HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/2005 Regular
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City of Springfield
Regular Meeting
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2005
The City of Springfield council met in regular session in the Council Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, September 19,2005, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Ballew, Fitch (by conference phone), Ralston,
Lundberg, and Pishioneri. Also present were Assistant City Manager Cynthia Pappas, City
Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Councilor Woodrow was absent (excused).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Leiken.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
1. Recognition of Kim Charboneau for Twenty Years of Service to the City of Springfield.
Assistant City Manager Cynthia Pappas introduced Kim Charboneau and gave a brief summary
of her history with the city. She noted the changes Kim has noticed over the last twenty years and
shared a humorous event in Kim's career.
2. Acknowledgement of Thurston Players on the Willamette Valley Boys Baseball Team.
Mayor Leiken acknowledged five Thurston players on the Willamette V~lley Boys Baseball
Team. Councilor Pishioneri introduced the boys and Mayor Leiken presented each player with a
letter of congratulations. Willamette Valley qualified and went on to the National semi-finals of
the Cal Ripken World Series. At the semi-fmals, Willamette Valley finished the tournament 3-2,
earning them Third Place nationwide. Willamette Valley traveled farther in national-level
competition than any Springfield-area Babe Ruth team before them.
CONSENT CALENDAR
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
BALLEW TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED WITH
A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - WOODROW).
a. Claims
a. Approval of the July 2005, Disbursemerits for Approval.
b. Approval of the August 2005, Disbursements for Approval.
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2005
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b. Minutes
a. August 1,2005 - Work Session
b. August 1, 2005 - Regular Meeting
c. August 24,2005 - TEAM Springfield Joint Elected Officials Meeting
c. Resolutions
a. RESOLUTION NO. 05-48 - A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PERMIT PROJECT
P30401 ROCKY ROAD SUBDIVISION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
b. RESOLUTION NO. 05-49 - A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PERMIT PROJECT
P30427 BREANNE COMMONS SUBDIVISION PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
d. Ordinances
e. Other Routine Matters
a. Approval to Enter into an Agreement with Lane County to act as an Agent for the City
for the Appraisal, Negotiation and Acquisition of Real Property Rights.
b. Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Newgate LLC and 3346
Gateway LLC for Iristallation of a Temporary Traffic Signal at the Entrance to
Crossroads Center on Gateway Street.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Appeal of July 12, 2005, Planning Commission Decision to Conditionally Allow Operation
of a Soup Kitchen at 344 8th Street Case Number ZON2005-00036.
Mayor Leiken said this public hearing was an appeal of a land use decision made by the Planning
Commission and was now before council. The purpose of tonight's meeting was to make sure
council had a clear understanding about the nature of the case, that the council listen to those for
and against the land use request made by GOREAP and the American Legion, and the council
make a tentative decision if council was prepared to do so. Council could then direct staff and the
City Attorney to return to the council with findings that supported council's tentative decision, at
which time the council would be asked to adopt the findings as a final order.
Mayor Leiken noted that he had received approximately 29 Request to Speak cards related to this
item. He said testimony would be limited to three minutes each or less. He also noted that it was
council policy that by 10:00pm, the Mayor would either make a motion to continue the meeting
or the meeting would end.
Mr. Leahy explained conflict of interest, bias and ex parte contact. He asked councilors to
declare any conflict of interest or ex parte contact.
Councilor Ballew recused herself on this item due to bias on this issue. She has also had several
ex parte contacts with her neighbors in the Washburne District on this issue.
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Councilor Pishioneri said he had no ex parte contact.
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September 19, 2005
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Mayor Leiken said he had no ex parte contact.
Councilor Lundberg said she had conversations on this subject, but none which lead to any
direction.
Councilor Ralston said he had no conflict of interest. He noted that he had spoken with Tina
Novack last year regarding a Thanksgiving dinner.
Councilor Fitch said she had no ex parte contact.
Mayor Leiken opened the public hearing.
Mr. Leahy noted that the discussion regarding conflict of interest and ex parte contact should be
part of the public record of the public hearing.
Mayor Leiken agreed.
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City Planner Colin Stephens made a statement of the procedure and the criteria for this public
hearing. He said the issue before council was to first determine whether or not the soup kitchen
was an allowable nonconforming use, and if it was grandfathered as a use that had historically
taken place at the American Legion Post. If it was determined that it was not a grandfathered use,
the council must then decide if the activity was to be allowed as an expansion of the American
Legion Post's historic use by applying the discretionary use criteria of approval. He recited the
explanations of both the general description of a nonconforming use and an expansion of a
nonconforming use as described in the Springfield Development Code, Article 5. He then read
the criteria of approval for discretionary uses as noted below:
A discretionary use may only be allowed ifthe Planning Commission finds that the proposal
conforms with the following criteria:
The proposed use shall conform with to other permitted uses in terms of scale, lot coverage,
design, intensity of use and operating characteristics.
The proposed use shall not generate more traffic on local streets or more demand for public
facilities than would permitted uses in the same zoning district
The proposed use conforms with applicable Metro Plan policies and applicable descriptions
of Land Use Designations shown on the Metro Plan Diagram. Expansions of an existing
Discretionary Use shall be exempt from conformance with Metro Plan land use designation
descriptions.
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Mr. Stephens said the criteria of approval for discretionary uses appeared on a chart on the wall
behind the council. He distributed a copy of Article 5 as it applied to the hearing. He referred to
Attachment 10 included in the agenda packet which included Article 5 that was adopted by
council on July 18, 2005. The application before council this evening was submitted prior to that
date. By statute, council would need to apply the earlier code, which he distributed. He read the
defmition of a nonconforming use under the previous version of Article 5, sections 5.010(1) and
5.040. Mr. Stephens read the criteria into the record.
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
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Mr. Stephens noted that testimony and evidence submitted by participants must be directed to the
criteria. Fal1ure to raise an issue with sufficient specificity to afford the decision makers and the
parties an opportunity to respond to the issues precludes appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals
based on that issue.
City Planner Kitti Gale presented the staff report on this item. Ms. Gale entered several
additional letters and photos into the record that were received after council packets had gone out.
On July 12, 2005, the Planning Commission conditionally approved a discretionary use
application by GOREAP/ American Legion Post #40 to allow operation of a soup kitchen at 344
8th Street. Concerned citizens of the Washburne Historic District disagree with the decision and
have appealed it to the City Council. Shall the Planning Commission decision be sustained,
modified, or reversed?
