HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 04 Council Minutes
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date:
Meeting Type:
Department:
Staff Contact:
Estimated Time:
March 3, 2008
Regular Meeting
City Manager's Office
Amy Sowa, 726-3700 o.b
Consent Calendar
SPRINGFIELD
CITY COUNCIL
ITEM TITLE:
COUNCIL MINUTES
ACTION REQUESTED:
By motion, approval of the attached minutes.
ISSUE STATEMENT:
The attached minutes are submitted for Council approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
Minutes:
a) February 4,2008 - Work Session
b) February 4,2008 - Regular Meeting
DISCUSSIONI None
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Sowalagendalminutes AIS
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2008
The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Library Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, February 4,2008 at 5:37 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Lundberg, Wylie, Ballew, and Pishioneri. Also
present were Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Attorney Matt
Cox, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Councilors Ralston and Woodrow were absent (excused).
1. Pioneer Parkway EmX 30 % Design Corridor Review.
Transportation Manager Tom Boyatt presented the staff report on this item. He introduced the
following people: Stefano Viggiano, Assistant General Manager from Lane Transit District
(LID); Lisa VanWinkle, Assistant to the Project and Public Outreach (LTD); Charlie Simmons,
. Project Manager (LTD); Jeff Lange, Project Leader from the Oregon Department of
Transportation (ODOT); and Ramona Cline, Assistant District Manager (ODOT). He also
acknowledged the following people who were in the audience: Jack Gonsalves, from Parsons
BrinckerhoffUSA and Brian McCarthy, landscape architect. Mr. Boyatt said that LTD had
submitted thirty percent plans for the Parkway EmX project. City and ODOT staff had reviewed
the submittal and identified key issues that were further explained in Attachment A, Council
Briefing Memo, in the agenda packet. LTD and City staff would present project design, discuss
key issues, and answer questions about the project. This review was anticipated to be the final
Council review prior to completing design and constructing the project.
On November 6, 2006 Council again endorsed the Pioneer Parkway EmX Environmental
Assessment Locally Preferred Alternative for design, and ultimately for construction. This
corridor is the second phase of bus rapid transit implementation in the metro area, and will
connect downtown to Gateway including RiverBend Medical Center, Gateway Mall and the
growing employment center on International Way.
Council directed that the design and construction of the new EmX facility be reviewed and
approved using the City's Public Improvement Project (PIP) process. Council further directed
staff from both jurisdictions to pay close attention to the impacts of the new EmX facility on the
existing built environment, particularly any impacts to private properties, loss of on-street '
parking, and changes to the Pioneer Parkway median and median landscaping. The purpose of
Council's 30% Plans corridor review is to highlight the proposed treatment of these and other
issues along the corridor. Next steps will be for L TD to submit 70% Plans to staff, iron out any
final details, and then prepare a 100% Plan Set for City PIP approval. Following PIP approval
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 4, 2008
Page 2
by the City Engineer, the project would begin construction. Construction is anticipated to occur
in 2009 and 2010.
Mr. Boyatt said that phase I of the EmX project went into service January 2007. Phase II would
be a continuation of the route from the Springfield Station north, over to Eugene and back to
Springfield. He discussed the funding sources for this project. The EmX team began the design
and review process about a year ago. The City had representatives to address Springfield issues
and they also made sure the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) was part of the
review process. He thanked Civil Engineer Kristi Krueger for leading that project. He noted that
the process was similar to the project improvement plan (PIP) process. He referred to the council
briefing memorandum in the agenda packet and the issues that were outlined in that memo.
Mr. Viggiano said they would work through this quickly enough to allow Council time to ask
questions. He said Lisa VanWinkle would discuss the property contacts, Brian McCarthy would
discuss the median treatments, and Charlie Simmons, Project Manager, would discuss design
engineering and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) issues. Mr. Viggiano gave a
brief history of the EmX project and the choice for this corridor. They had held open houses, sent
out mailings, had environmental screenings, and had contacted property owners. The main issues
remaining were around Gateway and Harlow Roads. The design shown tonight was consistent
with the locally:preferred alternative (LPA). He thanked City staff for working through those
issues. He discussed the funding for this project.
Mr. Viggiano presented a power point presentation on this phase of the EmX project. It showed
the direct connection to Gateway from the existing route. Phase 2 would include fourteen new
stations, some through mixed traffic, and some in exclusive lanes. He discussed the frequency of
the buses and said it would likely be set at a fifteen minute frequency. He referred to the Franklin
Corridor and the success with the first phase. The power point showed the route on a large map.
He discussed future legs of this route into Eugene and over to Coburg Road. He referred to the
schedule starting December 2006 through the Fall of 20 10 when the system would be
operational. Businesses in this area were anxious to get this system completed. L TD would be
using a project manager to get it built.
