HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/2006 Regular
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City of Springfield
Regular Meeting
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
. MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2006
The City of Springfield Council met in regular session in the Council Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, December 4,2006 at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Woodrow, Fitch, Ballew, Ralston and Pishioneri.
Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Interim Assistant City Manager Mike Harman,
City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Councilor Lundberg was absent (excused).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Leiken.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
1. Veteran's Day Parade Public Service Trophy to Springfield Police Department.
Dan Rupe, from the Veteran's Day Parade Committee, presented this award. The "Merchant
Marine" trophy is awarded to a public service organization that has demonstrated an outstanding
level of support to our community's veterans through the annual Lane County Veterans Day
parade.
The Lane County Veterans Day Parade Association is honored to present the 2006 Merchant
Marine award to the Springfield Police Department for their support and guidance, with regard to
public and participant safety, and for their generous and sincere commitment to make the First
Annual Veterans Day parade a wonderful success within our community.
Mr. Rupe noted that the award was sponsored by Roberts Supply. He thanked the City of
Springfield and other organizations for their support of the parade. He presented the award to
Police Chief Jerry Smith.
Chief Smith acknowledged the Council for their support.
2. WalMart Check Presentation to the "Lock Out Crime Program".
Springfield WalMart manager Ken Hutchinson came forward to present a check for $2000 to the
Lock Out Crime Program. This is a crime prevention program designed to assist low income
citizens in securing their homes. The local program is a non profit, volunteer program
coordinated by Mr. Paul Lewis. Although housed in the police department and provided office
support, the program is essentially stand alone without general fund support. Victims of domestic
violence, burglary and other crimes as well as low income citizens who are in need of assistance
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 2
in providing home security through the installation of doors, locks, and windows are provided
service through this program.
Mr. Lewis manages this program with resources from financial donations, grants, in kind
donations and other volunteers who assist in performing the actual work of installing security
hardware in homes.
The WalMart contribution will be directed toward the acquisition of hardware to improve the
home security of low income citizens.
Chief Smith said this was particularly pleasing to him because the check went to the Lock Out
Crime Program, a volunteer program that was housed in the Police Department. He
acknowledged Mr. Paul Lewis and asked him to come forward to receive the check.
Mayor Leiken said the Springfield WalMart had given so much back to the Springfield
community over the last several years. He thanked Mr. Hutchinson for his leadership and the
involvement with the community.
3. Recognition of Dana Burwell, Springfield Fire and Life Safety, for 20 Years of Service to the
City of Springfield.
City Manager Gino Grimaldi said it was appropriate that the work session discussion on
emergency management was held earlier in the evening as these folks were in the forefront of
such events. He acknowledged the family members of the four firefighters being recognized this
evening and thanked them for sacrificing time with their loved ones as they assisted the City.
Mr. Grimaldi noted some of the humorous events the firefighters had noted in their write-ups. He
discussed some of the significant and memorable events the firefighters had experienced. It was
summed up by this statement by one of the firefighters, "you always remember the people that
you saved and the ones that you tried to but could not".
Mr. Grimaldi acknowledged Dana Burwell for his 20 years of service to the City of Springfield in
the Fire and Life Safety Department. He discussed the accomplishments of Mr. Burwell and the
many ways he has served not only Springfield, but the McKenzie Fire District volunteer
department. Mr. Grimaldi presented a plaque to Mr. Burwell.
4. Recognition of Greg Deedon, Springfield Fire and Life Safety, for 20 Years of Service to the
City of Springfield.
City Manager Gino Grimaldi acknowledged Greg Deedon for his 20 years of service to the City
of Springfield in the Fire and Life Safety Department. He discussed the accomplishments of
Mr. Deedon as a Springfield firefighter, as well as a volunteer firefighter. Mr. Grimaldi presented
a plaque to Mr. De~don.
5. Recognition of Doug Cox, Springfield Fire and Life Safety, for 20 Years of Service to the
City of Springfield.
