HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/12/2007 Work Session
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2007
The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Jesse Maine Meeting Room, 225
Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, February 12,2007 at 5:32 p.m., with Council
President Lundberg presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Councilors Lundberg, Wylie, Ballew, Woodrow, and Pishioneri (5:35pm). Also
present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Interim Assistant City Manager Mike Harman, City
Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members ofthe staff.
Mayor Leiken and Councilor Ralston were absent (excused).
1. Historical Commission Applicant Interview.
City Planner Kitti Gale presented the staff report on this item. The Historical Commission has
two openings on its seven-member commission. The recruitment for these openings began
January 1, 2007, and closed January 19,2007. One candidate applied, Roxie Metzler. Metzler is
applying for re-appointment to her second term on the Commission.
Section IX, 3.8 of the Springfield City Council Operating Policies and Procedures, states that the
H. .. Mayor and Council will hold formal interviews of applicants for positions on the Budget
Committee, Historical Commission, and Planning Commission and a recommendation from
these bodies is not necessary although they may have a representative present to participate in
the interview process. . ."
Springfield Code 1-10-1, Historical Commission Charge, requires that the 7-member
Commission shall be residents; electors; property owners within Springfield; appointees of other
Springfield public agencies such as Willamalane Park & Recreation and School District #19; or,
specialists with expertise in such fields as architecture, history, architectural history, planning, or
archaeology who live within the Metro-Area General Plan boundaries. For state certified funding
it is recommended that a majority of the Commission have professional qualifications.
The first vacancy on the Commission is that of Roxie Metzler, a retired school teacher, who just
completed her first 4-year term, and is volunteering to serve another term. The Commission and
the Springfield School District highly recommend Ms. Metzler's re-appointment.
The second vacancy is that of James McNett who had served on the Commission since February
of2005; he moved to the state of Washington recently to accept new employment in historic
preservation. There were no candidate applications for this second opening on the Commission;
therefore, the Commission will conduct another recruitment in March 2007.
Ms. Gale said because the only applicant is currently serving on the commission, Council could
choose to only ask one question each.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 12,2007
Page 2
Ms. Gale introduced herself to Councilor Wylie.
Ms. Gale introduced Ms. Metzler and noted that if she were re-appointed, the Commission would
be appointing her as Chair of the Commission.
The Council determined which questions to ask of the candidate and interviewed Roxie Metzler.
Council asked other questions of Ms. Metzler.
Councilor Ballew asked how the Historic Commission planned to get more involved with
downtown revitalization. Ms. Metzler responded.
Councilor Ballew asked if the Historic Commission could present to the Council during a work
session their plan for their involvement with downtown revitalization. Council agreed this
would be beneficial.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if the Historic Commission could consider moving their meetings to
another night rather than Monday. It made it impossible for the Council liaison to attend the
meetings due to the conflict with Council meetings.
Ms. Metzler said it was something she thought the Commission would consider.
Ms. Metzler noted her past experience that made her qualified for this position. She discussed
ways to promote the arts with the citizens, including workshops with the neighbors in the
Washburne District and the Open House.
Councilor Woodrow asked if the Historic Commission had gotten involved in the Gray Jaqua
property in east Springfield.
Ms. Metzler said they had not since it had been turned over to Willamalane Parks and Recreation
District. The Historic Commission had tried to get it on the historic register while it was still in
the family, but had some resistance from a family member. She said the Historic Commission
could write the nomination, but wanted to wait to partner with Willamalane to do that. That was
something the commission planned to do in the coming year.
Councilor Woodrow asked if the Historic Commission looked at potential properties that were
not current landmarks, but would be in the not so distant future.
Ms. Metzler said they were constantly looking at those properties. She said they had used money
in the past for nominations for those buildings. She couldn't think of any properties that were
not yet eligible that were under consideration for future nomination. She said there were a lot of
Thurston area properties that she thought should be considered.
Councilor Pishioneri discussed the City's website. He said he would like to see the Historic
Commission include a link with a slide show of historical landmarks throughout the City and
styles of architecture.
Ms. Metzler said she would love to see that happen.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 12,2007
Page 3
Council President Lundberg thanked Ms. Metzler for reapplying. Council consensus was to
reappoint Ms. Metzler to the Arts Commission.
Councilor Wylie asked Ms. Gale if she could get a copy of the guidelines put into her box.
Ms. Gale said she would provide that for her.
2. Olympic Street Safety Enhancements.
Traffic Engineer Brian Barnett presented the staff report on this item. On November II, 2006 at
about 6:30pm, a fatal motor vehicle versus pedestrian crash occurred at the mid-block crosswalk
on Olympic Street between 18th and 21 sl Streets. Although City staff could not identify the
specific causes of the crash City staff immediately evaluated the site. That evaluation resulted in
the following actions and recommendations. City staff directed the Springfield Utility Board to
replace the existing 180 Watt Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) yellow light with a 250 Watt High
Pressure Sodium Light. City staff also trimmed any trees that may block the new light.
