitation. This caused administration costs te go over the 20 percent allewed, se cuts had te be made. The City then deleted neighberhood planning, public service, e MINUTES--Eugene City Ceuncil September 29, 1981 Page 2 and outreach administratien projects and staff. They are disenchanted by these e events and governmental decisions. They would like tc clear up the processes that fermed the systems and the "participatory blues". They request that action be taken on the followinq concerns: 1) have the City challenge the HUD assess- ment and recategorization of the initial 1981-82 COBG program; 2) neighberhoods need "in the neighberhood" administrative and .outreach assistance; 3) the time needs to be lengthened te implement the NIP pregram; and 4) they would like more direct discussi.ons between the neighborheeds and the City Ceuncil in .order to establish geals for the COBG pregram. They are trying te overceme their .depressien in a constructive and pesitive manner. They feel that Eugene is a richer and more livable community because .of the City's cemmitment to neighberhoeds and the neighberhoed's active rele in COBG progr ams. Their requests are presented in the spirit .of cencerned citizens hoping te centinue to advance the progress already made. Veracecha Starr, 980 West 1st, stated that he is treasurer of Bethel Triangle Neighbors. He is speaking on the need for safe bicycle paths fer recreational areas in their neighborhoed. They are virtually cut .off from ether areas since mest access is threugh high-traffic areas which are hazardeus to bicyclists, especially at night. Dan Geldrich, 2262 Birch Lane, stated that he is representing the Neighberhoed Heusing Resource Center. Their focus is on displacement and it is impertant to devise strategies to avoid displacement for lew- and middle-income residents and businesses. Unless the ceuncil receives informatien about one particular individual .or business, the situatien has largely been ignered. Prejects e done ~ith CO fundinq need to be made on a larger scale as suggested by staff. Otherwise, this may cause more displacement and less neighberhood focus. Den Schmieding, 650 East 39th Place, stated that he has been part .of the Eugene cemmunity all of his life and is now a businessman at Midgley's Mill. He has seen the dewntown area change, most .of which has been progressive, but has alse seen some changes which cencern him. There is a growing constituency that is not represented: the transients. Most are single adults and drifters. They are members of the population as well. Whether they are en the Mall, alchohelics, mentally ill, .or families, they must have needs met as well. Children are the most vulnerable. He is on the Board of Directors of Eugene Emergency Heusing--a family shelter housing and the Pearl Street Apartments pregram. They have served over 3,000 people in the past three years and have turned away over 3,500 people in the past five menths. The quality .of life cannet include just the fortunate. He would like to see all who want to use the downtewn area te be able to and for all to be secure and safe. That is not the case new and with the .opening .of the Perferming Arts Center complex, more people will be downtown. The tewn must have life and vitality but he has visions of Burnside Street (in Portland) happening here on 6th or 7th Avenues or en Linceln Street. The ceuncil should lead citizens to help set goals and policies and te censider using funds te deal with transients. e MINUTES--Eugene City Ceuncil September 29, 1981 Page 3 The time fer public hearing expired, but council consensus was te allow the additional speakers to speak .one and one-half minutes each. e Jean Bates, 1326 Roundup Drive, stated that she never gees te the downtewn mall .or to the parks because .of the element of people there who make her uneasy. Instead, she goes te Valley River. She is the mother .of a mentally ill person who has gone te parks and the mall because .of nething else to do. She dees net have enough kncw1edge to talk of expensive prejects but there must be a way te deal with these who have illnesses and need a place to go as well as provisions fer semeone trained to deal with them. Arresting these whe are ill is a waste of money since they are eventually directed te the help they need frem community services which is where they should have gone in the beginning. The pel ice and someone else trained to help with psychological prcb1ems should be available. If this cannet be remedied, she will not change her shopping ways. Charlette Lemen, 1280 Mill, stated that she is from the West University Neigh- bors. She feels their crime prevention pregram is net limited just to one neighborhood but is semething affecting the entire city. They have made pro- gress with this program. They would like to broaden their pregram threughout the entire city since crime is not isolated. Robert Emmens, 1064 West 5th, stated that he is concerned about traffic on 5th Avenue between Blair and Polk Street, especially the traffic of large trucks. He would like a funding allocation fer a traffic study and a study en diverters. He is cencerned about the quality of residential living on 5th because of its proximity te 6th and 7th. This ceu1d be presented to Traffic Engineering but that division is already overburdened. He would like a e diverter installed between Polk and Blair and see buses use 5th as one of their routes because of the diverter. Marlene Lasher, 840 West 21st, stated that she is Directer .of Womenspace, a