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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/1981 Meeting (2) .. MINUTES - Eugene City Council City Council Chamber November 9, 1981 7:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: D. W. Hamel, Eric Haws, Mark Lindberg, Gretchen Miller, Brian Obie, Emily Schue, Betty Smith, and Cynthia Wooten. Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller. 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Consideration of Options for Three-Year Community Development Plan (memo and minutes distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Chris Hofmann, Department of Housing and Community Conservation (HCC). Ms. Hofmann referred to materials distributed to councilors on the development of a three-year plan for allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. She said that a subcommittee composed of council members and members of the Community Development Committee (CDC) had proposed e several options for the council to consider and use as a basis for giving direction to the subcommittee on how that group should proceed. She said that a public hearing was scheduled for this item to allow the public to discuss the issues involved in development of the three-year plan. It was her hope that the subcommittee could report back to the council in early December with a recommended plan for adoption by the council at that time. Ms. Hofmann briefly reviewed the options as presented in a chart which was included in the materials. Mayor Keller opened the public hearing. Deirdre Malarkey, 1131 East 20th Avenue, said that she would speak to the subcommittee regarding her concerns, rather than speaking to the council at this time. Harold Lannom, 460 East 15th Avenue, said that if he had to choose one of the options presented, he would favor the old cycle or Option 2, but he felt making any decision at this time was premature. He believed that the subcommit- tee should not make any decision until the economic impact of CD funds to date has been determined. He said that these funds have been used for such things as creating jobs, leveraging additional dollars, increasing property values through rehabilitation and development, and freeing general fund dollars by paying for such things as street trees, park development, and crime prevention programs, which would otherwise have been paid for through the general fund. Mr. Lannom said he believed that the economic impact of CD funds has been significant. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 1 ~-- Mr. Lannom said that there has been over $700,000 in CD funds allocated in - previous years to projects which have not yet been started or completed. He felt that releasing those funds would also have a strong economic impact. Michael Connelly, 1350 Chambers Street, represented the Southwest Oregon Native American Consortium. He said that he had attended the meetings of the subcommit- tee to determine how the Native American community can best fit into the CD program. His group seeks funds to purchase a building for a Native American Cultural Center. He questioned whether there was any way to obtain such funds in any of the suggested CD allocation options. Mr. Connelly said that Indians have different ideas of community and neighborhood than those expressed in the current guidelines for use of City CD funds. He said that the average American Indian family of four has a yearly income of $1,500. The unemployment rate for Native Americans is 75 to 80 percent. He felt that CD funds should go to the low-income unemployed. Jay Rood, 1555 Jefferson Street, represented Jefferson Area Neighbors (JAN). He said that JAN recognizes the financial difficulties facing the City but still feels that any three-year plan for allocation of CD funds should respond to the interests and needs of neighborhoods, particularly those involved in Neighborhood Improvement Programs (NIPs). He said that neighborhoods should be supported in studying and promoting job creation. He felt that neighborhoods aid the entire city by using CD funds to improve and maintain public facilities. He fe It that CD funds were vital to the implementation of the Metropolitan Area General Plan and of neighborhood refinement plans. He said that neighborhoods promote citizen involvement. Mr. Rood said that JAN was not really happy with any of e the options offered but, if he had to, would choose Option 5. He suggested that the meanings of the terms "economic development" and "job creation" need to be clarified. He urged the council to retain the neighborhood focus of the CDBG program. Martha Filer, 235 East 3rd Avenue, stated that she spoke for herself, since there had not been time to refer this matter to the Whiteaker Community Council. She said that she appreciated having the various options as a point of focus for discussion of changes to the CDBG program. She opposed changing the funding policies which had been set in the past for NIPs. She felt that neighborhoods need more information about possible funding through General Fund dollars or other sources, as alternatives to CD moneys. She felt that the NIP program plays a strong role in educating citizens on city government processes. She urged that CD fund allocations retain their neighborhood focus. Scott Wylie, 310 East 14th Avenue, said that rehabilitation loans were extremely effective in creating jobs for a wide range of employees, from unskilled to skilled. He said that rehabilitation is more labor-intensive and uses a higher proportion of labor to materials than new housing construction. He urged that a large portion of the CD funds be allocated for housing rehabilitation. Jon