Following the crash, City staff completed a pedestrian study between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. A large
number (120) of pedestrians crossed Olympic Street; two thirds (2/3) used the mid-block
crosswalk. Many of the crosswalk crossings were to and from the bus stops. Winco employees,
walking to Burrito Boy west of the crosswalk, accounted for many of the third (1/3) not crossing
in the crosswalk.
The bus stop on the north side of the street, located east of the crosswalk, blocks the westbound
driver's view of pedestrians who are in the crosswalk. In addition, the mid-block crosswalk does
not have accessibility ramps. Pedestrians with wheelchairs, strollers, etc. have to travel in the
vehicle lane to the next available driveway to access the sidewalk.
Regardless of which safety plan is chosen, staff intends to implement the following safety
enhancements:
· Install higher reflective material for the crosswalk and change from a standard pavement
crossing to a continental style crossing.
· Install a flashing pedestrian beacon at the mid-block crosswalk location (a spare is
located at our maintenance shop).
· Install additional street lighting and/or replace the remaining LPS lights.
· Move the bus stops to a location to provide clear driver to pedestrian sight lines.
· Install accessible curb ramps for the crosswalk.
To improve the safety of all modes of transportation for pedestrians, buses, cars, and cyclists,
staff has developed safety plans A and R Safety Plan A changes the existing crosswalk to a Z
style crosswalk with a center refuge island (see Attachment A). The center refuge island allows
the pedestrian to only cross two (2) lanes of traffic at a time versus five (5) lanes and makes gap
selection much easier. The Z shaped crossing forces the pedestrian to look in the direction of
approaching vehicles before crossing the remaining two lanes of traffic.
The staff recommended Safety Plan B is to improve the existing crosswalk with a Z style
crosswalk with a center refuge as shown in Safety Plan A, and reduce the number of travel lanes
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 12,2007
Page 4
, from five (2 lanes in each direction and center turn lane) to three (one lane in each direction,
center turn lane, bike lanes, and right turn bays/bus bay on the north side for driveway access)
(see Attachment B). Reducing the number of lanes increases pedestrian safety by reducing the
time pedestrians are exposed to vehicles. Adding right turn bays increase the safety of drivers
entering and exiting the driveways. Capacity analysis shows a three lane cross-section provides
an acceptable level of service.
The cost of the improvements may range from $30,000 to $100,000. Funds are available from
Traffic Control Projects to complete either project.
Mr. Barnett introduced Civil Engineer Kristi Krueger who had worked on designing the
enhancements. He explained the reasons staff preferred Option B.
Councilor Ballew said the plan looked fine, but she noted her concern about turning left into the
Winco parking lot and the number of cars in the queue.
Mr. Barnett referred to a map on the wall showing the area. He said that was currently a problem
at that site. He noted other options that could alleviate the queuing in that area slightly.
Councilor Woodrow thanked staff for good work. He had a concern as the coordinator of a
major parade that went along that street. He asked if the center sections would be islands or if
they would just be painted.
Mr. Barnett said the intent was to make one area a raised island to provide pedestrians a
sanctuary when crossing. An island also provided a calming affect for motor vehicles. He
discussed the distance pedestrians would need to cross.
Councilor Woodrow asked if the drawn intersection at 21 st and Olympic would be raised.
Ms. Krueger said the crossing was just painted at that location. She explained.
Councilor Woodrow discussed the other approaches to the intersection. He said Option B was
well thought out.
Councilor Pishioneri said the improvements would take care of a lot of issues. It would continue
the bike lane service and offer safety area for pedestrians. Moving the bus stops would provide
better visibility. He asked about the driveway entrance.
Ms. Krueger said the driveway design would be different. Most driveways going 'into
commercial areas ramped up to curb elevation. This new style would have a. wing at the level of
the roadway and an additional wing past that, giving more time to enter the driveway. She said
that if in the future more lanes were needed, it would be an easy fix.
Councilor Woodrow asked if staff had checked with the Police and Fire Departments to make
sure these changes would not cause issues.
Mr. Barnett said he had not had contact with those departments. He said fire had control over the
signals and there was plenty of width for the fire engines, He didn't anticipate any problems.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 12, 2007
Page 5
Police Chief Smith said he was concerned about 18th Street going to one lane. He also noted that
a protective area in the middle may not have prevented the accident. Mid-block crosswalks were
not safe.
Ms. Krueger said they did look at that side of things. The pedestrian count showed such a large
number of users that something needed to be done to make the street safer. She agreed, the
center median alone might not help, but they would also be putting in flashers at the crosswalk
area and more street level lighting in the area, so cars and pedestrians had better visibility.
Chief Smith agreed the enhancements would improve the site, but he was still concerned about
mid-block crosswalks. .