Councilor Wylie asked about the public art selection and noted that the Arts Commission had
some sculptures that had been donated to them. She asked if anyone from this project had
contacted the Arts Commission about those sculptures.
Mr. Viggiano said he believed they had been contacted. An art committee would be formed to
determine what art would be included in this phase of the EmX.
Councilor Ballew asked about eastern routes.
Mr. Viggiano said that would be discussed during the Joint L TD Board/City Council meeting
scheduled for February 25.
Councilor Lundberg confirmed that tonight would be Council's opportunity to provide input and
make decisions about the design to this point. Once they got past thirty percent, things were
more set.
"
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 3
Mr. Viggiano said that was correct. At thirty percent, design issues would be settled. Engineering
issues would be addressed later. If Council felt comfortable with the thirty percent design, L ill
would move forward. Council could review it later, but it would be more expensive to change
design later.
Mr. Towery said that if at the end of the meeting, more time was needed by Council to sort
through the issues so they felt more comfortable with the design, Council could ask to have L ill
and staff come back at a future meeting to make their decision. It was important that Council had
adequate time to get their questions answered and felt comfortable with their decision.
Mr. Boyatt said City staff would be reviewing the plans between the thirty percent and seventy
percent and the final review of one hundred percent before issuing any permits to LTD. Issues
would be resolved at the staff level, but if transportation staff couldn't resolve the issues, they
would go to City Manager Gino Grimaldi and Mark Pangborn, LTD's General Manager.
Councilor Lundberg said this was the first time she had seen it laid out to resolve issues. She said
it was notable they were at this point.
Mayor Leiken asked about federal dollars, and if there was a timeline when the federal
government could pull the funding.
Mr. Viggiano said as long as the funds were obligated within three years, they could spend the
money after the three years. Mr. Viggiano introduced Ms. VanWinkle.
Ms. Van Winkle distributed two pages to the Mayor and Council showing the current list of
property contacts that had been made since summer of2007 and a map of those properties.
Those contacted were people impacted by the service going by their property. She discussed the
information on the two documents and summarized reactions from the individuals contacted. She
discussed those reactions. She discussed those properties that had issues and concerns and how
those were addressed. None of the reactions were negative and the majority of contacts made
were positive. There would continue to be ongoing communications with property owners,
tenants and the general public.
Councilor Lundberg asked where the Justice Center was in relationship to the route.
Mr. Leahy noted the location.
Councilor Pishioneri noted several residential lots on the south side. He asked about their
reactions and if they had been contacted.
Ms. VanWinkle said some contacts were made, and LTD would be re-contacting them. There
were no concerns that she was aware of from those citizens.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if the residents living in apartments or duplexes along the route had
been contacted. .
Mr. Viggiano said for the multiple housing units, the owners had been contacted and there was a
mailing sent out to the residents asking for their concerns.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 4, 2008
Page 4
Mr. Boyatt discussed the configuration of this route near the residential lots, and noted that most
fronted on the cross streets.
Councilor Pishioneri said it would be wise to contact the actual residents rather than just the
owners.
Councilor Lundberg referred to the list and asked about the G Group.
Ms. VanWinkle said she had a call into Mr. Smith and she would be working with the G Group:
Councilor Lundberg said there was still an issue of the items that had not been resolved. There
were enough properties that still had outstanding issues that needed to be contacted. She asked
about the issues with the EI Charro Restaurant.
Ms. Van Winkle referred to the contact list and said those highlighted in yellow had been spoken
with, but decisions were still in process.
Councilor Lundberg asked where in the design the location of the stations fell.
Mr. Viggiano said there was only one station that was not yet finalized and that was at the EI
Charro Restaurant. There were still discussion's about the location of that station. They were
exploring a location to the west to resolve that issue. All the other stations were fixed in this
design.
Mr. Boyatt said staff would look for a station location that would provide the safest location for
the system and the crossing of pedestrians while weighing in with the adjacent property owners.
All those things needed to be balanced.
Councilor Lundberg asked for clarification on what Council would be approving.
Mr. Boyatt said they would be approving the thirty percent design presented. There was only one
station location, that in front of El Charro' s that could be changed.
Councilor Pishioneri asked about the driveways going into EI Charro's.
Discussion was held regarding the driveway location.
Ms. Van Winkle turned the presentation over to Brian McCarthy, landscape architect.