On July 6, 2005, the Planning Commission opened a public hearing to consider the question of
whether a soup kitchen operated by GOREAP Ministries should be allowed to continue at 344 8th
Street, which is the American Legion Post #40 hall. The subject property is zoned Low Density
Residential and is located within the boundaries of the Washburne Historic District. The
commission deliberated and then continued the hearing to July 12,2005, at which time additional
testimony was taken before final deliberation. The commission voted unanimously to allow the
soup kitchen as a "Discretionary Use".
On July 22, 2005, Concerned Residents of the Washburne Historic District appealed citing seven
areas where the Planning Commission erred by approving the soup kitchen as a Discretionary Use
in Low Density Residential zoning.
Springfield Development Code Article 15 Section 15.030 sets forth procedures for City Council
review of Planning Commission decisions. Staff will review these procedures with the council at
the start ofthe September 19, 2005, City Council public hearing.
Ms. Gale said at the close of the public hearing, the council should review the public record and
make a tentative decision. She reiterated the decisions council would be asked to consider.'
Mayor Leiken called for the appellant to come forward. The appellant and the applicants each
had 10 minutes to speak.
Co-Appellants Barbara Stahl (724 C Street, Springfield) and Paul and Nora Smith (406 8th Street,
Springfield) came forward to speak.
Mr. Paul Smith spoke first. He said if council allowed this it would set a precedent for any illegal
business or inappropriate activity without the proper permits. He said GOREAP operated the
soup kitchen without the proper permits for several months. Only after they were forced to go
through the Planning Commission did they apply for the permit. Over the objections from the
neighborhood, the Planning Commission granted a permit for the soup kitchen to operate two
days a week, which was an illegal use under city code. He felt the permit had repeatedly been
violated. He said nearly ninety-five percent of those that patronize the soup kitchen were
transients who do not make an effort to better themselves. He said the soup kitchen enabled those
to maintain this lifestyle at the expense of the neighborhood and the entire community. He asked
council to revoke the permit.
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September 19,2005
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Mrs. Nora Smith said she and her husband had lived at their home for 34 years. She said she had
been threatened twice. She distributed pictures of people that were walking around their home.
She noted concerns about some of the people who attended the soup kitchen and the threats they
had received. She gave several examples and referred to the photos she had taken. Police were
contacted regarding some of these situations.
Ms. Stahl distributed her testimony for the public record. She read from her testimony. She
noted that the land use issue was clear based on procedure and requirements set forth in the
Oregon State Statutes that govern the city's planning and zoning ordinances. She said the
decision by council should be based on factual information, She discussed some of the issue
related to the use of this facility for a soup kitchen. She said the Planning Commission made no
findings stating the facts and justification for their recommendations. She requested council
change the decision made by the Planning Commission. If the appellant prevailed, they would
ask for a refund of the $2178 fee in full. She cited the reasons for this refund. She said it had
been over 120 days since the application for permit was rendered complete and a final decision
still had not been made.
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Co-Applicant Richard Willis (3875 Jasper Road, Springfield, OR) spoke in favor of the soup
kitchen. Mr. Willis said the intent was not to hurt anybody, but to address a need in the
community. He said the soup kitchen had located at the American Legion Post because it was
available and had the assets needed for this use. He distributed a ledger that had been kept since
the Planning Commission allowed the soup kitchen to function at this facility. It listed who had
been in the soup kitchen and a commentary on what had happened during that process. He said
the average usage of the soup kitchen had been twenty-six men, seventeen women and six
children. Nine of those attending the soup kitchen had been handicapped. They averaged about
50 people a day for the two days they were opened. He said he had been at the soup kitchen and
walked around the neighborhood looking for aggressions, foul language and threats and had not
noted any problems, other than with one ofthe neighbors. He said it was a tough situation. He
asked the city to help GOREAP fmd another location that would work better for everyone. He
suggested the Big M Shopping Center off of South 5th Street. He noted it was not in a residential
neighborhood and there was less traffic. He said the Planning Commission had allowed them to
operate the soup kitchen and GOREAP had tried to meet and exceed their criteria. He said there
was a volunteer force ready to help deal with the issues.
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Co-Applicant Frank Blair from the American Legion spoke in favor of the soup kitchen. Mr.
Blair distributed letters and photographs from the American Legion. He. said the packet
distributed last Thursday by Ms. Gale did not include the packet of uses that Mr. Blair had given
to the Planning Commission. He described the history of events that occurred at this location
since 1947. He said the building was brought in by Dara Air Base and placed in at the location.
He said the city was not able to locate the zoning variances the Legion Hall received when it was
put in. He said the information provided by the city regarding the zoning when the Legion was
put in was difficult to understand. He described the photos he had entered into the record. He
discussed the many meetings that had occurred at this location. There had been a church on the
premises for as long as American Legion had been in place. He said the hall had been for rent for
as long as it had been in place. Lane Community College had held classes two nights a week for
one term and three years ago Avon used the hall three times a week, which generated a lot of
traffic. He said the facility had run a bar and a commercial kitchen for over fifty years. He said
most uses outdated the Washburne District. He said the American Legion felt they were
grandfathered and as a congressionally chartered Veteran's Association, their activities were
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consistent with what they were doing. He said thirty-three to forty percent of the homeless adult
males had need of services.
1. Terri Jack. 3403 Watermark Drive. Springfield. OR Mr. Jack spoke in support of the
soup kitchen operating at the American Legion site. He said he appreciated the concerns
of the city as he had served as a frrefighter in a municipality for a number of years. Mr.
Jack was a volunteer with the soup kitchen. He spoke of his role in volunteering at this
site. The majority that came to the soup kitchen were residents of Springfield and were
born in Springfield. Most people came on foot, and he had not seen any camping,
panhandling, or consumption of alcoholic beverages. Many who came to the soup
kitchen were low-income people who just needed some help, including those on social
security. He described some of those that came to the soup kitchen. He said he knew the
city did not have the resources to assist. GOREAP was serving this need at no cost to the
taxpayers. He said he talked to the police about the calls that had come in and the police
had looked into the calls.
2. Vicki Jack. 3403 Watermark Drive. Springfield. OR Ms. Jack spoke in support of the
soup kitchen. Ms. Jack-said she had been a citizen of Springfield for many years and had
done a lot of volunteer work in the community. She said when she learned of the soup
kitchen, she and her husband wanted to help to make Springfield a better place and to
help their community. She said she had seen only positive impacts from the soup
kitchen. This was a good way to help the citizens of Springfield.
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3. Edward William "Will" Rice. 327 6th Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Rice read from the
preamble of the charter for the American Legion. . He said he was a veteran and had done
two tours. He said the building was serving as stated in the charter. He said he felt this
organization and this site were grandfathered in.
