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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/2006 Regular .f 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. City of Springfield 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 City of Springfield 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 City of Springfield 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: Ci~