City Manager Gino Grimaldi acknowledged Doug Cox for his 20 years of service to the City of
Springfield in the Fire and Life Safety Department. He discussed the accomplishments of Mr.
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 3
Cox. Mr. Cox served as a Division Supervisor for the State Fire Marshal Incident Management
Team. He presented a plaque to Mr. Cox.
6. Recognition of Mark Walker, Springfield Fire and Life Safety, for 20 Years of Service to the
City of Springfield.
City Manager Gino Grimaldi acknowledged Mark Walker for his 20 years of service to the City
of Springfield in the Fire and Life Safety Department. He discussed the accomplishments of Mr.
Walker over the last twenty years with the City. Mr. Walker served as the Public Information
Officer (PIO) for the fire department and was the catalyst for getting the joint information center
set-up during the Thurston High School shootings. Mr. Grimaldi presented a plaque to Mr.
Walker.
Mr. Walked spoke on behalf ofthe four firefighters. He thanked the City, the Council and the
citizens for allowing them the opportunity to serve. He said the majority of those hired in 1986
were still with the City because it was a great place to work.
Mayor Leiken said there was nothing better than hearing about the professionalism of our
firefighters. He noted that he hears from many people throughout the state of the outstanding
quality of our firefighters.
7. "Be a Santa to a Senior" Proclamation
Mayor Leiken proclaimed November 24 to December 10,2006, as "BE A SANTA TO A
SENIOR" and asked the citizens of Springfield to join in its observance. He said there was
number of senior citizens in our community and it was important to assist those that may be
struggling. An event was scheduled for Tuesday, December 5 to encourage this event.
CONSENT CALENDAR
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED
WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - Lundberg).
1. Claims
2. Minutes
a. November 13,2006 - Work Session
b. November 20,2006 - Work Session
c. November 20, 2006 - Regular Meeting
d. November 27,2006 - Work Session
3. Resolutions
a. RESOLUTION NO. 06-48 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO AWARD COMPETITIVE BIDS AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN
$35,000 AND APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC CONTRACTS DURING THE
PERIOD OF DECEMBER 5,2006 TO JANUARY 2, 2007, WHILE THE CITY
COUNCIL IS IN RECESS.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 4
4. Ordinances
a. ORDINANCE NO. 6186 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SPRINGFIELD
DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTION 36.135 TEMPORARY USE - EMERGENCY
MEDICAL HARDSHIP; AND ADOPTING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE.
5. Other Routine Matters
a. Appoint Jeri Stark, Senior Director ofthe Order Services Group for Symantec, as the
Springfield Business Representative on the Lane Workforce Partnership Board with a
term expiring December 31, 2009.
b. Approve the November 7,2006 General Election Report of Board of Canvassers and
Proclamation.
c. Approval of the Liquor License Endorsement for Time Out Tavern, Located at 5256
Main Street, Springfield, OR.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
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. Annexation of Property Owned by Vern Benson to the City of Springfield, Case Number
LRP2005-00040.
RESOLUTION NO. 06-49 - A RESOLUTION INITIATING ANNEXATION OF
CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND REQUESTING THAT
THE LANE COUNTY LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOUNDARY COMMISSION APPROVE
THE ANNEXATION.
City Planner Linda Pauly presented the staff report on this item. The Property Owner, Vern
Benson, has requested annexation of approximately 2.1 acres of property located at the southeast
corner of Centennial Boulevard and Anderson Lane (1057 Anderson Lane), within Springfield's
UF-I0 Urbanizable Fringe Overlay District. The subject territory is described as Assessor's Map
Number 17-03-33-11 TL 101 and also includes 0.28 acres of public right-of-way for Anderson
Lane. The land to be annexed is more accurately described in Attachment 1, Exhibit A.
The applicant requests annexation in order to seek development of additional single family
residential uses, consistent with the standards of the Low Density Residential (LDR) zoning
district. The proposed urban densities are not permitted in the Urbanizable Fringe Overlay
District, thus annexation is required.
