HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 04 Council Minutes
SPRINGFIELD
CITY COUNCIL
ITEM TITLE:
Meeting Date: June 16, 2008
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Department: City Manager's Office
Staff Contact: AmySowa,726-3700 (}l>
Estimated Time: . Consent Calendar
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
COUNCIL MINUTES
ACTION REQUESTED:
By motion, approval of the attached minutes.
ISSUE STATEMENT:
The attached minutes are submitted for Council approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
Minutes:
a) May 12,2008 - Work Session
b) May 19,2008 - Work Session
c) . May 19, 2008 - Regular Meeting
d) May 27, 2008 - Work Session
DISCUSSIONI None
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Sowa/agenda/minutes AIS
City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008
The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Library Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, May 12,2008 at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding. '
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Lundberg, Wylie, Ballew, Ralston, Woodrow, and
Pishioneri. Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Assistant City Manager Jeff
Towery, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Mayor Leiken noted that he would need to leave the meeting immediately following discussion
on the first item to attend an event in which he was scheduled to speak.
1. Reorganization Plan for the Ownership and Operation of the Wildish Community Theater.
City Manager Gino Grimaldi presented the staff report on this item. The Springfield Renaissance
Development Corporation (SRDC) owns and operates the Wildish Theater. While current
revenues have adequately supported ongoing operations, no significant progress has been made
to retire approximately $600,000 in debt. SRDC has proposed the creation of a new non-profit
organization to operate the, theater and believes that the elimination of the debt is a key to long-
term success. The SRDC proposal would have the City, Springfield School District and
Willamalane each contribute $200,000 toward the elimination of debt. In consideration, each
'entity would become an owner of the facility, is guaranteed priority use of the theater, consistent
with current use patterns, and'would appoint members of the new governing board.
At its meetings of March 24 and May 5,2008, the City Council discussed the SRDC proposal
and provided guidance to staffr~garding the future of the Wildish Theater. That guidance has
been used to prepare six alternatives (Attachment I in the agenda packet) for City Council
consideration. In addition to the six alternatives listed in Attachment I, ,the City Council has the
option of accepting the original SRDC proposal.
Resources are available from the funds collected related to the rezone of the former Chambers
property. Those funds were dedicated to the construction of South 320d Street improvements and
other economic development activities. Approximately $2.4 million remains, with about $2
million committed to other projects.
Mr. Grimaldi said tonight's discussion was a continuation of the discussion on this topic from
May 5,2008. He referred to the additional alternatives that had been added following Council
direction at the May 5 meeting: 5) City of Springfield contribution of $200,000 in the form of a
loan; and 6) do nothing.
Mayor Leiken said there had been discussion regarding the State forgiving a loan.
City of Springfield
Council W ork S~ssion Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 2
Mr. Grimaldi said the SRDC asked the partners to approach the State and ask that the $90,000+
loan be forgiven. There was concern that if there was another loan from another entity, it could
be difficult to get the State to forgive their loan. The City hadn't talked with the State about that.
Tom Draggoo, memberofthe SRDC, said he had no additional information; it was just a concern
of their board.
Councilor Pishioneri referred to the letter submitted by Mr. Draggoo and the SRDC regarding
that concern. He liked the idea of the City donating $100,000 with the other $100,000 was made
available as a potential grant. If the State opted to forgive the loan, it could be used as match
money. He didn't care for the $100,000 as a loan because he didn't want to charge interest on
that figure. He would also like to see that the $100,000 was dedicated to that building so the City
was not approached again. He felt it would be fair for the City. to put those contingencies on the
funds.
Councilor Woodrow asked if there was any information from the School District or Willamalane
regarding this proposal.
Mr. Grimaldi said the School District had met in Executive Session. Bob Keefer, Superintendent
from Willamalane Parks and Recreation, and Lee Beyer, Willamalane Board Chair, were present
in the audience.
Mr. Beyer said the Willamalane Board reviewed the same proposal as was before the Council.
The Board supported the fIrst two options, but had concerns similar to the SRDC. Having
another loan on the property made it difficult to ask the State to, forgive a loan. His personal
concern was that if TEAM Springfield got involved, he wanted to make sure there were enough
resources to make it successful in the future. '
Councilor Woodrow felt the City should find a way to resolve this. He supported Willamalane
operating it in conjunction with the School District, but did not want the City to have ownership
of the facility due to the liabilities of ownership. He understood that the City had contributed a
large amount of CDBG funds, but this was an investment for downtown. He also noted the effort
in name and dollars from the Wildish family. They did it because they saw a good idea for the
downtown and he saw that, too. He didn't want the City to own it, but would be in favor of either
Option 2 or Councilor Pishioneri's idea to donate $100,000 and make the other $100,000
available for a grant should the State forgive their loan.
Councilor Ballew said she agreed with Councilor Pishioneri. She said another possibility would
be to do a combination of the City donating $100,000 and loaning the urban renewal district
$100,000. The urban renewal district could then pass it through to the theater.
Mr. Grimaldi said staff could look into that. It would have to be part of the urban renewal plan.
Councilor Ballew said it would give the City a way to get back the $100,000. She liked the
suggestion of at least half of the $100,000 going into a reserve toward the building, making the
owner of the facility take responsibility. She would like assurance that it didn't become a school
or park facility, but a community facility.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 3
Councilor Ralston said the City had put a lot of money Into the theater. He would be agreeable to .
$100,000 donation with $100,000 as a no-interest loan or grant with no specific time period for
payback.
Councilor Wylie said she agreed with Councilor Pishioneri and Ballew's ideas. She wanted to
see the theater get off to a good start without debt.
Councilor Lundberg said she had thought about this issue a lot. The City had put a lot of money
into the theater and it was supposed to have been finished a long time ago. She was supportive of
the success of the theater. If our park district was part of the City, the theater would be part of
that department. She would have been happy with the park district taking it over themselves as a
cultural center. She would have liked the group to bring Council a proposal showing how they
would function operationally. The City was about to raise rates for streets and sewers and she
was more focused on the basic services. The theater would succeed with or without City funding.
Perhaps they could help later with Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) funds.
She couldn't support the City giving any money at this time.
Mayor Leiken said Councilor Pishioneri' s idea was out of box and interesting. He asked how the
rest of the Council felt about this proposal. There was not e~ough suppert from Council for a
$200,000 donation. The next step was for each agency to lobby or solicit the State to forgive the
$90,000+ loan.
Mr. Grimaldi asked if Council wanted dedication of the funds to the building included in the
agreement. Yes.
Councilor Ballew wanted to explore the option of putting the funds through SEDA.
Mr. Grimaldi asked if the new non-profit would get the benefit of the $100,000 grant.
Councilor Pishioneri said SRDC would receive the first $100,000 now. The second $100,000
could be used as leverage or matched funds if the State forgave their loan. He liked the idea of
converting those funds to SEDA funds, but that could be done on the City's end. He would like
to see that the building needs were taken care of, so they should earmark a good amount of
funding for maintenance.
Mayor Leiken said staff could look into passing the funds through SEDA, but if it took too much
time, he asked if Council would approve the $100,000 as a grant. SEDA could be used as a fall
back.