4. Li Bette Porter. 36944 Hills Creek Road. Springfield. OR Ms. Porter said most had
looked at this issue for a longer time than she had and more deeply. She relayed her
experience. She said she went and ate lunch at the soup kitchen by the invitation of a
volunteer. She parked down the road out of concern for parking problems, but most who
attended the soup kitchen came by foot or bicycle. Two women greeted her in a friendly
fashion. She discussed the kindness of those at the soup kitchen and described the
cleanliness of the facility. She discussed some of those eating at the soup kitchen. It was
a very peaceful atmosphere. The servers, diners and neighbors were all very kind. She
said this was a community center in the highest sense of that word.
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5. Robert Lockhart. 1250 Rainbow Drive. #44. Springfield. OR Mr. Lockhart was the
current Senior Vice Commander at the American Legion Post #40. He discussed the
neighbors' concerns and the way they treated those that attended the Soup Kitchen. He
said the Smith's had caused a great deal of discomfort to their already troubled clientele.
He noted the Smith's complaint of threats and foul language from those who attended the
soup kitchen, yet Mr. Smith had entered the building and threatened those attending and
volunteering the soup kitchen. He said one issue t~at was discussed at the last Planning
Commission meeting was the number of people currently using the facility and how that
was different from the past. He distributed documents that showed the bar receipts. He
said the bar was opened three nights a week in the past, with seventeen drinking people in
attendance each night. That number did not include others in attendance who did not
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September 19,2005
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drink. He discussed other past uses at this facility. He submitted additional lists for the
record.
6. Serena Swenson. 759 Mill Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Swenson said she was a substitute
teacher for the Springfield Schools for the past two years. She worked with children who
came in to the soup kitchen on Saturdays. She described the other uses of this facility
besides a soup kitchen including clothing distribution and assistance. She submitted a list
of school supplies one of the children had submitted. She was concerned with the
bickering over this issue. There needed to be a specific place in Springfield for this type
of service for the children, low-income families and the homeless. She referred to the
girls cited by Ms. Smith who had thrown food into a home. She said the girls were
throwing the food into the house to a dog who was inside the home. The girls later went
to the home with a representative from the soup kitchen and apologized to the owners.
She said she was concerned for the children and didn't want to ignore the children.
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7. Tina Novack. 2162 Lock Drive. Springfield. OR Ms. Novack shared her testimony to
shed light on this circumstance. She described her upbringing in a dysfunctional family
and how she turned her life around at the age of 34 in 1993. She quoted from the Bible.
She said she was a licensed minister and a member of American Legion Post #40
Women's Auxiliary. She read from the Bible a verse regarding feeding and clothing
those in need. She discussed accusations that had been made towards this facility. She
said division had come to the neighborhood. She said GOREAP preached the gospel and
they would like to continue to show God's love. She submitted her minister's license and
a copy of her American Legion membership card for the record.
8. John Brewster. 3945 V2 E. 17th. Eugene. OR Mr. Brewster said he appreciated the Hope
House and they helped him out when he needed food and clothing. He said it was a very
nice place and he thanked them for being there. He said he hated to see it go because it
was helping a lot of people.
9. Deanna Truiillo. 408 D Street. Springfield. OR She said she, her husband and their three
children had lived in the Washburne Historical District for four years. She and her
husband were pastors of City of Destiny Church, currently housed in the Crossfire
Building on 28th Street. She said she had submitted a letter in the packet. She added that
there had been concerns from some neighbors of the dangers in the neighborhood. She
said that the homeless people had been in Springfield since the day she had moved to the
neighborhood. She said they had similar issues before the Soup Kitchen was in place.
She said the neighbors didn't feel they were safe, but that was an issue that would not go
away even if the Soup Kitchen went away. She said she had never let her son walk alone
because of the neighborhood. She also noted that she had proof that in the 97477 zip
code area there were many registered sex offenders in the area who wandered the streets
as any other neighbor would do. Families should be concerned about that. She said she
had begun a bread ministry in her neighborhood that donated from time to time to the
Soup Kitchen. She had been there many times, and was always treated with respect.
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10. Tom Novack. 2162 Loch Drive. Springfield. OR Mr. Novack said the Planning
Commission considered a wide range of issues to render the GOREAP decision, yet some
of their comments were not included in the agenda packets provided by the city. He said
the Planning Commission noted the Salvation Army operation at Centennial and Mill
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September 19, 2005
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Streets as also a commercial usage in a residential zone. As a fraternal organization, the
American Legion had the right to serve food to its members and guests, as they had done
since the 1940's. He said that over forty percent ofthe men at the GOREAP functions
were veterans eligible for membership. The Planning Commission also considered that
anyone could rent out the hall to serve food and the Legion had continually made the Hall
available to rent since the 1940's. The Planning Commissioners had acknowledged that
food could be served at the Hall either as a membership activity or a hall rental. Mt.
Pisgah Church currently met at the hall and served food to their congregation. Ruling
against GOREAP would imply that the Mt. Pisgah Church would need to stop using the
facility also. He discussed potential Ballot Measure 37 issues. He said the City
Development Code did not defme a soup kitchen. He said a soup kitchen was only
referred to as a secondary use for a church. He said what was considered a soup kitchen
was not GOREAP's secondary use, but their primary use at this facility. To rule against
GOREAP would deny their religious freedom of expression. He said the Planning
Commissioners had commented that just because business fell off a bit over the years, did
not revoke the Legion's right to conduct business when the opportunity presented itself.
The commission would never apply such a standard against a retail store. Commissioner
Beyer noted that Ms. Gale's report was fundamentally flawed in her approach to this
application because the City Code never considered the term 'use' as a function of days
of operation. Springfield's Development Code considered an expansion or change of
usage as a function of square footage, not days of operation. Commissioner Beyer had
considered the continuousness of the business to be the key issue. He said the Legion
was grandfathered. Commissioner Beyer summarized by stating that the Planning
Commission had no legal right to deny GOREAP's activity. He submitted his written
comments along with Lane County's print out listing the building as a 2-11
Commercially Zoned building for fraternal, social and civic events. According to county
employees, this zoning was originally reached in conjunction with city officials. Just
because the city lost the details was not a reason to pe:Q.alize GOREAP.
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11. Perry "Scott" Cramblit. 537 4th Street. Washburne Historical District. Springfield. OR.
Mr. Cramblit said he had been a resident of Springfield since 1964 and had grown up in
Springfield. He said his home was broken into today. He had also had transients come
through his alleyway quite often, yet he still supported the Soup Kitchen. He said many
people were only concerned about their own needs, so Springfield should be proud to
have this service. The organization needed to be a good neighbor and do its best to patrol
the activities that go on after people get services. He said it sounded like they were doing
their best to do that. He said he hoped they would be allowed to continue.
