HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/12/1998 Work Session
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MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING
OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL, HELD
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1998
The city of Springfield council met in a joint work session with the board of Springfield
School District #19, Springfield Utility Board and Willamalane Park and Recreation
District. The meeting was held in the Board Room of the School District #19
Administration Building, 525 Mill Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Saturday, December 12,
1998, at 8:15 a.m., with Mayor Morrisette presiding.
ATTENDANCE
City of Springfield - Present were Mayor Bill Morrisette, Councilors Terry Beyer, Norm
Dahlquist, Greg Shaver, Sid Leiken, Maureen Maine and Anne Ballew. Also present
were Springfield City Councilors Elects Tammy Fitch, Fred Simmons, Christine
Lundberg and Council Appointee Lyle Hatfield. City of Springfield staff present were
Mike Kelly, Gino, Grimaldi, Rosie Pryor, Dan Brown, Bruce Hocking, Frank Hotchkiss,
Susan Daluddung, Bob Duey, Bob Russell and Bill DeForrest.
Willamalane Park and Recreation District - Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Board Members Present were Blake Hastings, Janice Morrisette, Rob Adams, Jim Mayo
and Wayne Hill, Also present was Dan Plaza,
SpringfieldUtilityBoard - Springfield Utility Board Members present were Joe Mathieu
and Ted Johnson, Also present was Steve Loveland,
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Springfield School District #19 - Springfield School District #19 Board of Directors
present was Marty Lenk, Tom Atkinson and Jennifer Heiss. School District #19 staff
present was Jamon Kent, Steve Barrett, Cherie Kistner, Len Arney and Judy Land,
Facilitator- Facilitator Lyle Sumek was also present.
I. Welcome and Introductions.
Mayor Morrisette welcomed those present and asked them to introduce themselves.
II. Leadership.
Lyle Sumek introduced himself and talked about what makes an effective policy body.
He referred to the Guide for Local Leaders previously provided. He said lesson one is
that effective policy groups begin with problem definition, focused on outcomes, with
established parameters. He also said effective groups have vision. He said the group
would focus on where it wants Springfield to be five years from now. Mr. Sumek
encouraged the elected officials to be realistic in their expectations.
III. A Look Ahead - Forecast.
Mr. Sumek introduced Lee Beyer, Executive Director of the Eugene/Springfield
Metropolitan Partnership, who talked about where the economy has been and where it is
going. Mr. Beyer said growth would continue. He said it has been one to two percent
per year for the past fifty years. One way to stop it is to go into recession. No one wants
to do that. Mr, Beyer said most growth in Springfield would not come from in-migration
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Mr, Beyer said the local economy mix has changed in Springfield. He said Springfield
has about the same amount of manufacturing jobs now as it had in 1980. What has
changed is all other sectors, particularly retail trades and services. Government is
smaller than it used to be. Mr, Beyer said if you look at manufacturing in general, wood
products has decreased significantly. Increases have come in transportation, Lane
County is the second largest concentration of mobile home manufacturing in the U.S.
High technology industry has also increased significantly. Lumber and wood products
will continue to decrease.
Mr, Beyer discussed the results of the chanoes. Per capita income has dropped, but the
change has set a positive standard in improved employee benefits, locally. Smaller
employers have increased benefits in order to retain and recruit employees, Hyundai is
hiring at over $10 per hour.
Mr. Beyer said there is a new movement called "sustainable" development. Some
people mean the "green" environment. Others mean a community's ability to retain
employers over time. Mr. Beyer said the number which move out tends to equal the
number of new companies and start-ups. In the healthiest of times a community is going
to have to replace twenty five to fifty percent of its jobs every decade. This is a natural
evolution of the local economy,
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Mr. Beyer discussed what will affect Lane County the most. Population will continue to '
grow. Factors: Portland to Puget Sound is one of the fastest growing areas and fastest
growing markets, Looking south, California is the third largest economy in the world.