non-profit agency providing services fer battered women and their children. They were funded in the 1981-82 year to acquire and rehabilitate their space. They would like to have a safe heuse for their base .of operation. Domestic violence is a major social problem. In the last year, they have sheltered 339 women and children but they are now receiving abeut 200 crisis calls each month. These needs are unmet anywhere else and they still need $50,000 te buy their house this year. They ceu1d negotiate a manageable payment schedule. They are asking fer a cemmitment and continuance for a three-year peried if necessary. Hank Murrow, 1215 Arthur, stated that he is representing Far West and Jeffersen Neighbers. There has not been much time to read the staff report but he agrees with Mr. Roed. He would like te explore the possibility of changing the staffing arrangements. They feel as if they are stuck in the middle between HUD and their own concerns. He would like staff tc be more acceuntab1e to neighborheods and assigned te them te work for them, rather than just for the City. This is a question of seeing and henering needs as expressed by many heurs .of volunteer e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 29, 1981 Page 4 - - -- -- --- -- ---- labor. They deserve more compensation for that effort. He supports other e statements made by NHRC and they have been involved with the neighborhoods. There have been residents who have helped build up neighborhoods. Then, landlords have moved in since the neighborhoods have become better places to live displacing those who have lived in their rentals. He would like to make sure the funds are helping those they were intended to help. Jim McCoy, 341 Van Buren, NEDCO, stated that he would like to see a community- based economic development corporation included. They have been raising almost three and one-half dollars for each one given to them for concrete projects. The future can hold exciting possibilities. There might be the creation of SBA 503 fixed assets for neighborhood based businesses, infilling, mutual houstng associations, and NEDCO. The City has invested a great deal of money in NEDCO and has received a good return on that expenditure. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. Ms. Wooten stated that she has questions regarding information provided in the packets. In the September 21, 1981 memo from Pat Decker to Chris Hofmann, Ms. Decker refers to a 1973 windshield survey regarding housing conditions. She indicated that another survey will be done. Ms. Wooten would like to know when this will be done and how quickly it can be accomplished. Ms. Hofmann responded that census data will not be available until next year. It will take about two months to do a survey of this kind but some areas have been updated. Ms. Wooten asked if the basis of the program is going to reflect the 1970 census data or if staff is waiting for the 1980 information. Ms. Hofmann responded that staff cannot wait for the income updates, but that there are some e basic population counts available now. They will look at the program next year to see if more areas can be made eligible. Ms. Wooten asked if the council would be reviewing the charter for the Bethel Triangle soon. Ruth Mi 11 er, Neighborhood Liaison, responded that this would appear on the October 14, 1981, City Council agenda. Ms. Wooten stated that the Bethel Triangle area is one of great need and if their charter is approved, she would like to know if they will be eligible for WBG funding. Ms. Hofmann stated that they are IFA-eligible now but not yet for housing rehabilitation. Ms. Wooten stated that staff recognizes the displacement issue. She would like to know how to protect those who may be displaced. Ms. Hofmann responded that this would be a good project for use of CD funds. Ms. Wooten added that she has a strong commitment to this issue and would like to see it addressed. Ms. Schue stated that she has concerns regarding the HUD guidelines and she would like clarification of the social services and administrative rules. Ms. Hofmann stated that public and social services are only eligible if they coordinate with NIP projects. They cannot be tied into existing City-funded service programs. There is a 20 percent limit on administrative costs and that money is going for funding refinement plans, to HCC for staffing, to finance, and special studies such as traffic and transportation. That does not leave e MINUTES--Euqene City Council September 29, 1981 Page 5 much money for other administrative costs. Ms. Schue asked if 20 percent is allowed by HUD. Ms. Hofmann responded that it is but they pay what is eligible e for public services and whatever is left must also be part of that 20 percent. Ms. Schue asked if there had been difficulties. Ms. Hofmann responded that any potential problems were averted. Ms. Schue noted that there has been a lack of ability to fund projects that are considered important. Mr. Obie stated that he would like to add a sixth item to the list: economic diversification, as it relates to Mr. McCoy's presentation tonight. He would like more public input and would like the public to know that the council is open to their ideas. Ms. Smith stated that the staff recommendation would be for tonight's ideas to be submitted with others at other opportunities for public input. She would suggest supporting a staff recommendation and have staff work with the Community Development Subcommittee and come back October 26, 1981 to the council. She would