Mr. McCarthy said in the thirty years he had worked in this area, he had authored the
Comprehensive Plan for Willamalane Parks and Recreation District, and had worked on many
sites in Springfield, including the Springfield Station. He was aware of Springfield issues. As
this project unfolded, he found that the character of Pioneer Parkway was of high importance and
that it remain as a parkway. He intended to provide a design that emphasized safety for
pedestrians, bicyclists, cars and trucks and enhanced aesthetics. He wanted it to be
comprehensive. In many cases, he was able to enhance the landscaping. He referred to
Attachment B, pagelO in the agenda packet and other drawings in the Council packet. He
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 5
discussed the trees that currently existed, and would remain, along the parkway. He discussed the
trees that would be added, and those that would be removed or impacted by the constructed.
Mr. McCarthy discussed pedestrian buffers that could include physical and landscape barriers.
He referred to the station area lighting and lighting further along the parkway so people could
see when walking or biking that the bus station was near. Because the City would like lighting all
along the pathway, conduit and junction boxes were being added to allow additional lighting in
the future. He discussed the artwork. L TD may look at using art at and away from the stations.
He discussed path crossing and the issues surrounding those crossings. He explained how those
issues were being addressed. He discussed the review of this design by City and LTD staff. This
crossing was still an area that continued to be discussed and refined. They needed to have visual
and audible ways for citizens to know there was a crossing. He explained why drop down arms
were not being considered.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if there was enough sanctuary for a pedestrian if they inadvertently
found themselves walking along the EmX guideway and a bus started to drive their way. He was
concerned because rails were to be installed along that guideway to keep pedestrians off the
guideway. He asked how long the barrier went before there were any gaps.
Mr. McCarthy addressed his questions. He said there would be little room between a bus and the'
barrier. The barrier went all the way to Centennial Boulevard.
Mr. Viggiano said the bus drivers would have extensive training on safety and to watch
particularly in this section for pedestrians. He felt the drivers would not let anything happen.
Councilor Pishioneri said he was concerned that a person couldn't get out of the guideway if they
inadvertently got in there.
Mr. Viggiano said he felt there were a couple of feet for a pedestrian to get out of the way if
needed.
Councilor Lundberg said she was concerned there was no barricade at the crossing and people
could wander into the bus guideway. She asked what consideration was given for barricade
across the walkway.
Mr. McMarthy said they would take that into consideration. Public Works maintenance used that
path also, so a bollard that separated the crossing could be an issue.
Mayor Leiken asked if the Portland Max system had something similar that worked.
Mr. Gonsalves addressed that question because he had extensive experience with that system.
Mr. Gonsalves said there were strategies. He discussed some of those strategies used in Portland,
but noted they were in different circumstances and conditions. Because there were such long site
distances along the Pioneer Parkway, pedestrian gates may not be necessary. Blinking lights .
notifying people to look both ways at the crossing was an option.
Mayor Leiken said a light with a trigger system could be the answer.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 4, 2008
Page 6
Mr. Gonsalves said it needed to be established who had the right-of-way in the crossing. There
needed to be a sign or something to identify that pedestrians needed to stop. The frequency of the
bus would be about five to ten minutes, so there would be ample time for pedestrians to get
through the crossing.
Mayor Leiken said he appreciated Councilor Pishioneri and Lundberg's questions because this
was a different situation. He expected this section would move a lot of people. This was a test
case and if there was information out there, it was important to use that information.
Councilor Ballew asked about mature trees that would be removed and replaced. She wondered
about the timing for growth of the new trees.
Mr. McCarthy said they had tried to route the major route around the big trees. A lot of the trees
that were coming outwere less than five inches and young trees. They would be replaced with
two inch trees. The gentleman who maintained the trees on Pioneer Parkway had told Mr.
McCarthy that those trees had grown very quickly. Mr. McCarthy pointed out that the deciduous
trees that would be the replacement trees met the guidelines for City trees. In some cases, such as
areas that were narrow, they were looking at trees that had a strong center trunk and could be
trimmed so they didn't grow out horizontally. He further described current tree strip regulations.
They would be working from the list of trees the City used and also using native shrubs.
Councilor Ballew asked about the watering system.
Mr. McCarthy said at first they looked at this as having no irrigation system. Some existing
systems would be damaged, however, and would be replaced. There were different standards
between ODOT and the City, but it was best to have irrigation.
Councilor Lundberg said she was not concerned about landscaping. The landscaping that had
. been done along the EmX corridor on Franklin Boulevard looked nice. The issue was that buses
came every ten minutes, and she was concerned about pedestrians. She expressed concern about
lighting along the pathway.
Mr. McCarthy said staffhad conveyed that concern to LTD. When the City fIrst approached
LID about adding lights, they were told ofa new standard of lights every seventy-fIve feet. To
add those lights would add another $.5M to the project that wasn't budgeted. He explained how
they were trying to put in as much lighting as possible and work together with the City to make it
happen, including placing electric boxes along the routes where lights could later be added.