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12. Maureen Sicotte. 660 E Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Sicotte spoke in opposition to the
operation of the Soup Kitchen at the American Legion Hall. She discussed the reasons
why including zoning. She said she had politely rousted soup kitchen patrons from the
backyards of vacant house blocks away from the facility. She said fences were broken
and she discussed the cost to repair the damage to the rental she owned. She said she
called the police department. Her renter left because of her fear. She said she had been
threatened while walking her dog. She said she was not unaware of the needs of those
that frequent the Soup Kitchen, but she said it was in the wrong location. She said they
could partner with the Salvation Army or Calvary Bible Church. She said she was
scared, angry and frustrated and would like to have the enjoyment of her home back.
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September 19, 2005
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13. Paul Yovanoff. 736 C Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Yovanoffspoke in opposition to the
Soup Kitchen. He said the night the Planning Commission discussed this subject was the
same day he had moved into his home. He said one of the issues during the Planning
Commission's hearing was the mutual agreement that there was a problem among all
concerned. There were suggestions of remedies during that meeting. He said he had
seen policing of the neighborhood. He asked if this would define the neighborhood he
had moved into. He asked if these were things that would now be required. He shared
the compassion and concern and agreed that the city or some other organization should
relocate the soup kitchen. It was needed.
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14. Roxie Metzler. 43081 Deerhorn Road. Springfield. OR Ms. Metzler said she was
speaking on behalf of the Historic Commission. She said in March 2005, the Historic
Commission recommended the American Legion and GOREAP submit a review of the
soup kitchen use to the Planning Commission. It was the belief of the Historic
Commission that this was a significant expansion of and a departure from historic uses.
In the intervening time, and with the additional information that was presented on July 6
and July 12 and during other meetings, the Historic Commission did not see any reason to
interpret that any differently. She said no one questioned the good work being done by
the soup kitchen or the need. The only question was whether or not this was an
acceptable and appropriate setting. She said the Historic Commission also recognized the
existing nonconforming status of the American Legion hall, but the response and the
experi~nces of some of the neighbors had highlighted a certain incompatibility. The
Historic Commission still felt the use was not in accordance with historic precedence,
such as occasional potlucks, neighborhood association meetings, breakfasts and some
evening social clubs, The ordinances were there for a reason and one of the purposes of a
Historic District was to maintain the neighborhood qualities and livability. Overall, the
past uses had been less frequent and more compatible with the needs of the
neighborhood, but the scope of this operation had expanded that role and the use of the
site and the Historic Commission did not believe it was a use that was cited in Article 30.
The Historic Commission did not believe it was in accordance with previous uses and
required a review.
15. Billie Moore. 420 D Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Moore testified about the aggressive
behavior in her neighborhood. She noted the restrictions she must follow living in the
Historic District and wondered why the soup kitchen did not need to follow the same
rules. She said the Washburne District had many other facilities that provided for those
in need. She suggested moving the soup kitchen to all neighborhoods so all could bear
the burden. She said she also volunteered and was not against the homeless and hungry.
She discussed the situation in this neighborhood. She referred to comments from others
about her neighborhood.
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16. Lynn Brown. 832 D Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Brown said he had served as a Planning
Commissioner and City Councilor in Vermont. He addressed the process of the city
government and that it was open and based on factual evidence. He said the Planning
Commission was presented with a great deal of emotional and scriptural testimony, but
little factual testimony based on city code. He said it was the code, not emotion, upon
which a decision needed to be made. He agreed there was a need for this service, but
questioned whether or not this was the correct site based on city code. He said the
professional city planners were on record as finding that the code did not make such
.
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 10
allowances. The American Legion was a nonconforming use from the time it was built.
There was no record that they were given any sort of nonconforming permit to build on
this site in 1947. He said it was understandable why that occurred noting the time it was
built and the use it was built for. He said the Legion had noted a marked decline in
membership and in use oftheir facility. To maintain their property, they had rented out
the facility for other uses, which may not be allowed. He said the church activities may
not be legally allowed when current city code was applied, but none had chosen to
question that as the church activities had far less negative impacts on the surrounding
neighborhood. He discussed the use as the soup kitchen and the fifty to one hundred
patrons that attended, principally single, homeless men. Because the soup kitchen was
located in the residential, Washburne Historic District, these people who would otherwise
have little interest in frequenting the neighborhood, had cause to be present and brought
with them the intended threats and problems that were common to that population. He
discussed a similar feeding program in a neighborhood in Eugene.
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17. Patrina Ulmer. 750 B Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Ulmer said her backyard was across
the alleyway from the Legion Hall. She said when it was first open for six days a week,
she had four alarms go off at her home. She said she explained to them that they were
setting off the alarms by walking through that area and asked them to walk elsewhere.
She described other problems she had when the soup kitchen operated six days a week.
Since they had gone to the two day a week operation, she hadn't had the same problems.
She asked if they would be policing this operation if they would be continuing to serve.
She said she understood the need, but had some serious problems.
18. Gregory A. Leno. 739 C Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Leno said he lived at his home with
his wife and two daughters. Since the last meeting, the problems had decreased, but there
were still a lot of major issues. He described some of those issues and said he had to call
the police numerous times. He said people had been on his neighbor's property as well.
He said these problems had been ongoing since they opened and he hoped they would
shut down.
19. Bob Smith. 952 C Street. Springfield. OR Mr, Smith said he had only lived at this
residence for three weeks. He said it was a difficult situation and he was pleased to see
the community showing such sympathy on this difficult situation. He said he and his
wife do like to walk in the neighborhood. He questioned why the rules would be tweaked
for this usage in a Historical District. He questioned whether or not the facility was large
enough for this operation. He said they may need a larger and better location.
20. Bruce Berg. 448 D Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Berg said he disagreed with some of his
fellow Christians and veterans about this issue. He said there was no doubt this was a
wonderful ministry. He said he was hearing on both sides that there was a problem with
location. He said his main concern was that this went through the Planning Commission.
As a past Planning Commissioner, he saw no legal basis for it to have been approved. He
said GOREAP had tightened things down and things were better, but there were still
issues. He said his concern was that if it was allowed to go on, what guarantee was there
for the neighborhood. Things could get bad again. She said over the last twenty-one
years since he had moved to Washburne, he had seen the neighborhood struggle from
being a rundown neighborhood to becoming a nicer neighborhood and this was bringing
the neighborhood down again. He discussed the past use of the American Legion. He
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September 19, 2005
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noted other things, such as excessive field burning, that had gone on in the past which
had been lessened for the health and welfare ofthe community. He said he had found
more needles and jurik in his yard in the last four or five months. The soup kitchen was
affecting neighbors four blocks away.