Companies are looking at the West Coast because it is a growth area. Both 1-5 and the
railroad are important factors. The largest growing market is Asia. Oregon is an
exporting state. In the 1980s, all wood products manufacturing in the U.S. went to other
parts of the U.S. Now we export much more,
Mr. Beyer discussed what all this means for local oovernment policies. Mr, Beyer posed
the following policy questions: will Springfield train young people to take these jobs or
will companies bring workers with them? Does Springfield have places where jobs can
be created? Is Springfield financing things in a way that infrastructure can be provided?
Mr. Beyer said residential development does not pay for infrastructure development. He
said Springfield must decide whether to provide family wage jobs, or jobs that service
other industries.
Other impacts: Mr. Beyer said there has been a change in the local profile. Younger
people are not familiar with the wood products recession and therefore don't have the
sal'De fear of it repeating itself. He said retail is changing, He said he wonders if the
Gateway Mall will ever be a retail center or even need to be. He talked about Internet
marketing, saying there may not be a need for stores, Malls are becoming
entertainment centers. There have been changes for corporations too. Some don't
want customers in the office. He cited Harry and David, who hire 1,400 - 1,600 people
from October to December annually, and Symantec Corporation in Eugene Downtown
Mall, as examples.
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Mr. Beyer also said speed has become much more important to potential new
businesses for Springfield. Companies want to locate where they can be in business
within six months. Geography is important. Springfield is landlocked, It does not have
much industrial land. He referenced Natron, the old airport, the Pierce property, the
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potential for redevelopment in Glenwood, and old mill sites as what remains of
Springfield's industrial and commercial development options,
IV. Presentation of Goals and Projects.
Mr. Sumek introduced Springfield School District Board Chair, Tom Atkinson, Mr.
Atkinson thanked the group for choosing to use the School District's facilities for the
meeting. He said education in Oregon is doing much better than the rest of the U.S, He
described Oregon's Education Act for the 21 st Century. Then he described School
District #19's specific goals: prepare students for the Certificate of Initial mastery,
increase student achievement in Math and Language Arts, increase parents
involvement, and promote and provide for safety and security.
Mr. Atkinson said school funding is now directly related to the legislature, which
determines what each school district may collect in local taxes. Growth does not affect
the School District's property tax revenue, He said no significant increase is expected;
school districts won't be able to keep up with inflation, He said the good news ofthis
biennium is that schools have felt stabilized.
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Mr. Atkinson said student growth in Springfield is flat. There has been one percent
growth or less in the last few years. This means no increase in funding. One challenge
for School District #19 is its aging work force. Mr, Atkinson said the average age of
Springfield teachers are forty-seven years old, Over the next ten years, the District
expects to have one hundred percent turn over in teaching staff. Most of the teachers
the district tries to attract are two-income households, There also needs to be jobs for
spouses. If there is no employment for spouses, the teacher recruits won't come to
Springfield.
Mr. Atkinson said public agencies are good at intergovernmental cooperation in
Springfield. Willamalane and the School District are so well intertwined that the Park
District does not get credit for some of its good programs such as the after school
programs. He said the School Resource Officer Program, in cooperation with the
Springfield Police Department, is good because kids learn what law enforcement does
and it helps with safety. He said the joint fueling facility is another example of good
intergovernmental cooperation,
In response'to a question about teaching civics, Ms. McNair said the school curriculum is
updated on a seven year cycle, She said the State threw out the old social studies
curriculum. New requirements include the study of government. Ms. McNair said
School District #19 would be rewriting the social studies curriculum for K-12,
Mr, Sumek then introduced Springfield Utility Board General Manager Steve Loveland.
He presented a slide show, which illustrated the history of Springfield Utility Board. Mr.
Loveland said Springfield Utility Board would pay the city of Springfield $1.4 million in-
lieu-of taxes and $113,000 to the School District. He cited streetlight maintenance,
energy inspections, fire protection infrastructure and water quality protection as
examples of things Springfield Utility Board does to cooperate inter-governmental and to
help maintain the quality of life in Springfield. He said Springfield Utility Board also
assists with economic development by maintaining low rates.
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Mr. Loveland reported that in 1999 there is potential for industry restructuring, which
could cause Springfield Utility Board customers to lose low rates. He described the
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importance of fiber optics and high-speed data transmission, and said that Springfield
Utility Board has installed a fiber optics backbone. In response to a question, Mr.