Councilor Wylie said the Metro in Washington DC had lights flashing. She suggested lights and
something audio announcing bus.
Mr. Gonsalves noted the concern of having something loud near the neighbors.
Mr. Boyatt said the idea of flashing lights would be explored. Bollards created additional fixed
objects that could cause collisions. He discussed low raise barriers and the visual distance in that
area.
Councilor Lundberg asked about the distance from the barrier to the bus.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 7
Mr. McCarthy said the barrier would be between thirty-six and forty-two inches. There would be
two types of barriers depending on the location.
Mr. Boyatt noted that there were ten minutes left in the meeting. He asked Council if they would
like staff to review some of the other issues quickly.
Mayor Leiken referred to the intersection at Gateway. He asked how that was affected by the
EmX.
Mr. Boyatt said Gateway remained north and southbound and EmX would be in mixed traffic.
The City would need to provide design data to L TD to look for an opportunity for a bus-only
lane that could go through the signal. Staff was focusing on an intersection solution.
Mayor Leiken asked about having the EmX in mixed traffic and whether or not that defeated the
purpose of the EmX. He asked why they didn't put exclusive lanes off of Royal Caribbean Way,
with feeder busses from Gateway and to the EmX station. He was not sure an exclusive lane
could be put down Gateway or Harlow Road. He asked if they had gone through the different
scenanos.
Mr. Viggiano said they had thought about the feeder bus idea. They found that with transfers,
they lost a lot of ridership. The Gateway Mall was a major destination and they wanted to create
connections to Gateway without transfers. They hoped that over time, they could work out some
other options to get through the most congested areas. This is what the customers wanted.
Councilor Lundberg said she wasn't completely comfortable making a decision until all the
property owners on the list were o.k. with this route. There were a lot of issues including big
intersections, locations of stations, and pedestrians crossing Harlow Road and Gateway. She
wanted more clarity about how the discussions with property owners highlighted in yellow were
going. She didn't want to go forward until she knew people were comfortable and on board. She
was looking forward to the project, but said there were still a lot of issues to be resolved.
Mr. Viggiano said L TD wanted Council to be comfortable. They would bring this back to
Council as soon as possible. L TD would finish contacting the property owners and bring more
information back to the Council.
Mayor Leiken agreed and said that Council was not quite ready to agree to the thirty percent
design. He appreciated the presentation and said it was very informative. This would be a good
project once they go everything worked out.
Mr. Towery outlined some options for a date for this to come back to Council.
Mayor Leiken said coming in early on February 19 (5:30pm) would be the best option.
Council thanked L TD for the presentation and information.
ADJOURNMENT
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 8
The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 pm.
Minutes Recorder - Amy Sowa
Sidney W. Leiken
Mayor
Attest:
Amy Sowa
City Recorder
City of Springfield
Regular Meeting
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2008
The City of Springfield Council met in regular session in the Council Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, February 4, 2008 at 7: 13 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Lundberg, Wylie, Ballew, Woodrow (by conference
phone) and Pishioneri. Also present were Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery, City Attorney Joe
Leahy, City Attorney Matt Cox, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Councilor Ralston was absent (excused).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Leiken.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
1. Police Recognition of Paula Kukus.
Police Chief Jerry Smith introduced Paula Kukus. On November 27,2007, Springfield Police
were notified by the Lane County Sheriff's Office of an escapee and provided the description of a
vehicle associated with this wanted mali.
One of the patrol officers observed the vehicle and recognized the driver as the person wanted for
escape. The wanted person attempted to flee and after a ~hort vehicle pursuit, the suspect drove
over a curb, came to a stop and then ran from the vehicle into a large apartment complex. Two
officers gave foot chase of this individual who was clearly attempting to avoid capture.
From seemingly out of nowhere, Paula Kukus appeared and knocked the escapee to the ground,
enabling the pursuing officers to take the suspect into custody. Ms. Kukus disappeared as quickly
as she had appeared and was located by officers later in an apartment where she was providing
care for an individual.
It should be noted that the suspect at 6 foot 2 inches and 180 pounds is much larger than Ms.
Kukus.
Ms. Kukus sought no recognition for her remarkable courage in assisting Springfield Police in
apprehending this wanted man as evidenced by the need for officers to knock on apartment doors
to locate her.
The Springfield Police Department takes great pride in extending sincere appreciation to Ms.
Paula Kukus for going far beyond an act of good citizenship in the arrest of a wanted man
attempting to flee police.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 2
CONSENT CALENDAR
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH ITEM 5.F.
REMOVED. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1
ABSENT - Ralston).