Councilor Pishioneri said if the State fell through and didn't forgive the debt, the City or SEDA
could loan the second $100,000.
Mr. Grimaldi said staff would incorporate Council's suggestions and bring an agreement back to
Council for consideration.
5 :50 p.m.: Mayor Leiken left for the remainder of the meeting.
Council President Lundberg presided over the remainder of the meeting.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
"May 12,2008 .
Page 4
\
2. Joint Meeting with the Springfield Arts Commission."
Arts Commission Chair Bob Winkleman called the Arts Commission meeting to order. He said
this was the annual opportunity for the Arts Commission to give the City Council an update on
everything the Arts Commission was doing and had planned for the future. The mission of the
Arts Commission was to present the arts to the citizens of Springfield to enrich their lives,
educate them, inspire them and to do it on a modest budget. He noted that he was very humbled
to be able to work with the current Arts Commission members.
The Arts Commission members introduced themselves: Chair Bob Winkleman, owner of
McKenzie PhotoWorks in Springfield and photographer; John Keskinen, musician; Don (Andy)
Anderson, water color artist and photographer; William (Aztec) Miller, wood craftsman and
sculpturist, with experience in art installation and production art; Charlene Eckman, retired art
teacher; Scott Wylie, building/remodeling designer and landscape designer, and public artist;
Sandra Dominguez, degree in arts management and artist in several mediums; and Carol Plaia,
studio artist doing three-dimensional sculpting for the most part. Carrie Schindele-Cupples staff
liaison for the Arts Commission and Youth Services Librarian, also introduced herself.
Chair Winkleman said every person 'on the commission had a great deal of experience and
knowledge. They all put in many hours of volunteer time and got others to volunteer.
Ms. Plaia gave a brief update of the City Hall Gallery. She said when she started she created
goals. The frrst goal was to produce a call for artists to get the Gallery scheduled for about
eighteen months. They were working on policies for the gallery and had been working with City
Attorney Joe Leahy on those. She explained the benefit of a policy. They had received positive
responses on the work that had been displayed in the gallery.
Chair Winkleman said all of their commission members put in a lot of volunteer hours, but none
more than Ms. Eckman.
Ms. Eckman reported on the Youth Art. Ms. Eckman said they had great collaboration within the
commission and with the schools. The school district had been very helpful in reaching out and
, helping with the Children's Art Sho\y to make it a big success. There was an increase in entries
this year and every student that entered received a ribbon. Ms. Eckman and another Arts
Commissioner had created a poster for the show. She handed the poster around for the Council to
see. The school district didn't have any funding for art specialists, so by creating programs like
this through the Arts Commission, visual arts could be encouraged at all schools. The Arts
Commission taught a monthly class called the First Tuesday Craft Class.
Ms. Eckman said this was the second year for the Great Outdoor Art Contest. This was to
encourage anyone in our community to get out in July and create some art. Entrants started at '
7:00am in the morning and worked on their project throughout the day. There was judging and
ribbons. They hoped for a larger turnout this year. A beautiful flyer was created with the help of
Arts Commissioner Andy Anderson and Willamalane. The Arts Commission was working with
Willamalane to make the event a success. Willamalane had been helping to advertise the event in
their fliers and there had been good stories in the Register Guard thanks to Niel Laudati and
Carrie Schindele-Cupples. These were wonderful progiams for kids in Springfield.
City of Springfield
Council. Work Session Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 5
Chair Winkleman said 1500 children excited about art was incredible. 'These were things that
Ms. Eckman on her own had brought to Springfield. '
Mr. Wylie reported on the Luigi Testa Sculpture Collection project. He said the artwork had
gone from place to place. Currently, the commission was focused on working with the citizens'
advisory committee and project management team on choice and situation of three to five
sculptures from this collection for the Justice Center. Luigi Testa was a well known artist from
San Francisco who sp,ecialized in sculptures made of steel. Two good examples of his pieces
were in the Library; one was a birdlike sculpture in the Children's section and the other was a
more imaginary creature. The commission was upgrading the documentation of the collection so
they could talk to businesses, neighborhood organizations, and the school district about interest
in having an art piece. His involvement with the placement of this collection was based on his
involvement with public art. The Arts Commission had a long tradition of public art displays
such as in Art Alley.
Ms. Schindele-Cupples reported on the Puppet Festival. For the last two years, the Puppet
Festival had been held in the Wildish Theater. This year, over 950 people attended the Puppet
Festival at the theater. The Arts Commission helped make this event happen through funding and
volunteer work. The children started with a puppet making workshop, executing it into a play
which was then performed. Arts Commission members worked with the kids at all the
workshops and in the preparation and performance of the play.
Chair Winkleman said moving the Puppet Festival from the WiIlalamahe Adult Center to the
Wildish Theater had been incredible.
Chair Winkleman said the Council gave the Arts Commission some additional funding last year.
The cqmmission was responsible for that portion of public funds and took the responsibility very
seriously. They chose to enact programs that did the most good and reached out to the most
people. This year the commission chose to use a large amount of those funds for the Heritage
Arts Grants. He explained the program. The commission was able to facilitate all requests this
year. He described some of the programs that received those funds, including the Springfield
High School (SHS) Drumline requesting funds to represent Springfield at a prestigious
conference.
Ms. Plaia said the only stipulation the commission had on the SHS Drumline grant was that they
would perform a free concert. Their concert was held at SHSand was standing room only.
Chair Winkleman said the commission had been able to create a website at
www.springfieldartscommission.org They were linked in to the City of Springfield web site and
the Springfield Public Library website. Their site listed,a full calendar of ev~nts, projects
underway, murals around town, and also showcased what'the cOD:unission did. .
Mr. Keskinen said the website project took several years.
Chair Winkleman reported on upcoming projects. The Arts Commission had taken some of their
funds and earmarked it for another public mural project. The new Wynant's was approached, but
chose to fund their own mural.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 6
Mr. Keskinen said he had a concept of a teen rock concert series at the Wildish Theater that
could be repeated annually. There were many musicians in this area; young musicians that were
nearly professional quality. In February, he went to one of the middle schools for Career Day and
talked about his pastime of playing guitar and playing in a band when he was a teenager. The
vision was to have a rock concert series workshop on four consecutive Saturdays.
Ms. Eckman said since the commission was not funding a mural this year, they were looking for
guidance on placement of art and how to showcase Luigi Testa's artwork. They had talked about
having a show of his work in the City Hall lobby area so people could see them in person.
Ms., Plaia said she too had experience in purchasing and placing art works. Proper installation,
maintenance and storage of them were important. The cost to install this type of artwork was
very expensive.
Councilor Ralston asked how long a commissioner had to be off before they could reapply. One
year. He asked what it would cost to install the artwork discussed.
Ms. Plaia said to do it properly, it could run about $4000-$5000 for outdoor installation.
Mr. Miller said if they could use City personnel, they could cut the' cost.
Ms. Schindele-Cupples said they would install three pieces at the Justice Center with funds
available.
Councilor Ralston said the Arts Commission could also do fundraising. He suggested charging a
low fee for attendance at the rock concert series and other events.
