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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