Article 6.030(2) of the 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, fire/emergency services, and schools. Staff finds, based on analysis,
that key urban services are available to serve the territory, with the exception of public sanitary
sewer, storm water management facilities and street improvements, which are being provided for
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 5
in an Annexation Agreement which has been negotiated with City staff and the applicant
(Attachment 4).
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 and written consent from owners of more than half the land in the territory proposed to
be annexed. According to Lane County Elections, there are two registered electors currently
residing within the territory proposed for annexation. Signatures from 100 percent of the property
owners and all registered electors have been obtained. With Council approval, this resolution will
be forwarded to the Lane County Local Government Boundary Commission for review at their
February 1,2007 meeting.
According to the Lane County Regional Land Information database, the 2006 total assessed value
of the subject property is $346,822. Upon annexation, the property could be developed with low
density residential land uses in accordance with SDC 16.020.
Ms. Pauly noted that because right-of-way was associated with the application, it would not
qualify for expedited process.
Mayor Leiken opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Leiken closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 06-49. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - Lundberg).
2. Request by the Relief Nursery to Purchase City-Owned Property for a Proposed Childcare
Facility.
Housing Program Manager Kevin Ko presented the staff report on this item. The City owns a 1.5
acre parcel located at 870 South 42nd Street. An appraisal report dated April 5, 2006, establishes
a market value of $267,000 for the property, which includes a vacant single family house. The
Relief Nursery has offered to purchase the property for the appraised value with the intention of
building a childcare facility on the property that will provide child abuse prevention services for
at-risk families.
The City's ownership was part of a 5.7 acre parcel purchased by Willamalane in 1981 with
$100,000 of CDBG funds from the City of Springfield. Willama1ane intended to develop a
neighborhood park at the site to serve what was then a low-income neighborhood, and named the
property Volunteer Park. Willamalane didn't develop the planned park, and when the 1990 US
Census was completed, it revealed that the neighborhood surrounding Volunteer Park no longer
qualified as low-income, and therefore, developing a park at that site was no longer an eligible
CDBG activity. Staff from the City, Willamalane and the Springfield School District had a series
of meetings to determine the best solution to the issue respective of each agency's needs. It was
decided through an intergovernmental agreement, the City would acquire title to approximately
1.5 acres on the east side of Volunteer Park. The City's property fronts South 42nd Street and
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 6
includes an existing, single family home (now vacant). The City's parcel was annexed in 2002
and the City received title to the property in 2003.
A recent appraisal determined a value of $267,000 for the property. The Relief Nursery is
interested in purchasing the property from the City for the appraised value: Staff met with the
City Attorney and determined that the Relief Nursery must use the property to construct and
operate the proposed daycare and operations facility. If the Relief Nursery doesn't commence
construction of the facility within three years after purchase, staff recommends a provision to
allow the City to buy back the property for the original sale price. The Relief Nursery proposes
adding 6% to the original sale price if the City were to buy back the property. Staff does not
support the 6% addition. The Relief Nursery will need time for its due diligence. Limiting due
diligence to 60 days from the signing of the sale agreement is reasonable. Staff is recommending
that the City sell the property to the Relief Nursery, with the conditions noted above. Council may
want to add other conditions or change those that are being recommended. If the sale of the
property to the Relief Nursery is approved by Council, the City Attorney and CDBG staff will
work with the agency on an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties.
Because of the history of the site, the proceeds from its sale would become CDBG "program
funds." If the sale is approved, staff recommends that proceeds from the sale be earmarked for
CDBG-eligible downtown redevelopment activities. Used in conjunction with other CDBG
funding for downtown, the proceeds can add tremendously to the resources available for
continued revitalization efforts. The proceeds could be used to assist in the purchase of distressed
properties, to develop needed public parking or to assist with the development of one or more
high-impact projects.
Councilor Ballew asked about the $100,000 ofCDBG funds used to acquire the property. She
asked how it went from $100,000 to $267,000.
Mr. Ko explained how it was first purchased as part of Volunteer Park and later divided between
the City, School District and Willamalane. He explained the reasons for dividing the property.