Councilor Ballew asked if the Arts Commission had ever met with the Springfield Museum
Board.
, Ms. Schindele-Cupples said she had interaction with the new director, but did not meet on a
regular basis.
Councilor Ballew said it could be a venue for some things.
Ms. Plaia said they had heard the Museum Board had instructed the new director not to schedule
any more art shows, only historical, but they couldn't confIrm.
Councilor Lundberg thanked the commission for coming and sharing.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if the commission had considered the centers of roundabouts for
displaying artwork. They might possibly be able to.use some.ofthe construction funds to help
install the artwork. It could be a way to identify each roundabout.
Chair Winkleman ~aid they had discussed that during on of their Arts Commission meetings.
One of the issues was the space available at each roundabout.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12,2008
Page 7
Ms. Plaia noted the new EmX stations that had incorporated art into necessary items such as
railings:
Councilor Pishioneri suggested having art included in the engineering of new construction
projects.
Chair Winkelman said the commission was working with staff on those things.
Council President Lundberg again thanked the commission for joining Council this evening. It
was enjoyable to get caught up on their activities.
Chair Winkleman adjourned the Arts Commission.
3. Update of Construction Proiects that will Affect Traffic Patterns Throughout the City During
the Upcoming Construction Season.
Civil Engineer Jeff Paschall presented the staff report on this item. During the upcoming
construction season there is the possibility that approximately 23 projects will be in the midst of
construction throughout the City. These projects are a combination of City, County, and private
projects. They range in scope from large street construction (i.e. 69th Street Reconstruction) tq
small traffic signal projects. A map (Attachment A) is provided and shows that the projects are
sca,ttered throughout the City.
Of the upcoming projects, 13 are Private Improvement Projects (PIP) which are currently under
review and should be approved and ready for construction this summer. The rest of the projects
'are the City's capital improvement construction projects and the County's Bob Straub Parkway
project. A table (Attachment B in the agenda packet) is included which gives some details of
each project.
Many of theses projects will impact traffic flow throughout the City during the summer months.
Mr. Paschall highlighted several of the projects noted on the map and attached list. The slurry
seal project was not yet on the schedule, but would be going on this summer.
Councilor Ballew asked for a recap of the Bob Straub Parkway.
Mr. Paschall explained the projec~.
Councilor Wo.odrow asked about the intersection at Mt. Vernon and Bob Straub Parkway. He
referred to letters sent to the Council from some of the neighbors in that area. There had been a
lot of discussion with City staff and the County. At this time, the County did not intend to put a
stop light or even a four-way arterial stop at this location. The engineer with the County said at
this time the intersection didn't warrant a traffic signal. Everyone that lived on South 59th or in
the new development on the east side of the parkway had only one exIt, which was on the Bob
Straub Parkway. The Bob Straub Parkway would go between two residential neighborhoods and
there were bus stops, parks, and more residential being built. There was a tremendous amount of
traffic that would prohibit those residents from getting onto the Bob Straub parkway from South
59th Street. Those living on South 58th and South 57th would also access at that location. His main
Q
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 8
concern was the number of people there currently; many which were young families with kids. It
was difficult for buses to go in and out of those neighborhoods. It was difficult for kids to get to
the park. In addition, truck traffic was allowed on Bob Straub p,arkway.
Councilor W oodrpw requested Council authon'ze staff to bring Counci~ information on installing
a traffic light at that location. The County would not put a light in at this time, but were putting
the conduit in. With the conduit in place, it would be a cost savings if the' City put a light in after '
construction. He felt this was a serious safety issue. He said the multi-use path was only on one
side of street and people would be crossing to use it. The distance across that intersection was
,seventy-seven feet. He didn't want to wait until there was a tragedy before acting.
Councilor Ralston asked about the cost.
Mr. Grimaldi said a range bfcosts had been given between $90,000 - $200,000.
Councilor Ralston said' he would like to see this move forward sooner than later. A lot of
development was planned in that area.
Councilor Pishioneri said it made sense, but he would like to see what the City was currently
40ing regarding other safety issues in Springfield. If staff time was taken to do this, what other
safety issue would they be pulled away from? He didn't want this done at the cost of some other
worthwhile safety project. He wanted to know where the funds would be taken from.
Councilor Ralston asked about Project P21002 (traffic signal modification at 14th and E Streets)
on the proj ect list. It was noted that Council directed staff to put it back in.
Councilor Ballew asked if the traffic count provided by Lane County at the Bob Straub
intersection was accurate.
Mr. Barnett said the County's study covered the issue very well and was somewhat conservative
towards the possibility of a signal. He explained.
Councilor Ballew said this was designed to be an expressway, not pedestrian friendly even
though it went through some residential.
Councilor Woodrow said when he bought his home in this area, he was told the expressway
would never be built. Ifresidents from South 59th had another way out, there wouldn't be a
concern, but there was no other exit.
Councilor Wylie asked if this was part of the planning or had been considered before.
Mr. Barnett said the initial discussion during planning was where connection points would be
permitted. Mt. Vernon pre-existed and was a logical connection point. The next intersection
north was signalized because of a contractual agreement with Weyerhaeuser. Daisy Street was
also a.collector road and was chosen for another connection. The intent was not to signalize
anything in the interim and allow traffic to develop and make a determination for signaling at
that time.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 9
Councilor Wylie asked if that had been evaluated recently.
Mr. Barnett said the County did an evaluation at Mt. Vernon. That study showed that in 2009 the
warrants would not be met, nor in 2012. Other alternatives had not yet been pursued, such as
improving site distance, warning signs, relocating stop signs, flashing beacons, creating a four-
way stop, restricting turning movements, lighting, or installing a roundabout.
Councilor Woodrow said Daisy Street had other accesses to Main Street; Mt. Vernon did not. He
discussed the intersection at Mt. Vernon and how it had gone from no stop sign to a four-way
stop because of growth and development in the area. He felt a four-way arterial stop on Bob
Straub would make things worse because of the speed limit of 45 mph on that road. He discussed
the residents that lived in that area, including senior citizens and families with children. He
appreciated the consideration of other alternatives, but did not feel they would be effective.
Council President Lundberg asked if staff could present alternatives to Council including the cost
for each. The Council was on a tight timeline if they wanted to do something now. She asked for
Council feedback regarding this issue.
Councilor Ballew said the City had limited resources.
Councilor Ralston said it was a compelling argument. Staff could provide a fifteen minute work
session to present the figures and options.
Public Works Director Dan Brown said he had talked with the Public Works Director from Lane
County and they discussed two things: 1) funding - the City would need to pay for a signal; and
2) convmcing the Lane County Board of Commissioners to install a signal since the intersection
didn't meet warrants. The Board of Commissioners would likely ask the City to sign an
intergovernmental agreement (IGA) indemnifying the County against impacts of an unwarranted
signal, such as an accident. Staff could work with County staff to address the Board's concerns
before locating funding.
J
Councilor Wylie said Council needed to see the alternatives first to,make a decision, and then
discuss politics and money.
Mr. Brown said this was a County road so the County had the final say, even if the City paid for
the signal.
Councilor Woodrow asked if once Ja~per Road was annexed, the City would have jurisdiction of
the parkway.