21. Toni Southworth. 1050 J Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Southworth said she appreciated
that GOREAP ministered to low-income and homeless people by meeting a real need,
She said several years ago she was also involved with a homeless outreach and they fed
people at various parks in the Eugene and Springfield area. She said many people were
fed each time. She said that ministry continued at a church in a non-residential location
in Eugene. She said she was opposed to having a soup kitchen in this neighborhood. She
noted the increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well as the other problems
previously mentioned. She said she worked at Brattain Elementary and walked every day
during her break. She said she and her co-workers had noticed the increase in foot and
bicycle traffic and had, at times, felt uncomfortable. She said a main concern was the
proximity to Brattain Elementary. She said the kids need to feel safe walking to and from
school. She said to a degree this had become a safety issue. She would like to see this
ministry continue at a more suitable location.
.
22. Anne Ballew. 953 C Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Ballew said she was before council as a
Washburne District Neighbor. She said in the code a soup kitchen was allowed as a
secondary use in a church. She said the American Legion was not a church and this was
not a conforming use. She said the Planning Commission was wrong. This was not an
acceptable use in a low density residential neighborhood.
23. Mel Oberst. 630 E Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Oberst said he had lived in the
Washburne Historic District for the past five years. He said his neighborhood had been
quiet and peaceful, but over the last eight months their car had been broken into, they had
legal trespass, there was an assault in the alley behind their house and their neighbor's
house was burglarized. He said he was concerned that what was being proposed was a
use in a low density district bringing in fifty to one hundred people from outside the
neighborhood. He said it was not a use that was compatible with low density residential.
The criteria of approval that the Planning Commission reviewed and that council was
reviewing asked whether or not the proposed use was compatible with permitted uses in
the district. He said permitted uses in the district were low density, detached, single
family dwellings. To bring in a use of this nature was incompatible and was too intense.
He strongly urged council to overturn the decision made by the Planning Commission in
this matter and deny the use of this facility. He felt for the services GOREAP provided.
He said it needed to be located in a location where it was better received and could be
better served. He urged the city or anyone else that could assist in relocating the soup
kitchen. He said he would be willing to lend his services to help in that regard. He
strongly believed the commercial soup kitchen was a use that was too intense for a low
density residential district.
.
24. Helen Wagner. 940 D Street. Springfield: OR Ms. Wagner said she had lived in the
Washburne District for thirty years. She said it was a residential neighborhood. Shesaid
if a population was brought in that had no regard for other people or their property, it was
a detriment to the community. She said those kinds of things made her feel unsafe. She
said she loved the neighborhood and had never felt unsafe in the past. She discussed the
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 12
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destruction in the neighborhood. The GOREAP volunteers didn't live in the
nei'ghborhood. She said a lot of good input had been received from the community.
25. Mary Jo Moloney. 922 B Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Moloney said her property had
been broken into and plants dug up. She discussed the foul language of people walking
up and down the street and their visitor's cars were broken into. She said these things all
happened before the soup kitchen was in place. She said there was a problem in the
district, but she didn't believe it was from the soup kitchen. She said much ofthe foul
language was from students from Brattain Elementary and it went on daily. She said she
was here because the letter signed by the residents of the Washburne Historic District
with no names and numbers. She said they voted at their Washburne Historic District
Association not to become involved and she felt the letter was used to make it feel it was
the whole neighborhood, but it was not.
26. William Shoorihoven. 35057 Brabham Road. Pleasant Hill. OR Mr. Shoorihoven said he
owned the house across from the American Legion at 325 North A Street, Springfield,
OR. He said his heart went out to GOREAP and was thrilled with what they were doing.
He said, however, he had been adversely affected by this use. He discussed the issues he
had faced. He said the renter he was able to get in had left because of these issues. He
noted threatening activities that had gone on near this home that made it difficult to rent
out this home. He said he asked the Planning Commission to realize that the code was
there for a reason. He said this had ruined his property.
.
27. Fred Simmons. 312 South 52nd Place. Springfield. OR Mr. Simmons said he supported
the Legion Hall. He said as a past councilor and a citizen he had held and attended a lot
of events there. The impact on the neighborhood from the external activities by the
participants of the soup kitchen was the significant problem. He discussed a similar
situation in Eugene. The history of the Legion Hall didn't necessarily lend itself to the
impact on the community. In the Condition Number 5, the Planning Commission asked
the proponents of the soup kitchen to clean up property three hundred feet from the
activity. He said that was not asked of others, such as McDonald's, the dump, Dari Mart
or anyone else. He said that would be imposing conditions that were above and beyond
what were required within the code. He referred to Condition Number 6 and said that
nowhere in the Development Code did the city have the legal right to regulate weaponry
in conflict with the constitution of the State of Oregon. He said the soup kitchen was
causing an impact on those in the neighborhood and could be beyond what the code
allows. He asked council to make the decision that would be best for the neighborhood
and the community.
.
Summation of staff:
Ms. Gale said there was additional information she wanted to provide. She referred to Ms.
Stahl's testimony in which she discussed the one hundred and twenty day timeline. Ms. Gale said
the application was submitted June 6, 2005 and today was day one hundred and six. Council had
until October 3 to reach the one hundred and twentieth day. She referred to Mr. Blair's comment
regarding material that was absent from the packet. Ms. Gale said to the best of staff's
knowledge, all of the material was included in the July 6 or July 12 Planning Commission packets
which were included in the council's agenda packet. She explained that the report was ready at
9:30 p.m, on Thursday night. Staff secretary Brenda Jones stayed into the evening to put it
together and Ms. Gale hand delivered the report to Mr. Lockhardt at the American Legion Hall
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 13
.
the next day. She referred to Mr. Novack's comment that soup kitchen was not defined in Article
2, however, Article 2 states that if a definition was not included, go to Webster or Common
Dictionary. Ms. Gale said she included common definition from the dictionary and our code in
Attachment 4. Ms. Gale referred to Attachment 7-3, in which staff reported that the Legion
property had been low density residential (LDR) zoning since 1939 and had continued to be LDR.
She referred to the conditions Mr. Simmons spoke of in his testimony. She said he may have
been speaking regarding conditions that were under consideration, but not adopted.
Councilor Ralston asked about the conditions regarding one meal per day, two days per week and
whether or not those conditions had been met.
Ms. Gale said as of the writing of report there was nothing submitted to staff regarding fulfillment
of any of the conditions the Planning Commission had approved on July 12,2005.
Councilor Ralston said the soup kitchen was to supply records of submission of those conditions.
Ms. Gale said the applicant was to bring that report back on October 18 as noted in Condition 5.
.
