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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/2015 Work SessionCity of Springfield Work Session Meeting MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY JUNE 1, 2015 The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Jesse Maine Meeting Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday June 1, 2015 at 6:00 p.m., with Mayor Lundberg presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors VanGordon, Wylie, Moore, Ralston, Woodrow and Pishioneri. Also present were Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery, City Attorney Mary Bridget Smith, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff. 1. Willamalane Presentation — Mill Race/Mill Pond/Paths/Etc. Bob Keefer, Superintendent of Willamalane Parks and Recreation District acknowledged that it has been through collaboration and teamwork with the City and other partner agencies, that Willamalane has been able to accomplish so much for our community. He thanked Mayor Lundberg for the recognition at Travel Lane County when she received an award for leading tourism in our community. Mr. Keefer presented a power point on Connecting our Community with Paths and Trails. He referred to a map of the path and trail system throughout Springfield. The map shows the vision of the east west connection from Downtown to the Thurston area. He discussed the Middle Fork Path and how it came to fruition through its relationship with the Mill Race, Mill Pond, South 2nd Street and Booth Kelly. He noted the Virginia/Daisy bike path that would be constructed in the future creating a full east/west connection. Mr. Keefer discussed the trails and paths from Island Park, Dorris Ranch, and Middle Fork Path, and the future Jasper Road Trailhead and path. Clearwater Park is a special use park and the western terminus of the Middle Fork Path and features direct access to the Willamette River, two boat ramps, hiking trails and picnicking. These parks and paths have seen a lot of growth in use over the last few years due to the improvements made. Partnerships have made possible the purchase of approximately 700 acres on the Thurston Hills Ridgeline, fulfilling the vision of Willamalane residents who value their natural environment and outdoor recreation. Willamalane is in the process of their management plan to look at how to make the trail system. The Mayor and Willamalane have talked with the people from Disciples of Dirt about making this a mountain bike haven. They have good flexibility on the Jaqua property in Thurston. Councilor Pishioneri confirmed the land owned by Willamalane in the Thurston area and noted that it would be isolated from future expansion of infrastructure, etc. Mr. Keefer explained spaces for utilities already identified. If there was a bigger community need, they could look at that to determine if and where infrastructure is needed. There are a lot of wetland issues in some areas. Councilor Pishioneri said he is concerned that residential development could not be built in that area. City of Springfield Council Work Session Minutes June 1, 2015 Page 2 Mr. Keefer said they would always work with the City to address needs. They had heard from the citizens that preserving this area was important. Mr. Keefer spoke further regarding the Mill Race Path and areas in which Willamalane was working with the City, SUB and the School District. This path will serve as a link between Downtown and the Middle Fork Path. Once completed, the loop will be 8 miles. They hope to get the initial piece done late fall into early spring, and finish the balance next summer. He referred to an old map of the Mill Pond Site that gave a picture of the beauty they could have close to downtown. There is a lot of potential on this site for the TEAM Springfield members. Access is the biggest issue. Councilor Wylie asked about Middle Fork Path. Mr. Keefer said it starts at Clearwater Park and ends at Dorris Ranch. There is parking at either end. Councilor Moore asked about the path along 42nd Street where the lights had been stolen. Mr. Keefer said it is the McKenzie Oxbow site and Willamalane now manages that site. Councilor Moore asked if there were more plans for access to the river on that site. Mr. Keefer said they hope to make it accessible for everyone. They will also do restoration in that area. The path connects into the Marcola Road bike path and 42nd Street. The property includes a wellfield. The McKenzie River Trust owns the property across the river. They would like to have access from Marcola Road and behind the old railroad/Weyerhaeuser Haul Road. They are trying to work with Breeden Brothers on an agreement. The railroad is not being used and Weyerhaeuser is looking at removing the bridge. Willamalane is looking at ways they might be able to use that bridge because of its historic value. There is a place across the Willamette River that could accommodate the bridge. Mayor Lundberg said there is pretty good connection on the west side of the City, and then there is an area with a lot of industrial development and bikes on Main Street. The Daisy Street connector would be a good answer to that situation, and would give bicyclists a safe place to ride off of Main Street. They are always looking at ways to make safe connectivity for bikes. Mr. Keefer said that is a major piece, infrastructure is in place and they need to figure out how to make it work. The north end of town is more difficult to make those connections so they will continue to look for those opportunities. Mayor Lundberg thanked Mr. Keefer for his presentation. Mr. Keefer said as Willamalane develops the Thurston Hills Natural Area master plan, his staff could provide a staff report to City staff to share with the Council. There is a lot of potential in that area. He noted further connections that could be possible further east of town. Councilor Moore asked if it would be beneficial to add the southern section of the Thurston area into the urban growth boundary (UGB). Mr. Keefer said that would be something for the City to determine. It would not have too much of an effect on Willamalane. City of Springfield Council Work Session Minutes June 1, 2015 Page 3 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Minutes Recorder — Amy Sowa Christine L. Lundberg Mayor Attest: Amy Sow City Reco er