Councilor Ballew asked why the full $267,000 had to go back into CDBG, rather than just the
original $100,000.
Mr. Leahy clarified her question.
Mr. Ko explained.
Mayor Leiken opened the public hearing.
1. Sharri daSilva, Executive Director of Programs for the Relief Nursery, 1810 M Street,
Springfield, OR. Ms. daSilva discussed the families served at the Relief Nursery. Of those
served, one third were from Springfield. Over half of the families and children served in the
outreach program were from Springfield. She noted that the Relief Nursery was limited by a
zoning limitation in Eugene and couldn't serve more than a third of their families at the
Relief Nursery outside the City of Eugene. They couldn't ever grow their program to include
more Springfield families at their current location. She discussed a classroom that was
opened in Springfield in 1998, serving about 20 - 40 families in that classroom. That
classroom had been expanded to two classrooms with the help of grant funding. All the rest
of the kids that needed services from Springfield were put on a waiting list, about 20 families
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 7
a month. Of the kids that came from Springfield to Eugene, many had to ride on the school
bus up to an hour each way. She said there were currently several locations serving
Springfield citizens, which made it logistically difficult. They would like to bring everything
all under one roof for better service to those coming to the Relief Nursery. The Nursery
would like to purchase this land to move towards providing those services under one roof.
2. Jami Sterling-Counard, Chair of the Relief Nursery Building Committee, 915 Oak Street
#200, Eugene, OR. Ms. Counard said the Relief Nursery had been working to purchase land
to meet the needs of the community for the past five years. There was a need to locate a
separate facility in Springfield. This parcel on 42nd Street was ideal. She noted the different
locations they currently used for services and the many reasons the property on 42nd Street
would work so well. She thanked Council for their consideration of this proposal.
3. Roger Terrall, President of Relief Nursery Board, 675 Oak Street, Eugene, OR. Mr. Terrall
said he had taught at Thurston High School many years ago and although he was now in
banking, had never lost his love for kids. The Relief Nursery was one organization that was
easy to support because of the many services it provided throughout Lane County. It made
sense to expand to Springfield because of the many needs in this community. The Nursery
had an opportunity to receive a grant from the Meyer Foundation over the next three years to
expand their program into Springfield. He said their intention was to have the building
started within the three years. He referred to the request for the additional 6 percent if the
City chose to buy back the property and explained why they had made that request, but noted
it was not a major issue. He said they hoped Council would favorably receive this request.
4. Mike Donnelly, Principal of Centennial Elementary and President of the Springfield Chamber
of Commerce, 1315 Aspen Street, Springfield, OR. Mr. Donnelly first thanked Council for
approving the annexation of the property near Centennial. He referred to a guest editorial in
the Register Guard by Stan Payne regarding development assets, which talked about the need
to have our children come into school and be ready to meet the standards, be world class
citizens and participate in the economy. The Relief Nursery did a tremendous job in
supporting that effort. He said the 42nd Street property would be great for this opportunity
and would be a win for everyone. He said he supported this proposal and thanked Council
for their consideration.
5. Bob Schroeter, 1423 A Street, Springfield, OR Mr. Schroeter said he worked for Comcast as
the Government Affairs Officer, but also served on the Board of Directors of the Relief
Nursery. He not only served in the Eugene-Springfield area, but also as President of the
Board of Directors of the Relief Nursery in Albany. The Relief Nurseries were not confined
to Eugene. It was an idea that had spread throughout Oregon in a positive way. He said it
was a Springfield concept coming to Springfield if Council approved the proposal.
Mayor Leiken closed the public hearing.
Councilor Fitch said she supported this, but not the six percent additional if the City bought the
property back. She wished them the best to raise the funds to accomplish this as it would be a
great thing for Springfield.
Councilor Pishioneri received clarification about the location. He said he supported this effort.
Many participants that had gone through the program had succeeded.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 8
Councilor Ralston said he supported this project. He questioned why the amount over the
$100,000 had to go back into CDBG funds.
