Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Minutes - 07/22/98 Work Session MINUTES Eugene City Council McNutt Room--City Hall July 22, 1998 5:30 p.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Pat Farr, Tim Laue, Bobby Lee, Scott Meisner, Nancy Nathanson, Laurie Swanson Gribskov, Betty Taylor, Ken Tollenaar. I. CALL TO ORDER The adjourned July 13, 1998, Eugene City Council meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.; His Honor Mayor James D. Torrey presiding. II. ACTION ITEMS A. Action: Approve Report from Mayor's Library Improvement Committee Report and Refer Library Local Option Levy to a Public Hearing on July 27, 1998 City Manager introduced Committee Chair Julie AspinwalI-Lamberts to provide the report. Ms. AspinwalI-Lamberts thanked the council for its support and expressed appreciation for the committee's staff support, noting the short time line. She reviewed the committee's four recommendations, which she said were an outgrowth of several public input sessions and unanimously approved by the committee: 1) use urban renewal funds and private donations to construct a new 100,000-square foot library on the area downtown known as the Rice N' Spice lot; 2) put a levy on the November ballot for two storefront branches within the next two years, the first located in the northwest section within a year and the second in the northeast section by July 2000, with the levy also providing for improvements in current services; 3) continue a public involvement program to help design the main library and help site branches; and 4) restore or reinstate an ongoing advisory committee. Mayor Torrey thanked the committee for its work, given the truncated time schedule and the many public input sessions held. Mr. Meisner added accolades, describing the committee's work as astonishing. He added that the committee had yet more work to complete. Ms. Nathanson said the southwest part of town is sorely lacking in services and asked for an explanation of planned library services for that area of town. Mr. Meisner explained he chaired the committee but did not vote because he believed it was critical that the citizens make the decisions. He said the committee was surprised not to receive a parochial response from the different sections of town. Transportation, demographics, and growth patterns were other considerations in locating branch sites. Mr. Meisner said the committee was looking at a 25-year plan, although it recommended a four-year serial levy plan as a first step, adding that a third branch would likely be sited in the southwest. He indicated that MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 1 5:30 p.m. the plan also called for periodic reviews to review locations and other issues. Ms. Nathanson said the explanation was satisfactory and a good approach. Mr. Tollenaar expressed some concern that the report does not state the need, but rather jumps right into the recommendations. He said stating the need was "devastatingly urgent" and needed to be explained to the public for its support. He questioned the need for a permanent library board, saying it was not consistent with approved council policy, adding there might be a need for advisory groups that would sunset in two years, particularly for the branches. Mr. Tollenaar said he also questioned the assumptions made around parking, given the library's location next to the Lane Transit District's (LTD) station downtown. Ms. Aspinwall-Lamberts responded that the committee did not get into design issues such as parking. With regard to the advisory committee, she said the committee believed library services would be more complex with branches and it would be most helpful and advisable to have an ongoing citizen committee. Mr. Meisner added that the Library Board was supported by public input. He added that public testimony insisted on having "free, safe parking." Ms. Taylor said parking was most often mentioned in her public contacts as a requirement for the new library downtown. She noted that library visits were usually scheduled around other errands or with their children and public transportation was impractical for those types of trips. Mayor Torrey said he is often asked if the project can stay within budget, with concern that any shortfall come from private contributions and not taxes. He said if there is no public support for the operating levy and branches, he would like to delay construction until operating funds are secure or identified. Mayor Torrey recalled the council process thus far and said it had been a very good one. Ms. Swanson Gribskov expressed appreciation for the committee's work. She said she did not share Mayor Torrey's concern with operating funds because there were operating resources for the current library that could go toward the new library system so even absent new money, there should be enough for enhanced services. She explained that she believed the City would be able to operate the new system "smarter, better, more efficiently." Ms. Swanson Gribskov asked what would happen if the $5 million is not raised. Mayor Torrey said if the people vote the operating levy down, the council still has the ability to identify other operating resources, but he was concerned that the exact cost for a new library had not yet been developed and would escalate if put off for another two years. He said he hoped for public confidence that the library would be built because they would than be more likely to approve the operating levy. Sue Cutsogeorge, Administrative Services, reported on funding options for: 1) a new library, yet undesigned, estimated to cost about $25.5 million; 2) two branch libraries; and 3) enhancing services at the main library. She explained that the $5.6 million funding gap between the estimated $18 million available from urban renewal funds and from the $1.9 million included in the local option levy for the new library would be met with private fund-raising. Total costs estimated at $9.24 million over four years would be raised through a proposed four-year local option levy--about $39.50 a year for the average taxpayer. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 2 5:30 p.m. Mr. Johnson added that it may be less expensive to do an interfund loan using the Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance (UEFB) than to include the full UEFB in the local option levy. Ms. Nathanson expressed concern that if the local option levy includes things such as expanded services and branches it may be easy for someone to say "if you didn't need it to operate the main library, then I don't need to vote for it" so the council's decision about "disconnect" would allow the council to proceed with the improvements for a new downtown library. If, however, it includes things that are more essential for construction and operation of the main library, the council may wish to reconsider its decision on disconnecting. Mayor Torrey expressed concern with public skepticism about how the council will reconcile the difference between the estimated construction costs and the amount available through urban renewal. Mr. Meisner responded that part of the committee's specific charge was to find public and private funding and it planned to take private fund-raising very seriously once the council has given its direction. Mayor Torrey wondered how long to wait to build the library, adding it should be made clear to voters before they were faced with the levy. He said the $18 million from urban renewal should be held until the library can be built. Mr. Johnson noted that the design process for the library will take about one year. Mr. Laue said that the space provided by the new library could be used by the City or leased until operating funds are secured. He expressed confidence that voters will pass the levy nonetheless. Ms. Swanson Gribskov agreed, saying the design should be flexible enough to phase operations until sufficient funds are realized. Mr. Meisner addressed concern over private fund-raising by asking Library Foundation member Tom Wiper to comment. Mr. Wiper explained that the private fund-raising effort has already begun and the committee continued to meet to design a request for proposals (RFP) for a fund- raising consultant. He asked the council for direction through its action and invited those interested to attend the next committee meeting at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow at the Charnelton Place Cafe. Ms. Nathanson said the community is excited about the project and the council should not hold it up. She ascertained that the estimated operating costs for the branches were based on a 40- hour week, scheduled to accommodate the public. Addressing a question from Mr. Lee, Mr. Johnson said construction of the new library will take about 28 months. In response to a follow-up question Mr. Johnson described the time line, noting that when the initial four-year levy ends, the council has the option of placing another four- year levy on the ballot. Ms. Swanson Gribskov said the momentum is such that this may be the best time for the local option levy. Mr. Meisner clarified that the committee's recommendations do not include details on the levy so there would be no objection to suggestions raised today. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 3 5:30 p.m. Mr. Tollenaar moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to accept the report and recommendations of the Mayor's Library Improvement Committee. The motion passed unanimously, 7:0. Mr. Tollenaar moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to refer the $9.24 million library local levy to a public hearing on July 27, 1998. The motion passed unanimously, 7:0. B. Action: Mayor's Parks and Open Space Committee Proposal on a General Obligation Bond Levy Res. No. 4568--A resolution to place a $25.305 million 20-year Obligation Bond Levy for parks and open space acquisition on the November, 1998 ballot. Terry Smith, Acting Director of the Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services department, said before the council was the revised resolution that places the bond measure for parks and open spaces on the ballot. He called attention to changes in language to Sections H and I based on input from residents, the committee, and the mayor. Mr. Smith explained that the document would guide this and future councils in how the bond proceeds would be expended. Ms. Taylor expressed concern with the council "moving a little too fast," saying "there has been too little time to discuss the details." She added that people in the Amazon area are "not thrilled about two new ball fields in Amazon Park," particularly about adding more parking. Ms. Taylor said the council should take more time to think about how to develop