HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/13/2001 Work Session
r
.
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13,2001
The city of Springfield council met in work session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding. '
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken, Councilors Fitch, Hatfield, Lundberg, Ralston and Simmons. Also
present were City Manager Michael Kelly, City Attorney Tim Harold, Administrative
Coordinator Julie Wilson and members of the staff.
Councilor Ballew was absent (excused).
I) Willamalane Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update and Request for Citizen
Advisory Committee (CAC) Participation.
.
City Planner Kitti Gale presented the staff report on this issue. The council will be
responsible for adopting the plan to be implemented inside the urban growth boundary. The
, updated plan entitled the Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan will provide a
framework for decision-making over the next 20 years. The active involvement of the city is
critical in ensuring the adoption of the Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan as a
community-wide vision for parks, recreation and open spaces, and as a refinement to the
Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan
Ms. Gale introduced Greg Hyde and Rebecca Gershow, Willamalane representatives. Ms.
Gershow updated the council on the review process of the 1995 Comprehensive Plan. She
requested that council consider the Planning Commission recommendation to appoint a
councilor for participation in the CAC.
Ms. Gershow provided council with a handout regarding the Park and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan (process outline).
On April 3, 200 I, the Springfield Planning Commission/Committee for Citizen Involvement
approved Willamalane's Comprehensive Plan Public Involvement Program, which included
the composition of the required CAC. The CAC was designed to include: 7 citizens; 2
Willamalane Board Members; 1 Springfield City Councilor or Planning Commissioner; and
1 Lane County Commissioner or Planning Commissioner. On April 3, 2001, the Planning
Commission directed Willamalane to include both a City Councilor and a City Planning
Commissioner if Lane County did not participate. Planning Commissioner Jim Burford was
selected to serve on the CAC if Lane County does not participate and to-date, Lane County
has not made a decision.
The CAC is scheduled to meet at least four times over the life of the 18-month project with
the fIrst meeting in January 2002. The Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan will: I)
guide District decision-making; 2) fulfill contractual and legal obligations; 3) meet Statewide
.
.
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Page 2
Planning Goal 8 requirements; 4) prioritize funding; 5) qualify the District for grant
opportunities; 6) facilitate development approval; and 7) provide a community dialogue.
Ms. Gershow answered questions from council.
Councilor Ralston will serve as the Council Advisory Committee representative.
2) Street Fund Revenue Sources.
Public Works Director Dan Brown presented the staff report on this issue. He also
introduced Eugene Representatives Becky Koble/Finance; Eric Jones/Public Works; and
Curt Corey/Public Works Director. Technical Services Manager Len Goodwin and Senior
Management Analyst Eileen Stein were also in attendance.
Council was asked to provide direction to staff with respect to further exploration of funding
alternatives, level of service with respect to Street Fund programs and services, and any
other information council would desire.
Council previously directed staff to explore specific proposals for a local option gas tax in
cooperation with the city of Eugene, and a transportation utility fee. Further council
direction is needed to determine if staff should continue exploring these or other revenue
sources to secure the long-term financial stability of the Street Fund and to adequately fund
desired service levels.
.
For some time council has been concerned with the long-term financial condition of the
city's Street Fund. Over 95 percent of revenue comes from two sources: distributions from
the Highway Trust Fund from the State and revenue from the County pursuant to the
County/City Road Partnership Agreement. Both of these revenue sources are under stress to
the point where staff no longer considers them stable or reliable sources of revenue for the
Street Fund over the long term. The net effect of this stagnation or uncertainty is that current
financial plan projections suggest the recurring structural gap between revenues and
expenditures would mean the Street Fund could become insolvent in FY 2004.
In January 2001 council directed staff to return in March with some options for generating
additional local revenue. Two of the sources discussed, a local option fuel tax and a
transportation utility fee, had the requisite nexus to the right-of-way. Staff was instructed to
explore these options in greater depth, and return with more extensive analysis of the two
alternatives and recommendations for further action. Staff is not seeking direction at this
time with respect to the details of a locally controlled and generated source of revenue to
fund the city's street maintenance and transportation needs.