Mr. Grimaldi said staff would do more research on that issue and get information back to
Council.
Mayor Leiken thanked Jami and Irene for their strong commitment to this project. He said after
first meeting with them, he had referred them to Community Development Manager John
Tamulonis and Housing Manager Kevin Ko. He acknowledged the work Mr. Ko had done in
assisting the Nursery with this effort. He said this was something needed in our community and
would make it so much easier for the families served. He would like to do anything he could do
personally to help raise the funds needed.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISmONERI TO ACCEPT THE OFFER FROM THE RELIEF NURSERY TO
PURCHASE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY WITHOUT THE SIX PERCENT ADDITION.
THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT-
Lundberg).
Mr. Leahy asked if the sixty days, rather than 120 days, for due diligence was fine with the Relief
Nursery attorney. Yes.
BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE
1. Kathleen Dolan, 547 South 3rd Street, Springfield, OR. Ms. Dolan said she was an attorney
who practiced immigration law. She urged the City of Springfield not to pass any laws
related to immigration. She noted other cities that had passed laws that fmed landlords and
employers who hired or rented to illegal immigrants: and she had heard there could be such a
law considered in Springfield. She said such laws encroached on the Federal Government's
exclusive jurisdiction over immigration laws, passage and enforcement. They also conflicted
with Federal fair housing laws and Federal fair employment laws. Such laws could subject
the citizens of towns that pass these laws to the cost of litigation to defend their dubious
legality. Such laws had already been challenged in a number of places and were being
overturned. The citizens of those towns were required to pay for the attorneys and the cost of
the litigation. The laws would also subject the landlords and employers to civil liability for
illegal discrimination. She discussed the difficulty in determining the legal status of people
and the adverse affects that could have on renting or hiring people of different ethnicity. She
said people would leave the community, including legal immigrants, and anyone who did not
want to be subject to what would appear to be City sponsored discrimination and hostility.
She said those that left would take their tax dollars and their consumer spending with them.
Ms. Dolan said she also had the pleasure of attending the Wildish Theater Gala event. She
said it was a great venue that would attract many people to downtown Springfield. She said
this was a way to spend taxpayer money to bring people together, rather than on wasteful
legislation that would divide our community.
2. Michael Williams, 174 West K Street, Springfield, OR Mr. Williams said he came to
Springfield looking for a more open community than in Eugene and found one. He said not
everyone in the community looked like him or talked like him and he liked that. He said
nothing the City could vote on regarding immigration would have a practical beneficial effect
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 9
on this community. It would be divisive. The only thing it would do was to make a
statement and he would be embarrassed and ashamed to be associated with a statement that
said we would point a finger of suspicion at people who did not look or sound like us and did
not come from where we came from. He said he hoped the Council would not take that step.
3. Laurie Brown-Godfrey, 3395 Parker Lane, Springfield, OR. Ms. Godfrey said she had lived
in Springfield for 23 years, had raised two children and now has two grandchildren living
here. She addressed concerns about immigration and respect. Ms. Godfrey is a Native
American and she said in looking at the history of our nation, the country had tried to
assimilate the Native Americans and it had not been positive. She hoped we could respect
one another and honor each other's culture no matter where people came from. She said she
had tried to raise her children and grandchildren with those same values. When you did
otherwise, it was hurtful, disrespectful and did damage to one person's soul. She said she
hoped we would not do that as a community.
4. Sarita Lief, 174 West K Street, Springfield. OR. Ms. Lief said this was her first visit to a City
Council meeting and she was very honored and impressed by the caring by everyone in the
room. She referred to the honors and recognition earlier this evening as well as the report on
the Relief Nursery. She said it made her feel good to be in a community where caring was a
concern. She was deeply concerned that this caring continue to extend to all in this
community. Talk of negative laws against immigrants was disturbing. She was totally
against any laws that pointed fingers at immigrants.