Appellant Summation:
Ms. Stahl said they did not dispute the good GOREAP was trying to do to fight hunger with Lane
County Human Services, Food for Lane County and St. Vincent DePaul. She noted that those
were vital services to our community. She said this was about the appropriateness of the location
of the soup kitchen. She discussed the issues noted by the speakers. She discussed her neighbors
who felt torn because they had voluntarily fed the hungry down by the river, yet they now felt at
odds and at the defensive due to the increase in problems noted by other speakers. There had
been a new fear for personal safety that had occurred since the soup kitchen opened. She noted
that the transients may have been around before the soup kitchen, but there was an increase since
the soup kitchen opened. She said the nearby neighbors had lived there for twenty five to thirty
years. She said they felt the policing efforts had failed and those patrons who did not comply
with the conditions of no weapons or no loitering were displaced into the surrounding residential
area. There was nothing the sponsors of the Hope Center could do to alleviate the grievances felt
by the neighbors. She questioned whether or not a soup kitchen operating two days a week was
adequate. She said a soup kitchen operating six days a week at an appropriate location would
have more impact for good in the community as a whole.
Applicant Summation:
Mr. Willis said this was a tough situation. Their ministry was to try to meet the needs of people
in need. He said the neighbors may look at trying to cut back, but those that visit the soup kitchen
had nothing to cut back, but were making a choice of where they could eat and get clothing. He
said this was about needs. He said he wasn't sure if this location was the right location, but there
were needs that needed to be met. If the city could give ideas for another location to move to,
they would accept any help in finding such a place. He referred to information about the number
of people who attended which was distributed to council. He said he hoped the need could be
met for Springfield. He distributed a notice given to those who came to the soup kitchen. He
discussed their efforts to meet the conditions for approval. He said they did not want to be a
liability to the neighborhood, but an asset. He discussed the pride in the neighborhood. He
understood how the neighbors felt. The need was still there and he asked for direction.
.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2005
Page 14
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Mr. Blair from the American Legion distributed a copy of the History and Uses of the American
Legion Post 40. He said council had the duty to determine if the use at the American Legion was
approved by the law. He discussed many other businesses in the area that were more detrimental
to the area.
The following items were entered into the public record during the public hearing:
.
1) Letter from Leonard J, Cirino, 685 9th Street, Springfield, OR 97477
2) Letter from James Paz, A Assurance Corp of Oregon, mc. 2221 Main Street, Springfield,
OR 97477
3) Letter from Ava Hayes, 332 7th Street, Springfield, OR
4) Email from Cinda Pierce, 935 B Street, Springfield, OR
5) Photos from Nora Smith, 406 8th Street, Springfield, OR
6) Written Testimony from Co-Appellant Barbara Stahl, 724 C Street, Springfield, OR
97477
7) Hope Center Log dated July 30, 2005
8) Letter from Eleanor Wiggins, 1384 Parker Street, Springfield, OR
9) Letter from Victoria Cole, 747-6339
10) One page of photographs of the American Legion Hall
11) List of Liquor Prices and Bar Receipts from the American Legion Hall from 8/1/81
through 8/31/82
12) Post 40 American Legion Club Financial Statement 8/3/81 - 8/31/82
13) December 2002 Rental Use List
14) School Supply List from child attending the Soup Kitchen
15) Copy of Tina Novack's Minister's License and America Legion Auxiliary Membership
Card.
16) Written Testimony from Tom Novack
17) Notice to Hope Center patrons
18) History and Uses, American Legion Post #40
Mayor Leiken closed the public hearing.
Councilor Lundberg said this was a land use decision. She asked Mr. Blair to come forward to
answer some questions. She asked about the historical use of the American Legion. She asked if
it was primarily for American Legion members.
Mr. Blair said the main thrust of the legion was for the care and welfare of the servicemen, past
and present, their spouses, widows and dependent children as required by the Congress of the
United States. He said they were a 50l(c)(19) which was congressionally chartered.
Councilor Lundberg asked if the number of those attending the soup kitchen that were veterans
was about ten out of fifty.
.
Mr. Blair said that would be a close estimate. He said forty-one percent of the adult male his age
had military service due to the draft. That number dropped rapidly for younger men. He said he
was a nationally accredited service officer through Vietnam Veteran's and through National
Veteran's Organization and there are two people at the Legion trained in counseling and other
services.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2005
Page 15
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Councilor Lundberg referred to an email sent to the Mayor from Mr. Blair which referred to the
soup kitchen as an expansion of services.
Mr. Blair said it was not from him. It was from Mr. Blair's Post Commander, Stockton. He said
he felt that Mr. Stockton may have meant that without the volunteers from GOREAP, Post #40
would not have been able to provide these services. They were allowed because they were a
church ministry and the Legion Hall had allowed churches in their facility since the building was
put in.
Councilor Lundberg discussed the conditions from the Planning Commission. She said about one
hundred days per year there would be meals served at the soup kitchen and she asked if that was a
historical use.
Mr. Blair explained some of the groups that had used the facility and the number of meals served.
He said the number of those served was reduced for a time.
Councilor Lundberg said she was still concerned whether or not this use was grandfathered.
Mr. Blair said the Mt. Pisgah Church had been in place for as long as he had been there. Others
held events at the American Legion Hall and served food, such as wedding receptions, breakfasts
for events and other events.
.
Councilor Lundberg said she was trying to define whether or not a soup kitchen serving meals
one hundred days during the year had been an allowed use.
Mr. Blair said other churches had met at the site several days a week and served food. He said
the Planning Commission had noted that the uses in the past may have decreased, but they had
continued. He said restraining the use of the American Legion had Ballot Measure 37
connotations.
Councilor Ralston asked if the American Legion was renting the space to GOREAP.
Mr. Blair said they were and that GOREAP was paying for part of the utilities and other
expenses.
Mr. Leahy reminded Mr. Blair and the council that the application and the conditions only related
to the soup kitchen and did not include any restrictions for other activities at the American Legion
Hall.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if the consideration the Legion received from GOREAP was similar
to others who rented the facility.
Mr. Blair explained the consideration received from GOREAP.
Councilor Pishioneri asked who the Christian Science served and who the wedding receptions
served, as far as the food.
.
The Christian Science and Mt. Pisgah churches served their congregations and wedding
receptions served their invited guests.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 16
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Mr. Blair noted that the bar had been open to the public at different times.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if there was always an American Legion member present when the
soup kitchen was operating.
Mr. Lockhart said that was correct.
Councilor Fitch asked if the Planning Commission had any concern that they were not upholding
current city ordinances or laws.
Mr. Leahy said there was a lot of discussion during the Planning Commission hearings. No one
characterized their decision as upholding or not upholding the law. They were looking for factual
information.
Councilor Fitch said the Planning Commission did not have findings with their conclusions.