like a staff response to the ideas presented. Mr. Lindberg stated that the block grant program is aimed at low- and moderate- income people. Many issues are very complex and deserve discussion beyond Community Development Block Grant funding. He would support reincarnation of the community development subcommittee. He would hope the neighborhood groups could be included. He feels that staff should appeal to HUD to examine the budget so they can spend administrative moneys wisely. Eliminating adminis- trative costs in the neighborhood areas would not necessarily be cost-beneficial. Those kinds of programs are flexible and vulnerable, though staff should look at e NIP's and IFA's to develop ways in which to avoid situations where dollars are going into something that will be cut off. There should be a transition method. He agrees there should be simpler and fewer projects. It could be dangerous to end projects when others are needed, such as downtown renewal. Oversimplicity and cost cutting can be foolish. This is a complex problem and he is glad the council will be fully involved. He asked if the deadline of November 9 is too soon or if it could be extended. Ms. Hofmann responded that the deadline was set to give groups time to get their proposals in for the first year. Mr. Lind- 'berg asked if it is possible to overlap deadlines for better integration. Ms. Hofmann responded that this could be discussed at the Community Development meeting. Ms. Miller stated that she is distressed over the extent to which peoples' hard work is being thrown out or modified. Legitimate needs may be ignored such as displacement and crime prevention. Most volunteer groups need staff. She gave an example of the City Council and City staff. The suggestion for making staff more accountable could be a helpful one. The staffing situation bears looking into. This is a Federally funded program with an administration that is hos- tile to handing out money for local programs. Block grant programs and social service programs will likely be cut back even more than they have been. The council will do its best but it may look grim for a few years. Ms. Wooten added that the issues and concerns raised by the council and citizens merit e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 29, 1981 Page 6 more time. She would like to see this discussion continued in the very near future. Ms. Miller noted that this could be discussed more tomorrow. Mr. Obie . added that staff is talking about a process and he is comfortable with that. Mr. Lindberg noted agreement. This would establish the council subcommittee and timelines for further involvement. Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, to adopt the staff recommendation. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. III. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING A. Approval of Assessment Hearing Panel Minutes of September 21, 1981 (distributed) Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Ob;e, to approve Assessment Hearing Panel minutes of September 21, 1981. Ro 11 call vote; motion carried unanimously. Ms. Wooten noted that on page 2 of the minutes, paragraph 8, the word should read, "rates ", not "rages ". B. Levying Assessments CB 2317--An ordinance levying assessments for storm sewer north of Cal Young Road from Fir Acres Road to 450 feet northwest (within and adjacent to proposed Craviotto-Stratton Subdivision) (80-57). e Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18869. CB 2368--An ordinace levying assessments for paving and sanitary sewer on Ingalls Way from the end of the existing pavement to 860 feet south (79-42). Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18870. CB 2369--An ordinance levying assessments for paving and sidewalk on Willamette Street from Stonewood Drive to 52nd Avenue; and sani- tary sewer on Willamette Street from Marlboro Lane to 52nd Avenue (79-64). ~ Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18871. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 29, 1981 Page 7 " CB 2370--An ordinance levying assessments for paving and sanitary sewer and storm sewer within and adjacent to Central Manufacturing . Industrial Park (80-20). Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18872. CB 2371--An ordinance levying assessments for paving, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer within and adjacent to Kiska First Addition (80-24). Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18873. CB 2372--An ordinance levying assessments for paving and sidewalk on Martin Street from West Amazon to Center Way (80-27). Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18874. CB 2373--An ordinance levying assessments for paving Augusta Street from 26th Avenue to south city limits; and paving 26th Avenue from Riverview Street to Augusta Street (80-47). e Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18875. CB 2374--An ordinance levying assessments for paving, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer on 7th Avenue from Seneca Road to Bailey Hill Road; storm sewer on Bailey Hill Road from 7th Avenue to 5th Avenue; and sanitary sewer to serve the area between 5th Avenue and 7th Avenue from Seneca Road to Bailey Hill Road (80-53). Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18876. CB 2375--An ordinance levying assessments for street paving on Orr Lane from 19th Avenue to 22nd Avenue (80-56). Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18877. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 29, 1981 Page 8 -