parks and asked the council to add a few million for more open space. Ball fields can be developed at any time, she said, but acquiring land cannot be put off. Mr. Fart arrived at the meeting. Ms. Taylor suggested increasing the acreage for open space by about 5 million and cut down the amount of development. She urged the council to "save the land before it's all gone." Ms. Taylor moved, seconded by Mr. Meisner, that the staff come back with alternate proposals, including one that would add $5 million for more land and make some reductions elsewhere. Mr. Tollenaar expressed concern with both the amount and timing of the measure and said he would vote against the amendment. Ms. Nathanson said she anticipated that people would disagree with portions of the plan without having reviewed it thoroughly, but once studied it may likely garner support. She opposed "rethinking the whole plan," saying the committee spent much time discussing the details and finally agreed that the proposal advanced was one that they could "live with because it included enough to make a significant and noticeable difference" in the areas of concern. Mr. Meisner expressed support for the motion, agreeing with Ms. Taylor that it was urgent to acquire land now. He said he refused to spend scant park money on parking and wished to see more detailed options. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 4 5:30 p.m. Mr. Fart complimented the committee's work and expressed appreciation for the consideration given to the Bethel area. Mr. Lee wondered if there were time to honor Ms. Taylor's request. Mr. Johnson responded that the council needed to take action no later than its August 5 meeting prior to the summer break, adding that staff could easily add $5 million to the proposal but it would not have committee support unless it was asked to reconvene at the council's request. At Mr. Lee's request for comment, Ms. Nathanson said it would be hard to develop more proposals but the committee could perhaps hold a briefing for interested councilors to share the process and major discussion topics used to develop the plan. She noted that the council could alter each individual park plan as it came before the group for review. Mr. Lee urged councilors concerned with the plan to use the process to address those concerns. He opposed the motion. Ms. Swanson Gribskov said it was obvious the entire council wants additional parks, although there was some disagreement about the details. She expressed confidence in the committee's work. Ms. Taylor reminded the council that committee recommendations were advisory to the council. Among the options coming back, she asked that one "to increase the amount for open space" and another option "to dived some of the money which is scheduled for development to open space rather than development if we keep the amount the same as it is." She reiterated her concern with what she called "a very fast process," adding that she has voiced her concern about additional land from the outset. She attributed Iow attendance at the public hearing to vacations and other summertime activities. Mayor Torrey called attention to Item H of the resolution, noting it allowed subsequent opportunities for public input. He urged the council to move forward. Mr. Lee noted that the project's process was a year long and a public hearing had been held. Mr. Tollenaar reported on a comparative study that ranked Eugene fourth in its supply of natural areas and metropolitan parks out of 12 or 13 comparable cities. On the other hand, he said, Eugene ranked at or near the bottom for ball fields and active recreation facilities. He said he was satisfied with the committee's report but favored a more modest proposal. He moved the previous question. The motion failed, 1:6; with Ms. Taylor voting in favor (Mr. Meisner was out of the room.). Mr. Fart moved, seconded by Mr. Tollenaar, to adopt the Resolution 4568. Ms. Nathanson asked that staff provide a summary report on the major issues raised at this meeting and at the public hearing to make sure that, as the design process unfolds, those elements are addressed. She enumerated some of those elements as follows: lighting, security, sensitivity to development in established neighborhoods, and minimize or eliminate additional parking. Mr. Farr clarified that neighbors would be involved in design. MINUTES-Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 5 5:30 p.m. Ms. Nathanson recalled upbeat public testimony, quoting Randy Pape: "There are no simple solutions, just intelligent choices.., we say "no" to so many things, and ask kids to say "no" to so many things, let's give them something to say "yes" to." Ms. Nathanson said this was not only about recreation, it was about healthy kids, healthy adults, community safety, and quality of life. The motion passed unanimously, 8:0. Mr. Tollenaar moved, seconded by Mr. Fart, that Ms. Nathanson be appointed to the committee that drafts the Voter's Pamphlet affirmative statement and rebuttal. Ms. Nathanson said she would enlist the help of at least two other committee members. The motion passed unanimously, 8:0. C. Work Session: Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) Final Recommendations Mr. Johnson recalled council discussion on the draft PSCC recommendations on July 8. He said the PSCC then met on July 16 to develop its final recommendations, which