5. Judy Harold, 641 City View Boulevard, Springfield, OR. Ms. Harold said she had seen the
Springfield City Council and staff work hard to have our community remain welcoming and
work hard to serve the immigrant populations. She was fortunate to be part of that work as
the Youth Services Manager in the Library. Part of her work helped her appreciate all the
work the Council did. She said immigrant families were not just recipients of our services,
but also providers of services themselves. They were family members, business peoples,
owners, investors and workers and members of the armed services. They brought in long
term economic benefits and cultural enrichment for our community. She said there were
legal and illegal immigrants. Humane immigration reform needed to be addressed at the
federal level, but in that work, we needed to be sensitive to our friends and neighbors who
were immigrants. Her hope was that Council members consider joining with her as
individuals by contacting United States senators and representatives in requesting that
humane reform be worked on.
6. Jennifer Potter, 1211 M Street, Springfield, OR Ms. Potter asked Council to imagine
downtown Springfield without Latino owned businesses. She said she imagined a lot of
empty storefronts. She said we needed to honor the contributions of immigrants to our
community. She noted volunteer work she had done at Moffitt Elementary and said the
students were great kids, enthusiastic about learning English and wanted to become
productive members of our community. Ifwe could help them to do that, we would end up
with some great citizens. Ifwe discouraged them, we would damage our community.
7. Elaine Hayes, 650 E Street, Springfield, OR. Ms. Hayes read from a prepared statement. Ms.
Hayes said she had lived in Springfield for ten years. She talked about keeping community
members safe and free of fear while continuing to discuss a fair and comprehensive
immigration package. She said she was committed to working for a fair and just immigration
policy. She said she believed it was possible to come up with a comprehensive immigration
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 10
package that was beneficial to immigrants and for the economy. She discussed the issues that
drove people to immigrate to the United States. Although many understood the complexities
involved, other groups pointed out negative images, arousing some to vigilante actions. She
discussed the groups that were calling for separate city measures that caused community
conflicts and put neighbor against neighbor. She noted that the Minute Men project and
Oregonians for Immigration Reform had been invited to Springfield, along with Minute Men
founder Jim Gilchrist, with the intent of creating another Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Mayor Leiken asked Ms. Hayes how much more she had to read. He asked if it would be alright
if copies were provided to the Council since her time was up.
Ms. Hayes said that would be fine. City staff made the copies to deliver to Council after the
meeting.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
I. Correspondence from LaVonne Fuller, 77707 Hargiss Drive, Cottage Grove, OR Regarding
Treatment from a Springfield Police Officer. (see attached staff response)
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISHIONERI TO ACCEPT THE CORRESPONDENCE FOR FILING. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - Lundberg).
BIDS
ORDINANCES
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Committee Appointments.
a. Library Board Appointment.
Library Director Bob Russell presented the staffreport on this item.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY
COUNCILOR PISHIONERI TO APPOINT MATHEW BUNDE TO THE LIBRARY
BOARD WITH A TERM EXPIRATION OF DECEMBER 31,2010. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 ABSENT - Luudberg)
1. Business from Council
Mayor Leiken acknowledged that this evening was Councilor Fitch's last Council meeting. He
said a going away would be arranged for her in the next couple of weeks. He noted that
Councilor Fitch had served on the Council for eight years. Her leadership as Council President
and as a Council member had been outstanding. He said when Councilor Fitch was first elected,
he did not know her well, but over the years they had become good friends. Mayor Leiken said
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 11
Councilor Fitch had been instrumental in many great things in Springfield both as a Councilor
and member ofthe business community. He thanked her for her great service.
Councilor Fitch thanked the Mayor and said it had been a pleasure and an honor to serve the
citizens of Springfield. She acknowledged her husband, Mike Fitch, in the audience.
Councilor Pishioneri said Councilor Fitch had been a great mentor to him and he really
appreciated her assistance.
a. Committee Reports
1. Mayor Leiken said the Wildish Theater Gala Event in downtown Springfield on
December 1 was outstanding. He said prior to that, Senator Smith was in the area
conducting a symposium on mental health. He was able to come over for lunch and a
tour of the theater. Senator Smith had been very supportive of this project and was
very impressed. Senator Smith was happy to have played a role in this project.