1. Claims
2. Minutes
a. January 14,2008 - Work Session
b. January 22,2008 - Work Session
c. January 22, 2008 - Regular Meeting
3. Resolutions
4. Ordinances
a. ORDINANCE NO. 6214 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SPRINGFIELD
MUNICIPAL CODE (SMC). CHAPTER 5 - PUBLIC PROTECTION TO ADD
SECTION 5.117. UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA LESS THAN ONE
OUNCE. AND AMEND SECTION 5.104. MISDEMEANORS AND VIOLATIONS-
STATE STATUTES ADOPTED.
b. ORDINANCE NO. 6215 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SPRINGFIELD
MUNICIPAL CODE (SMC) 5.402. DEFINITIONS REGARDING BARKING DOGS.
AND 5.420. BARKING DOGSPROHffiITED VIOLATION.
5. Other Routine Matters
a. Approval ofthe Liquor License Endorsement for Save-a-Lot #981, Located at 4223 Main
Street, Springfield, Oregon.
b. Approval of the Liquor License Endorsement for 7-Eleven 2363-18092D, Located at
1396 Main Street, Springfield, Oregon~
c. Apjroval of the Liquor License Endorsement for Hayden Bridge Deli, Located at 2454
10 Street, Springfield, Oregon.
d. Approval of the Amendments to the Council Operating Policies and Procedures.
e. Approve the Contract to ECONorthwest for Track 2 of Commercial/Industrial Buildable
Lands (CIBL) Inventory Consultant Services to Create a Contemporary Land Use
Database and Analysis Tools in the Amount of $61,000.
f. (Removed)
g. Approval to Enter into an Agreement with Lane County to Act as an Agent for the City
for the Appraisal, Negotiations and Acquisition of Real Property Rights.
ITEMS REMOVED
5. f. Approval ofthe Contract with John Hyland Construction, Inc. for Construction of
Thurston Fire Station #16 and Remodel of Fire Station #3, Projects P20534 and P20547.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 3
Councilor Lundberg asked to have Item 5.f. acted upon after the design for Fire Station # 16 was
determined (under BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER, Item 1).
Council asked if the Council Operating and Policies addressed the new ethics law. Not at this
time.
Mr. Leahy said the City Attorney's Office would be looking into the new ethics law and bringing
back information to the Council.
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. Lane Regional Air Protection Agency Residential Wood Heating Advisory Amendment.
ORDINANCE NO.3 - AN ORDINANCE REGARDING AIR POLLUTION, AMENDING
CHAPTER 4, SECTIONS 4.418(4), 4.500 AND 4.506 OF THE SPRINGFIELD
MUNICIPAL CODE, AND CHANGING REFERENCE IN THE SPRINGFIELD
MUNICIPAL CODE FROM THE LANE REGIONAL AIR POLLUTION AUTHORITY TO
THE LANE REGIONAL AIR PROTECTION AGENCY, AND AMENDING THE
RESIDENTIAL WOOD HEATING ADVISORY THRESH0LD VALUES (FIRST
READING).
Environmental Services Supervisor Bill Hamann presented the staff report on this item. Lane
Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAP A) has requested amendments to Springfield's "Red- Y ellow-
Green" Residential Wood Heating Advisory ordinance 4.506 "Definitions," to revise wood heating
advisory thresholds downward, reducing wood heating pollutant levels to ensure that Springfield
continues to meet federal air quality standards. LRAP A also requested updating the Municipal Code
to reflect LRAPA's current name, as noted above, where it appears in the Code.
Springfield Municipal Code Section 4.506 presently defmes air quality threshold values for
residential wood heating (RWH) restrictions when high levels of air pollution are forecast. The
restrictions are communicated to the public via published advisories, using a Green, Yellow, Stage 1
Red, and Stage II Red designation to denote increasing restrictions on allowable burning activities.
Restrictions are progressive as forecast pollution levels increase, up to and including a prohibition on
the use of wood heating devices without a special exemption.
Threshold levels for the advisories are developed by LRAP A, based on the EP A's National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The NAAQS were recently revised downward, and the proposed
amendments seek to proportionally reduce the RWH advisory thresholds to maintain Springfield's
air quality within federal limits.
The NAAQS is based on very small particulate termed PM2.5, which, in high concentrations, is
believed to adversely impact the health of sensitive individuals The RWH advisory thresholds
represent maximum allowable levels of air pollutants believed to protect the health of sensitive
individuals.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2008
Page 4
In September, 2007, LRAP A submitted a letter to Mayor Leiken requesting that the City amend the
Municipal Code regarding the levels of PM that trigger the various advisories, lowering the threshold
levels for all categories ofthe advisory (see Attachment A). This reflects changes to the NAAQS,
which were recently revised when research showed that lower pollutant levels were needed to reduce
the risk to human health from air pollution.