Mayor Leiken said this was a major decision and may be too difficult to make this evening. He
said regarding the land use issue, he thought the Planning Commission erred. He would like to
give this item another two weeks and work to fmd another location for the soup kitchen. He said
they could make a decision based on whether or not a new location could be found. He said our
community did have a serious problem and he commended GOREAP for taking on this issue. He
said, however, that regarding land use, he did not believe this use was permitted.
.
Councilor Lundberg said the bigger question was the grandfathered use. She said she was
looking for facts that could answer that question, but had not seen anything solid yet. She said
her frrst inclination would be that this use was not grandfathered. She asked if there could be an
extension of the 120 days to gather the fmdings. The other question was the time frame if there
was not an extension.
Mr. Leahy said council had a choice to either make a tentative decision and ask staff to bring
findings back to council's next meeting or to have the applicant waive the 120 day rule to a date
certain. Council could then make a decision on that date with direction.
Councilor Lundberg asked if a decision needed to be made tonight.
Mr. Leahy said without the extension, they would need to make a decision tonight.
Councilor Ralston asked staff if the applicant needed to pass all criteria listed.
Mr. Stephens said they must pass all criteria if council determined they were a discretionary use.
Mr. Leahy explained the two motions that council could make. If they determined that the use
was grandfathered, they would check to see if the use met those criteria. If the answer to that was
no, they could continue.
.
Councilor Fitch suggested the applicant extend the timeline. She said she could be very
supportive of that and would feel more comfortable getting the information to make that decision.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 17
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It would give council time to make those decisions. She said this needed to be done thoughtfully
and carefully. Making a decision tonight to meet the 120 day deadline would not be best.
Councilor Pishioneri said he believed it was contrary to the land use code. There was a need that
was being supplied and he noted the potential for increased crime if those needs were not met.
The soup kitchen deserved a look at sustainability, but not in that building. They deserved to find
a better environment.
Councilor Lundberg asked Councilor Fitch if she would support making a tentative decision
tonight and asking staff to bring back fmdings for the final decision.
Councilor Fitch said she would like more information before making a fmal decision. She would
probably vote against that motion.
Mr. Leahy said findings would need to be found and a decision made on September 26 if no
extension was requested.
.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERl TO MAKE A TENTATIVE DECISION TO DETERMINE THAT THE USE OF
THE AMERlCAN LEGION POST AS A SOUP KITCHEN DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A
LEGAL NON-CONFORMING USE UNDER SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CODE
ARTICLE 5, BASED UPON THE ABSENCE OF EVIDENCE IN THE RECORD THAT THIS
TYPE OF ACTIVITY HAS HISTORlCALL Y OCCURRED AT THE SITE AND REQUEST
THAT STAFF PREPARE FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF THIS MOTION FOR COUNCIL
ADOPTION AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 3
FOR, 1 AGAINST (FITCH), AND ONE ABSENT (WOODROW). COUNCILOR BALLEW
DID NOT PARTICIPATE.
Councilor Fitch said she would be voting against the motion at this time until she received further
information. She said she believed the Planning Commission looked at this and approved it, and
she wanted to make sure there was justification.
Councilor Ralston said it was a difficult decision. He acknowledged the need, but said it didn't
seem to be in the right location. He said he would like the soup kitchen to find the right location.
He noted the lack of fmdings the Planning Commission had on this when they made their
decision. He said he hoped an appropriate location could be found.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERl TO MAKE A TENTATIVE DECISION TO DENY THE SOUP KITCHEN AS A
DISCRETIONARY USE, BASED ON THE ABSENCE OF EVIDENCE IN THE RECORD
THAT THE PROPOSAL IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CRITERIA OF APPROVAL AT
SECTION 10.030 OF THE SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CODE AND REQUEST THAT
STAFF PREPARE FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF THIS MOTION FOR COUNCIL ADOPTION
AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 4 FOR, 0
AGAINST AND 1 ABSENT (WOODROW). COUNCILOR BALLEW DID NOT
PARTICIPATE.
.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 18
.
Councilor Lundberg discussed finding a location for a similar facility several years ago. She said
food boxes were distributed for three months from city hall during the transition until a
permanent location was found. She said she would personally try to fmd another location for the
soup kitchen if the findings showed the soup kitchen was not a correct use of this site.
Mayor Leiken called for a 10 minute break at approximately 8:37 p.m.
Councilor Fitch signed off and was not present for the remainder of the meeting.
Mayor Leiken reconvened the meeting at approximately 8:47 p.m.
2. Annexation of Property Owned by PeaceHealth and the City of Springfield, Journal Number
LRP205-00007.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-50 - A RESOLUTION INITIATING ANNEXATION OF
CERTAIN TERRITORIES TO THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND REQUESTING THAT
THE LANE COUNTY LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION APPROVE
THE ANNEXATION BY EXPEDITED PROCESS.
(Note: The Resolution was not read aloud by title)
.
City Planner Linda Pauly presented the staff report on this item. PeaceHealth has requested
annexation of approximately 14.15 acres of property it owns at 123 Iriternational Way (north side
of Deadmond Ferry, west and south ofIritetnational Way and east of Maple Island Road). The
annexation request includes Lane County Assessor's Map Number 17-03-15-40, Tax Lots 800,
900, and two separate portions of Tax Lot 1100. The territory to be annexed is described as
Tracts 1,2 and 3, see Attachment 1, Exhibit A.
As recommended by the Lane County Local Boundary Commission staff and the City Surveyor,
this annexation request also includes several areas not previously annexed which are public
rights-of-way owned by the City of Springfield. Approximately 0.54 acres of Maple Island Road
right-of-way is included in Tract 1, Attachment 1, Exhibit A. Approximately 0.06 acres at the
northern portion of the roundabout intersection at Maple Island Road and International Way,
adjacent to Tax Lot 500 is described as Tract 4, Attachment 1, Exhibit A.
The applicant requests annexation in order to permit the future development of campus industrial
uses on the property, consistent with the standards of the Campus Iridustrial (CI) zoning district
and the Gateway Refinement Plan. Such urban uses are not permitted in the Urbanizable Fringe
Overlay District, and annexation is required.
.
Article 6.030(2) ofthe Springfield Development Code requires that territories considered for
annexation must be provided with "key urban facilities and services", as defmed in Metro Plan
Policy 8.a, Page II-B-4. Among these key urban services are water, sewer; storm water facilities,
streets, electricity, parks, frre/emergency services, and schools. Staff finds, based on analysis,
that key urban services are available to serve the territory, with the exception oflong-term off-site
transportation and long-term off-site stormwater management facilities which are being provided
for in an Annexation Agreement, which has been negotiated with city staff and the applicant.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 19
.