The focus of the discussion included the following: I) does the council concur that a need for
a locally controlled revenue source exists; 2) if so, does the council perceive the appropriate
level of need as being one of the three tiers described in the staff report briefing
memorandum, or at some combination of those levels; and, 3) does the council believe that
the combination of a local fuel tax and a utility fee is an appropriate approach to securing the
necessary revenue?
Staff recommends that council give direction that a plan be prepared for review and action
which would call for implementation of a locally controlled fuel tax, in collaboration with
.
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Page 3
.
the city of Eugene, and a transportation utility fee, such that the revenue to be received
would be adequate to fund services described at the tier 2 level.
Mayor Leiken discussed the percentage of revenue received by the city and the fact that
revenue should be distributed in an equitable manner. He said Springfield is entitled to its
fair share of revenue. 'Dan Brown answered additional questions regarding the distribution
of funds to Oregon Department of Transportation, Lane County and the city of Springfield.
Dan Brown said a future work session could be scheduled to discuss the County/City
Partnership. '
Len Goodwin discussed the formula used to distribute funds.
Councilor Hatfield discussed revenue options. He said it is important to determine how
money is being allocated and spent at this time, prior to other taxing of citizens.
Mike Kelly discussed the formula used to distribute funding. He said the condition of Lane
County Road Fund would be a subject of discussion in the future. He briefly discussed the
initiative process.
Mayor Leiken said there might be a need to further discuss related issues at a future work
session meeting.
.
Councilor Simmons discussed the Urban Transition Agreement and unfunded liability issues.
He said staff needs to take a look at this issue and ensure adequate funding is available. He
discussed degradation of roads and life cycle of roads.
Dan Brown reviewed population growth factors, increased spending of Street Funds and gas
tax issues. He explained that Street Fund revenue sources are controlled by State Legislature
and the County Board.
Dan Brown reviewed items of concern and possible options related to this issue. He said the
city situation is similar to what the organization faced in the early 1980' s. He the city fully
funded all drainage projects from this fund until July 1, 1985. In 1985 a Drainage Fund fee
was developed.
Len Goodwin introduced Rachael Dillman, Springfield Environmental Services Division.
He thanked her for her effort in developing a recent resource study/report. '
Len Goodwin discussed the staff report, Attachment B, Street Fund projections through the
year 2005. He said Street Fund expenditures continue to grow. He briefly discussed
revenues and expenditures.
Eileen Stein discussed funding and expenditure issues.
Len Goodwin further discussed transportation utility fee and gasoline tax issues. He again
discussed revenue from the partnership and indicated it has steadily declined over the past
five years. The County continues to show partnership payments in its five year Capital
Improvement Program, although, it is the County's preference to renew the Partnership
agreement annually.
.
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Page 4
.
Len Goodwin further discussed revenue received from the State Highway Trust Fund.
Len Goodwin further discussed financial projections and noted gaps between revenues and
expenditures in the Street Fund. He said the Fund could become insolvent in FY 2004.
Mr. Goodwin further discussed the two sources of potential revenue, a local option fuel tax
and a transportation utility fee.
Councilor Hatfield did not want to consider only two options (gas tax and utility fee). He
requested that staff continue to pursue options previously discussed (list of 10-15 items). He
discussed impact of taxing citizens.
Eileen Stein reviewed Street Fund OM & P and Capital Needs (Table I of the agenda item
summary packet). Ms. Stein reviewed this information in detail.
Mayor Leiken discussed the need to look ahead at fuel consumption, modern technology
vehicles, and future plans as well as addressing problems facing us at this time. He said we
are in an economic downturn at this time. We need to be sensitive to the community needs.
Len Goodwin answered questions from Councilor Ralston regarding calculation fees
resulting from implementation of tier 2.
.
Dan Brown answered questions from Councilor Fitch regarding the staff report, Attachment
B, personnel services, 1998-2000. Len Goodwin said some portion of the new positions
were funded out of SDCs. He said it is important that legal restrictions are followed
regarding use of specialty funds.
Councilor Lundberg asked if the city of Eugene has had any discussion regarding
implementation of a gas tax. A Eugene representative said he believes the Eugene Council
would be in favor of a gas tax with coordinated efforts by both Springfield and Lane County.