The current and proposed PM2.5 concentration thresholds, and their ~espective advisory level, are
included in Attachment A, Council Briefmg Memo. The letter from LRAP A requesting the
amendments is included as Attachment B, and the proposed ordinance is Attachment C.
Mr. Hamann noted that there was a minor technical change in the council briefing memorandum
(CBM) included in the agenda packet. He introduced Merlin Hough, Director with LRAPA, and
Sally Markos, Public Information and Education Outreach staff person from LRAP A. Mr.
Hamann asked Mr. Hough to explain the change in the CBM, page 2.
Mr. Hough referred to page 1 of the CBM. He noted that exemptions from the requirements were
available through LRAP A for low-income residents. Few exemptions had been requested. Mr.
Hough also explained the minor technical correction on the table on page 2 of the CBM,
regarding opacity levels.
Councilor Wylie said she appreciated the need for clean air, but had a lot of concern with the new
levels which could mean about eleven days when people couldn't bum. She was concerned about
those people that relied on their wood heat as their source of heat. She asked what would happen
if Council voted not to comply and whether or not this was a federal requirement.
Mr. Hough said it was part of the state implementation plan and included current ordinances in
the current plan. They asked that cities be consistent with federal standards that were adopted a
year ago. It was critical and LRAP A would consider it a major problem ifthe cities voted not to
update their ordinances.
Councilor Wylie said a lot of people relied on wood heat for comfort. She felt it was a very strict
standard.
Mr. Hough said the purpose was to reduce smoke emissions. In Eugene and Springfield, the
major change would be in yellow days. They hoped they would have sufficient support during the
yellow days to reduce the number of red days. Cities had exemptions for low-income residents,
but few people had asked for that exemption.
Mayor Leiken asked who else had adopted this.
Mr. Hough said Oakridge and Eugene had already approved the new levels. Lane County would
soon be considering this for approval. Lane County's ordinance related to citizens in the urban
growth boundary (UGB) only.
Mr. Leahy referred to the change in figures on the chart in the CBM. He asked if there were any
changes in the ordinance due to the changes on that chart.
Mr. Hough said that change did not affect the ordinance. No changes to the ordinance were
needed.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2008
Page 5
Councilor Ballew noted the confusion with this topic because the standards were being raised, but
the numbers lowered. She would like it to be made more clear next time.
Mayor Leiken opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Leiken closed the public hearing.
NO ACTION REQUESTED. FIRST READING ONLY.
BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE
1. Fred Simmons. 312 South 52nd Place. Springfield. Mr. Simmons said he would like to discuss
two items. The first was the design for Fire Station #16. He said that most people that
attended the briefings on the design supported the two-story design with the peaked roof. He
noted that the City had three stations that were deficient and it would not make sense to spend
more money on a flat roof. The second topic of his testimony was the Depot building. He
noted that when the Depot Foundation dissolved, the City would absorb the property the
Depot building sits on and enter into a rental agreement with the Chamber of Commerce.
There were definitive issues that needed to be addressed in that agreement. A substantial
amount of public money would be needed for the maintenance of that building and he felt
there needed to be a mechanism in place for funds collected for rent to go into a maintenance
fund for future maintenance. He also felt there needed to be an accounting mechanism for
when the Chamber rented out space for other groups. There were details about the station and
rail car that needed to be looked at regarding the acquisition, lease agreement, and station
proceeds.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
BIDS
ORDINANCES
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Committee Appointments
a. Arts Commission Appointment.
Librarian Carrie Schindele-Cupples presented the staff report on this item. The Arts
Commission has three vacancies on its board. We advertised for two position openings due
to a term expiration of member Judith Macomber and a resignation by Janelle McMahan. At
the January 14th meeting, Don Durland also announced his resignation, creating a third
opening. The recommended candidates applied and were interviewed by the Arts
Commission to fill the vacancies.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 6
The Council reviewed the applicants at the January 28, 2008 work session.
In response to the news releases of December 5,2007 and December 26,2007, the Arts
Commission received five applications to fill three vacancies. The Arts Commission
, reviewed all applications and met with the five applicants during its regular January 14th
meeting.
The Arts Commission recommends that William Miller, Karl Kreutzer and Sandra
Dominguez be appointed to the commission, with terms to expire December 31, 2011.
Mr. Miller is an artist and carpenter who owns Millrace Woodworks in Springfield and is
passionate about building the arts community in Springfield.
Mr. Kreutzer works as an engineering technician, and is experienced with fundraising and
arts advocacy.
Ms. Dominguez is a former member of the arts commission and eligible to serve again; she
holds an M.A. in Arts Administration.