Mr. Brown said it would not.
Councilor Lundberg said Council could look at the alternatives and funds needed for
jurisdictional transfer, along with the pros and cons and what we would lose. Staff could bring
back that information for Council.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 10
Councilor Ralston asked about the signal modification at Marcola Road. He didn't see any street
projects along with the Lowe's development. He felt that traffic signal modification would be the
responsibility of that development.
Mr. Paschall said the reason he hadn't shown the potential PIP was that the developer hadn't yet
submitted their plans.
Councilor Ralston asked if the City had money budgeted for that traffic signal intersection. If the
developer ended up paying for that modification, it would free up that money for other things.
Mr. Barnett said the modification of the signal at Marcola Road would cost much less than
putting in a new signal at Bob Straub Parkway. The objective of the Marcola Road project was to
take the protected only left turn and turn it into a protected permissive lane to improve mobility.
It was not part of the Marcola Meadows project because that development didn't impact that
signal to a degree that would require this modification. The development would diminish level of
service to a degree.
Councilor Ralston had another commitment and left the meeting (7:09pm).
4. Wastewater User Fees for Fiscal Year 08-09.
Environmental Services Manager Susie Smith presented the staff report on this item. The current
rates for local and regional wastewater user fees were adopted by the City Council in May of 2007.
At current rates, the wastewater user fees will not produce sufficient revenue to fully fund the
proposed FY 08-09 budget, the adopted Capital Improvements Program (CIP), and additional
wastewater capital projects identified in the newly updated draft Wastewater Facilities Master Plan
(Master Plan). An evaluation of alternative rate increase options.is presented in the attached
Council Briefmg Memorandum.
Regional Wastewater User Fees. The MWMC adopted an 11 % regional wastewater user fee
increase following a public hearing on March 27th, and has forwarded the FY 08-09 rates to
Eugene and Springfield for implementation consistent with the MWMC intergovernmental
agreement. The new rates will increase the average monthly residential bill by about $1.56.
These rates were reviewed by the City Council at its April 7th work session and will be
incorporated into the schedule of combined wastewater user fees to become effective July 1 st.
For additional background on MWMC's adopted FY 08-09 user fees, please refer to the April 7th
Agenda Item Summary and attachments.
Local Wastewater User Fees. The Council is requested to consider options for an increase in
local wastewater fees ranging from 10% to 21.7%. The impacts of these rate options range from
$1.31 to $2.86 on an average monthly residen~ial bill. The local wastewater capital program is
the primary factor driving the need for increases of this magnitude. The 10% option (Option 1)
would fund the adopted CIP and mandatory rehabilitation projects. The 21.7% option (Optio~ 2)
would ensure for projects in the draft Master Plan, including discretionary projects to support
new development. Option 3 provides the Council with flexibility to establish a user rate at a
level between Option 1 and Option 2 in order to reserve the ability to construct capital projects
needed for community growth.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12, 2008
Page 11
An option of less than a 10% increase is not presented. A less than 10% increase would generate
insufficient revenue to fund currently adopted CIP projects, such as the Jasper Trunk Sewer and
sewer rehabilitation needed to avoid sewage overflows to streets, properties and waterways. The
adequacy of a 10% user fee increase (Option 1) will also rely on significant increases in system
development charges (SDCs) due to an expanded list of SDC-eligible projects. Options 2 and 3
assume the same SDC charges and revenues as Option 1. An evaluation of these options, along
with responses to questions from the Council at their April 7th work session, is provided in the
attached Council Briefmg Memorandum.
Staff seeks Council guidance in preparing a schedule of user fees for FY 08-09, and in
determining whether the user fee rates should generate sufficient revenue to enable construction
of discretionary capital projects identified in the draft Master Plan. This guidance will assist staff
in finalizing the draft Master Plan for Council consideration, and in developing a draft schedule
of combined (regional and local) wastewater user fees for review at a public hearing scheduled
for June 2nd.
Ms. Smith acknowledged the many public works employees that worked on this. She referred to
the information in the Council memurandum in the agenda paGket. User rates from the local
wastewater program generated about $4.3M and the SDCs about $230,000. The ratio was about
700/0 user rates to 30% SDCs. She referred to the table on page 4 which showed the projects in
the current five-year CIP. There were insufficient funds through rates and SDCs to fund all of the
CIP projects. The new Master Plan identified another $39M in capital projects.
Ms. Smith said staff considered what had to be done and what the City wanted to do. She
discussed the projects that had to be done. The first increase in Option 1 included the sewer work
that had to be done, including the $11.SM Jasper Trunk Line and Gray Jacqua Infrastructure
because they are in the current CIP. Glenwood infrastructure was assumed to be funded from
urban renewal funds. Option I would increase the average residential bill about $1.30 per month
(10 % sewer user inc,rease). She noted that the SDCs under the current methodology would go up
over 100%. She referred to the chart at the bottom of page 6, Attachment A showing the user
fees and SDCs over a five year period under Option 1. She discussed last year's rate increase.
This rate, revenues and cash flow assumed no big increases in operations except a modest three
percent.
Ms. Smith said Option 2 was an increase of about 21.7% for user rates, translating to an
additional $2.86 on the average residential monthly bill.
Councilor Wylie asked what Option,2 would pay for.
Ms. Smith said it would pay for the entire Master Plan package of $60M. With either option, a
significant amount would need to be borrowed for projects on the front end. She explained the
differences between Options 1 and 2. She referred to the summary table of discretionary projects
in the middle of page 6 of attachment A in the agenda packet. Staff s recommendation was
Option 3 which covered things that had to be done, plus $1 M to allow Council to react to
development needs and program one or part of the projects on the discretionary projects list. She
further discussed the discretionary projects. Some of the costs could be recouped through other
funding, such as assessments or a reimbursement district. In order to get projects underground
and enable development to occur, cash would have to be fronted.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12,2008
Page 12
Ms. Smith said there were many city and county administrators throughout Oregon facing these
same issues. She noted some of the large increases being proposed by other cities. She referred
to the comparator chart on page 7 of attachment A in the agenda packet, which was based on
Option 1. She also referred to Exhibit 4 in attachment A, which showed the Combined
Residential SDCs and Total Monthly Wastewater Fees by City'. She noted that there were maps
on the wall and Civil Engineer Matt Stouder was available to answer questions regarding the
master plan projects. Other rate scenarios had been run in the event the Council wanted to
un fund the Jasper Trunk sewer.
Ms. Smith said staff was requesting direction from Council to choose an option for staff to use to
draft the schedule for the June 2 public hearing. She distributed a document showing an average
SUB residential bill at the current rates and with the proposed rate change.
Councilor Woodrow asked which capital projects would be funded under Option 3.
Ms. Smith said Option 3 would fund all Option 1 projects, plus provide an additional $IM to use
for projects as needed for development. She gave an example.
Mr. Grimaldi said that was the type of flexibIlity the City had in the past.
Councilor Woodrow said SDCs needed to be considered as well. Existing users shouldn't be
funding development fully. '
Ms. Smith said staff was in the process of reviewing and adopting new SDC methodology and
would bring that to Council at a later date. '
Councilor Woodrow said he would be in favor of Option 3.