The City Council is authorized by ORS 199.490(2)(a)(B) to initiate annexation upon receiving
consent in writing from a majority of the electors registered in the territory proposed to be
annexed. There are no registered electors currently residing within the territory proposed for
annexation. Signatures from the property owners have been obtained.
With council approval, this resolution will be forwarded to the Lane County Local Government
Boundary Commission with a recommendation for an expedited process. If a public hearing is
requested on the annexation, it will be held at the December 1, 2005 meeting.
According to the Lane County Regional Land Information database, the 2004 total assessed value
of the subject property (Tax Lots 800 and 900 only) is $454,130. The portions of Tax Lot 1100
are part ofa property with a total assessed value of $7,527,490. Upon annexation, the property
could be developed with campus industrial land uses in accordance with SDC 21.020 and the
Gateway Refmement Plan.
Ms. Pauly referred to a map' of the area, Attachment 1-7 in the agenda packet. She said
PeaceHealth was seeking annexation approval in order to develop the property consistent with the
Campus Iridustrial district standards. The property was known as the RiverBend annex and
PeaceHealth had been occupying the property for new uses for the former Sony building. She
said the total acreage was 14.75 acres and staffs review was attached. She noted some pages that
were missing in Attachment 2. Those corrected pages were distributed to counciL
.
Ms. Pauly said PeaceHealth had signed an annexation agreement which provided for
improvements. The agreement required PeaceHealth to contribute to a future storm water main
via easements or reimbursements to the city and also required PeaceHealth to contribute a
proportional share based on acreage of the costs associated with offsite transportation system
improvements. A draft of the annexation agreement was included in the agenda packet and the
final version was signed by PeaceHealth and the Assistant City Manager. Staff found the
proposed annexation agreement was consistent with the standards and criteria of Springfield
Development Code Article 6 and recommended approvaL Staff requested the City Council
forward a resolution initiating annexation to the Boundary Commission along with a request that
the annexation be approved by expedited process.
Councilor Ballew asked if this property would be taxable.
Discussion was held regarding whether or not OML would be taxable. It was in the Enterprise
Zone.
Mayor Leiken said he had heard that OML was a not-for-profit under the PeaceHealth banner.
Mayor Leiken opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Leiken closed the public hearing.
.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND OF COUNCILOR
BALLEW TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 05-50. THE MOTION'P ASSED WITH A VOTE
OF 4 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. (2 ABSENT - FITCH AND WOODROW)
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 20
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3. SDC Credits for Prior Use.
ORDINANCE NO. 6141 - AN ORDINANCE MODIFYING THE BASIS FOR
CALCULATING CREDITS FOR PRIOR USE AGAINST SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
CHARGES. AMENDING SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 3.416. AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
(Note: The Ordinance was not read aloud by title)
Technical Services Manager Len Goodwin presented the staff report on this item. Current city
code limits to two years the availability of SDC credits for prior use in the case of a property
where the prior use has been abandoned or demolished. The proposed Ordinance would eliminate
that time limit.
The original intent of the temporary credit for prior use was to stimulate rapid redevelopment of
vacant properties. It appears that it no longer serves that purpose and, in fact, may discourage
redevelopment of sites that have become disused. It appears that making the credit permanent for
those properties where SDCs have been paid will have minimal economic impact. If it eliminates
an impediment to redevelopment of long disused sites, it may actually produce positive results.
.
A second reason for the temporary nature of the credit was the difficulty of establishing the prior
use for abandoned sites. By making the credit available to those sites where prior SDCs have
been paid, the draft ordinance addresses that issue.
Mr. Goodwin said it was unclear whether or not the credits had been effective. There had been
several cases where developers had made it clear that the loss of credit for prior use was a
significant impediment to going forward with redevelopment. He said it had been a constant
source of complaint by members of the development community and had not proved to be a
significant source of revenue to the city nor a significant stimulus for redevelopment.
Mr. Goodwin said the credit was not the same as the waiver for Downtown SDCs, which was in
effect until December 3, 2006. He said this was a credit for a prior use anywhere in the city
which currently expires two years after that use had been abandoned. He said he received a call
from Roxie Cuellar of the HomeBuilder's Association (HBA), who indicated that the HBA
supported adoption of the ordinance.
Mayor Leiken asked for a motion to extend the meeting to 10: 10pm
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR RALSTON WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
BALLEW TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO 1O:1OPM. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 4 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. (2 ABSENT - FITCH AND WOODROW).
Councilor Ballew said that after two years, it was difficult to know what was out there and that
was another good reason to pursue business licensing.
.
Mayor Leiken opened the public hearing.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 21
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No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Leiken closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
BALLEW TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 6141. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF
4 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (2 ABSENT - FITCH AND WOODROW).
Councilor Ballew asked for clarification on the credit. Mr. Goodwin clarified.
BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE
1. Curtiss Greer. 357 55th Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Greer spoke regarding franchise fees. He
said it was probably legal but immoral. He referred to his NorthWest Natural Gas bill. He
discussed many of the fees on his bill and asked why the city charged franchise fees to
support those fees.
.
2. Fred Simmons. 312 S. 52nd Place. Springfield. OR Mr. Simmons said he had two issues.
Qwest lost one of its cable lines in the 32nd Street process. He discussed the fact that service
was lost, yet citizens must still pay the franchise fee to Qwest. He said if there was a refund,
he hoped the city would adjust the rate. He wondered how that adjustment would affect those
who had loss of business due to the phone outages. He said it was a complicated legal issue.
The second issue he spoke on was the City's Disaster Plan. He said he read the plan last
week and it was an excellent plan. He said additional work needed to be done in light of
what happened with Hurricane Katrina. He said we would have to look to our own efforts far
more than in the past. He said we couldn't count on immediate assistance in the process. He
said it would really put us to the test. He asked for public discussion when the Disaster Plan
comes before council. He said he wanted to make sure everything was done that should be
done that they didn't do in New Orleans for the protection of the community at large.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
1. Fifty Letters from Patrons and Volunteers of the Hope House in Support of Keeping the Soup
Kitchen Open at 344 8th Street. (Individual Letters are Available for Review in the City
Manager's Office.)
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO ACCEPT THE CORRESPONDENCE FOR FILING. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 4 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (2 ABSENT - FITCH AND
WOODROW).
BIDS
ORDINANCES
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BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
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City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 19,2005
Page 22
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Assistant City Manager Cynthia Pappas said the Emergency Management Plan draft that Mr.
Simmons discussed was still in early draft form. Staff had just received it and was in the process
of reviewing it. The Plan would be coming to council during a public hearing sometime in the
future.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:05 p.m.
Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa
Attest:
Ci~~