Ms. Krueger said reducing the lanes combined with the other enhancements would help.
Chief Smith expressed concern about the bottleneck between Mohawk and 18th and drivers trying
to determine which lane to go into to proceed eastbound.
Mr. Barnett said the change was not on the approach, but was now centered in the roadway and
there was a reduction in lanes going westbound.
Chief Murphy said he had a lot of good things to say about traffic in Springfield and how staff
worked with his department on different traffic issues. He discussed issues with things like
speed bumps which caused emergency vehicles to slow down, creating a time issue. It was
important to balance what we were getting in. safety and what we were giving up in safety.
Springfield had a good relationship with the traffic division. He said the proposed improvements
would have a minimal impact on fire apparatus.
Councilor Woodrow asked if there was any anticipation of increased traffic coming out of
Walmart.
Mr. Barnett said the reduction in lanes would have some influence on drivers. The goal of staff
was for lower speeds, but maintaining adequate capacity. Getting on to the freeway could be
slightly better than before because of the reduction of lanes.
Councilor Pishioneri discussed the signal at 18t\ eastbound on Olympic approaching 18th for a
north turn. He asked if that was a dedicated turn.
Mr. Barnett said it was a non-protected turn lane.
Ms. Krueger said if it did become an issue, staff could reevaluate the signal.
Councilor Ballew said there would probably be more left turns.
Mr. Barnett said it would actually be safer since there would only be one lane of traffic for those
turning left to cross.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 12,2007
Page 6
Councilor Lundberg said this was an attempt to improve safety, but agreed the mid-block
crosswalk was dangerous. She was glad it was only painted on because she felt it was a
temporary fix. As that area grew, traffic would increase and other changes would need to be
made. She confirmed that Council agreed with Option B.
Councilor Ballew asked about removal of the traffic light at 14th and B.
Mr. Barnett explained that during a wind storm in December some of Springfield Utility Board's
(SUB) primary lines contacted the luminair arm and scorched everything inside. The City
disconnected the power, repaired some internal components, put in new luminair lights and went
to a four way stop, then a two way stop, which was consistent with other streets in area. Staff
was doing an analysis at that intersection and would bring a proposal to Council at a later date.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if SUB would be responsible for the cost of the replacement since it
was their source that destroyed our lights.
Mr. Grimaldi said he would ask.
Councilor Lundberg thanked staff for their work to find solutions at the Olympic Street
crosswalk.
3. Discuss Options for Naming of the Springfield Justice Center.
Community Relations Coordinator Niel Laudati presented the staff report on this item. With the
construction of the Springfield Justice Center about to begin, two highly-regarded local groups,
the Springfield Senior Forum and the Police Planning Task Force have presented naming ideas
for the facility. The Justice Center will be a significant facility in the City and Council may wish
to use this opportunity to recognize citizens from the community. Current recommendations for
naming ofthe facility include honoring Edward C. Harms, Jr. (Springfield Senior Forum) and
Police Chief Jerry Smith (Police Planning Task Force).
The City has no official policy on the naming of buildings and facilities. Council may wish to
continue past practice regarding naming or direct staff to develop a naming policy or simple set
of guidelines for naming opportunities. Specifically, the Justice Center's layout, including: the
court rooms, two public lobbies and community meeting rooms could provide numerous naming
opportunities, allowing the possibility to honor a number of Springfield figures. A policy could
also consider types on naming including Honorary naming in honor of an individual,
. Philanthropic naming given in recognition of financial gifts to the City or a combination of both.
Councilor Ballew said it would be good to look at putting a policy in place. She would prefer to
do that before starting to name things. She liked the example in the agenda packet from the
county in Florida. The two names suggested were excellent, and she admired both. There would
be other opportunities for naming and she felt a method was first needed.
Councilor Pishioneri said the facility did need to be named. He liked the idea of having a policy
in place first. He suggested forming a small subcommittee to look into a policy and thought the
subcommittee should include a Council representative. He volunteered to serve on this
subcommittee.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
February 12,2007
Page 7
Councilor Woodrow said if a policy was in place, it would need to be followed. The two choices
that were suggested for the naming opportunities were good choices. There had been discussions
about naming rooms rather than the entire building and he felt that was worth considering. He
liked the idea of honorary or philanthropic naming. He felt a procedure was needed to do it
properly. He would like to see the two names that had been suggested considered.
Councilor Wylie said the policies included in the agenda packet could be used as guidelines, but
many things would need to be removed and reworked.
Councilor Lundberg said a subcommittee would be formed and Councilor Pishioneri would be
the Council representative. She noted that a committee had been assigned the task of naming the
Regional Sports Center, but the parties could not come to an agreement over the name so it
remained the Regional Sports Center. She said it could become very political so having a policy
in place was a good thing.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 pm.
Minutes Recorder - Amy Sowa
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City Recorder