All recommended applicants are qualified to serve on the Arts Commission. The Council is
requested to appoint three candidates at the Regular Session on February 4, 2008.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY
COUNCILOR PISHIONERI TO APPOINT WILLIAM MILLER, KARL KREUTZER
AND SANDRA DOMINGUEZ TO THE ARTS COMMISSION WITH TERMS TO
EXPIRE DECEMBER 31,2011. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR
AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - Ralston).
2. Business from Council
a. Committee Reports
1. Councilor Ballew reported on the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC). At the last
meeting, criteria for Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds
were. discussed. After discussion, it was determined that the State rules counted, not
that of the MPC or cities. Some MPC members wanted to discuss it further. She felt
it was unnecessary and noted that Commissioner Sorenson agreed with her and
Councilor Lundberg.
2. Councilor Pishioneri said the TEAM Springfield meeting held on February 2 went
well. There were good ideas shared for the Downtown Urban Renewal District,
including traffic solutions for South A Street.
3. Mayor Leiken thanked Councilors Ballew and Lundberg for attending the first State
Transportation meeting. Oneofthe things discussed was how to work through the
loss of revenue from the Secure Rural Schools Act, and what policy initiatives were
needed to address loss of matching money. Transportation and land use issues needed
to be addressed from a common sense point of view. It was a good discussion.
4. Councilor Ballew said she attended the Task Force on Federal Forest Payments
meeting in Salem on January 31. There was good information shared that she would
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2008
Page 7
bring to City staff. Discussion was held at the Task Force meeting regarding the
various program work groups. There were two areas statewide that had $15M interest
on delinquent payments. Concurrence from the group was that should go to the
counties. It was not a significant amount, but was something. Councilor Ballew noted
that Matt Garretts was committed to the counties.
Mayor Leiken said they also discussed how the gas tax would be allocated.
Councilor Ballew said the State would transfer some of the gas tax to the counties.
Discussion was held on how those funds were split.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
1. Thurston Fire Station #16 - Design Options P20534.
Project Manager Carole Knapel presented the staff report on this item. On October 15,2007, the
Council approved the Functional and Space Program for the Thurston Fire Station #16 Project
and directed staff to proceed with the design of a facility which would incorporate Best
Management Practices and which would address issues of gender neutrality, ADA accessibility,
turnout and equipment storage "Blue Line" separation and apparatus storage. The Council
authorized the project to include approximately 9550 square feet. On January 14, 2008, staff
presented three schematic design options for the Council's review.
The project design team has been working with representatives of the Fire Department,
Development Services, and Information Technology to develop a building layout which
incorporates the Functional and Space Program as approved by the City Council. Because of the
site limitations, the project team has developed a two-story option as well as a single story option.
The project team has identified the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as the
construction cost for each option.
In order to provide for public review and comment on each option two Open House sessions were
conducted. The first Open House Session was held at City Hall on January 15,2008. Nineteen
persons signed the sign-in sheet for this session. Of that number, six persons were employees of
. Fire and Life Safety. The second Open House session was held at Thurston High School on
January 17,2008. Twenty-nine persons signed the sign-in sheet for that session. Of that number,
eleven were employees of Fire and Life Safety. At each session there were attendees who chose
not to sign in. Ofthe 52 persons providing written comments, 48 persons preferred the two-story
pitched roof option. Ms. Knapel noted that comments and information from the Open Houses was
included in the agenda packet.
Following the Council Work Session on January 14, the project team met to determine if any
additional construction cost reductions might be possible. Some additional reductions have been
identified and the construction cost for the single-story design could be reduced by approximately
$14,000. The two-story designs could be reduced by approximately $184,000. The following are
the construction cost estimates:
Option
Cost
Approved Const. Cost
Difference
Single Story (Pitched Roof)
$1,683,000
$1,766,750
($83,750)
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 8
Two Story (Pitched Roof)
Two Story (Low Pitch Roof)
Two Story (Low Pitch Roof)
$1,771,000 $1,766,750
$1,867,000 with stucco $1,766,750
$1,795,000 w/o stucco $1,766,750
$4,250
$100,250
$28,250
Councilor Pishioneri thanked staff for the information and for finding ways to save on costs. He
said he was in favor of the two-story with the pitched roof. He asked which staircase would be
external.
Ms. Knapel referred to the drawing and said it would be the staircase on the southwest side of the
building.
Councilor Pishioneri said he had originally asked for cost savings that didn't affect quality, and
he was concerned about the external staircase. Although, they wouldn't save as much by putting
the staircase back inside, in the long run, the usefulness and livability would be worth the
investment. He would support building the two-story with the staircase added back in.
