HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2C: Resolution Placing PROS Bond Measure on November Ballot
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UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Adoption of Resolution 4866 Calling a City Election on November 7, 2006, for the
Purpose of Referring to the Legal Electors of the City of Eugene a Measure Authorizing
the Issuance of a Maximum of $20,410,000 of General Obligation Bonds for Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Projects
Meeting Date: April 10, 2006 Agenda Item Number: 2C
Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-4909
ISSUE STATEMENT
At the February 13, 2006, City Council work session, the council provided direction to pursue a $20
million General Obligation bond on the November 2006 ballot for acquisition of park lands and
construction of the West Eugene Wetlands Education Center.
BACKGROUND
In response to a City Council request to provide project ideas for a potential parks bond focused on time-
sensitive items and projects with low operations and maintenance costs, staff developed a potential
project list consisting of three tiers. These three tiers of projects were discussed at a work session on
February 13, 2006. The discussion resulted in a decision to focus the bond efforts on park land
acquisition ($18.25 million) and the West Eugene Wetlands Education Center ($1.75 million) for a total
of $20 million.
The size of the bond measure would include not only the project costs, but also the costs for issuing
debt. The cost of issuing a $20 million bond is $410,000 for a total bond of $20,410,000. The estimated
cost to the median homeowner in the first year (FY08) would be $35, while the average cost over the 20
year repayment would be $20. The resolution to place this bond on the 2006 ballot is included as
Attachment A.
In 1998, Eugene voters approved a 25.3 million dollar G.O. bond with a 66% approval margin.
Implementation of the bond funded projects is nearing completion, with just a few projects remaining
which are scheduled for construction in 2006. Results of the bond implementation have met or
exceeded expectations in all project categories. Additionally, a revised Parks, Recreation, and Open
Space (PROS) Comprehensive Plan is nearing completion following an extensive three-year planning
process. The PROS Comprehensive Plan was adopted by City Council Resolution on February 13, 2006.
A public hearing on the PROS Project and Priority Plan will be held later tonight. City Council action
on the PROS Project and Priority Plan is scheduled for May 8, 2006.
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RELATED CITY POLICIES
The PROS Comprehensive Plan was adopted by Council Resolution on February 13, 2006.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
A.Adopt the attached resolution placing a PROS bond measure on the November 2006 ballot.
B.Decline to approve the attached resolution and instruct staff to take no further action at this time.
C.Direct the City Manager to modify the attached resolution and return it to Council at a future date.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends adoption of the attached resolution placing a PROS bond measure on
the November 2006 ballot.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to adopt Resolution 4866 calling a city election on November 7, 2006, for the purpose of referring
to the legal electors of the City of Eugene a measure authorizing the issuance of a maximum of
$20,410,000 of General Obligation Bonds for parks, recreation, and open space projects.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Proposed Resolution
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss
Telephone: 682-4909
Staff E-Mail: carolyn.j.weiss@ci.eugene.or.us
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RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION CALLING A CITY ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 7,
2006, FOR THE PURPOSE OF REFERRING TO THE LEGAL
ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF EUGENE A MEASURE AUTHORIZING
THE ISSUANCE OF A MAXIMUM OF $20,410,000 OF GENERAL
OBLIGATION BONDS FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE
PROJECTS.
The City Council of the City of Eugene finds as follows:
A.
Parks and open space provide a place for citizens to enjoy time with family and
friends and to meet other community members. Parks provide opportunities for youth and adult
recreation that have a positive relationship to community health and public safety. The
preservation of natural areas in and around Eugene provides needed habitat for wildlife and places
for citizens to contemplate nature and find tranquility in their daily lives.
B.
This bond measure is intended to address the most critical needs in Eugene’s parks
and natural areas. Acquisition of new park land is important to meet future goals related to parks,
recreation and open space and avoid lost opportunities due to development pressures.
C. The West Eugene Wetlands Education Center is an opportunity to partner with
other organizations including the Bureau of Land Management, Eugene School Districts 4J and
Bethel 52, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the nonprofit
organization, Willamette Resources and Educational Network to create and support a world-class
education center. The Education Center would focus on celebrating and encouraging stewardship
of natural resources through broad-based community involvement and resources.
D.
The City Council agrees that a measure authorizing the issuance of General
Obligation Bonds to finance these parks, recreation and open space projects should be referred to
the electors of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the above findings,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a
Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows:
Section 1.
A city election is called for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters
of the City a measure authorizing the issuance of a maximum of $20,410,000 of General
Obligation bonds to be used for parks projects, including purchase of land for parks and
preservation of open space, and construction and equipping of the West Eugene Wetlands
Education Center.
Section 2.
The City Council orders this city election to be held in the City of Eugene,
th
Oregon, concurrently with the general election on the 7 day of November, 2006, in accordance
with the provisions of Chapter 254 of the Oregon Revised Statutes, and the ballots shall be
counted and tabulated and the results certified as provided by law.
Section 3.
The City Recorder is directed to give not less than ten days notice of the
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city election by publication of one notice in the Register Guard, a newspaper published in the City
and of general circulation within the City.
Section 4.
If approved by the electors, the proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be
used only for costs related to the parks, recreation and open space projects, including the West
Eugene Wetlands Education Center, and payment of bond issuance costs.
Section 5
. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution adopted the ______ of day of April, 2006.
__________________________________________
City Recorder