Loveland confirmed the cost of this installation was one third less than what is being paid
to establish the same network in Eugene.
Mr, Sumek introduced Willamalane General Manager Dan Plaza and Willamalane Board
Chair Rob Adams. Mr. Plaza said most people don't realize that Willamalane is a
separate governmental agency. He said Willamalane's mission is to provide recreation
opportunity. In doing so, Willamalane tries to be a partner with agencies, parents, and
community members. He said Willamalane also tries to be a leader in Springfield, and
tries to be a friend to people, He described the District's Vision 2002, listing specific
projects,
Mr. Adams said there are three things Willamalane needs intergovernmental help with:
1) to come up with a workable park, recreation and open space plan in cooperation with
other governments; 2) to secure federal money for youth activities (Mr. Adams said
Willamalane cannot apply for certain federal funds and needs the city to apply for and
get the grants to enable Willamalane to use the funds, He said the two organizations
should do some preplanning for that); and 3) to continue to work on intergovernmental
approaches and projects. Mr. Adams concluded by forecasting that Willamalane may
ask for more joint meetings.
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IV. Discussion of Prioritized Topics.
Mr. Sumek asked where the policy board members want to be in five years. He
described nine goals he discerned from interviews with incoming councilors and the
CEO's of Springfield Utility Board, Willamalane, and Springfield School District. He then
asked participants to look out five years and think about what goals and outcomes are
desired for Springfield, He asked those present to work in four groups to identify goals,
opportunities, and topics that need public agency follow-up.
At the conclusion of the small group discussions, Mr. Sumek reiterated that policy board
members need to talk about outcomes before talking about solutions. He asked those
present if they had any final comments. Mr. Adams said the policy boards should meet
together more. He said they should not wait to meet once every four or five years. He
said it was even more critical now. He observed that most of the agencies represented
seem to wantto expand services, He recommended fhe formation of a joint like council,
similar to the Metropolitan Policy Committee, The committee composition includes
Eugene, Springfield and Lane County representatives. He said something similar should
be created within Springfield. Two elected officials from each agency could participate,.
It would enable the partners to move fast on issues.
Mayor Morrisette recommended implementation of the idea, There was general
agreement with this proposal. Staff was directed to follow-up.
The Community Partners portion of the meeting concluded at 12:10 p,m, Members of
the Springfield Council and Councilors-Elect convened for further discussion,
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V. Direction to Staff on Issue Paper Topics.
Mr. Sumek asked those present to review the issue papers included in the agenda
packet and provide direction to staff using the Policy Questions shown at the end of
each paper as a guide.
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Is SprinQfield safe and attractive? Chief DeForrest explained the issues, In response to
the questions, the following comments were made:
1.
LonQ-RanQe Plan. Councilor Maine: What could be accomplished with
Community Safety Officers to make the greatest impact in calls for service?
Chief DeForrest: Two per watch would do it. Councilor Maine: I'd like to see a
costing out of that, net cost. Councilor-Elect Lundberg: I'm supportive of long-
range plan and jail.
Downtown Safety. Councilor Leiken: We should continue to work with downtown
businesses to get them to do what they can to increase safety (referenced Brick
House Business). It is ridiculous to have to adopt an ordinance regarding
urination on sidewalks, We need to raise the standards; show downtown
business the standard. Councilor Beyer: We can't require them to do anything.
Councilor Maine: But we can. We can require them to bring their property up to
code standards. Councilor Beyer: I think this is an issue, but not at the expense
of other things. Councilor-Elect Hatfield: I agree. Other things are more
important. Councilor Ballew: This is a hot spot. Councilor-Elect Hatfield:
Downtowns are always the hot spot. We are not unique. Councilor Ballew:
There is nothing to go to downtown Springfield for at night. Councilor-Elect
Simmons: Some are afraid to go downtown during the day. We need to give
resources to the city staff and provide guidance. Councilor-Elect Lundberg:. We
need to change the patterns of downtown.
Continue involvement with the Public Safety CoordinatinQ Council. Look at a .
SprinQfield iail. Councilor Maine: We need to be able to say we looked at-a jail .
operation. We should continue our involvement withPSCC.' Councilor Shaver: .
