Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/2000 Regular . . . . MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 24,2000. The Springfield City Council met in Regular Session at Springfield City Hall, City Council Meeting Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, on Monday, July 24,2000 at 7:07 p.m., with Mayor Weathers Presiding. ATTENDANCE: Present were Mayor Weathers, and Councilors Ballew, Fitch, Hatfield, Leiken, and Lundberg. Councilor Simmons was absent (excused). Also present were City Manager Michael Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy, Senior Management Analyst Rosie Pryor, City Recorder Kim Krebs, Administrative Coordinator Shari Higgins, Finance Director Bob Duey, and members of the staff. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Weathers. CONSENT CALENDAR IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR BALLEW, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR HATFIELD TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 1 ABSENT (SIMMONS) EXCUSED. 1. Claims 2. Minutes 3. Resolutions 4. Ordinances 5. Other Routine Matters a. May 2000 Disbursements for Approval. b. June 2000 Disbursements for Approval. c. Approval of City Attorney Contract Renewal for a One - Year Period Effective July 1, 2000, with firm of Harold, Leahy, and Kieran. d. Approval of Property and Liability Insurance Renewal with Northland Insurance. City of Springfield City Council Regular Session - July 24, 2000 Page 2 . PUBLIC HEARING 1. Local Option Tax for Multiple Years - Resolution Calling for Election. RESOLUTION NO.1. - A RESOLUTION REFERRING TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY A BALLOT MEASURE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF A FIVE-YEAR LOCAL OPTION TAX FOR GENERAL OPERATING PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1.66 .PER $1,000 OF ASSESSED VALUE BEGINNING IN 2001102. Finance Director Bob Duey was present for the staff report. Mr. Duey provided an overview of the items discussed in the earlier work session. Mr. Duey eXplained the Special Citizens Advisory Committee recommendation. He then reviewed the three options from the staff report: Option One, Elimination of lower-priority levy items; Option Two, Across-the-board reduction; and Option Three, Management Team reductions. He said the resolution included in the council packet is for an increased tax of $1.66 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2001/02, and said this is reflective of the different reduction scenarios recommended by the Special Citizens Advisory Committee. He said once the public hearing is held, if council agreed to go forward with a modified version, staffwas prepared to make those adjustments immediately and have make them available for approval and signature immediately. Mayor Weathers opened the public hearing. . 1. Stephen Cooney, 223 N A Street, Springfield, stated he is a local attorney and board member of the Springfield Renaissance Development Corporation (SRDC). He said the SRDC board recently met to discuss the merits of the levy, and said those members in attendance fully supported the levy in the amount of$3.55 million. He said the levy meets the public safety needs, it provides public safety capital improvements. He said one of the most important aspects of the levy is that it designates funds to the Library. He described the Library as one of the "gems" of Springfield. He said in order to support a growing community you must improve it, by increasing the selection quality and increasing the youth programs. He said the City of Springfield is growing and needs to be revitalized for the future. 2. Pat Lamb 2462 N 16th, Springfield, stated he is in support of the levy, and expressed his appreciation for the Fire & Life Safety Division. He said approximately five years ago he experienced first hand how well they perform their job, when they responded to an emergency call, where they were able to save his life. He said the City of Springfield has a great reputation for saving lives, and it is important to keep it that way. 3. Stu Burge, 830 McKenzie Crest Drive, Springfield, he said he is a conservative and felt compelled to express his support for the levy as presented. He said the level of services presented in the levy is to cover core services, and felt the average citizen would recognize that, and extend their support of the levy. He commended staff for their hard work and encouraged council to support the levy as proposed. . 4. Joe Mathieu, 841 Diamond Street, Springfield, said it will be very important to limit the levy to public safety measures and community priorities #1,2,3,and 5, as listed in the packet before council. He said these items should be the full extent of the levy. City of Springfield City Council Regular Session - July 24, 2000 Page 3 . 5. Don Myers, Sr. 344 A Street, Springfield, President of the Springfield Police Association, said he has been employed as a police officer for the City of Springfield for 22 years. He said over those 22 years, he has seen population increase by 22 to 23%, while the calls for police service have increased approximately 44%. He said Springfield is ranked 24th in the nation for crime, and 1 st in the state in crime. He said in order for the department to respond to those numbers, the need for adequate staffing is essential. 6. Brian Harvey, 344 A Street, Springfield, Springfield Police Officer, spoke about the different calls for service he as an officer faces on the street each day. He provided an example of the different priorities of the calls for service, and how sometimes an officer may be responding to one call, and then may be diverted at the last minute to another in progress or more important call. He said the Springfield Police Department has had the reputation of being one of the best departments's to work for. He said this reputation no longer exists due to the decline in adequate staffing and training. He said the need for increased staffing is essential, and supporting the proposed levy would address those Issues. . 