Councilor Wylie asked about the additional amount in Option 3.
Ms. Smith said the extra for the $IM would be added to Option 1.
Civil Engineer Jeff Paschall discussed the handout he created that showed those options. Once
the Bob Straub Parkway was completed, the sewer was the last key to development in that area.
Councilor Wylie would like to do what we needed to do now, rather than wait as costs went up.
The City needed to meet current and future needs. This was necessary.
Councilor Ballew said she liked Option 3 because it was a compromise. There were a lot of
things not known, such as how fast the City could do this work. She agreed that money would
need to be borrowed. Regarding the SDC rate modeling, she believed that growth should pay its
own way, although it probably wouldn't be able to pay it fully. As staff developed the SDCs,
they needed to remember they were selling capacity in the system. Option 3 worked for a start.
She would expect staff to come back again with updates, news and a calendar of events.
Councilor Pishioneri said Option 3 made sense.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 12,2008
Page 13
Councilor Lundberg said she had given this a lot of consideration. She would want all areas
(Glenwood, Jasper Natron, Gateway, Mohawk, etc.) to have opportunities to be successful. She
prefers Option 3. She appreciated the extra effort by staff because it made it more sellable.
Council consensus was to move forward with Option 3.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
Minutes Recorder - Amy Sowa
Sidney W. Leiken
Mayor
Attest:
Amy Sowa
City Recorder
City of Springfield
. Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008
The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Jesse Maine Meeting Room, 225
Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, May 19,2008 at 6:15 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Lundberg, Wylie, Ballew, Ralston, and Woodrow.
Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery, City
Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
Councilor Pishioneri was absent (excused).
1. Community Imaging Proiect Plan Review.
Community Relations Coordinator Niel Laudati presented the staff report on this item. In
preparation for the city's 12Sth Anniversary (Feb. 25, 2010), the City engaged the services of
The Ulum Group, to facilitate a Community Imaging Project to better understand who we are
and who we want to be. This work was divided into phases, including research, analysis, and the
development of a plan with recommended strategies, tools and tactics for communicating the
city's image throughout its anniversary year to support its economic development efforts and
foster positive community relations.
This is a community project to gather current perceptions of Springfield residents and employees
of Springfield businesses. One-on-one stakeholder interviews, a series of focus group sessions
and an online survey accessible through a link on the city's home page were used to engage the
public. Nearly identical question guides were used to collect perceptions between Nov. 19,2007
and Jan. 25, 2008:
· 14 one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders, i.e., current city councilors, former
elected officials, community opinion leaders;
· 8 focus groups representing a cross section of the community
o Young professionals, seniors, high school students, Gateway area employees,
business owners/execu'tives, Latinos, nonprofits and community volunteers,
realtors and ~eighborhood association leaders
o 72 participants total, 36 male and 36 female;
· 167 individual respondents to online survey
· 3 inail- in surveys
Key findings from the Primary Research Phase:
1. Community pride and cooperation is high.
2. Strength of natural amenities is an area of pride.
3. Residents are optimistic about the future.
4. Residents see change as positive and want to address negative perceptions of the city.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 2
5. The Ideal. Everyone wants a safe, clean and attractive, family-friendly, thriving Springfield
that both residents and visitors can enjoy and be proud of.
Next steps include gathering council input on the attached communication plan. If approved,
work can start immediately. The bulk of the planning elements can start pending fmal approval
of the dedicated funds outlined in the FY08/09 proposed budget. The key to a successful project
is the engagement and involvement of Springfield Citizens. This is the community's project and
care will be taken to use the survey results to build all elements of this endeavor.
Mr. Laudati introduced Monica Shovlin,.Vice President of the Ulum Group, who was present in
the audience.
Mr. Laudati discussed some of the information from the survey. He noted that the Latino focus
group said they felt comfortable at City Hall and with their local government, but there were still
some challenges in the way the City was perceived. The Police Department did a lot of work
with the Latino population who rated that they were most proud of the Police Chief Jerry Smith,
followed by the Mayor. Neighborhood groups also held the police in high'regard.
Mr. Laudati said the City was very compartmentalized (Gateway, Washburne, Thurston, etc.).
One of the things that came out of this process was to put up some new monument signage to tie
in the different areas of town. Everything in the plan was from the community. He said one of
the key learnings was that the citizens were proud of Springfield's past and felt the future was
promising. From that Ulum developed a tag line that would not replace anything the City
currently had in place, but could be used in addition for the 12Sth Anniversary. The tag line they
created from the survey data was "12Sth Anniversary, Springfield, Oregon, 1885-2010, Proud
History, Bright Future" A mark with that tag line could be put into a franchise packet that
community groups could get from the City and be part of the anniversary.
Mr. Laudati said the survey results would be put online; the good and the bad, so everyone could
have access to it. He reiterated that this was not something City officials made up, but that came
directly from the community outreach.
Mayor Leiken said at the grand opening of the Bob Adams Park in Mountaingate, Willamalane
Superintendent Bob Keefer commented about a 'small town like Springfield'. When talking with
Lane Council of Government (LCOG) partners, Springfield was one of the 'cities', and it was
one of the ten largest cities in the state. Citizens did still want the City to have that small town
charm. He thanked Mr. Laudati and the Ulum Group.
Councilor Lundberg thanked the Ulum Group and Mr. Laudati., She said tying Springfield
together and giving Springfield a theme as we transitioned out of that small town was close to
her heart. Springfield had so much to be proud of and so much in the way of natural resources.
To have a sense of what the community was thinking and a plan to implement it was great. The
survey also pointed out. the things we needed to focus on, which was good. She was pleased with
the whole process and the product. Springfield can be proud.
Councilor Ballew said this was a good outcome. She cautioned against over-capitalizing on the
12Sth anniversary so they could move on as the years went by. She suggested looking at logos
that could go past that anniversary. She liked the idea of partnering with other organizations for
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 3
the anniversary. She suggested looking for events that used to be done and do them for one year
only, such as the Broiler Festival. Involving the different service groups and ~gencies, could
make it a big community party. She said she wasn't sure we would want to spend $200,000.
Mr. Laudati said that included early estimates for a monument sign. It would be less than that.
Mr. Laudati thanked the Ulum group for doing a very professional job.
Ms. Shovlin said it was very fun.
2. Justice Center Naming Recommendations from Committee Panel.
Community Relations Coordinator Niel Laudati presented the staff report on this item. On May
1, 2008, a committee met to discuss naming ideas the City received for the Justice Center
project. Members of the committee in attendance at that meeting were: Tammy Fitch, John
Lively, Sandra Rennie, Bruce Berg, Fred Parra and George Litzenberger. Not able to attend
were: Chris Larson, Steve Singleton, Maren Tomblin and Linda Christensen. A paid display
advertisement of this meeting ran in the April 24, 2008 edition of the Register Guard's
Springfield Extra.
The committee members engaged in a detailed discussion and review of the unsolicited
recommendations and comments the City received on this issue.
