HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/06/2017 Regular City of Springfield
Regular Meeting
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY FEBRUARY 6,2017
The City of Springfield.Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers,225 Fifth Street,
Springfield,Oregon,on Monday February 6, 2017 at 7.00 p.m.,with Mayor Lundberg presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors VanGordon, Wylie, Moore, Stoehr,Woodrow and
Pishioneri. Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi,Assistant City Attorney Kristina Kraaz,
City Recorder Amy Sowa and.members of the staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lundberg.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
1. Mayor's Recognition
2. Other
a. CASA Check Presentation from Symmonds 800M
Niel Laudati,Legislative and Public Affairs Manager said this was the 5t"time Springfield had hosted
the Symmonds 800M race in downtown Springfield. We had two USATF sanctioned world records set
at this particular event. It was the only Springfield-centric event that was held daring the 2016
Olympic Trials. The City partnered with CASA,and wonderful nonprofit located in Springfield,and
raised $1500 for them.
Katie Gatlin, Director of Development and Communications of CASA,was present to accept the
check. Ms. Gatlin said they appreciated their support through this event.They were able to serve as
many kids as they did last year,not only because of the finds,but because of the awareness it brings
and the volunteers who advocate for the children in the courtrooms.
Mayor Lundberg came down to present the check to Ms. Gatlin.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilor Stoehr said he would like to remove Item 5.b. from the Consent Calendar and move it to
Business from the City Manager to allow time for the public to comment.
1. Claims
2. Minutes
a. January 9, 2017—Work Session
b. January 17,2017--Work Session
e. January 17,2017—Regular Meeting
d. January 23,2017—Work Session
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2017
Page 2
3. Resolutions
a. RESOLUTION NO.2017-01 —A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT CITY PROJECT P21099•
58TH STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSING.
b. RESOLUTION NO.2017-02—A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT CITY PROJECT P21101
DOWNTOWN LIGHTING -PHASE 1
c. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03—A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT CITY PROJECT P31028•
PINEHURST PHASE 2 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT(PIP).
d. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-04—A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT CITY PROJECT P31030•
FILBERT ME,EADOWS FIRST ADDITION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PIl' .
4. Ordinances
5, Other Routine Matters
a. Liquor License Application for Xiaoti Cafe,located at 631 W Centennial Blvd, Springfield,
OR.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR VANGORDON WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH ITEM 5.B REMOVED
AND MOVED TO BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER. THE MOTION PASSED
WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
PUBLIC IIEARINGS -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.
BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE
1. David Strahan, Springfield, OR. Mr. Strahan spoke regarding truly affordable housing. In the
upcoming year and next year,the potential loss of almost 1400 low-income housing units in
Glenwood which directly affects housing in Lane County. Currently, our truly affordable
housing market has very little available and an almost two-year wait list on Section 8 housing.
Before the City looks at things such as $150,000 SWAT vehicles,that they look at what else
could be done with that money directly towards housing. That$150,000 could provide
permanent housing for up to 6 years for 120 people,and could provide up to 20 micro-houses
or other forms of housing that are in dire need now in Springfield.Before going forward with
the vehicle purchase, look at our housing crisis and put that money to work getting our citizens
off the streets.
2. Kris McAllister Springfield, OR Mr.McAllister said he got a lesson regarding the spending
order for the Suburban.At first, he was wondering how else they could use those funds. After
getting information from the City Manager's office and Police, he was able to understand
more how this budget order was able to be done. There are very strict lending and sales items
available through the Federal Forfeiture funds. There is a lot of money there,and he would
like to see more training options in the future to help stop reoffending or help those in our
criminal justice system to get on their feet as they are often part of our unhoused.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2017
Page 3
3. Charles Densen S rin f eld OR Mr. Densen spoke against spending the funds for the
armored vehicle. He volunteers with many community groups that help those that need food or
are unhoused. He sees a dire need for the City to address those issues. I.n Eugene,two people
died from exposure of being unhoused. The priority for safety in our community should be to
address those issues rather than another armored vehicle in the area.We needto look at where
we are focusing our energy to protect our own community.
4. James Barber Springfield, OR Mr. Barber said he is not sure what incidents dictate the need
for another annored vehicle. One issue to consider is the militarization of our police. It is
happening across our nation and is not a good thing.We need to move towards de-escalation
procedures so maybe this money could be better spent on better de-escalating procedures. We
need to demilitarize our police force. A force that can exert its will on another will lends itself
to not listening and is not as objective. That is what they tend to see.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
1. Correspondence from Oregon Communities for a Voice in Annexations Regarding Senate Bills
114 &258 with attached staff response.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR VANGORDON WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO ACCEPT THE CORRESPONDENCE FOR FILING.THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
BIDS
ORDINANCES
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Business from Council
a. Committee Reports
i. Councilor Moore reported that she attended the Historic Commission on January 24, and
the Books and Brews Fundraiser for the Library. She also participated in the Point in Time
homeless count on January 25 and she was at the Ebbert Memorial Church.They were
serving dinner and it was effective to her to put faces on the numbers we receive. City staff
member Erin Fifield and several others were there and they spoke to 49 homeless
individuals. She commended Ebbert Memorial Church who served dinner to 180 people that
night.
