HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Kaurman Center
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Trude Kaufman Center
Meeting Date: July 13, 2011 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: LRCS/Recreation & CS/Facilities Staff Contact: Craig Smith
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5334
ISSUE STATEMENT
The purpose of this work session is to update you on the facility condition and status of the City-owned
Trude Kaufman property on 996 Jefferson Street.
BACKGROUND
In June 2010, the council determined to lease the Kaufman building to Cascade Health Solutions for up
to two (2) years, to allow time for the City to explore the best options to surplus the property while
maintaining income to the City. In January, 2011, Cascade Health Solutions vacated the lease and
moved their services. Since that time, the building has been placed in mothball status
History:
1972: Trude Kaufman donated the home to the City of Eugene to benefit senior citizens. It became a
City of Eugene Community Center for senior services.
1997: The City of Eugene initiated budget cuts that eliminated its recreation program services at the
Kaufman Senior Center.
1998 – 2003: The City of Eugene entered into a cooperative agreement with Lane Community College
(LCC) to allow Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to operate as a neighborhood community
center serving seniors. The City of Eugene provided the building, LCC provided the operating capital,
and RSVP provided the programming and staffing.
2003: Lane Community College withdrew their financial support to RSVP. Council Resolution 4773
authorized an initial two-year agreement between the City of Eugene and the non-profit organization
Emerald Empire Council on Aging (EECA) to lease Kaufman Senior Center for $1.00/year, with the
intention of allowing EECA the opportunity to become fully self-sufficient in providing community-
based senior services.
2005-2010: Council Resolution 4846 authorized a five–year lease for EECA to provide support
services, recreation, and community center activities for seniors. The lease rate was below fair market
value and capped at $10,000 per year by the resolution. The City of Eugene provided preventative and
major maintenance for the building. At the end of this contract, EECA chose not to renew but
recommended that Cascade Health Solutions be considered for a continuance of services to senior
citizens at Kaufman.
2010 - 2011: The council approved a two-year short-term lease to Cascade Health Solutions, giving the
City Manager time to determine the long-term strategy for the building. Within six months of the
decision, CHS moved their services and vacated the building.
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Financial and/or Resource Considerations:
Prior to placing the facility in mothball status, the City of
Eugene spent an average of $30,000 per year for preventative maintenance and capital improvements.
No capital preservation projects are currently scheduled for the building. The current annual cost to keep
the building in mothball status is approximately $20,000 per year and is funded by the Kaufman Trust
Fund. Use of the Kaufman Trust to subsidize major maintenance costs at Kaufman Center reduces the
funding available to the Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Department for the City’s senior
services program. If current spending continues, these resources are projected to be depleted by FY15.
Building Condition:
The building was originally constructed in 1908 – 1910. A recent Appraisal
Report completed by the City of Eugene identifies; “The overall condition of the dwelling is fair. But
other than the newer roofing, the interior and exterior has a tired look. Most all aspects of the property
need attention.” Facility Management estimates the value of known condition deficiencies for the
property to be in the $150,000 – $200,000 range if the future use of the property is residential. For an
institutional use (e.g. a residential care facility), renovation costs could be significantly higher.
Public Use of the Building:
Between 1972 1nd 1997 the City of Eugene Recreation Division utilized
the facility as a senior center. From 1997 until 2011, it was leased to several agencies serving senior
citizens. In terms of City use, the Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Department have no current
or future interest in offering programs or services at Kaufman Senior Center. Campbell Senior Center
and Petersen Barn Community Center have become the primary locations for City-sponsored senior
programs.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Zoning classification: In 2004, the City Council passed Ordinance 20330 which established the S-HK
Historic Kaufman House Special Area Zone. Under this ordinance, any landscape alterations, building
alterations or additions, and all new construction must comply with EC 9.817 Historic Property
Alteration Approval Criteria. In addition, partitions and subdivisions of the property are prohibited for
the S-HK Historic Kaufman House Special Area Zone.
There is no affirmative covenant or other binding language in the transfer of the Kaufman Center that
requires the City to forever use or maintain the property for purposes as a community center or forbids
the City’s sale of the property. In 1972, Trude Kaufman made the City of Eugene a complete and
outright gift of the house and the contents of that house. Ms. Kaufman also sold the City the real
property upon which the house is located.
Council Goals - Fair, Stable & Adequate Financial Resources: Any major capital investment to retain
this building in an operable condition would reduce funds available for reinvestment in City assets that
support delivery of City services.
Accessible and Thriving Culture and Recreation
COUNCIL OPTIONS
No options are provided at this time, this is an information work session only.
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CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
No recommendation, this is an information work session only.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Craig Smith, Recreation Services Director, AIC
Telephone: 541-682-5334
Staff E-Mail: craig.h.smith@ci.eugene.or.us
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