Councilor Ballew asked about the improvements to the temporary fire station.
Ms. Knapel said the Hyland contract included improvements to the adjacent property to set up a
trailer for the firefighters to live in while the new building was being constructed. Improvements
would include laying down gravel and connecting the sewer and stormwater lines.
Mayor Leiken asked about adding the staircase back in.
Councilor Pishioneri further explained why he felt it was important to put it back inside.
Councilor Woodrow asked for clarification. He supported the stairways inside.
Councilor Ballew said she preferred the one-story pitched roof design. She noted the elevator that
would be required in the two-story design.
Councilor Lundberg said there was no need to nickel and dime on this project. She would prefer
to have it done right. She was hoping the station was as functional as possible and allowed
training to occur. There were certain buildings that were part of neighborhood and she was fme
spending the extra money to get a quality facility reflective of the commitment to our Fire and
Life Safety (F&LS) services.
Councilor Wylie said from everything she heard, the majority ofF&LS personnel preferred the
two-story pitched roof design. She felt it was important to listen to what they said. She noted the
cost ofreplacing the exterior stairway, and felt it was good to put it inside.
It was noted that if the staircase was put back inside, both staircases would be made of wood.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WYLIE TO SELECT THE TWO-STORY PITCHED ROOF DESIGN AT A COST OF
APPROXIMATELY $1,832,000 AND DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE
DESIGN OF THE THURSTON FIRE STATION PROJECT. THE MOTION PASSED
WITH A VOTE OF 4 FOR AND 1 AGAINST (Ballew) (1 ABSENT - Ralston).
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 9
ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
5. f. Approval of the Contract with John Hyland Construction, Inc. for Construction of
Thurston Fire Station #16 and Remodel of Fire Station #3, Projects P20534 and P20547.
Councilor Ballew asked if this contract would be for the amount noted.
Ms. Knapel said the contract included the term ofthe contract, not the exact dollar amount. Staff
would bring back the costs to Council for their approval.
Mr. Leahy said that if Council approved the contract, it would be for the terms and conditions set
forth in the contract. It would be a conditional approval based on consideration of each of the
contracts for the two fire stations.
Mr. Towery said staff would come back with costs.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT WITH JOHN HYLAND
CONSTRUCTION, INe. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THURSTON FIRE STATION #16
AND REMODEL OF FIRE STATION #3. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5
FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - Ralston)
2. Lease Agreement for Springfield Depot Premises with Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery presented the staff report on this item. The Springfield Depot
is currently owned by the Springfield Depot Foundation and is occupied by the Springfield
Chamber of Commerce; Over the past several months the Chamber has been reviewing various
options for locating all or a portion of their offices and the Foundation has been reevaluating their
ability to effectively own, operate and maintain the facility. Consistent with options discussed
with the Council during a work session last summer, the Foundation Board has decided to
dissolve effective February 1,2008 conditioned on the City's ability to take ownership of the
facility and approval ofa lease between the City and the Chamber. The form of the proposed
lease is based on a standard commercial lease. The Chamber will occupy the same space they
currently use and will pay the same rate paid to the Foundation ($0.80 per square foot) and will
manage the meeting space for the facility. The Chamber will pay for the taxes and utilities
consistent with their share of the building. The City will take on the major maintenance and
upkeep expected for a commercial owner.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the lease and the Chamber has signed the lease.
Staff members from Development Services and Public Works have done initial work to assess
building needs and improvement projects as well as potential next steps for maintenance and
upkeep ofthe facility. Upgrading the HV AC system and repairing the rails on top of the building
appear to be the highest priority repairs and order of magnitude costs for those jobs are expected
to be approximately $35,000 and $5,000 respectively. Staff recommends that an architectural
analysis be conducted to identify needed improvement projects and projected costs. Total budget
impact will be subject to phasing. Staff will identify sources and timeframes for expenditures and
will present options for implementation to the Council and/or Budget Committee as appropriate.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 4,2008
Page 10
Mr. Towery said the deed work would be completed in the next couple of weeks.
Councilor Ballew said she appreciated the rent at eighty cents per square foot, but asked if that
was sufficient to cover maintenance costs.
Mr. Towery said it would not address deficient maintenance needs. The building would be
inspected and staff would come back to Council with a supplemental budget to approve
appropriations.
Councilor. Ballew asked about the square footage and what they would base the rent on.
Mr. Towery said they wouldn't charge eighty cents per square foot for the storage in the rail car.
Staff could continue that conversation to determine an amount.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL LEASE WITH SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE FOR THE SPRINGFIELD DEPOT PREMISES. THE MOTION PASSED
WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - Ralston).
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa
Sidney W. Leiken
Mayor
Attest:
City Recorder