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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/11/2000 Work Session \.. MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, DECEMBER 11,2000 .e city of Springfield council met in work session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, December 11,2000, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Leiken presiding. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Leiken, Councilors Ballew, Fitch, Hatfield, Lundberg (5:40 p.m.), Ralston and Simmons. Also present were City Manager Michael Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy, Administrative Coordinator Julie Wilson and members ofthe staff. 1. Historic Context Statement City Planner Lauren LezeIl presented the staff report on this issue. A Historic Context Statement (HCS) is a document used in planning for a community's historic resources. The Springfield HCS includes a "Goals, Objectives and Priorities" section, which lists eight goals as a framework for fulfilling the Commission's mission of preserving the community's significant historic resources. The Goals also function as the Historic Commission's work program and are intended to evolve in response to community needs over time. It is possible, therefore, that the priorities may need to be re-evaluated and re-prioritized on a regular or yearly basis to reflect changing needs and goals of the Historic Commission and the City of Springfield. The Historic Commission believes that the Goals are consistent with City Council goals of I) preserving our small town character; 2) partnering with citizens and other public agencies; and 3) participating in a renaissance for Springfield. . Implementation measures for the Historic Commission's work program are listed on pages 85-87 of the HCS and include activities such as 1) develop and produce brochures for walking tours; ) update old surveys; and 3) develop strategic partnerships and networking to enhance the existing preservation effort in Springfield. Staff support to the Historic Preservation program varies depending upon yearly grant funding. The financial impact to the city to implement this program is approximately .05 - .13 FTE. The owner consent rule states that local governments must allow property owners to remove from the property a historic property designation that was imposed by the local government. Likewise, prospective historic property designations cannot occur without property owner consent. Therefore, implementing the Historic Commission's work program is not expected to impact the limitations/liabilities of Ballot Measure 7. Councilor Ballew said we need to continue to be aware of resources available. She asked if we had homes on the National Register that were not located in the Washburne Neighborhood District. The group discussed the area behind Mt. Vernon School. Councilor Lundberg said she thought the small cafeteria area was part of the original, old school building. Lauren Lezell would follow-up on this question and report back to council. Councilor Ballew said the Thurston area might have notable areas classified as "old." The group shared information regarding other old homes in the community. Councilor Fitch and other members of the council recognized efforts of the Historic Commission and thanked them. 2. I-5/Beltline Interchange Reconstruction - Environmental Assessment Status Report. Economic Development Manager John Tamulonis and Management Analyst Eileen Stein presented the staff report on this issue. The I-5/Beltline Interchange Reconstruction Environmental Assessment process has reached a point where, on December 15, the Beltline Decision Team will be asked to decide which alternatives will move into the full environmental analysis phase. . Since Council's last update in September, the SWG has weighted the evaluation criteria and recommends alternatives to be considered by the BDT for inclusion in the full environmental analysis phase of the environmental assessment. \,- Council Agenda December 11, 2000 _ge2 The Stakeholders Working Group (SWG) has considered 20 combinations of interchange options and intersection options based on which feasibly worked together. In October, the SWG applied weights to the evaluation criteria. The transportation/safety and human environment criteria were most heavily and equally weighted, however, all the evaluation criteria were most heavily and equally weighted, however, all the evaluation criteria were applied. The project consultants analyzed the combinations using the weighted criteria and produced the combination in ranked order based on how they met the criteria. On November 30 the SWG selected eight interchange/intersection combinations for detailed display at a December 5 open house. The SWG also chose to display the B-1 intersection design concept at the open house favored by the Gateway Owners for Positive Change, although this intersection option does not meet the threshold criteria. The SWG met on December 6 to consider the comments received from the open house. The SWG has recommended eight combinations to BDT consisting of four packages of two alternatives. Wall charts 'were reviewed with the council. These charts included I-5 Beltline alternatives 1,2,3,4,5,6 and Option B-1, Evaluation Results and Interchange project alternative score sheet. Mr. Tamulonis discussed the evaluation process and range of what the value would be. Nick Arnis discussed design and impacts as they relate to evaluating impacts and alternatives. Mr. Tamulonis said this will all be part of an environmental analysis and available for public review as the process progresses. . Ms. Stein answered questions from Councilor Ballew and discussed Alternative I. Mr. Arnis discussed a phase-in scheme. John Tamulons said we are down to four pairs of projects. Eileen Stein referenced the Alternative wall maps. Mr. Tamulonis pointed out the phasing plan included on each alternative wall chart. Mr. Arnis and Mr. Tamulons discussed the level of service 20 years out. Ms. Stein explained that the alternatives were grouped together in the following order: . Alternative 1/2 · Alternative 3/4 . Alternative 5/6 . Option B-1 Councilor