7. Pat Luciano, 1097 Janus Street, Springfield, said he is the Chair of Police Planning Task Force, and also a member of the Citizen's Advisory Committee that fashioned the levy proposal before council. He thanked council for considering the levy, and said it addresses the long-range strategic plan for police services in Springfield that was adopted by the council five years ago. He said the focus of the plan calls for the formation of the Springfield style program, and is happy to see it is addressed by the levy proposal. He said the members of the task force express their support, and will help and assist in its passage. He provided a memorandum handout titled "Staffing & Calls for Service" for council review, and urged them to support and adopt the levy. 8. Mary Clare Feighan, 332 7th Street, Springfield, said she was speaking on behalf of the Springfield Library Board. She said she is employed full time, and said it is important to increase the library to be as flexible as possible for their working citizens. She said a community the size of Springfield needs access to their library many more hours than are currently available. She said the funds generated from this levy would also provide money for programs for the most under served group of students, those in middle and high school. She said the Springfield Library is a "gem", and it will be important to keep services at a higher standard. She assured council she will work hard to promote the passage of this levy. 9. Sean Wilson, 3446 Douglas Drive, Springfield, said he was Chair of the Citizen's Advisory Committee, is a member of the Planning Commission, and the Police Planning Task Force. He said he supports the need to have a Sergeant position on the street, as it is a very important issue to supervise. He encouraged council to continue to move forward with the police and court administration building when considering the levy, if not now, please keep in their yision for the future. He said all of the items included are essential for the continued growth. He said it is important to fully staff the Fire Department, and the need to open the Fire Station on 28th Street full time. . 10. Tom Bruton, 1128 loth Street, Springfield, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). He was not able to stay for public testimony, and submitted a written letter and asked that it be entered into the record. City of Springfield City Council Regular Session - July 24, 2000 Page 4 . 11. Jim Carlson, 7218 Eldeberry Street, Springfield, said he is a member of Oregon TaxPayers United. He said he agrees that services are important, but said many members are overtaxed, on the verge of losing homes, and having to choose between food and medicine, and have turned to Taxpayers United as an opportunity for hope. He referred to the number of measures that will be on the November ballot, and said many people will not be able to meet all of the proposed increases. He said the system is outdated and the increases are unfair. 12. Jim Hale, 1715 Linnea Avenue, Eugene, said he is supportive of the need for increased police officers in the City of Springfield. He cautioned council before approving the funding for a new police station before considering the possibility of having a police station that would serve the Mohawk and McKenzie Valley in some rational fashion. He provided statistical information regarding the high crime rate in Springfield, and urged council to support the proposed levy. 13. William Carpenter, 680 T Street, Springfield, said he has been a resident for 15 years. He spoke in favor of option #3, which primarily addresses the maintenance of the level of service. He doesn't feel the need to reduce services. He would not support the funding of a new building for police services at this time. . 14. Dan Egan, 850 N. 6th Street, Springfield, spoke as a member of the Citizen's Advisory Committee, and stated over $40 million was looked at before this final recommendation. He said it is important for Springfield to show a commitment for a quality community for living and working. He said 40% of citizens living in Springfield have moved to Springfield in the last 15 years. He said the Library is very important and needs funding to increase the service, we are a growing community and encouraged council to support the levy. 15. Faye Brabham, 644 N 4th Street, Springfield, said she lives in the Historic District of Springfield, has been a resident for 40 years. She has been a volunteer with both the Police and Fire Department's primarily performing home security checks. She said she supports the need for Community Service Officer's in the Police Department. Mayor Weathers closed the public hearing. Councilor Hatfield thanked the people who spoke at the public hearing, and appreciated them taking the time. He said whatever decision council ultimately chooses it will be important to balance the system. He commends the prior council and staff for their continued commitment. He said the Citizens Advisory Committee did a very good job in presenting the issue, and is prepared to go forward with the $3.55 million, with the omission of item #15. Councilor Leiken said as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee it is important that this be considered as more than a public safety levy. He said if a Federal Courthouse is brought to Springfield, the current staffing levels for public safety are inadequate. He spoke about the need to staff the Fire Station on 28th Street, and the need to increase hours in the library to meet adequate standards. He said it is evident by the surveys received, that citizens want the community to grow. He said he would support the $3.55 million, with the omission of item # 15. . City of Springfield City Council Regular Session - July 24, 2000 Page 5 . Councilor Lundberg spoke about the difficult task the Citizens Advisory Committee had in reviewing all of the recommendations. All are worthy causes, but said it is important to propose the measure with services that are direct. She said she is supportive of Option #3 with the addition of a Police Dispatcher position at a rate of $1.33 per thousand. Councilor Ballew said she agreed with Councilor Lundberg. She was also a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee, and said subsequent to bringing this recommendation to council, the