· The recommendation formally submitted is:
'Edward C. Harms Jr. Justice Center'
· An alternative recommendation is:
'The Springfield Justice Center' with the building dedicated to Edward C. Harms Jr. and
a court room named in his honor. This would include a plaque on the building -
officially dedicating the structure to Ed Harms.
· Do nothing: the council is' under no obligation to choose a name at this time so not
selecting a recommendation is a legitimate option.
According to Justice Center project management staff; the schedule for signage installation on
the building is:
June - preparation of specifications
July - bid process and award
August - installation
Mr. Laudati a<?~owledged the me~bers of the committee ~hat were present at the meeting
tonight: John Lively (Chair) and George Litzenberger. He also acknowledged Gail Woodford
who was not a member of the committee, but attended all of the meeting~. The committee looked
at all recommendations and had great discussion about all the possibilities. Unanimous
recommendations came out of the meeting as noted on AlS. The first recommendation was to
-. name the facility the Edward C. Harms Jr. Justice Center and the second choice was to name the
facility the Springfield Justice Center, with the building dedicated to Edward C. Harms Jr. with a
plaque and also a courtroom named after Mr. Harms. The fmal decision would be with the City
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 4
Council. The City had received a lot of feedback regarding the naming once the
recommendations were listed in the newspaper.
Mayor Leiken thanked those that served on this committee.
Councilor Ballew said she worked with Ed Harms on the new City Charter and he was a
wonderful man. Since this was a bond issue, she felt the facility should be named the Springfield
Justice Center, but would very much like to name a courtroom after Mr. Harms.
Councilor Woodrow said he agreed with Councilor Ballew. He only knew Mr. Harms for a short
time, but had a lot of respect for him and for those serving on the committee. There were still
many people in Springfield that didn't know who Ed Harms was. Springfield voters gave the
City the ability to build the facility and a lot of work went into it by others to put it forward. He
would love to see a courtroom or court section named after Mr. Harms.
Councilor Ralston said he agreed with naming the facility the Springfield Justice Center, naming
individual rooms after Ed Harms or Jerry Smith.
Councilor Lundberg said there were not a lot of opportunities to honor those that had served our
community. She would want either the building or at least a courtroom named after Mr. Harms.
She referred to other facilities that had been named after individuals and noted that not everyone
remembered the people they were named after, but it was a way to honor them. There were
reasons we should honor citizens and make a statement. Ed Harms deserved that type of
recognition for his contributions to the community. Naming the facility after him would be an
honor and appropriate.
Councilor Wylie said she agreed with Councilor Lundberg. There were not many opportunities
to honor someone. She also acknowledged those that wanted the facility to honor Mr. Harms,
such as Don Lutes. People may call it the Justice Center, but having the name on it was a way to
honor our history and a man that did a lot for our community.
Mayor Leiken said after the newspaper report came out, a lot of people contacted him. Many
people supported the name the Springfield Justice Center because the voters had voted on this.
He said he didn't know Mr. Harms well, but his background was incredible. He was a
remarkable man and gave back to our ~ommunity. If the idea was to go with the Springfield
Justice Center, he would support dedicating the building to him in the least. What Mr. Harms
brought to the community was tremendous.
Mr. Grimaldi said it seemed the majority of the Council wanted to name the building the
Springfield Justice Center. He asked about dedicating the building to Ed Harms with a plaque on
the building.
Councilor Ballew said she would support dedicating the building to Mr. Harms and adding
"dedicated to Ed 'Harms and the citizens of Springfield". She asked about naming the court
system the "Ed Harms Municipal Court". She wasn't sure if that might cause confusion,
however.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 5
Mr. Grimaldi noted the confusion people had between the Springfield Municipal Court and the
Lane Justice Court. He said it sounded like Council wanted to. call it the Springfield Justice
Center, Dedicated to Ed Harms, and a courtroom 'named after Ed Harms.
Councilors Ralston and Woodrow agreed.
Councilor Lundberg said it would be a disappointment to her not to name the facility the Ed
Harms Justice Center.
Mayor Leiken said he would like to hear Councilor Pishioneri' s opinion on this matter. He
suggested getting Councilor Pishioneri' s opinIon and bringing this baGk for further discussion at
a later meeting. No formal action was required. Mayor Leiken thanked those that served on this
committee.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 pm.
Minutes Recorder.,- Amy Sowa
Sidney W,. Leiken
Mayor
Attest:
Amy Sowa
, City Recorder
City of Springfield
Regular Meeting
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008
The City of Springfield Council met in regular session in the Council Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Mon~y, May 19,2008 at 7:03 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Lundberg, Wylie, Ballew, Ralston, Woodrow and
Pishioneri. Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery,
City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Attorney Bill Van Vactor, City Recorder Amy Sowa and members
of the staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Leiken.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
1. Recognition of ACTSO Gold Medal Winner, Reiann Hardiman.
Mayor Leiken said ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)
was sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
and is an acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. The
program encourages high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high
school students. There are many categories for the competition and all African-American high
school students who are citizens of the United States are eligible to participate.
Reiann Hardiman won a Gold Medal for MusicallVocal- Contemporary. Reiann is a junior at
Springfield High School.
Ms. Hardiman performed the song she sang in the regional ACT -SO competition.
2. Springfield Education Day Proclamation.
Mayor Leiken proclaimed May 22 as Springfield Education Day. He noted the Gift of Literacy
program held at Lane Community College and the value it held for young readers.
3. Employee Recognition: Kristi Krueger, 10 Years of Service..
This item will be rescheduled for a future Council meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED
WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 2
1. Claims
a. Approval of the April 2008, Disbursements for Approval.
2. Minutes
a. May 5, 2008 - Work Session
b. May 5,2008 - Regular Meeting
3. Resolutions
4. Ordinances
a. ORDINANCE NO. 6221 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SPRINGFIELD
MUNICIPAL CODE (SMC). CHAPTER 7 - BUSINESS. TO AMEND SMC 7.164
REGARDING HOURS OF OPERATION FOR DANCE HALLS.
S. Other Routine Matters
a. Approval of the Liquor License Endorsement for Sweet Illusions, Located at 1836 South
A Street, Springfield, Oregon.
ITEMS REMOVED
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. Liquor License Endorsements for the Renewal Period of 2008-2009.
Community Services Manager Dave Puent presented the staff report on this item. The list of 143
businesses (attachment 1 of the agenda packet) will likely be applying to the Development
Services Department for their 2008-2009 liquor license endorsements prior to June 30, 2008.
On December 19, 1994, Council approved Ordinance No. 5768 that established specific criteria to
be used when reviewing an application for a liquor license endorsement. Council may
recommend denial based upon reliable, factual information as it relates to any of the criteria listed
in Section 7.302 of the Springfield Municipal Code.
Some of the required information for liquor license renewal, i.e., ownership of the establishment,
cannot be determined until staff receives the actual application. However, some determination
about meeting the listed criteria can be made now since the criteria relates to the level of police
activity associated with the establishment.
The public hearing this evening is scheduled for Council to receive community testimony relative
to the liquor license renewal endorsement. At the conclusion of the public hearing, Council is
requested to provide one of the following recommendations to the Oregon Liquor Control
COll1ll!ission for the license renewal of the listed establishments: 1. Grant; 2. No
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 3
Recommendation; 3. Do Not Grant Vnless (applicant demonstrates commitment to overcome
lIsted concerns); or 4. Deny.