We need to look at a jail facility in Springfield. It might enable us to make just
one transfer per day to the Lane County jail. We could keep our officers on our
streets, Councilor Ballew: It is too expensive. We should help the County. I am
concerned about the current level of staffing for PSCC, It does not need to be an
institution. Councilor Maine: It is premature to call it quits. I agree a time will
come when we will have achieved what we set out to do. Councilor-Elect
Simmons: I agree we need more energy to get a levy passed. We can't abandon
it at this time: Too much demonstrated need,
How much city emphasis on youth activities? Councilor-Elect Hatfield: Working
with youth is the best preventative medicine we can have. But it's not justa
police responsibility. Willamalane has stepped up. Councilor Maine: Regarding
the library strategic plan, maybe an after school or night program at the library,
Councilor-Elect Fitch: It's a joint effort. We bring all agencies together on this
one, This is a good idea for the proposed MPC like group, What about pulling
the library out of the city and having a library district.
Code enforcement and nuisance abatement. Councilor-Elect Simmons: We
need to deal with abandoned vehicles; have to find a way to do that. We need to
go to the Legislature for help. Councilor-Elect Fitch: With our financial
constraints it's not on my priority list. We are already being criticized for what we
do, Councilor- Elect Hatfield: How do you place a priority on broken windows,
We need to give people a reason to focus on law abiding behavior. It will be
tough to reallocate resources to it. Councilor Beyer: When new councilors have
gotten complaint calls, their opinions about not acting to increase nuisance
enforcement may change. Councilor Maine: I think this needs to be part of
enhanced services in some future proposal.
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Emeroency plan nino. Councilor-Elect Hatfield: Y2K could pose problems, Are
we ready, Mayor Morrisette: The city's done a good job on emergency response.
The city should be congratulated, Mike Kelly: We are good at responding; this is
about being prepared, We don't have up-to-date plans describing how to handle
food, housing, coordination, and role of policy leaders. Councilor-Elect Fitch: We
have looked internally, Have we looked out into the community for those who
would need help. Is this one for our new MPC like group. I agree we need to do
the planning. We need to be ready. Councilor-Elect Simmons: We don't follow
the existing plan, Each councilor is supposed to have a designate, but we don't.
We do not have the capacity to deal with a major disaster, Councilor Shaver:
Y2K planning will help in terms of disaster planning, Chief DeForrest: State law
requires that counties have emergency plans. Cities may. We do. Emergency
management is a Fire and Life Safety responsibility, It's a professional field,
Dennis Shew is doing the job. Lane County has a full-time Emergency Manager.
Yes, we have a plan; the question is how good is it. We don't have time to
rehearse, A prolonged disaster is a question mark.
How much orowth is enouoh? Susan Daluddung explained the issues. In response to
the policy questions, the following comments were made.
1.
Place more emphasis on disadvantaoed. (Discussion also involved item number
five regarding current housing policies), Mayor Bill: Should the city take the
holistic approach to public safety, The community Development Corporation is
working to provide neighborhood safety improvements. We don't have a Centro'
Latino; we need one. We have been remiss in not putting up more resources to
deal with disadvantaged, We need to include Springfield Utility Board and .the.
Park District to help make safe neighborhoods. We need to help buy down the
cost of housing, It's a multi-jurisdictional problem. People of need are here.
Councilor-Elect Lundberg: We are already accomplishing things as a community.
We need to look at what kind of home ownership opportunities are going to be
available, We need to ensure there is enough opportunity. How are we going to
keep our kids here. Councilor Ballew: The line is blurred between advantaged
and disadvantaged. Lots of folks are on the line. That line is low in this area. A
lot of Springfield is disadvantaged, Councilor-Elect Fitch: I don't want 'our
citizens to have to rely on a soup kitchen, a government handout. We need
better jobs for people. Ms. Daluddung: We need to talk with the partners about
their.role, staff has not had a lot of luck. Perhaps this is another topic for the .