community was surveyed. She said Option #3 provided direct positions that support the community, including Police, Fire and the Library. She supports Option #3 with the addition of a Police Dispatcher, at a rate of $ 1.33 per thousand. Councilor Fitch commended the Citizens Advisory Committee for an outstanding job in presenting this issue. She said she supports Option #3 with the addition of a Police Dispatcher, at a rate of $1.33 per thousand. Councilor Hatfield said he would support Option #3 with the addition of a Police Dispatcher, at a rate of $1.33 per thousand. Councilor Leiken said he would also support Option #3 with the additional of a Police Dispatcher, at the rate of$1.33 per thousand. . Mayor Weathers said she reviewed her property tax bill since becoming a homeowner in 1987, and said there was very little change in the dollar amount. She said as a homeowner, having a safe community, which includes crime prevention, protects the investment each and every property owner has. A property tax has a direct connection with the value oftheir property. She understands the burden on our senior or older community members, but at the same time the City of Springfield has an obligation to their voters to continue to provide a safe and livable community. She said she supports Option #3 with the addition of a Police Dispatcher, at a rate of $1.33 per thousand. Mr. Duey recited the corrections that would be made to the Resolution and Ballot Title if approved by Council. He read the corrected Ballot Title in its entirety for the record. Ballot Title Caption: Springfield Five-Year Local Option Tax for General Operating Purposes Question: Shall City of Springfield impose $1.33 per $1,000 of assessed value for five years for general operating purposes beginning 2001/02? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent. Summary: The purpose of the levy is to authorize a five-year local option tax for general operating purposes. . The funds generated would pay for the following personnel and services for public safety. It would add: eight additional police officers, increasing those available per shift from four to five; six additional police support positions including call takers and dispatcher; and six community service officers for the community policing program. It would add twelve firefighter/paramedic positions for a three-person crew to continuously staff apparatus at Station 3. City of Springfield City Council Regular Session - July 24, 2000 Page 6 . It would increase library hours and allow for seven-day service, provide additional programs for children and teens, and add to the library book collection. It would also stabilize funding for certain existing services. The estimated taxes which would be raised by this levy are 2001/02 - $2.78 million; 2002/03 - $2.90 million; 2003/04 - $3.02 million; 2004/05 - $3.14 million; and 2005/06 - $3.26 million, for a total of $15.1 million. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR BALLEW, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR HATFIELD TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.1. AS READ BY MR DUEY. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 IN FAVOR AND 1 ABSENT (SIMMONS) EXCUSED. Mayor Weathers stated for the record that Councilor Simmons does support going forward with the levy, and this is the option that he most preferred. BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE Jim Carlson, 7218 Eldeberry Street, Springfield, asked how the telephone survey was conducted with the community, and wondered if the tax payers that were surveyed were reminded that Lane County and Springfield School District had tax measures they were taking to the voters in November. . City Manager Mike Kelly responded to Mr. Carlson, and said he would direct staff to provide a copy of the questions and results of the survey that was performed in mid-June. Mr. Kelly said Moore Services out of Portland conducted the survey. He said at the time this survey was performed, the School District or the County had not come forward with a proposal, and based on that, the survey did not include that possibility. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS 1. Correspondence from Betty Edwards, 207 North 16th Street, Springfield, Regarding WalMart. 2. Correspondence from Tom Bruton, 1128 10th Street, Springfield, Regarding the Proposed Levy. There was one additional item received during the public hearing section regarding the proposed levy. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR BALLEW, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR HATFIELD TO ACCEPT AND FILE THE CORRESPONDENCE, INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL ITEM SUBMITTED. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 1 ABSENT (SIMMONS) EXCUSED. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL . Mayor Weathers shared information regarding correspondence from Judge Michael Hogan with U.S. District Court, that Springfield had received a copy of a letter from the Office of the Circuit Executive U.S. Courts for the Ninth Circuit, that designates Springfield as a place for holding court has been approved. . . . City of Springfield City Council Regular Session - July 24, 2000 Page 7 BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER City Manager Mike Kelly said council would be in recess until Sep,tember 11, 2000, with the exception of the Joint Elected Officials work session on August 9t" to continue their discussion on TransPlan. Mayor Weathers asked Mr. Kelly to follow up with the county to ensure they are ready to discuss and react. .. .BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney Joe Leahy spoke about the advocacy of Councilor's regarding the Resolution and Ballot Measure. He said from this point forward, employee time and energy and taxpayers dollars cannot be expended in advocating the passage of this Measure. He said councilors as elected officials can advocate and promote, but cannot direct staff to participate in the advocacy. He cautioned them regarding some personal liability on their part if they do. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Kim Krebs ~.1AJq~ Maureen M. Weathers, Mayor ~~ City Recorder