Mayor Leiken also noted Councilor Fitch's involvement in the theater project.
Mayor Leiken reported that he and staff met with Smith Dawson representatives
today to discuss the United Front lobbying trip in February 2007. He noted that
Congressman DeFazio would be heavily involved in the Transportation
Subcommittee, which would bring benefits to Springfield.
2. Councilor Pishioneri discussed the importance of having connectivity of City staff
and elected officials. He would like to direct staff, with the Council's blessing, to
analyze the cost of those related issues and to fmd ways to improve on what was
currently in place. He would like staff to look at all aspects and bring it back to
Council in the form of options before the end of the fiscal year. He would like it
submitted soon enough to be addressed with this coming budget.
Mr. Grimaldi noted this topic was addressed during the work session. Staff would
look into various ways to connect, i.e. cell phones, PDA's, Blackberries, etc.
Councilor Pishioneri noted that during discussions on the Emergency Management
Plan, it occurred to him that we were lacking in that connectivity.
Mr. Grimaldi said staff would bring back some options, cost estimates, and various
ways to reimburse elected officials. Staff would take a broader look and try to find a
more streamlined process.
Councilor Pishioneri said to include communication devices and how elected
officials were connected to staff by way of documents, including agenda packets.
3. Councilor Ralston reported on the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAP A).
He said he had been on the LRAP A Board for six years and there had been some
rocky times. He had served as Chair of the Board for the last three years during a
time with many changes, including new board members and changes in the by-laws.
He said he had been a huge supporter of LRAP A during this time because it was the
only regional environmental agency in the state and gave direct support to local
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 12
businesses. Without this agency, businesses would have to work through the State
and the process was longer.
He said there were dramatic changes to the board in the last few years and it appeared
LRAPA had reached the end of its usefulness and was now poised to become
detrimental to local businesses and private citizens. He reviewed some of the issues
LRAP A had been dealing with and how they had been handled. He noted some of
the issues LRAP A was looking into, some that were State statutes already regulated
through the State. He said LRAP A seemed to want to implement policies without the
proper jurisdictional approval. Recently, the board had been discussing field
burning, which was legally regulated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture
(ODA) and reductions had been made over the years through ODA restrictions. The
LRAP A Board decided they would suggest to legislators to ban field burning
altogether. He said he reminded the board that LRAP A represented Lane County and
there was not much field burning in Lane County, so the board would be trying to
dictate to the rest of the state how they did their job. He noted that they couldn't ban
field burning unless there were other alternatives for the farmers. LRAPA's
Executive Director, Merlin Hough, drafted a letter for the advisory committee to
review that asked the State for ways to reduce field burning and implement a ban if
other possibilities were available. One of the board members rewrote the entire letter
asking for an outright ban on field burning. The Board supported this letter by a vote
of five to three, with Board Member Stewart, who had indicated he would vote
against the letter, absent. Councilor Ralston said he was forced as the Chair to sign
the letter to the state legislators to ban field burning.
Councilor Ralston said Lane County Commissioner Peter Sorenson formerly served
on the LRAP A Board, but left the board at one point. He said Commissioner
Sorenson wanted to litigate and legislate everything and now that it was going in that
direction, he wanted back on the board, replacing Commissioner Faye Stewart. He
said there was a tenuous balance on the board, causing divisiveness. He referred to
an article in the Register Guard titled "Eugene Poised to Join the Carbon War". He
discussed the issues of such a policy by Eugene and that he felt LRAP A would be
used to implement such a policy. He suggested looking into disbanding LRAP A. He
said he had been in contact with Cottage Grove and Oakridge and they were
supportive of pulling out. He said he didn't feel he would have a problem convincing
Springfield. He asked about the contract with LRAP A and if there was a timing issue
related to that.
Mr. Leahy said he did not recall the details, but knew a memo had been drafted that
addressed that issue.