MPC like group. Springfield Utility Board approaches their mission as a
business. Their objective is to keep rates low. When they do, they transfer the
cost to others. Councilor Maine: They do conservation and weatherization, They
could be involved in that way. Councilor-Elect Hatfield: The municipality does not
have much leverage in this. Do we want to encourage people to be self .
sufficient. One way: change the way we charge system development charges
(SDCs) so that bigger properties pay more. Try to minimize the cost of
government on affordable housing. This would be best if regional. Councilor-
Elect Simmons: Shifting SDCs on a global basis is scary, Instead, we should do
it on a project-specific basis. We can defer SDCs perhaps, but somebody has to
pay the price. Councilor Maine: Maybe the city should not be the lead on this
function. That does not mean it does not care. I need to understand the
requirements of affordable housing. Loading a community with things that does
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not pay their way is costly. We have more public housing than other
communities. Dan Brown: Staff will be bringing SDCs back to council.
Should Sprinqfield be passive or aqqressive on development. Councilor Beyer:
We have not been aggressively looking for business, but we have been working
on street improvements like Jasper Road, etc. We need to be ready for
development. Councilor Maine: We should look at the Natron site globally: What
are the opportunities for development out there. That is as aggressive as I want
to be at this point. Then, when we get a proposal, we can evaluate to see how it
fits with our goals. The city's role should be to plan for options and be ready.
Mayor Morrisette: We should update our industrial lands study. We could look at
which sites are ready. We should do some common mapping so that when
people come to get a building permit you can see where all the utilities, etc., are
located on the property. It would help the development community and the city,
common mapping. We could use our franchise agreements to encourage other
agencies to move in this direction. Mike Kelly: Our attitude at the city about
being "open for business" is an "A," we have a "B" for timely response.to
development requests because of our resource level. We have a "c" in terms of
our ability to be proactive, Should we change or are you comfortable. Councilor-
Elect Hatfield: We are perceived as being open for business but have a reduced
ability to deliver. Given our location on 1-5, we have a lot in our favor, We are
probably doing enough in terms of soliciting business; we,need todo more about
being able to respond to those who come to us. I want to see more resources
pushed toward turn around time. We need to speed up. Councilor-Elect
Simmons: I agree, shifting toward accommodating is right. The Pierce property
is a good example, How quickly we react is a factor in whether someone will
locate there. We should placethe emphasis on being able to respond..
Councilor Maine: How we do that is look at the sites up front. Councilor Beyer:
Zoning does not hamper the Pierce site, the owner hampers it. Councilor
Shaver: The owner has not done anything with the public assistance already
allocated. Councilor Leiken: Electronic mapping is very important. It would help
with the delays, especially since we have cut back staff. If there is a way to be
more efficient, lets do it. Councilor-Elect Fitch: I want to make sure we are not
doing delayed annexations.
Should development pay more for transportation improvements.. More focus on
alternative modes? Dan Brown: Based on the commentsI've heard, I conclude
we should continue our current focus.
Should development pay for water quality. Mr, Brown explained federal.
requirements and said the council will hear from private parties who don't want to
pay for storm water retention basins, etc. Comments were to continue on the
present course.
See item number one above.
Work with partners to preserve the character, look and feel of Sprinqfield. Ms,
Daluddung described how communities could miss the opportunity to preserve
important community assets such as river access, the ridgeline, etc. She asked
if the Council wished to work with the other public agencies to put some
measures in place now. Councilor-Elect Hatfield: This is a perfect issue for the
MPC like group. I like the idea of Willamalane being ahead of the curve. We
need to be looking at the Jasper area right now. We should discuss with schools
and parks. Councilor-Elect Lundberg: Willamalane is not at the table in the
conversation all the time. We have parts of the city where there are not open
spaces. This is important. We have a wonderful community. Whenever there is
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a big development going in, we should ask where the open space is. Councilor
Maine: The city should go to the partners and review developments and get their
input. Councilor Ballew: There are reasons we all have legally defined
responsibilities. We all have the same horizon, we are aiming for the same thing,
but from different points of view,
Where will the money come from? Bob Duey introduced the topic. In response to the
policy questions, the following comments were made:
1.
