Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/2015 RegularCity of Springfield Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 The City of Springfield Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Lundberg presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors VanGordon Wylie, Moore, Ralston and Woodrow. Also present were Assistant -City Manager JeffTowery; Community Relations Manager Niel Laudati, City Attorney Mary Bridget Smith, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff. Councilor Pishioneri was absent (excused). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lundberg. SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Claims 2. Minutes a. June 22, 2015 — Work Session b. July 6, 2015 — Work Session c. July 6, 2015 — Regular Meeting d. July 13, 2015 — Work Session e. July 14, 2015 — Joint Elected Officials Meeting f. July 20, 2015 — Work Session g. July 20, 2015 — Regular Meeting 3. Resolutions 4. Ordinances 5. Other Routine Matters a. Authorize and Direct the City Manager to Execute the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Willamalane to Acquire Certain Portions of the Weyerhaeuser Haul Road. b. Authorize and Direct the City Manager to Execute the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Amendment #2 with Willamalane for Mill Race Path Design, Engineering, and Construction Management Services. c. Authorize the Mayor to Execute the Funding Approval/Agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Order to Receive and Make Available $466,694 in CDBG funding. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 2 IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WYLIE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT PISHIONERI). ITEMS REMOVED PUBLIC HEARINGS - Please limit comments to 3 minutes. Request to speak cards are available at both entrances. Please present cards to City Recorder. Speakers may not yield their time to others. 1. Annexation of Territory to the City of Springfield — Annex 3.7 Acres of Property Located South of Jasper Road and East of South 41St Place, Springfield. ORDINANCE NO. 1 — AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, AND WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT; AND WITHDRAWING THE SAME TERRITORY FROM THE WILLAKENZIE RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (FIRST READING) Andy Limbird, Senior Planner, presented the staff report on this item. A request for annexation to the City of Springfield has been received from Bruce WiecheM doing business as Bruce Wiechert Custom Homes Inc., for -a vacant parcel adjacent to the existing "Filbert Meadows" residential subdivision area in south Springfield. The subject property is located south of Jasper Road and immediately east of South 4Is` Place land Stellar Way. The approximately 3.7 -acre territory requested for annexation is inside the City's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and is contiguous with the City limits. The applicant is requesting annexation to facilitate a second subdivision phase for the Filbert Meadows development area. The City Council is authorized by ORS Chapter 222 and SDC Article 5.7-100 to act on annexation requests. In accordance with SDC 5.7-155 and ORS 222.040, 222.180 and 222.465, if approved the annexation will become effective 30 days after signature by the Mayor or upon acknowledgement by the State — whichever date is later. The subject property is contiguous with the existing City limits along the west boundary and is currently vacant. The territory requested for annexation is part of a single tax lot with a current assessed value of $71,496. Staff advises that extension of existing public streets and utilities are anticipated for this area of south Springfield, so an annexation agreement has been prepared to accompany this request. Upon annexation, the territory would be subject to the Tentative Subdivision Plan process. The territory requested for annexation is zoned Low Density Residential with an Urbanizable Fringe Overlay (UF -10) in accordance with the Springfield Zoning Map. Upon annexation, the OF -10 overlay will be removed. The annexation area can be served with the minimum level of key urban facilities and services as required in the Eugene -Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan. The staff report also confirms the annexation request meets the criteria established in Section 5.7-140 of the Springfield Development Code. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 3 Staff finds the proposal complies with the annexation criteria of approval listed in SDC 5.7-140, and Council is within its authority to approve annexation -of the subject territory to the City of Springfield and Willamalane Park and Recreation District; and withdrawal of the subject territory from the Willakenzie Rural Fire Protection District. Staff recommends the City Council schedule the ordinance for second reading and adoption at a future meeting. Mayor Lundberg opened the public hearing. Debbie Norwood, Springfield, OR. Ms. Norwood said that area has a lot of traffic and adding homes and cars going through 34d., Street will make it worse. There is an elementary school across Jasper Road with parents and busses dropping off kids. She suggested they add another street going out of the development giving them access to 42nd Street. Currently, the main outlet is to 415` Street. She lives on 415` and knows the struggle getting out onto Jasper from that street. She is opposed to the annexation unless they can get another road for access. Mayor Lundberg said she would have Mr. Limbird talk to Ms. Norwood about the project. Mayor Lundberg closed the public hearing. NO ACTION REQUESTED. FIRST READING ONLY. BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE Mayor Lundberg noted that Dottie Chase and Paula Goodbar had requested 6 minutes for their combined presentation. The request had been granted by the Mayor. Dottie Chase and Paula Goodbar, Emerald Arts Center, Springfield, OR. Ms. Goodbar, Executive Director of the Emerald Arts Center, thanked the Council for the additional time. She spoke regarding some of the parking issues and how it affects the Arts Center and the community on Main Street. The demographic for members, volunteers, workshop and class participants is older. The percentage of people older than 50 is approximately 60-75% of more than 300 people, for more than two hours at the Arts Center. They have received complaints from some of these people and the difficulty of trying to park in the three-hour lot due to the required backing in of vehicles. They understand this is safer when leaving the parking lot; however, they have had someone hit the curb while backing in and bumping the tree. They also have volunteers who are handicapped and the two handicapped designations are not easily accessible to the Center. The designated places are in the far northeast side of the parking lot and are usually unavailable by the time their folks arrive. There was also the question of whether or not they would have to move their cars after the three hours. According to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the handicapped parking rules and regulations are that accessible parking spaces should be dispersed and located closest to accessible entrances and buildings with multiple entrances along with adjacent parking. Since there are only two spots, they are close to City Hall and the Museum; however, since the Arts Center is sharing part of that parking lot they are not close to the Arts Center. In the past year, the Arts Center had more than 12,000 visitors through their doors. They not only visit the Center or volunteer, but also patronize the local restaurants and shops. The two-hour limit for the street parking does not allow enough time for visitors. Once they get into their car to move it, they will often opt to just leave. Their volunteers are required to volunteer for five -hours one day per month and at this time they have approximately 90-100 volunteers responsible in helping manager the Arts Center. They understand the option of purchasing permits for volunteers at $30 a month; City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 4 however, as a non-profit they have not budgeted for parking permits. They would prefer their funding be used towards continuing arts education for adults and children, the Mayor's Art Show, National Jury Show, and some of their other special programs. The Parking Program has also impacted their workshops. People come from outside of the area to attend the workshops. Those from out of the area rent cars, stay in hotels and Spend money at the local restaurants, and spend a lot of money to attend a painting workshop It is a major distraction to have to stop in the middle of a class to move cars. They ask the Council to give them a chance to explain this in more detail at a work session. Ms. Chase, President of the Board of the Emerald Art Center, said the Emerald Art Center plays an important role in the cultural community and should be kept healthy and thriving. The EAC is an over 55 year old organization located in the heart of. Springfield's designated cultural district and has dedicated its existence to the arts and culture- Springfield is making an innovative move to creating an identity of being an arts and culture city, promoting tourism by creating a destination point which in turn boasts economic growili. Arts, culture and tourism go hand in hand. Emerald Arts Center plays a major role in attracting tourism through its workshops, programs and special events. Tourism statistics show that at least 38% of the tourists in the Travel Lane County visit an art gallery, museum or performing arts event. Emerald Arts Center is unlike most businesses in that their patronsdon't just come and stay for a few minutes, but for several hours attending workshops and classes. During these particular times, the recently implemented parking restrictions have created an issue for them having a positive experience while attending an EAC offering. Emerald Arts Center is dedicated to being a catalyst for economic development, quality of life, and civic pride, and most of all a leader in promoting arts and culture in the City of Springfield. Mayor Lundberg said she had spoken with staff about this topic. She would be happy to meet with Ms. Chase, Ms. Goodbar and anyone else they would like to invite, along with staff to talk about it further. 2. Steve Moe, Eugene, OR. Mr. Moe said it was nice to have so many cars downtown that we had a parking problem in downtown! He spoke regarding the Ken Kesey event and that there were no crosswalks painted at that intersection. He distributed photos of intersections with no painted crosswalks, and a picture of possible paintings of crosswalks that could add color in downtown. He knew this was being discussed, but wanted to see them on the ground. Mayor Lundberg asked staff where we were on the crosswalk project. Mr. Towery said the focus in downtown had been on lighting, but staff could look at other safety issues and get back to the Mayor. Michael Williams, Springfield, OR. Mr. Williams said he had worked with the Springfield Alliance for Equality and Respect (SAFER) for several years. One f Tea of their emphasis was to make Springfield more supportive of our entire diverse populatio ri, particularly those in minority groups. He noted his disappointment in Councilor Ralston s statement regarding diversity. For years he had been advocating a less diverse Springfield and country, even as Springfield becomes increasingly diverse. Council members are elected by the whole City and should represent the whole City while presenting concerns of their ward. He knows the City is not against diversity. He feels the minority input not needed is that of Councilor Ralston when it marginalizes entire groups of Springfield residents. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 5 4. Sarita Lief, Springfield, OR Ms. Leaf said she was also a member of SAFER and wanted to publicly register her deep disturbance regarding the comments of one of the Springfield City Councilors. Such seemingly mild sounding statements were the basis of some of the most horrendous atrocities in the 20th century. Everyone needs to take responsibility, including the City Council, to openly state their feelings now before they escalate. Shelley Corteville, Springfield, OR Ms. Corteville said she was a member of SAFER. She knows Councilor Ralston will not change and has a right to voice his opinion. As a Springfield resident she disagrees with his point of view. She was, however, troubled that they hadn't heard from the Mayor or other councilors that she knew deeply cared about everyone in:, Springfield. She would encourage them to use their voice. Many residents were feeling frightened and unwanted. This is a community they live in and we all live in. It is not an all - white community, nor should we want it to be all white. She asked that they let the community know they oppose the statements. Everyone has a voice. 6. Manuel Majia, Springfield, OR Mr. Majia said he resides in Springfield and was an involved community member that works for social change. As a Springfield resident, he was astonished and outraged at how Councilor Ralston had spoken. On July 19, 2011, Councilor Ralston was interviewed by KVAL news regarding comments he made regarding Centro Latino Americano, and during the interview Councilor Ralston mixed up the statistic saying 100% of people receiving services were `illegal immigrants'. He noted that Centro provided services for all in the immigrant community. There is no data for who receives those services• because it is not required. He has received services and has a green card. He also noted Councilor Ralston's remarks against Mr.. Clement who was a well-known pastor in the Springfield area for a position that would allow him to work with our judicial system. He quoted Councilor Ralston's response from that meeting. He asked for Councilor Ralston's resignation. Johanis Tadgo, Springfield, OR Mr. Tadgo spoke as a Springfield resident who has been involved in voter registration, public forums, community events and many other forums of civic engagement, and he was a person of color. He said he had lived in the community with his family for 20 years and had encountered a lot of ignorant statements and actions towards his community. These actions are a problem when Councilor Ralston promotes hate speech. He noted the incorrect remarks from Councilor Ralston regarding Centro Latino Americano and noted that he and his family had received these services for many years. He feels Councilor Ralston is deliberately limiting people of color to gain access to services that benefit the specific needs for the immigrant community. Those in a position of power should help the constituents, not further spread white supremacy. We are all community and should be investing in our community not just a specific part. They need to help people that are competent and able to do the work that needs to be done. They can't find solutions to their problems if they continue to think a certain way that has been proven not to work. The community needs people like Mr. Clement and others that understand the issues and will make change to accommodate all of the community. He quoted Councilor Ralston from the July 20 Council meeting. He said he wants the resignation of Councilor Ralston. Oscar Gonzales, Springfield, OR. Mr. Gonzales read a portion of an email sent to the Council by his brother. "Mr. Ralston should embrace those of us who may have a different background or speak a different language. If the global economy has taught us anything, not only should we be proficient in more than one language, but also culturally competent and aware. Springfield has transitioned to a once primarily mill town to a varied landscape of employment opportunities from health care, education and a myriad of private businesses. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 6 Latinos in the community have helped to both create and staff these services. We are Spanish speaking, we're bilingual, we're bicultural, and we serve the entire community with our bilingualism and biculturalism. It is a strength nota deficiency. The City of Springfield is growing Latino population consists of business owners, restaurateurs, educators, union members, organizers and more importantly voters. Springfield is a better place because of its diverse community. In order to best serve that community, people of all races need to be brought together to better understand one another and work toward the betterment of the entire community. You, Councilor Ralston, instead of creating the right environment, are creating a hostile environment that is detrimental to our entire community." It is for that reason, they were asking for Councilor Ralston's resignation and for the City Council to recommend this at this point. As an educator for 25 years, fighting these issues in Arizona and California and now it is coming to Oregon. They need to work together instead of against each other. They are here to stay and it was to the betterment all to being the discourse of collaboration instead of divisiveness. COUNCIL RESPONSE CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS 1. Correspondence from Che O'Ryan, Springfield, OR Regarding Main Street Speed Limit and Safety (staff response attached). 