, Councilor Lundberg agreed with Councilor Hatfield and said she would like to further
review previous options discussed and did not want to limit options to the two suggested this
evemng.
Council discussed the personnel budget and staff may need to be realistic and consider
personnel reductions if necessary.
Dan Brown shared information from the Eugene City Council meeting minutes of October
17,2001.
Councilor Lundberg discussed the downturn in our economy. She reminded the group of the
increase in energy bills too.
Councilor Simmons discussed the current economy and impact of a possible tax. He said we
need to be realistic. Development Services personnel will continue to carry out duties.
Development review is more comprehensive with difficult regulations in place. He said we
need to work collectively with others on a moderate (small) gas tax.
Eileen Stein suggested another work session be s~hedu1ed in one to two months.
.
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Page 5
.
Councilor Ralston expressed support of a gas tax, although, questioned the accuracy of the
estimated increase amounts.
Councilor Fitch said she would like to further review SDCs and Development Fees. She said
we are bringing in quality business, although, not at the detriment of existing resources. She
asked if contracting out of services has been considered as an option.
Mayor Leiken and Councilor Hatfield will further discuss issues with Eugene and County
officials.
Councilor Hatfield discussed the importance of continuing to look at a livable community,
new projects, employment, as well as social issues related to high and low employment rates.
He said we do need to consider a gas tax. Staff should work with Eugene and conduct
informal discussions regarding revenue generation by taxes. Transportation Utility Fees
should also be considered. He discussed equity issues and discussed the possibility of a low-
income exemption. He would like to see an upgrade in road standards. He asked staff to
come back to council with legislative changes and state regulations as well as identify if the
city is too restrictive regarding the use of SDCs or other funds. He said the public needs to
be educated regarding possible implementation of a gas tax. Bicycle tax may also be an item
to further investigate. It was noted that staff should review SDC fees, and make sure we are
competitive (pricing services as appropriate for our community).
Councilor Simmons would like more information regarding a local fuel tax and what
regulations exempt others from paying. It was requested that administrative fees also be
considered.
.
This item will be brought back to council in January or February.
3) Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Natural Resources (NR) Study.
City Planner Mark Metzger presented the staff report on this issue. Council may choose to
accept the modifications to the significance criteria recommended by the Commission. The
Eugene and Lane County Planning Commissions each forwarded the significance criteria
and draft inventory to their elected officials without modification.
Each elected body will meet to discuss the products from the fIrst major phase of the NR
Study, the Draft Inventory for the Metropolitan Natural Resources Study, which includes the
significance criteria. The "significance criteria" are used to identify and inventory a list of
natural resource sites that are deemed worthy of being considered for additional analysis in
the remaining phases of the NR Study. At issue is whether the significance criteria as stated
and resulting inventory are appropriate for continued use.
The Springfield Planning Commission met on September 18, 200 I, to consider the
significance criteria and draft inventory. The Commission expressed a number of concerns
regarding the criteria. Staff reviewed the criteria in light of the Springfield Commission's
concerns and in some cases clarified the language used in the criteria. In one case, a specific
criterion that was not well defined and duplicated other criteria was dropped. A revised
statement of significance criteria was subsequently prepared for the Eugene and Lane
County Planning Commissions. These Commissions recommended the use of the revised
criteria without further modification.
.
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Page 6
.
On October 2,2001, the Springfield Planning Commission met to conclude its review of the
"Tier 1" and "Tier 2" significance criteria and the resulting sites that are proposed for listing
on the Natural Resources Inventory. Two "Tier 1" criteria were recommended for revision.
With respect to Tier 2, the Commission recommended that staff provide information to the
council on why a threshold score of" 17" on the Wildlife Habitat Assessment was chosen to
qualify a site for listing on the inventory. This information is included as part of the
Commission's Advisory Recommendations found on pages 5 and 6 of the staff report,
Attachment A.
On October 22nd, the Eugene City Council unanimously directed staff to proceed with the
remaining steps in the NR Study, using the significance criteria and Natural Resource
Inventory (without the revisions recommended by the Springfield Planning Commission). If
council concurs with the changes recommended by the Planning Commission, one low
scoring site (S-26) that meets no other criterion will drop off the Springfield inventory. The
same change in criteria would affect six Eugene sites. Lane County has scheduled the matter
for consideration in December to await Springfield's action on the issue.
