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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MInutes - 05/05/99 WS MINUTES Eugene City Council Special Meeting Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House 303 Willamette Street May 5, 1999 11:30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Scott Meisner, Betty Taylor, Gary Rayor, David Kelly, Gary Pap~, Bobby Lee, Nancy Nathanson COUNCILORS ABSENT: Pat Fart. Mayor Torrey called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. City Manager Jim Johnson explained that as the councilors toured the Shelton-McMurphey- Johnson House, they should consider that $228,000 in the capital budget had been earmarked for rehabilitation of the property. He said there had been discussion of a partnership between the City and the University of Oregon; however the University was not in a position to contribute money, only labor. There is currently no FY00 budget allocation for staff for the house or the nonprofit managing the property. Recreation Director Linda Phelps explained that Measure 50 cuts had necessitated the budget cuts for many City operations, including the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House. The City Council had made the service level changes at the budget hearings. Facility Project Manager Brad Black related the various maintenance problems that exist at the site, such as dry rot, asbestos, and lead-based paints. He said the highest priority needs were being identified, and introduced Dave Amonson, an architect with GLAS Architectural Group. Mr. Amonson explained the study of the house that had been done. He detailed the areas of damage to the exterior of the house, and speculated on the extent of the deterioration that might be uncovered once the work began. The south face of the house and the porch were the areas most in need of restoration. Mr. Johnson provided the background on how the City acquired the property from Lane County. Since the first floor is ADA compliant, it can be used for public events. He said there are exceptions given to historic buildings regarding ADA compliance. Mr. Torrey recommended having a public hearing to allow a few trees in front of the house to be removed, which would make the house more visible. He speculated that a higher level of visibility might create more community support. Mr. Johnson noted that conversations with the Ya Po Ha Terrace management had resulted in their assent to have a few trees removed. He said the City would initiate the public process, even though the trees do not belong to the City. MINUTES--Eugene City Council- Special Meeting May 5, 1999 Page 1 11:30 a.m. With respect to the accessibility issue, Ms. Phelps said that one accommodation utilized is a video tape of the upper floors which is shown as part of the public tours. House Manager Sherry Narin talked about the original vegetation in the area, and when the original owners began planting various trees. Mr. Amonson pointed out the sleeping porch addition from the 1920s and the gutter system, both of which were in need of repairs. He concluded the outside portion of the tour. Mr. Black referred to a chart showing the breakdown of anticipated capital costs for the rehabilitation of the historic house. He also discussed seismic retrofitting. He anticipated that the porch and the south facade could be completed with the available funds, barring an extra- ordinary problems that might be discovered during the work. A contingency fund would need to be set up to cover possible unforseen costs. He noted that an earlier facility condition report had only addressed the interior work that needed to be done. Mr. Black said he planned to have the structure bid package out this summer. Mr. Torrey suggested that if the council wanted to proceed with the maintenance work, it should consider the full package for the restoration. Mr. Torrey left the meeting, and Mr. Meisner assumed the chair. In response to questions from the councilors, Mr. Johnson explained that no action was needed by the council since the capital funds were designated for the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House. He said that the nonprofit managers had been looking at ways to raise funds for the operation and maintenance of the house. Ms. Phelps remarked that it was important to outside funding sources to see visible evidence of the work proceeding. Board co-chair Maureen Russell provided information on the board. The consensus was that the house could serve as a historic anchor of the downtown area, be a community asset, and provide a valuable educational opportunity. Mr. Meisner discussed the goals of the North End Scoping Group, and the possible coordination of opportunities for the whole area. He said the safety of 3rd Avenue for cars, bikes, and pedestrians would have to be addressed. Mr. Rayor suggested breaking the restoration ~lans into segments for bidding purposes as a way to get a clearer picture of the projected cost. Ms. Narins gave some background on the original owners of the house and the property. Mr. Kelly stated that the house provided a "sense of place" for Eugene, and suggested that the City work in conjunction with the nonprofit in outreach and fund raising efforts. He believed the exterior problems were a pressing concern. Mr. Meisner recommended a full restoration of the exterior, and suggested looking at the possibility of using a professional fund raiser. Mr. Johnson remarked that the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House was only one of 100 City buildings and funding was limited. He said it was difficult to balance existing facility requirements and still provide for an historic structure like this house. He said the council had several options MINUTES--Eugene City Council- Special Meeting May 5, 1999 Page 2 11:30 a.m. which include stabilizing the deterioration. Once the magnitude of the situation was clear, discussion could begin on how to approach solutions. He said the possibility existed to put the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House and Morse Ranch on the ballot to generate operations and maintenance revenue. Mr. Smith noted that Oregon was 47th among 50 states in funds spent on cultural or heritage projects. He mentioned the Oregon Heritage Foundation as a resource. Ms. Narins provided some information about grants received and using the house for student labs. All the councilors agreed to move forward with stabilizing the exterior of the building. The councilors discussed possible joint efforts between the City and the nonprofit for fund raising. Ms. Andersen explained how buildings were evaluated on need versus a major crisis. She said the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House was at a critical juncture. The councilors agreed that a critical issue budget for the house should be prepared. Ms. Andersen mentioned that having a committed level of funding for facilities since 1994 had been very beneficial with regard to the overall condition of City facilities. Primarily it has allowed staff to prioritize work projects. Ms. Nathanson noted that the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House was unique in Eugene because there were almost no historical buildings with public access. Ms. Narins said that the theme for the upcoming National Historic Week was "preserving the irreplaceable." Mr. Meisner discussed the need for revenue to support City endeavors, such as historic preservation. The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, James R. Johnson City Manager (Recorded by Nancy Hafner) MINUTES--Eugene City Council- Special Meeting May 5, 1999 Page 3 11:30 a.m.