2. Correspondence from Hanna Budan, Springfield, OR -Regarding Springfield Police Handling Neighborhood Concerns. 3. Correspondence from Lin Marie; Eugene, OR Regarding Ban of Single Use Plastic Bags. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WYLIE TO ACCEPT THE CORRESPONDENCE FOR FILING. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT — PISHIONERI). • It ORDINANCES BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL 1. Committee Appointments 2. Business from Council a. Councilor Woodrow reminded everyone about the Open House at the Justice Center on Saturday, September 12 from l Oam — 2pm. There will be tours, goodies for the kids and safety information. b. Councilor Wylie asked about having a full discussion on the testimony provided. She noted the fourth goal of the City Council is to "Foster an Environment that Values Diversity and Inclusion". That goal comes up in everything the Council does. She noted that the City Council cannot control or change Councilor Ralston's position because he is an elected official. It is his constituents that elected him and his constituents that determine whether or not he stays in office. The Mayor or Council does not have the ability to say whether or not Councilor Ralston stays or leaves. Each one of them is doing what they can in their own way. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 7 As a group, they have chosen to put diversity as a goal for all they do. The Mayor has spent a great deal of time sponsoring activities and events that emphasize diversity. Council cannot control each other. Councilor Ralston said this has always been about illegal immigration. Many of those that receive services from Centro Latino are not here legally and don't speak English. When others move to another country, they are expected to learn the language of that country. Only the United States does not enforce immigration. He does represent his constituents. Those in the audience are a minority and there is a vast majority of people that support what he's saying .and it has nothing to do with hating Latinos.'He said his girlfriend is Latino and she has nine brothers all raised Latino. The Council is all on board with diversity. The article does not say that all of those serving on the Police Advisory Committee have diversity as a number one goal. They made a special position for the minority to make sure there would be representation. They also made a position for the faith -based community so he didn't feel it was necessary to have another minority. That was all that comment was meant to be. He wasn't saying he wasn't voting for him because he was a minority as the decision of who was selected had already been made. The Register Guard continuously takes words out of context and other things are written that he never said. If someone is here legally, he has no problem. Mayor Lundberg said we are a welcoming community and do have a goal. In a recent survey, 90+% of the residents surveyed said that cultural diversity and acceptance of our diverse culturewas- important, very important,or extremely important for our Springfield community. She does not condone Councilor Ralston's comments, but Councilor Wylie is correct that it is an elected position and all of the opinions of a community are represented. She works very. hard and will be .at the NAACP send-off and will speak there on this topic. The Council as a whole is extremely supportive of who we are, who we are becoming and how diverse our community is becoming. She doesn't want anyone to feel unwelcome in the Springfield community. They are working hard to get over that and show that we are a progressive community that welcomes everyone. The rest of the Council agreed. She will do the best she can in the right way. Councilor Woodrow said she didn't speak out at the July meeting out of respect for the process and not to get distracted by this other topic. Councilor VanGordon said there are two distinctions. He disagrees with Councilor Ralston on a lot of immigration issues. Councilor Ralston is not going to change his opinion and the best way to move forward is to work on the diversity goal and make sure this community is open and welcoming to everyone. As elected officials, they can't control each other. They are each accountable to the citizens of Springfield. This issue would get settled at the ballot box. He encouraged them to continue to speak their opinion and take the opportunity to use the democratic process. Councilor Moore thanked those that spoke out. She has a sign by her front door that says "Hate Free Zone". That is her home and how she feels. This is a hate free city. She doesn't agree with Councilor Ralston's statements, but she has no control over his statement and can only speak for herself. She also noted that she knew both candidates for the faith based community position and knew Mitham was a wonderful person. The appointment of the other applicant had nothing to do with race or nationality, but had to do with the qualifications of both applicants. Springfield is a great community and she appreciated that they could speak about this openly because that was important. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 8 a. Committee Reports b. Other Business BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER 1. Glenwood Amendments to the Eugene Springfield Public Facilities and Services Plan (PFSP) a Refinement Plan of the Eugene Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan). ORDINANCE NO. 6341 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE EUGENE -SPRINGFIELD METROPOLITAN AREA GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENT WITH POLICY G.3 IN CHAPTER III, SECTION G. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ELEMENT; AMENDING TABLE 6, TABLE 8 AND TABLE 18 AND MAP 3 AND MAP 4 OF THE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN TO UPDATE THE PROJECT LISTS AND MAPPED LOCATION OF PLANNED PUBLIC FACILITIES IN GLENWOOD; AND ADOPTING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. Mark Metzger, Senior Planner, presented the staff report on this item. The Public Facilities and Services Plan (PFSP) is a refinement plan of the Metro Plan that contains the•project lists, maps; estimated -costs and timing -for significant water, stormwater, sewer, and electric infrastructure. As significant new infrastructure projects are identified, the PFSP and the. Metro Plan must be amended to show these projects. On July 14, 2015, the City Council and the Lane County Board of Commissioners conducted a joint public hearing concerning proposed amendments to the PFSP to add storm water and electrical facilities in Glenwood. That same day, two e-mails were received requesting that the record be held open. At the hearing, Charles Stewart, the author of one of the e-mails, appeared in person to reiterate his concerns about sites E9 and E10 shown on Map 4 of the PFSP. The Council and County Commissioners voted to close their respective hearings and to hold the record open until August 14, 2015 at 5:00 PM. The record closed with one additional e-mail being added to the record on July 15th. That e-mail also requested the record be held open, but offered no additional comments. No other comments or additions to the record were received during the extended comment period. The citizen comments and a brief response to those comments are included in the agenda packet. Sites E9 and E10 are EWEB facilities near the LCC basin. The comments received do not apply to the proposed Glenwood PFSP amendments and do not alter the findings. Staff believes the findings show that the amendments conform to the approval criteria for Metro Plan and Refinement Plan amendments found in SDC 5.14-135 and 5.6-115. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WYLIE TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 6341. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT — PISHIONERI). City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 9 2. Ratification of Contract with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Candace Steffen, Human Resources Analyst, presented the staff report on this item. Staff has concluded negotiations with AFSCME for a three-year successor labor contract spanning July 1, 2015 — July 30, 2018. The current contract with this bargaining unit expired on June 30, 2015. As of August 5, 2015, AFSCME membership has ratified the tentative contract settlement. The n. proposed contract includes changes to compensation and contract language. The new successor contract is consistent with Council guidance and the main provisions are summarized below: Wage and Cost of Living Adjustments: • Year One (FY 2016): 1.5% wage adjustment • Year Two (FY 2017): 2% wage adjustment • Year Three (FY 2018): 2.5% wage adjustment Language Modifications: • Annual vacation accruals capped at 24 years of service • Moved existing MOUs and SOPP language into contract including language about safety, Joint Labor Committee, classification and compensation, licensing and certification, project assignment, traffic pager pay, union representation • Updated Workers Compensation language to be consistent with other union contracts and current practice • Inserted language around ramifications of the Affordable Care Act and what would trigger reopeners in regards to insurance and cost shares • Included language for voluntary participation according to VEBA rules • Included language about employees and covered dependents ability to use the Health Clinic In May, Council gave authority to not exceed 6% over three years which equates to $332,400 assuming 2% each year. By shifting a half percent to the later year, we were able to use the savings to incentivize the work unit to accept the vacation caps and still come at guidance. Councilor VanGordon asked if the wages were fixed or had a CPI cap. Ms. Steffen said they were fixed. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WYLIE TO AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO RATIFY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH AFSCME. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT — PISHIONERI). 3. League of Oregon Cities Conference — Voting Delegate Designation. Jeff Towery, Assistant City Manager, presented the staff report on this item. The annual business meeting of the League of Oregon Cities will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, in conjunction with the League of Oregon Cities Conference, September 24-26, 2015, at the Riverhouse Hotel and Convention Center, Bend, Oregon. Each city is entitled to cast one vote at the business meeting. Therefore a voting delegate is needed to represent Springfield. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes September 8, 2015 Page 10 Those attending from the City of Springfield include City Councilors Wylie and Moore. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WYLIE TO DESIGNATE COUNCILOR MOORE AS THE VOTING DELEGATE AND COUNCILOR WYLIE AS THE ALTERNATE FOR THE UPCOMING LEAGUE OF OREGON CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE, SEPTEMBER 24-26,2015. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT — PISHIONERI). BUSINESS FROM THE -CITY .ATTORNEY ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 7:50 p.m. Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa Christine L. Lundberg �4 Mayor Attest: City Reco er