Mr. Puent noted that the businesses listed in the council packet were existing businesses, not new
businesses or businesses relocating. Business # 112 would not be coming forward at its current
location.
Mayor Leiken opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Leiken closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO APPROVE LIQUOR LICENSE ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE
RENEWAL PERIOD OF 2008-2009. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR
AND 0 AGAINST.
BUSINESS FROM THE AUnIENCE
1. James Hodgin. 530 Centennial. Springfield. OR Mr. Hodgin said he was the father of two
sons, one who would be attending the A3 School in the fall. He was very concerned about the
strip club Mr. Dugger wanted to open so near the school. Strip clubs drew only bad elements,
drugs and prostitution and according to the Register Guard, Mr. Dugger has had problems
with these elements at his previous establishments. As A3 held events after normal school
hours, this would put minors in direct exposure to this environment. He proposed the City
Council enact an ordinance banning nude or partially nude clubs within 1000 yards of any
school which minors attend.
2. Julie Lopez. 91628 Donna Road. Springfield. OR Ms. Lopez said one of her sons was
currently attending A3 and her other son would be attending next fall. She was very
concerned about having a strip club and bar so close to the school. She questioned why they
just found out about this on .Saturday in the Register Guard. The school was not notified, nor
the parents. She was concerned about what this establishment would do to downtown as we
tried to revitalize the City. She would most likely pull her sons out of the school if this
establishment was there. The school was a good school, but this establishment was not good
for the school or the City.
3. Steve Lopez. 91628 Donna Road. Springfield. OR Mr. Lopez said he was a concerned parent
with children going to the A3 School in downtown Springfield. He also noted that they just
found out about this through the newspaper. The proximity of the strip club to the school
concerned him. There were after school a<:tivities and activities in the evening that kids.
attended. Having this element directly across the street from the school, he would ask Council
to stop this from happening.
4. Jason Roebuck. 4015 Cherokee Drive. Springfield. OR Mr. Roebuck read from a prepared
letter. When Bill Grile stopped by The Office one and a half months ago, he explained that a
concerned citizen was needed to help champion a Farmer's Market in downtown Springfield.
Mr. Roebuck was amazed at the overwhelming response from fellow citizens that this market
was finally going to happen. Everyone said it would be a great way to continue the work
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 4
being done to revitalize and bring families downtown. It would go a long way, in showing
current and prospective business owners that people would come downtown if we gave them
a reason to come downtown. We could change the image of the type ofpeopl~ visitors'saw
when they came downtown. He was concerned about the liquor license application from
Shaker's Bar and Grill. The business had a right to operate as long as it did so within the
confines of the law. It was not his position to change the Oregon Constitution to allow
government to block this type of business. He did feel, however~ that this was not the right
business to convey the message that Springfield was trying to revitalize downtown and try to
attract more family friendly businesses. He didn't feel anything should be done to completely
stop them from opening their business, if he felt compelled to do so even after being made
aware of the concerns. Mr. Roebuck hoped Springfield could help him relocate to a better
location or provide incentives for him not to open at this location. Mr. Roebuck said he spent
a lot of time at the adjoining restaurant and spoke to a lot of people who said they would love
to see a business. such as The Office succeed downtown. He guaranteed that the possibility of
re-opening The Office as a family friendly fmer diner with condominiums upstairs would be
severely limited by such a business moving in next door. He also felt that the condo business
the owners of The Office were planning would be adversely affected by the location of this
business. He read further from the letter quoting two real estate professionals regarding the
detriment of locating strip clubs and adult film and video establishments in downtown.
5. Dovle Pierce. 1208 Main Street #1. Springfield. OR Mr. Pierce said he lived across the street
from an adult strip club and behind him was a school for children. In the two years he had
lived there, he had chased drunks and couples out of his garage. In the summer, he liked to sit
outside, but there was loud music and nudity from the establishment. He had also witnessed
inappropriate activities. Downtown renovation sounded beautiful, but not the type of
activities that went on at those type of places.
6. Steven Houser. 1164 OlYmpic Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Houser said he had lived in
Springfidd for many years, his parents had lived here for years, his children attended
Springfield Public Schools and his wife was employed by the Springfield School District. He
was proud of Springfield and wanted to see Springfield become a better place. He referred to
the Council goals and said he was in favor of facilitating the redevelopment of Springfield
and had voted to put that in place. The kind of business that wanted to go in would not
facilitate Springfield being a better place for families to visit. He said he was not against the
business, but wanted a business in downtown that he could take his children and
grandchildren to and be proud. When he bought his property at 12th and Main Street, there
were no strip bars that he was aware of, and then one went in across the street. Once that type
of business was established, they seemed to proliferate. Citizens were looking at the leaders
to do the right thing. He asked that Council find a way to say no to these businesses and bring
Springfield back to a place where families were proud to bring their children. He thanked
Council for the opportunity to speak tonight. .
7. Mvles Davis. 923 19th Street. Springfield. OR Mr. Davis read from a letter he had prepared.
There were many reasons he believed Shakers shouldn't move into this area. He said he .
belonged to a community within a larger community, the Academy of Arts and Academics
(A3), which was only two buildings from where the strip joint planned to locate. He believed
in free enterprise, but noted that one of the legalities in running a business was to control
patrons. Drunken men weren't easy to control. He said he had lived behind a bar and said it
was a huge problem for his three sisters. Remarks from patrons of the bars have'made him ill
and made him lose sleep. If Shakers relocated to the proposed location, there would be
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 5
additional fear and harassment for the young women of the school. He would plead with the
owner to reconsider this location.
8. Rita Vait. 1617 Market Street. Springfield. OR Ms. Vait thanked the Council for the
opportunity to speak tonight. She spoke reg~rding the opening of an adult-only club just
doors down from a high school and an alternative high school. She strongly encouraged
Council to find any way possible to disallow Shakers to relocate to the core of downtown
Springfield. Ms. Vait's son and friends would be attending A3 next year, in addition to the
children currently attending. Those students needed to be protected. She took great offense
that the students would be virtually next door to a nude bar and unsavory traffic that may go
along with it. It was difficult enough for children to learn, but to have the additional exposure
to this type of establishment would act as a barrier to learning. Ms. Vait had volunteered in
her son's school since kindergarten, was active in his education and would continue to do
what she could to preserve the academic learning environment for A3.
9. Lori Eichelberger. 34386 Mathews Road. Eugene. OR Ms. Eichelberger said she had a
daughter who attended the A3 School. Ms. Eichelberger said she had lived in the Eugene area
off and on since 1976 and had recently moved back to start a vineyard. She was disappointed
to see what hadn't happened in Eugene and noted that Springfield was more likely to get their
act together faster than Eugene. Having her daughter at A3 was a positive way to support the
redevelopment in downtown Springfield. She had heard that Oregon had the most per capita
of strip bars than any other city in U.S. and that trend was not something to be proud of. She
understood that the City couldn't prohibit these types of businesses, but suggested looking at
tax incentives to create a red light district or something similar. Strip clubs and high schools
didn't go together. When researching a school for her daughter, one of the positive things A3
tried to do was create community partnerships so students could find mentors in the
community. There were no positive mentoring aspects for strip clubs in downtown.