Councilor Moore said she attend the Community Listening Event at Springfield High
School.The event was well attended by elected officials. Faces were put on the
discriminatory stories and behavior we hear about in our area. There was a call for the
institutionalized racism that exists in the area,asking for public agencies to respond.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2017
Page 4
Councilor Moore said she also attendedan event and heard Ta-nehisi Coates, author of
"Between the World and Me" at the Matt Knight Arena speak regarding being a black man
in a white America. She noted that her emphasis this year was being a spokesperson for
justice for those that don't have a voice to speak for themselves.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITE'MANAGER
1. Purchase of Police Armored Vehicle.(item removed from Consent Calendar)
[Richard Lewis] (05 Minutes)
Chief Lewis provided a staff report on this topic.The City is very limited in what it can use Federal
Forfeiture funds for in the Police Department. It has to be for law enforcement purposes only. He
referred to a book that outlines what the funds can.be used for.In the past,the funds have typically
been used to purchase equipment,vehicles and training.The funds can't be used to cover salaries for
employees unless it is short duration(one year.or less). The money comes from federal seizures and
drug cases. They are supposed to spend the money within a three-year period of time,although that
doesn't always happen.The funds discussed this evening have been building up over a longer period
of time. In the past,they have used the funds to purchase a vehicle for the narcotics officer and K9 and
for different weapon systems.
In this request,they are looking to purchase an armored Suburban,which will look no different from
any other Suburban on the road.He understands the concern about the Police looking militaristic and
that was discussed when looking to purchase an armored vehicle. This vehicle will give the Police the
ability to go down the road as any other vehicle,with the exception of the emergency lights. It will
give the officers the opportunity to have some cover for different situation. The vehicle is not strictly
for SWAT,but would be used for patrol for barricaded subject calls, armed subject calls, or shots fired
calls. It is not going to be driven every day and he hopes to keep it for about 20-25 years.He
recognizes it is a significant purchase,but provides the officers in those crisis situations,with
protection.Eugene and Lane County have a vehicle that does look more like a military vehicle that can
be used,but it takes time to secure it when a crisis situation is occurring.
Councilor Moore said she asked if these funds could be used to support Cahoots in the future.
Chief Lewis said 15% of the funds could be used for programs. The intention is for law enforcement
and investigations, focusing on drug cases.
Councilor Woodrow added that in March of last year this was vetted in the Springfield Police
Advisory Committee(SPAQ. She said it was a community response with the SPAC and then went to
the Budget Committee and was approved. It has gone through a public process,and they are now
ready to make the purchase. The use for this vehicle is for emergencies,and can be a rescue vehicle
and offer protection to both officers and citizens in a situation with an active shooter.The City doesn't
have anything now that affords us that opportunity.
Chief Lewis said the department also had to vet this through the Federal government and received
approval. There is an Executive Order that came from President Obama that required agencies that
were going to spend asset forfeiture money to get prior approval.The focus of the Executive Order
was to demilitarize the Police Department.
Councilor Wylie said she has seen high speed chases where people open fire on the police.This occurs
in our local area. She asked if this vehicle could go at high speeds.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2017.
Page 5
Chief Lewis said it was not built to go at high rates of speed and won't be used as a pursuit vehicle.
Councilor Stoehr asked how many incidents over the last year could have required an annored vehicle.
Chief Lewis said about once a month. He anticipates that detectives will use this when they go to
execute a search warrant. Many times when officers execute a search warrant,they don't know what
could happen and they sometimes need a place to evacuate to if shots are fired.This would afford the
officers the best protection possible. When the SWAT tears goes out,they expect the arrest team to be
fairly close to the house when the incident is happening. Being able to move the vehicle closer to the
house would provide them better protection than a regular vehicle.
Councilor Stoehr asked if most of these cases are drug related.
Chief Lewis said the majority of search warrants are drug related.The vehicle will be used in different
situations, some involving drug activity and.some not.
Councilor Stoehr said he has the utmost respect for the department and the job they do.They have a
very dangerous job and they perform it with dignity. He feels the general trend towards superior
weaponry can create a certain mindset on the part of the department.He noted a situation in which a
mental health issue was handled in a military engagement, in part as a result of the armed vehicle. The
Police responded in a certain way,and the victim also reacted in a certain way.He is not planning to
vote on this as he feels he doesn't have the background on this subject. He wanted to voice the
concerns of his constituents.