Stafford, 1060 Madison, warned councilors that many of the words used in dlscussing CD funds have confusing definitions. He cited the word "administra- tion" and said that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has intricate and rigid definitions for this term. Mr. Stafford said that he agreed that some drastic changes are needed in the CD program, due to the decline in e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 2 funds, but he felt that the people involved in the process do not need to be e changed. He felt that the council should be very honest and open in discussing the possibility of removing the neighborhood focus of the City CD program. Marlene Lasher, 840 West 21st Avenue, represented Womenspace. She said that Womenspace had received CD funding in the past for $20,000 to make a down payment on a shelter house, and $6,000 to rehabilitate the structure. She said that the group relied on future CD funding to provide services and meet its on-going commitment to the community. She did not see how their program would fit into any of the proposed options. She urged the council to consider the needs of groups such as hers. Mayor Keller closed the public hearing. Responding to a question from Ms. Wooten, Ms. Hofmann said that the $700,000 to which Mr. Lannom had referred represented carryover funds for uncompleted projects dating back as far as 1976. She said that most of these projects were located in the West University area and had been postponed until the West University Refinement Plan is adopted. Ms. Wooten asked how community-based, non-profit organizations such as the Southwest Oregon Native American Consortium and Womenspace would fit into the proposed CD program. Ms. Hofmann responded that such groups had in the past applied for funds as Individually Funded Activities (IFAs). Ms. Wooten said that terms used in the option chart needed clarification. She asked for a definition of administration and for information on what sorts of -' activities were proposed under the headings of Economic Development and Job Creat ion. Ms. Hofmann responded that staff would be making a presentation to the subcommittee on administration and what it entails. She said that the subcommittee had proposed several ideas for economic development, such as a rehabilitation loan fund for businesses, but that no specifics had been agreed on. Mr. Obie said that the terms "job creation" and "economic development" might be interchangeable. Mr. Lindberg urged councilors to discuss general policies to recommend to the subcommittee for use in that group's development of a three-year plan. He said that the three-year plan would be a policy document to guide the one-year planning cycles and did not need to be specific about dollar allocations. Mr. Obie discussed the progress of the deliberations of the subcommittee. He felt that Option 5 represented at least an amalgam of the other options, if not a consensus of the group. Mr. Obie said that Option 5 maintatns the City's on-going commitment to rehabilitation and to IFAs and NIPs, while at the same time addressing the prime problem of the community--unemployment. Mr. Lindberg agreed that Option 5 was the result of much subcommittee discussion and compromi se. He said that the options were spelled out in part under the assumption that the City would stand by its commitment to use CD funds to implement neighborhood refinement plans. He said that Option 5 was not intended to redistribute the decision-making involved in use of CD funds, but rather to maintain the basic formula of allocating one-third of the funds through the NIPs and two-thirds through decisions made by the Community Development Committee. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 3 Ms. Schue was concerned that the options shown on the chart did not include funds which in the past had been used by the Joint Housing Committee (JHC) for a e landbanking program. She said that such funds had been used very successfully to provide low-income housing. The funds are recycled, and therefore continue to be used in the community. She said that funds for historic preservation also seemed to have been left out of the options. Ms. Schue said that she recognized that job creation and retention was important, but she felt that the housing rehabilitation and low-income housing construction programs had been creating jobs. Mr. Obie said that funds for job maintenance could be used to create a loan fund to help ailing small businesses through the economic slump and could then be recycled in more traditional CD programs when the economy picks up. Ms. Wooten said that she needed more specifics on how CD funds would be used in programs of economic development or job creation. Mr. Obie pointed out that the funds under consideration were for fiscal year 1982-83, and therefore imple- mentation of the proposals was a long way off. Mr. Lindberg asked staff to generate information on the ways in which CD funds have created and maintained jobs in the past, and their impact on economic development. Mr. Lindberg suggested that the council direct the subcommittee to ask the CDC and the neighborhood groups to document the impact on job creation and maintenance of the projects they propose for future funding. Ms. Miller said she felt the council had reached broad agreement that 1) jobs and job creation are a high priority; and 2) housing rehabilitation and preser- e vation are a high priority. She felt that the council just needed to state this rather than reorganizing the whole CD program. Ms. Miller said she understood that the upcoming changes in Federal regulations for the CDBG program would continue