What do we need from federal. state leoislatures, Councilor Maine: We need to
lobby for the gas tax increase, and ask the partners to do it also, We should be
prepared to give on the registration fee increase to keep the gas tax,Councilor
Beyer: We need to protect shared revenue, Councilor Ballew: We need to urge
there be no further funding measure pre-emptions. Mike Kelly: There should be
no unfunded mandates, Source unknown: Let's ask state to raise beer and wine
tax, it's the lowest. Councilor Maine: We should lobby the federal government on
what qualifies as a disaster. We need to get FEMA funds for disaster.
Full cost recovery. Re-evaluate fees. Use fee structures as mechanisms to
influence policy goals, e.g., affordable housing construction. Councilor Maine: If
the service serves a large number of people, use taxes to pay for it. If it serves a
small number a higher percent of cost recovery makes more sense, We could
look at this more. Councilor-Elect Fitch: If the city is recovering one hundred
percent, then service should be better than a "C." Give people the services that
accomplish their needs. Councilor Elect-Hatfield: We should look at user fees.
Special library programs could have fees. Mayor Morrisette: Fees will never pay
the cost of programs. We have to subsidized them~ There isa limit. Councilor
Ballew: A caution, we should not put ourselves into a position where
constitutionally we are discriminating. Susan Daluddung: Declining resources
mean that fees which were subsidizing services before cannot keep up with the
cost of providing service. Councilor-Elect Simmons: The development
community should pay a fair share of costs, We should be encouraging payment
of full costs, If someone wants a permit in three weeks and is willing to pay for it,
let them.
Shore UP existino services. Or use new revenues only for enhanced services.
Councilor Shaver: We need to build reserves so that we can backfill without
wiping out departments. If property values go down, tax revenues will go down.
Councilor-Elect Hatfield: Our economist predicts a slow-down during the first and
second quarters of 1999. The rock and roll boom is over for a while. Its time to .
conserve reserves. Councilor-Elect Simmons: I concur, Its time to be prudent.
Councilor-Elect Fitch: Keep the money, use resources / partners. Councilor
Maine: Are you talking about a cash infusion over what is planned. Bob Duey:
Should we continue to use reserves at the same level. Councilor Maine: long
range forecast does not reflect net figure,
Chanoe annexation policy. Councilor Beyer: I wouldn't touch it, except for
delayed annexations. Councilor-Elect Fitch: Downtown needs redevelopment,
we could raise values, Councilor-Elect Hatfield: The Planning Commission will
forward a mixed-use ordinance next year. We need to revisit our delayed
annexation policy, There is no benefit. People in the Urban Growth Boundary
are getting a bargain. Councilor Maine: We don't need to change our annexation
policy; we need to use zoning more flexibly. I thought we already go for the
highest and best use, Mayor Morrisette: Don't forget tax increment financing.
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We should look at the county forming a tax increment-urban renewal district in
Glenwood to get the sewers in. We should talk to the County. Councilor Shaver:
We should go for the highest and best use in our planning policies, (e,g., don't
keep residential in Gateway, make it commercial/industrial). Need to move.
There is a good chance the IRS won't exist by next October. The federal
government will need cash, It might enact a sales tax surcharge. In Oregon's
case, it would be the initiation of a sales tax. If Oregon gets this, the property tax
would go away or income tax would go away. Then un-annexed properties will
want to annex, but we won't want to have to them. Councilor-Elect Simmons:
Reserves may be the lifeline. Councilor-Elect Fitch: We need to be really clear
on our priorities.
Sprinqfield public aqencies work toqether on future money measures. Councilor-
Elect Hatfield: Not sure, Councilor Ballew: If measures are complicated people
don't understand them. Mike Kelly: Ballot Measure 50 means that we have to
turn out fifty percent of the registered voters; or we can only go to voters during
General Elections of even years, Everyone will go at the same time, Should
"Team Springfield" organize to structure requests to voters, Regarding the
Thurston tragedy: should we do a comprehensive request to voters for resources
to meet youth / safety needs, Councilor Maine: This needs to go to that MPC like
group. It needs coordination. Councilor Ballew: Folks may have looked at the
price tag of the public safety levy and said no, Mayor Morrisette: I' hope we again
go to the voters. We did not get out and campaign. Councilor Maine: Monday,
December 14th, the PSCC group will look at this issue, Please attend.