Chief Lewis aid this vehicle would not change how they respond to calls,or make them more
aggressive.It is just providing one more tool to protect officers,similar to vests and other safety
measures.
Councilor VanGordon said Chief Lewis's description of this as a protective measure life vests is valid.
It is a piece of safety equipment to protect officers and the public, and that has been the focus during
the public process. He noted that housing is an issue, and this doesn't take away from that,but this set
of funds is very strictly regulated. He is very supportive of this purchase.
Councilor Wylie said she encouraged people who are concerned about expenditures to get involved in
the budget process.Many of the shootings are done by those who are mentally ill and need care.
Unfortunately, our police officers need protection,too,so they are not shot from random shootings.
This gives a safe base for officers while negotiating.
Councilor Pishioneri said vests are expensive and issued individually to officers and he looks at this as
a rolling vest. Officer deaths are up 167%this year,and we need to be protected.This is an excellent
rescue vehicle and that is the intent,not to cause public alarm, but for protection. It is not an armored
vehicle and doesn't look like it is a threat. One officer's equipment is about$8000-$9000,and a
regular Suburban is about$65,000. He feels this is a good investment and will help protect the public
and our officers.
Councilor Moore said she appreciates Councilor Stoehr bringing this up for discussion.
Mayor Lundberg said she is very supportive of the vehicle, and has faith in the Police Department to
use these funds in the best way possible. This will allow us to outfit our Police so they can do the best
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2017
Page 6
for our community. She appreciates that it does demilitarize the vehicle. The Police Department
makes good choices about what we do.This money is very specific and we are doing what they are
intended to do. She referred to Councilor Stoehr's decision not to vote and asked the City Attorney
when it was appropriate not to vote.
Ms.Kraaz said she would check Council Operating Policies and Roberts Rules of Conflict. She
understands that a person only abstains when there is a conflict of interest or an affirmative reason not
to engage in a vote.
Councilor Stoehr said the reason he was considering abstaining is that he hasn't been involved in the
process of approval.
After reviewing resources,Ms.Kxaaz said the Council Operating Policies don't address abstention.
Roberts Rules of Order states that a member has the right to abstain, but it is generally advised not to
abstain unless you have an affirmative reason for doing so, such as a conflict.
Councilor Stoehr said he affirmative reason is that he was absent from the Budget Committee
meetings.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR VANGORDON WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF AN ARMORED SUBURBAN FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE CONTRACT
FOR PURCHASE.THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF S FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1
ABSTENTION—STOEHR).
2. Regional Wastewater System Development Charge(SDC)Fee Modifications Effective March 1,
2017.
Matt Stouder,Environmental Services Manager presented the staff report on this item.
In 2016,the MWMC restructured its debt obligations by paying off revenue bonds issued in 2006,plus
an advance refunding of the revenue bonds issued in 2008. This resulted in a lower debt obligation
and significant interest cost savings. Subsequently,the MWMC modified the Regional Wastewater
SDC Project List to reflect the most current capital project and financing costs,resulting in SDC fee
modifications as outlined in the 2017 Regional SDC Fee Schedule.The MWMC adopted the new SDC
fees on January 13,2017 and requests that Springfield implement the new fees.
To ensure equity and fairness of the Regional Wastewater SDC fee amounts,a review of MWMC's
SDCs by establishment type(residential,commercial, industrial), including the strength of the
wastewater discharge,was completed.The SDC data was applied using the existing 2009 MWMC
SDC methodology. With assistance from Galardi Consulting,the analysis included refreshing the SDC
capital project list(2017 thru 2027)and associated financing costs to reflect current data.
The MWMC held a public hearing to discuss the proposed changes on January 13,2017. Low
strength includes residential(single family, multi-family, etc.)and some low strength commercial
development. The law strength SDC fee increased by 2.384%,which corresponds to aper dwelling
unit increase of less than$40.The medium to super high strength discharge for commercial and
industrial SDC fees result in decreases ranging from-0.758%to-4.614%.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 6,2017
Page 7
Normally an inflationary adjustment is applied to the MWMC SDC fees based on the Engineering
News Records(ENR)Construction Cost Index(CCI) each July 1.This year's adjustment would be
3.0%for all development types.Given that the 2017 MWMC SDC fee schedule will be implemented
on March 1,2017,the MWMC has determined that an inflationary adjustment will not occur on July
1.
Councilor Moore said she appreciated the reduction to industrial, but noted there was an increase for
residential who are the ones that are hurt the most.
Mr. Stouder said the SDC's are for new development only.
Councilor Pishioneri complimented Matt and staff for their due diligence and making the SDC's
equitable across the board so everyone is paying their fair share.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR VANGORDON WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE 2017
REGIONALS WASTEWATER SDC FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTNE MARCH 1,2017.THE
MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST
3. Other Business.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned 7:33 p.m.
Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa
Christine L. Lundberg
Mayor
Attest:
City Rec er