Mark Metzger provided council with a handout regarding Goal 5 and the Metropolitan
Natural Resources study schedule.
Mark Metzger reviewed Goal 5 (definition), outside the UGB versus inside the UGB, key
steps in the Goal 5 Standards Process and processing the draft inventory (since Spring 2000).
.
Mark Metzger said no formal action is required, however staff requests that council review
the advisory recommendations submitted by the Planning Commission and direct staff to use
the draft inventory and significance criteria in the remaining phases ofthe Natural Resources
Study (NR Study).
A wall map was also available regarding natural resources inventory.
Mr. Metzger reviewed tier I and tier 2 criteria.
Mark Metzger introducedKathi Wiederhold, Lane County Natural Resources, Eric Wold,
city of Eugene Planner and Denise Kalakay, L-COG Planner.
Tier I Significance Criteria
1) Areas mapped as wetland on the State/National Wetland Inventory (S/NWI).
Mark Metzger reviewed the wall map in detail. He answered questions from council and
clarified items listed on the inventory map.
Eric Wold provided additional information regarding the inventory map.
Councilor Hatfield requested clarification regarding the inventory listed on the map.
Mayor Leiken questioned the process, and asked if we are duplicating something already
done in order to conform with the City of Eugene and Lane County.
Councilor Hatfield said if we have wetlands, we should include them in the study.
.
.
.
.
'-,
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Page 7
See comments noted under item number 2 below for direction.
2) Areas that have been designated as jurisdictional wetland by the Oregon Division of
State Lands or Us. Army Corps of Engineers.
Councilor Simmons said we need one significant document that identifies wetlands.
Councilor Ralston commented that the Eugene Council voted to move forward with the
project, on October 22, using this methodology without the modifications recommended by
the Springfield Planning Commission.
No objections noted to criteria number I or2 as noted.
3) Streams and other water bodies mapped on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
and Department of Forestry Fish Bearing Stream maps.
No objections noted for criteria number 3.
4) Undeveloped areas that contain natural vegetation, and are larger than one acre.
Springfield Planning Commission revision: Undeveloped areas which contain natural
vegetation and are larger than 5 acres.
Councilor Hatfield proposed 5 acre criteria.
Mark Metzger said we would lose one site east of 42nd and Daisy Streets. This is about a 2.5
acre site.
Mark Metzger discussed I versus 5 acres.
The group agreed to retain this as a negotiating factor. Councilor Hatfield supported 5 acre
criteria.
Council accept Planning Commission recommendations on this item.
5) Undeveloped natural areas that are contiguous with a water feature.
Defme what a riparian area is (e.g., if it is top of bank, note it, be specific).
There was no consensus to approve the criteria as stated.
It was requested that language be drafted to specify the significant criteria desired.
6) Areas that are undeveloped, and which in their natural state are un-vegetated.
, Language was acceptable, with inclusion of wildlife habitat language.
7) Locations of plants listed as threatened or endangered, or considered official candidates
to be listed as threatened or endangered by state or federal government.
As presented, no objections.
.
.
.
.. . .. '"
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting Minutes
Page 8
8) Documented habitat of animals listed as threatened or endangered, or considered
official candidates to be listed as threatened or endangered by state or federal government.
As presented, no objections. Deal with it on a protection / size scale.
9) Native plant communities within the FEMAjloodway and IOO-year jloodplain.
Approved as is.
10) Ecologically significant areas identified by local experts in the natural resource
sciences, such as wildlife, biology, botany, fisheries, hydrology, and landscape architecture.
Springfield Planning Commission revision:
Other ecologically significant areas identified by public natural resource agencies.
Approval of Planning Commission recommendation.
Tier 2 Significance Criteria.
1) Sites that have been filled or substantially altered to the degree that they no longer
exhibit important natural resource functions and values shall be removed from the Goal 5
inventory.
No objections noted.
2) Sites with a Wildlife Habitat Assessment (WHA) rating of 17 or greater shall be included
on the Goal 5 inventory.
No objections noted.
Staff was asked to bring back revised language during an upcoming work session.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson
~~
Kim Krebs
City Recorder