Councilor-Elect Simmons: We need to have a greater participation in election
turn-out. The legislature needs to require that there is a stamped envelope in
each ballot. Councilor Maine: Or, state action could mandate vote or re-
registration, If you don't vote, you are no longer registered to vote. Councilor-
Elect Fitch: It comes back to teaching civics in the schools, Kids will tell their
parents.
What's ahead for city facilities. Dan Brown said he would respond to questions. In
response to the policy questions, the following comments were made:
1, Public aqencies pursue facilities needs iointly. Several; yes. Councilor-Elect
Hatfield: This is self evident. Go for it.
2. Should city work on ioint venture civic buildinq. Parameters. Several: Yes.
Councilor Ballew: If it does not take more staff time than its worth, Mayor
Morrisette: Any city work on a public / private joint venture should be on a
Gateway Conference Center. Councilor-Elect Hatfield: What is meant by a joint
venture building. Need more definition. Councilor-Elect Fitch: We should get the
private sector to take the lead, Councilor Shaver: Don't muddle the downtown
civic center with a Gateway conference center concept. Mayor Morrisette: We
need them both, but not at the expense of a conference center, What conditions
/ parameters. Number of players, quantity you are looking at, role / contribution
of other players. Councilor Elect Hatfield: The Springfield CDC has purchased
space for social services; we have a good city hall. I need to know more about a
civic center: who, what, where. Mayor Morrisette: The School District needs
better offices, Willamalane needs a central place. There is definitely a need.
Under the condition that the city is not the sole consumer or lead on this.
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Complete facilities plannino in time for a levv proposal. Several: This is another
issue for that MPC like group. Dan Brown confirmed that Police and Fire should
continue with current facility planning,
What's the future of city services? Mike Kelly and Rosie Pryor outlined the issues, In
response to the policy questions, the following comments were made:
1. Update Sprinofield Tomorrow. Mayor Morrisette: Refer this to the MPC like
group; it has merit but it takes a lot of energy. Not sure about that. Mike Kelly: It
could vary in size. Councilor Maine: I think we should do it and it should be
community wide. Councilor-Elect Simmons: We should do it.
2. Develop a benchmarkino prooram. Councilor-Elect Fitch: Yes. Tax payers want
it. Councilor Maine: We need community benchmarks. We have talked about a
joint newsletter. We need to report on the benchmarks in the newsletter. Let the
community know it's not just the city of Springfield. When one of us fails; it taints
everybody. Councilor Dahlquist: We need to talk about the number of employers
in Springfield, how many employees they have, how much they made last month,
Lyle Sumek: You should have Springfield Trivia in the newsletter. People need
to realize how much they are getting for their taxes.
3. Place a levv on the November 2000 ballot. Councilor-Elect Fitch: Its too
premature to know about a levy proposal. Councilor-Elect Lundberg: Yes.
Mayor Morrisette: I think we should have "Team Springfield" shirts. Need to
reinforce symbolic message that we are a team,
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VI. Council Goals
Mr. Sumek directed the councilors and Councilors-Elect to flip charts containing goal
statements he said he discerned through his interviews with the Councilors-Elect and the
CEOs of the partner agencies. He asked the Councilors-Elect to vote on first and
second priorities. He recommended the city develop a logo to identify each goal and
use that logo each time the item appears on a council meeting agenda,
Five Year Goals Top Priorities:
Financially Sound, Stable City Services
Expansion of the Springfield Economy
Safe Community for People
Quality Services, Responsive to Citizens
High Priorities
Renaissance for Downtown
Partnership with Citizens and Public Agencies
Preservation of Our Small Town Character
One Year Targets:
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Top Priority
Glenwood Direction
Gateway Development Direction
Community Conversation / Healing: Action Plan
Community Policing: Expansion
Mill Race: Direction
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It
High Priority
Downtown Direction
Comprehensive Plan: Periodic Review
Citizen Involvement Action Plan
Public Buildings / Civic Center: Action Plan
Jasper Extension: Completion
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Rosemary Pryor
Attest:
s
Julie n
City Recorder
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e
~~
Maureen M. Maine
Mayor
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