were endorsed by the Springfield City Council. Mr. Johnson distributed a corrected spreadsheet reflecting the average annual cost to the taxpayer. He added that the average cost to the average taxpayer of the bond measure varied from $1.54 to $3.36. Mayor Torrey thanked councilors Swanson Gribskov, Laue, and Tollenaar for their work on the PSCC, noting it had inspired interjurisdictional cooperation more than any other committee. Ms. Swanson Gribskov said the council's issues were well-represented by its representatives and the package was a balanced approach. She urged the council to unanimously approve it. Mr. Tollenaar noted strong support from the City of Springfield, adding that Mayor Torrey deserves much of the credit for his persistence. He regretted to say that the package did not include funding for homeless youth activities or for juvenile aftercare and suggested referring those items to the Intergovernmental Human Services Committee. Mr. Fart expressed support for the recommendations and thanked Mr. Tollenaar for his comments on homeless youth and juvenile aftercare. Mayor Torrey praised the work of the PSCC, noting broad support for the package. He asked the council to become acquainted with the details of the package to better answer questions raised by the public and to garner support for the measure. Ms. Swanson Gribskov noted the PSCC unanimously supported the package. Mr. Fart moved, seconded by Mr. Tollenaar, that the City of Eugene support the final recommendations of the Public Safety Coordinating Council to the Board of County Commissioners. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 6 5:30 p.m. Mr. Tollenaar asked staff to make available for public consumption the figures for all the measures as cents/dollars per $1,000 assessed property value. Ms. Nathanson thanked councilors involved in PSCC for the last two-three years, noting it was quite an accomplishment to have a package that both cities approve of. The motion passed unanimously, 8:0. III. ITEMS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND CITY MANAGER A. Funding Request--Court School Ms. Swanson Gribskov asked for council consensus to bring back a contingency fund request for $15,000 to support the Court School. She noted shared funding from the other jurisdictions and said this would carry the project through June 1999, after which it would be funded from the proposed levy. The council concurred. B. Funding Request--Food for Lane County Ms. Nathanson asked for council consensus to bring back a contingency fund request from Food for Lane County to offset the costs of systems development charges. The council concurred. C. United Day of Caring Mr. Lee asked the council to participate in the upcoming United Day of Caring and to direct staff to make arrangements. The council agreed to participate. D. City Manager Qualifications--Public Comment Session Mr. Tollenaar announced a public comment session at 7 p.m. this evening at the Hilyard Center for qualifications and expectations for a permanent city manager. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 7 5:30 p.m. E. Eugene Celebration Parade Mr. Meisner suggested that the council not apply for participation in the Eugene Celebration Parade independently, but rather accept the Library groups' invitation to join them in the march. Mayor Torrey asked Mr. Meisner to consult council officers and make a recommendation. F. Funding Request--Fiesta Latina Mayor Torrey asked for council consensus to bring back a contingency fund request from Fiesta Latina organizers to offset public safety costs. The council concurred. G. Sister City Program Ms. Taylor expressed disappointment that the City is no longer involved with the Sister City Program and asked the council to reconsider. Mayor Torrey suggested she ask staff to come back with a proposal for council action after the summer break. H. Eugene Celebration Ms. Taylor expressed disapproval that the Celebration's name has been changed and also that an entry fee has been raised for political parade entries, adding that she believes this is inconsistent with the principal of campaign finance reform. I. Cuthbert Amphitheater Ms. Taylor said people are unhappy about the City's ban on bringing in outside food at the Cuthbert Amphitheater and she believes it is inconsistent with the council's goal on building community, both in neighborhoods and the broad community. J. Tree Ordinance Ms. Taylor asked the council to revisit the tree ordinance and schedule a work session sooner than later. K. BetheI-Danebo Community Mr. Farr said this was a great day for the people of BetheI-Danebo, with the council's approval of the library and parks proposals. L. Council Committee on Homelessness and Youth Mr. Fart announced a meeting of the Council Committee on Homelessness and Youth in the Conference Room of the County Board's Chamber in the Public Service Building, following this meeting. M. Fire Season Policy Mr. Laue asked for an update on the City's fire season policy. Ms. Nathanson said she was also interested in a report, specifically with grassy parts of the City and other fire risks. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 8 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, James R. Johnson City Manager Pro Tem (Recorded by Yolanda Paule) MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 22, 1998 Page 9 5:30 p.m.