the focus on serving low- and moderate-income people. She felt that the council agreed with the need to maintain this focus. Ms. Miller said that there were many forms which the heading "job creation" could take which would not benefit low- or moderate-income people, and that she felt this concern should be addressed. Ms. Schue agreed that the focus of any funds allocated for job development should be targeted at low- and moderate-income people. She felt that the City should maintain its commitment to neighborhoods involved in the NIP process, but that the form of that commitment could perhaps be changed. She wanted to be sure that IFA pilot projects, groups such as Womenspace, and the landbanking program were not excluded in any future funding scheme. She also urged that the program be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of groups such as the Southwest Oregon Native American Consortium. Ms. Smith suggested that the subcommittee pursue Option 5, taking into considera- tion the concerns which had been expressed by the council. She said that she felt administrative costs of the program were a major concern of the council and that efforts should be made to have CD funds go as much as possible into program costs and needs, not into administration.. Ms. Wooten said that the council needed information from the subcommittee and staff on whether there is more impact for the City in funding a few large e projects or a number of smaller ones. MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 4 Mr. Hamel said that the subcommittee should focus on Option 5. He said that as e a result of the recession, areas formerly identified as blighted and in need of CD funds were no longer the only areas needing the funds. He felt that the funds should go to areas where they would do the most good. Ms. Schue did not want the subcommittee to restrict its work to Option 5 because she felt that this was the narrowest of the options presented. She did not want to exclude programs which had worked well in the past. Mr. Keller suggested that the subcommittee revi.ew the council discussion and the concerns expressed and perhaps use Option 5 as the starting point for future discussion. The council took a short break. B. Rezonings 1. Property located on the west side of Jacobs Street, east of Fairfield Street from RA Suburban Residential District (Tax Lot 1401) and R-l Low-Density Residential District (Tax Lot 3900) to RP Residential Professional District (Lutheran Laymen of Lane County) (Z 81-8) (map and background information distributed) Mr. Gleason said that Jim Croteau, Planning Department staff, and Adrienne Lannom, chairperson of the Eugene Planning Commission, were present to answer any questions. There were no questions. e No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared. The staff notes and minutes were made a part of the record. Mayor Keller opened the public hearing. Glen Pederson, 1189 Fairfield, represented Lutheran Laymen of Lane County. He said that this group had addressed the concerns of the Metropolitan Area General Plan in its application statements and had indicated that there is a public need which can best be served by the proposed rezoning. He said that the Eugene Planning Commission had concurred with this and that the Board of Directors of Lutheran Laymen endorsed the findings of the staff and Planning Commission. Mayor Keller closed the public hearing. CB 2387--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from RA Suburban Residential District (Tax Lot 1401) and R-1 Low-Density Residential District (Tax Lot 3900)' to RP Residential Professional District for property located on the west side on Jacobs Street, east of Fairfield Street. Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 5 e and minutes of October 6, 1981, be adopted by reference thereto; 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, with Mr. Haws abstaining due to his absence from the chamber during discussion of the item. Ms. Miller moved, seconded Mr. Obie, that the bill be approved and given final passage. Roll call vote; all councilors present voting aye and Councilor Haws abstaining, the bill was declared passed and numbered 18889. 2. Property located south of Roosevelt Boulevard, west of Chase Street from RA Suburban Residential District to M-2 Light Indus- trial District, and a change of Sign District from Residential District to Industrial District (Charles Ogle) (Z 81-11) (map and background information distributed) Mr. Gleason said that Jim Croteau, Planning Department staff, and Adrienne Lannom, chairperson of the Eugene Planning Commission, were present to answer any questions for councilors. There were no questions. No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared. The staff notes and minutes were made a part of the record. Mayor Keller opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public e who wished to speak, Mayor Keller closed the public hearing. CB 2388--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from RA Suburban Residential District to M-2 Light Industrial District, and a change of Sign District from Residential District to Industrial District for property located south of Roosevelt Boulevard, west of Chase Street. Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that findings. supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of October 6, 1981, be adopted by reference thereto; 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 unan imous ly. 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 18890. 