Hatfield asked if the evaluation provided the best option. Mr. Arnis said all criteria and impacts were provided and scored accordingly. Councilor Hatfield asked why Option 1 would not be the first choice. Mr. Arnis discussed the Gateway/Beltline intersection. Councilor Fitch said the queue appeared to be short under Alternative 1. John Tamulonis said there would be impacts to existing businesses. Mr. Tamulonis said under any project of this magnitude would have an impact. Councilor Lundberg wanted to have a clear sense of what the Council supports so she can represent the group. What do we want to preserve in that area. She discussed the need to have a good balance of what that area is to the community. How much displacement are we willing to absorb. What do we want to have happen. Councilor Lundberg said there are only five members on the decision making team and she needs to be clear of council direction. . Ms. Stein pointed out Option B-1. Mr. Tamulonis said during option review, the group considered factors that will produce high improvement and efficiency. "" Council Agenda December 11, 2000 .ge3 Councilor Simons discussed the interchange design and said there is no easy way to move north from the gateway area to the freeway. He said the project will be costly but must be done correctly. He said where the interchange work fails is where the legslbranches come off the interchange. Councilor Simmons said you need evaluate and consider the impact and traffic pattern over the next 25 years. He referenced the two legs in Alternative 1 and 2. They are leading us into a' congested situation. Councilor Hatfield said if we go with the designs, we will have the same downside on each alternative, under or over access. He referenced International Way and asked if Eugene connected Chad or Cresent with Game Farm Road. He said you could then connect North Eugene with North Springfield. Mr. Arnis replied that this was considered but did not work. Councilor Ralston asked what the impact would be to the business. Mr. Tamulonis said Todd's Comfort Inn would be impacted. Councilor Ralston asked what the cost difference is between Alternative 1 and 2. Ms. Stein and Mr. Tamulonis provided this information. Councilor Ballew said we do not want to impact businesses but over 15 years things will change. She noted that people might not want to frequent an area that is highly congested. She said people are sometimes inconvenienced. She said things would change due to the traffic impacts. We need to keep in mind that the most efficient, long-term and cost effective things should be considered. . Councilor Simmons said Chad Drive is a congested area. He said as people increase the use of Game Farm Road we would see increased congestion and use of this area. Councilor Simmons would like to see figures for current loading of Crescent Drive, Near Johnson Farms (signage). Mr. Tamulonis provided additional information regarding Chad/Gateway Loop area. Councilor Ralston asked why Phase 2 is not slated for completion until 2015. Mr. Arnis discussed phasing as well as needs. Councilor Ralston asked why improvements couldn't be done on Harlow Road. Mr. Arnis said this would not solve the I-/Beltline interchange problems. He said initially it was reviewed. Councilor Fitch had concerns over the 15 year outlook. She said with progress there would be some business ,displacement. When construction causes lack of ability to reach an area, she has concerns. She went to the open house and has concerns regarding not connecting other access points. She said we would cause major displacement. In response to a question by Councilor Fitch, Nick Arnis said we could possibly consider use of exiting roads to connect Chad Drive. Mayor Leiken requested confirmation that 20% of traffic is passing through town. He would like to see that information. He would also like to know about MDR property. Eileen Stein confirmed that the percent was about 18%. She also discussed internal trips. Mayor Leiken expressed concern regarding displacement of existing businesses. He said there is more to this then just the five-member committee. This impacts Springfield. The Gateway area has Springfield businesses impacted. We need to weigh all the components when making the decision. Ifwe do not have agreement, we will display a lack of partnership. The meeting this week is key. . The group discussed the Federal Highway Association interchange rule spacing policy as well as the comments regarding the different alternatives. Council Agenda December 11, 2000 .ge4 Councilor Hatfield clarified his understanding of Option B. Staff clarified that we can't design an alternative with a left-hand turn, because the impact is larger than other alternatives. Councilor Hatfield discussed the Federal Highway Association (FHA) policy. Mr. Tamulonis clarified that ODOT and Federal Regulations would prohibit Option B-1. Councilor Ballew said Gateway was close to the freeway. This is a difficult situation. We have a tremendous conflict in that area. She asked if we might be transferring a problem from one area to another. Councilor Hatfield suggested carrying forward Option B. It may get dropped following the environmental assessment. He would like to see us consider every option. Councilor Lundberg agreed with the comments regarding connections. She brought up Pioneer Parkway and said that area will develop. She uses Game Farm Road more often. She said as the interchange develops we will see other changes. She said our decision should not be driven by the bottom line dollar amount, but the impacts. She said 30% of room tax dollars come from out-of-town visitors. She said the Gateway business brings business into Springfield. She wants to be sure our decisions are made based on what we want to see in Gateway area. Councilor Lundberg said she would include Option B as a potential option. She clarified that council recognizes there may be slight impact to business owners. The group gave final agreement to carry forward Alternative 1, 3 and Option B. .JOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7: 1 0 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson .. ~~ Kim Krebs City Recorder .