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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/21/2016 Regular City of Springfield Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2016 The City of Springfield Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers,225 Fifth Street, Springfield,Oregon, on Monday November 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.,with Mayor Lundberg presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors VanGordon,Wylie,Ralston, Woodrow and Pishioneri. Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Mary Bridget Smith,City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff. Councilor Moore was absent(excused). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lundberg. SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT 1. Mayor's Recognition a. Extra Mile Day Proclamation. Mayor Lundberg read from the proclamation which proclaimed November 1,2016 as Extra Mile Day,andencouraged all of the citizens of Springfield to recognize those that volunteer their time in the community and Go the Extra Mile. 2. Other a. Employee Recognition: Any Sowa, 15 Years of Service City Manager Gino Grimaldi introduced Amy Sowa and presented her with a plaque. He acknowledged her 15 years of service with the City of Springfield and some of her accomplishments. Ms. Sowa thanked the Mayor and Council and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to work for the City over the past 15 years. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Claims a. Approval of the October, 2016 Disbursements for Approval. 2. Minutes a. September 19,2016—Regular Meeting City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 21,2016 Page 2 b. September 26,2016—Work Session c. October 3, 2016—Work Session d. October 10,2016—Work Session e. October 17, 2016—Work Session f. October 17,2016—Regular Meeting g. October 24,2016—Work Session h. November 7, 2016—Joint Elected Officials Regular Meeting i. November 14,2016—Work Session j. November 14,2016—Special Regular Meeting 3. Resolutions 4. Ordinances a. ORDINANCE NO. 6360.—AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 5.15 MINIMUM DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS SPECIFICALLY SECTIONS 5.15-100-PURPOSE AND 5.15-110-APPLICABILITY- EXPANDING THE LOCATION SIZE AND TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR MINISTERIAL PROCESSING-, ADOPTING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 5. Other Routine Matters a. Authorize the City Manager to sign contract C 17 71 with Hawes Technology LLC for $207,200 and execute all documents required to effect the transaction. b. Approve Amended Springfield Arts Commission(SAC)Bylaws. e. Approval of Liquor License Application for The 4,'Turn,Located at 563 W Centennial Blvd, Springfield,OR. d. Approval of Liquor License Application for CJ's Eatery 1,Located at 2152 Marcola Road, Springfield,OR. e. Approval of Liquor License Application for CJ's Eatery 3,Located at 5721 Main Street, Springfield,OR. f Authorize City Manager to sign a 2nd Amendment to the agreement with Willamette Community Health Solutions DBA Cascade Health Solutions to extend the contract in the amount not to exceed$200,000 to provide primary and preventative medical services for the City's Wellness Clinic. 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—MOORE). 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. Virginia-Daisy Bikeway Project Draft Final Design Concept. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 21,2016 Page 3 The Virginia-Daisy Bikeway project has been developed using significant community involvement in the planning process and design concept development.The draft final design concept is the result of design refinement based on neighborhood input, feedback from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee,and guidance from the Planning Commission and City Council. Staff reviewed the draft final concept with City Council during the September 6b Work Session. Once the final design concept is approved,staff will proceed with detailed engineering design and construction. The goal is to construct the project in summer 2017. The Virginia-Daisy Bikeway Project is fmxded through an$800,000 grant from the ODOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Transportation Enhancement Program,which provides funding to improve biking and walking transportation facilities. Staff has worked to efficiently use funds to accomplish many City goals with one project by integrating bikeway treatments, key safety improvements for all road users, street maintenance,storm water treatment,and ADA upgrades. The Bikeway will integrate and complete Springfield Transportation System Plan projects PB-36: Virginia-Daisy Bikeway and R-38: South 42"d Street/Daisy Street Intersection Improvements for much less cost than the cost of planning and building the two projects separately. The project also helps fulfill the requirements of the municipal separate storm sewer system(MS4)permit and supports the City of Springfield's 7 Key Stormwater Goals. Mayor Lundberg opened the public hearing. I. Michael McKern,Eugene,OR. Mr.McKern said he has lived in Lane County his whole life. He recreates in Springfield often even though he lives in Eugene. He ran into a contractor on the job site at the new Clear Water Mill Path extension and was very happy to talk with him. The contractor was very happy about his employment,but also knew a lot about what the Virginia-Daisy bikeway and Mill Race Path would do for that area. It has been a gift to be able to bike in this area and he asked the Council to approve this and we will see a complete street with benefits for all including residents,bicyclists and the environment. He was recently hired to work for the City of Eugene Recreation Department at the River House Outdoor Program. Through this program,he goes to schools to teach youth how to actively integrate themselves into being a roadway user.The Virginia-Daisy Bikeway is a wonderful example and with the close proximity to Agnes Stewart Middle School, it will benefit those students. 2. Claudia Denton Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee BPAC Vice Chair Springfield,OR Ms. Denton read from a letter that was approved by the BPAC on October 11, 2016. The letter expressed their support for the final design concept of the Virginia-Daisy Bikeway,and their gratitude to the Oregon Department of Transportation(ODOT)for the transportation enhancement grants that are helping fund this project and to the City council for supporting improvements to the Virginia-Daisy corridor. These improvements will contribute to the Springfield bicycle network,safety and quality of life in the community. The BPAC appreciates the opportunity to be involved and for the community input that was received on this project. She noted the outreach done on this project to the community and how it will benefit the whole community.The BPAC commends staff for their commitment to public involvement and finding the best fit for the community. Mayor Lundberg closed the public hearing. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 21,2016 Page 4 IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WYLIE TO APPROVE THE DRAFT FINAL DESIGN CONCEPT FOR THE VIRGINIA- DAISY BIKEWAY PROJECT. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST(1 ABSENT—MOORE). BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE I. Robert Christensen, Springfield, OR Mr. Christensen spoke regarding a property two houses from him that has had drug activity occurring since 2013 and continues today.It is continuing to persist. He did note that the neighborhood members in the audience have appreciated the assistance of the Police Department. On Halloween Eve,the group of felons and drug addicts were supposed to have left the house. Within 48 hours,they had successfully vacated the residence,but within a few days they were able to pay to get their water turned back on and they moved back in.They focus on methamphetamine now and there have been drug deals witnessed in the street. This could happen in any home in Springfield.He presented a modest proposal that in the event a property with known felons where drug activity is taking place and with hazards to the neighborhood,that Springfield Utility Board (SUB)would not be required to provide services. 2. Gerald Hunter Springfield,-OR. Mr.Hunter said he lives nest to the drug house.He noted that the neighbors had an outdoor toilet dug into their backyard with a tent over it, and garbage is pile high and wide. Sometimes the smell is horrible.There are wet mattresses. At night,the men go out on bicycles one way,and girls go out the other way.One of the men involved in the house next door is now across the street doing bicycles:taking them apart, sanding them and repainting them. 3. Allie Camp.Springfield.OR Ms.Kemp said she is the Chair of the BPAC. She read from a letter approved by the BPAC on October 11, 2016. The letter commended the City on the Mayor's Challenge, Safer People/Safer Streets. The Mayor's Challenge was a volunteer program Funning from May 2015. through September 2016 aimed at creating tangible work plans for how to make our transportation system safer in order to save lives and reduce serious injury and crashed.The City of Springfield in collaboration with other local partners has done a commendable job checking items off of the list and devising a realistic plan to implement new safety measures.The BPAC prioritizes safety for people walking and biking. It gives the BPAC great pride to volunteer for a City that is committing to and prioritizing Challenge activities focused on regulations on walking and biking safety, selecting street designs that fit the existing and planned uses(like Virginia-Daisy),and connecting bicycle and pedestrian efforts. The City now has a Mayor's Challenge work plan to make these commitments a reality.The BPAC would like to contribute to the Springfield Mayor's Challenge efforts and has committed to reviewing the progress this work plan annually and assisting with the completion of items that would be an appropriate fit for the committee that require additional time and energy. She thanked the Mayor,City Council and staff for taking action to improve the safety of our streets. 4. Teresa En breebt Springfield, OR Ms. Engbrecht said her stepfather,Orville Crager, used to be on Neighborhood Watch in her neighborhood. He was a very community oriented man who formed an alliance with his neighbors to start a Neighborhood Watch due to illegal activity down the road. Ms.Engbrecht said she grew up in Springfield,left for a while and came back to take care of her mother.Seeing the drugs and illegal activity going on at the house is City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 21,2016 Mage 5 upsetting. She doesn't know what happened to their community where people used to feel safe. RiverBend Elementary School is located in that neighborhood,and kids walk past this house every day.There are needles on the sidewalks and tweekers walking down the road looking for their drugs. We need to stop this. They continue to call the Police,but there hasn't been any further help. She would love to have her new granddaughter play in her front yard without fear. These neighbors are using other people's garbage cans for their garbage and stealing things from front yards. She acknowledged the many people in the audience from their neighborhood. She asked the City to do something. COUNCIL RESPONSE Mayor Lundberg said there is a nuisance ordinance and techniques to deal with neighborhood issues. She asked staff what had been done and what could be done in this situation. Chief Lewis said this has been going on for some time,and the neighbors' frustration is valid. Police has dealt with the subject property for some time, doing two search warrants and making arrests,but the residents continue to return to the house.The nuisance ordinance requires a certain number of events during a 60 day period of time. Once those residents get to that point,they stop the illegal behavior until that period expires. It then has to re-start.The neighbors have been great to work with, and Police will continue to work with the neighbors and try to apply the ordinance to this house. What makes this somewhat different from others is that the person who owns the house has resources many others don't. The owner has not paid any Douse payments in over four years,but it has not been foreclosed. Mr.Grimaldi said they would involve multiple departments to get this addressed and make the neighborhood livable again. Staff may need to come back to Council with some changes to the ordinance so this type of activity can be addressed. Councilor Ralston said he had a house like this across the street from his house. Police were at that house frequently, so if there needs to be some type of trigger to make that happen,then we need to do that to get Police presence there every day.No one should have to go this long with this kind of a problem in their neighborhood. Mayor Lundberg said all of the laws that protect everyone,protect everyone.This is important enough for all of the neighbors to be here and she would like to ensure that we will do everything we can to get a resolution sooner than later. It will take some time,but they will start looking for solutions now. She asked them to talk with the Chief Lewis after the meeting. Councilor Pishioneri wanted to let the neighbors know they are being heard,and them coming to the Council is the right thing to do.It sounds like there are environmental issues so we may need to involve that department. He supports looking at that section of the code again to look at length of time between police actions. Chief Lewis said Code Enforcement has been involved and issued citations. Councilor Pishioneri asked if someone could check to see about foreclosure of the property and ownership. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 21,2016 Page 6 City Attorney Mary Bridget Smith said the last information they had was that the homeowner had been in default and the foreclosure had not occurred yet. She could check the status. Councilor VanGordon said he is supportive of doing something. It is hard for a neighborhood to go through this.He is open to looking at the health issues.He likes Mr. Grimaldi's approach to include multiple departments and divisions to get resolution. He hopes the neighbors don't feel discouraged. The neighborhoods that have resolved this are neighborhoods that are relentless and remain good partners with the City and keeping us informed of the activity.It may not get fixed tomorrow,but we will work towards a solution that makes it better. He encouraged them to continue to come to meetings, meet with the Chief or other staff. He is open to looking at ways to address these issues in the Chronic Disorderly ordinance. Councilor Wylie said she also supports the neighbors. They should not have to live like this. She suggested looking into a task force that involves the City, Police, Springfield Utility Board(SUB),and the bank when we identify these homes that are a danger to the neighborhood. If SUB knew we were working to stop this behavior,they may be able to assist. Councilor VanGordon asked if we could work with our partners at Lane County if taxes have also not been paid. Ms. Smith said there is a procedure for foreclosing a home based on property taxes.The more powerful tool for the City is when we apply a lien on the property for code enforcement violations. That lien may enable the City to foreclose on the property. Mayor Lundberg said it appears many departments have been involved. She would like staff to look at all options to address this particular property. She would also like to look at the ordinance.We may need a broader definition of infractions and what could be added as a nuisance.They need to figure out how to eliminate the loophole of getting to re-set. Councilor Pishioneri said he would like some status updates to Council so they know what progress is being made. One of the neighbors in the audience thanked the Police for all that they have done.They have come to the neighborhood many times. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS BIDS ORDINANCES BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL I. Councilor Woodrow reported on the Pedestrian Crossings on Main Street. They are in the process of having them completed and operational on Main Street at 48`b Street and Chapman Street.We have come in under budget for the original signals, so are looking at doing one near 66'h Street. She is looking forward to getting one installed and is seeing results of people using the crosswalks. She appreciates all of the work by City staff and ODOT. She is excited to have it almost all done. City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 21,2016 Page 7 Councilor Woodrow said she spoke with new Corp Officer at the Salvation Army, Walter Kaptain. He extended an invitation to the Council and community to visit the Salvation Army to see how they are serving the community. Councilor Woodrow said Chris Stole has served on the Human Services Commission (HSC) for many years as the Budget Committee representative. Her term ends on December 31,2016 so Gabrielle Guidero has been selected to take Ms. Stole's place as the Budget Committee representative to the HSC. Councilor Woodrow said she truly appreciated Ms. Stole and her service to Springfield. 2. Mayor Lundberg said there was a level of politics in the recent election that hasn't been seen for a number of years. When she first got on the City Council, she didn't know what political party any other Council was part of for many years. There is no need to talk about it since the Council is not doing things that are.based on political parties. She would like to encourage all to keep in mind that the City Council is nonpartisan. Working within that framework has done the City well for over 100 years. Politics can cloud what we are about and who we are and it's not necessary. Mayor Lundberg said Commissioner Stewart asked if a statement could be made as a City in Lane County. She read the following from the statement: "Across Lane County and within its cities,we are committed to providing a safe,welcoming and respectful environment for all who reside in,visit and pass through our communities.We, the undersigned,are committed to supporting each other and the public we serve, and providing excellent services for all people. We have heard from members of our community about feelings of anxiety,stress and vulnerability around local, state and national elections. This is particularly true for those who have ever found themselves marginalized because of who they are or where they fall in the political spectrum, In a time of change,our commitment to being a welcoming, safe and inclusive community for all remains constant.We will continue to find ways to support each other,and work to find common ground with those around us.We stand together making the following commitments: • Continuing to promote kindness,compassion and respect regardless of political views • Supporting each other to speak our minds in appropriate ways,welcome all viewpoints, and disagree respectfully_ • Understanding that language and actions that are harassing and intimidating are not acceptable at any time. • Helping each other to collaborate,problem solve,and resolve our differences using positive language and approaches. • Working to bring our teams and our communities together and to maintain a welcoming environment where every person feels safe. We know that collectively our actions today and in the future matter.Let's do our best to come together,work together,and be an example of unity." BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER City of Springfield Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 21,2016 Page S BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 7:42 p.m. Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa Christineoodrow Mayor- Councii President Attest: City Reco er