3. Property located west of Portland Street, south of West 29th Place from RA Suburban Residential District to R-2/SR Limited-Multiple Family Residential District with Site Review procedures (Clarki Chase) (Z 81-13) (map and background information distributed) e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 6 . - Mr. Gleason introduced Tom Hayes, Planning Department staff. Mr. Hayes said that the rezoning request involved three tax lots located west of Portland Street and south of West 29th Place. The requested R-2 zoning would permit a total of 10 dwelling units. Surrounding lots are zoned RA, R-1, and RG (Cascade Manor). Mr. Hayes said that the Planning Commission had recommended approval with addition of the site review suffix, to require review of potential develop- ment for compatibility with surrounding residential properties; a workable, livable site design; and adequate ingress, egress, and on-site automobile circulation. It was recognized that special attention would need to be paid to the effect of development on the intersections at 29th and Portland and at 30th and Willamette. Ms. Wooten noted that in the minutes of the Planning Commission's deliberation on this request, Mr. Pearson was quoted as suggesting a traffic engineering study of 29th Place. She asked if this had been done. Don Allen, Department of Public Works, said that this would be done as a part of the site review process. Mayor Keller called for declaration of ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest. Mr. Obie said that he had been in the audience during the Planning Commission's deliberation on this request, but he did not feel that he had acquired any knowledge that was not available to all councilors in the minutes of that meeting. No other contacts or conflicts were declared. The staff notes and minutes were made a part of the record. Mayor Keller opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public who wished to speak, Mayor Keller closed the public hearing. e Ms. Schue said that since the site of this request was within her ward, she had examined the site. She felt that the rezoning was appropriate and said she would vote for it, but she stressed that the traffic problem in the area is very real and must be dealt with under the site review process. CB 2389--An ordinance authorizing rezoning from RA Suburban Residential District to R-2/SR Limited Multiple-Family Residential District with Site Review procedures for property located west of Portland Street, south of West 29th Place. Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that findings supporting the rezoning as set forth in Planning Commission staff notes and minutes of October 6, 1981, be adopted by reference thereto; 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. 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 18891. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 7 . " II. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING e First reading of ordinances levying assessments and referral to Hearings Panel to be held November 16, 1981. CB 2390--An ordinance levying assessments for paving and sidewalk on Cal Young Road from Norkenzie to Willagillespie Road and Willagillespie Road from Cal Young Road to Delta Highway (79-22) Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be read the first time and referred to the Hearings Panel for hearing November 16, 1981, with panel recommendations to be brought back for council consideration January 25, 1982. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. CB 2391--An ordinance levying assessments for paving and construct- ing sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and sidewalk on Hawkins Lane from Glen Mar to south city limits (80-11) Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be read the first time and referred to the Hearings Panel for hearing November 16, 1981, with panel recommendations to be brought back for council consideration January 25, 1982. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. CB 2392--An ordinance levying assessments for paving, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer within and adjacent to Judson e Subdivision (80-23) Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the bill be read the first time and referred to the Hearings Panel for hearing November 16, 1981, with panel recommendations to be brought back for council consideration January 25, 1982. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. III. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL A. Consideration of Mayor's Nomination for Labor Representative on the Eugene Private Industry Council (memo distributed) Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie to approve the Mayor's nomination of David A. Plant to the Eugene Private Industry Council. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. B. Payment of Bills and Claims Res. No. 3604--A resolution authorizing payment of bills and claims for the period October 28, 1981, through November 9, 1981. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 8 . ~ Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, to adopt the resolution. ~ Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. C. Approval of City Council Minutes of September 29, 1981, and October 26, 1981 (distributed) Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, to approve the City Council minutes of September 29, 1981, and October 26, 1981. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Mr. Haws requested five minutes on the council agenda for the first Wednesday meeting in December. The meeting was adjourned to November 18, 1981. Respectfully submitted, ~~ ~~<l ... Mich al D. leas City Manager (Recorded by Darcy Marentette) e MDG:DM:pv/CM23a7 e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 9