Councilor Ralston said he would like to get out of LRAP A as soon as possible, if not
the end of this year, then by the end of2007. The only thing left to do was to
convince Lane County to back out of LRAP A as well. Eugene could not run its own
agency; it would require at least two major partners. '
Mr. Leahy said he would ask the City Manager to look at this issue. Mr. Leahy
would get the information on specific questions to the Mayor and Council in memo
form.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 13
Councilor Ralston cautioned against Springfield backing out of LRAP A if Lane
County and Eugene remained to run it. That would leave Springfield unrepresented.
Councilor Woodrow suggested asking the City Manager and City Attorney to get that
information to the Mayor and Council in a reasonable amount of time to review and
evaluate.
4. Councilor Woodrow thanked Ms. Harold for her comment and encouraged people to
contact their Federal representatives if they had issues with the immigration laws.
The City of Springfield would continue to treat everybody equally, as was done now.
The City would continue to uphold the laws of the City of Springfield and the State
as they were written, whether they agreed with them or not. Immigration reform was
needed and he suggested people contact their federal legislators.
Councilor Woodrow thanked Chief Smith and the Police Department, and Dan
Brown and the Public Works Department for the excellent help they.provided for the
Holiday Parade. He also thanked Budget Officer Bob Brew, who spent his own
personal time to be on the parade committee.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
1. Consider an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with Willamalane Park and Recreation
District for Cost Sharing of Park Development Fees in Accordance with the Approved
MountainGate Master Plan.
Planning Supervisor Jim Donovan presented the staff report' on this item. The MountainGate
Master Plan (City File #1995-02-00039), as reviewed and approved by the elected officials of the
City of Springfield, the Willamalane Park and Recreation District and the Hearings Official on
May 13, 1998, obligates the City and District to joint participation in protection of natural
resources and development of park properties. The City wishes to share and equitably resolve
application fees and in-kind services with the District in accordance with the attached Inter-
Governmental Agreement to mutually benefit the residents of the City and District.
Approval ofthe attached IGA by signature of the City Manager will continue the previously
agreed process of annexing, re-designating and developing 85 acres of hillside park land at the
MountainGate Master Plan site.
The IGA documents the City's cost sharing obligations for processing the required Metro Plan
Amendment, and it provides for acceptance of cash and in-kind maintenance services from
Willamalane for the District's share of the plan amendment and other land use applications. The
cost breakdowns are attached to the IGA and Council Briefmg Memo. Without the IGA,
standard application fees would be $237,052 for the necessary land use reviews. Under the
proposed agreement, the City would recover $93,517 in cash along with in-kind services valued
at an estimated $135,000. The sum of these is $228,517, leaving a negotiated balance of$8,535.
This negotiated balance essentially represents the City's contribution to parks and open space.
The District and developer have annexation, plan amendment and re-zoning applications
submitted for review and approval pending approval of the fee agreement.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2006
Page 14
Mr. Donovan thanked Councilor Fitch for her service and support of City staff. He said the park
properties on the schematic map included 60 acres on the butte, approximately 20 acres along the
west ridge line and approximately 5 acres at the quarry site. All were unique park properties and
he was proud to bring this to Council.
Councilor Woodrow asked if today' s was the last blast at MountainGate.
Mr. Donovan said as far as he knew.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WOODROW WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
PISmONERI TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO FINALIZE AND APPROVE
THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH WILLAMALANE PARKS AND
RECREATION DISTRICT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD. THE
MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 AGAINST-
Lundberg).
2. Agreement with Willamalane for the Collection of Park System Development Charges.
PULLED
This item was pulled from the agenda so future discussions could be held during an upcoming
Council Work Session.
Councilor Fitch said she was in support of this item. It would be coming to Council during a
work session in January and she hoped the Council at that time would agree to support this issue.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
Mr. Leahy thanked Councilor Fitch, who served as his councilor, for the excellent job she had
done. She was always mindful of her ethics as a merchant in the downtown area and consulted
with the City Attorney regarding that aspect of her service. He explained. He thanked her for all
her time and effort.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa
'-
Attest:
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