10. Terry Corris. 497 N 68th Place. Springfield. OR. Mr. Corris spoke on the proposed strip club
moving downtown next to A3. Mr. Corris said he was a local business owner operating a
window cleaning business and volunteered to clean the windows at the A3 School. His wife
volunteered many'hours at the school and his daughter attended A3. He was very concerned
about the element that would be coming downtown. He noted the other issues with transients
and drugs in downtown and said we needed to keep this away from our children. There was
certain element that followed those businesses and it was not healthy for Springfield. He
voted for downtown urban renewal and he felt the City had done a great job. The City needed
to keep that in focus. He noted that the A3 School had better results for tests than nearly any
other school in the state. Exposing the students to this element would bring Springfield down
to a lower level.
11. Jason Gayton. 1065 S Street. Springfield. OR. Mr. Gayton said it was vital that we didn't lose
the momentum the Council had start:ed in downtown. For years, he was a hard sell for any
issue that involved raising taxes, but had become supportive of the efforts to clean up
downtown. He thought it was hopeless, partly because of businesses like this. He didn't know
the answer to this problem, but encouraged Council to find a way to prevent this and all
others from coming downtown. He would appreciate any ways Council could address this. He
was supportive and had voted for revitalization.
Mayor Leiken thanked the citizens for coming out tonight; he was glad to see them. This was not
a new issue. He asked Joe Leahy, City Attorney, to let pe~ple know what the City could or could
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 6
not do. He said the audience members were the smart ones and Council took their queue from the
public. It was important they all came out.
Mr. Leahy said he also just found out about this last Thursday. At that time, City Manager Gino
Grimaldi told Mr. Leahy that Council was very concerned and asked his office to research to see
if there was anything the City could do. The City Attorney's Office was exploring the following:
1) The City had an obligation to provide, through the Police Department, a safe environment
downtown, so they were looking at that. 2) They were reviewing City regulation in terms of
zoning downtown. It appeared the zoning would allow it, but they were looking further into it. 3)
OLCC had pre-empted the field regarding liquor establishments, so there may be something the
City could do in terms of recommendations from any information that could be generated. That
issue was reserved to the State. 4) The Oregon Supreme Court interpreted the Oregon
Constitution as providing a more liberal approach than the U.S. Constitution which construed that
nude dancing was a form of free expression. 5) Consider a tax or fee related to the demands this
establishment took on City resources such as Police. If this business created increased demand,
additional fees or taxes could be sought to generate dollars needed to pay for those additional
services. They would also look at things about this business that required additional work by the
Police Department to the point we looked at whether or not this was a business we wanted
, .
downtown and how to approach not having it downtown. Citizens had a right to express concern
with peaceful assembly on the sidewalks and inform other citizens they would prefer not to have
this type of business downtown. 6) The City could have a discussion with the proprietor regarding
the vision for downtown and a discussion with the property owner. Mr. Leahy said he hoped to
provide more information in the m~xt week.
Mayor Leiken asked the City Attorney to address the concern about the proximity to the A3
School and what options the City might have.
Mr. Leahy said there had been some cases in Portland regarding zoning to limit establishments
such as this locating close to schools. His office was looking into that as well.
Mayor Leiken noted that during their Agenda Review meeting, he and Councilor Lundberg had
talked about ideas. She had actually brought up a red light district as an option. The Mayor said
he appreciated everyone who voted on the urban renewal plan. The City had solid momentum in
that effort as noted by the public tonight. This was an opportunity for this Council to be bold and
look at all the options to see what could be done. The Council couldn't do it alone.
Councilor Pishioneri asked the City Attorney to look into the Oregon Revised Statute (ORS)
regarding enhanced criminal offense for drug activity when within 1000 feet of a school. He
would like to see what the City could do about enacting an ordinance to that affect. He also noted
that if the City had business licensing for downtown businesses, and a business had violations, the
City could suspend their license.
Councilor Ralston asked how.soon this business was planning to move in: June 1. Council needed
to make a d~cision quickly. The City could condemn the building if that was an option.
Councilor Lundberg said she would like the City to buy up all the more problematic locations,
with the support of the citizenry. There was need for parking and a fITe station downtown. Part of
being bold was to determine how to get the upper hand, sooner rather than later. The City needed
to look at the opportunities to help make us in control of our downtown. The wonderful turnout
tonight showed the interest in making downtown a place to be proud of and bring families.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 7
Mayor Leiken again thanked the people for testifying tonight. The A3 School was incredible,
giving children another opportunity to succeed and he was glad the school district had made this
investment. He noted that he had just heard about this, too, last Thursday. The City was trying to
put together a plan and he hoped the citizens would be part of that plan.
Parking enforcement and ticketing as appropriate were mentioned as options.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
1. Correspondence from Charley Purcell, 1029 Oak Meadows Place, Springfield, Oregon,
Regarding the Patrician Manufactured Home Park.
2. Correspondence from Jeff and Shirley Bounds, 1228 Bramblewood Lane, Eugene, Oregon
Regarding the Patrician Home Park.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO APPROVE THE CORRESPONDENCE FOR FILING. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
BIDS
ORDINANCES
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Business from Council
a. Committee Reports
I) Councilor Ballew said the Springfield Clean-up event was held on Saturday. She
thanked the City volunteers and maintenance staff. It was a wonderful event.
2) Councilor Ralston reported on the Lane County budget situation, particularly related
to the Human Services Commission (HSC). Because Eugene was transferring funds
to Lane County, the county was proposing to put money into certain serVices. One of
those services to be added back in was the Buckley House, which was a very
important program. He noted several statistics: the Health and Services for high-risk
pregnant women and infants was cut down to level 1, minimal service. 28% of the
people that used that service were from Springfield; the Communicable Disease
Control was put down to a level 1. Only 18% of the people that used that'service .
were frOJ;l1 Springfield. Statistics showed that Springfield was paying its' fair share'
based on the percentage of people using the services; the Veteran's Services had been
considered for cuts. As a former veteran, and two of Springfield's councilors as
former veterans, he had been a voice for the veterans regarding this issue. He had
commented during the meeting that Springfield had $20,000 to direct somewhere. It
would only cost about $66,000 to put full service back in to the Veteran's Services.
During the HSC meeting, it was noted that $140,000 was put into reserves last year
that had not been used. He told the HSC that Springfield could be willing to put our
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes.
May 19,2008
Page 8
$20,000 toward reinstating that service with the remainder of the funds from Eugene
and the reserves.
Councilor Ballew asked if the Federal and State were also offering veteran services.
Councilor Ralston said they worked in other locations in the state, but it w~s often
hard for veterans to get to those places. The position that could be added back in with
the $66,000 would serve 1600 additional cases a year. The benefits for those 1600
cases would bring in $7M. The Federal and State offered services but may not be
able to see all of the people requiring services. Federal and State funds were funneled
through the HSC, but in order to get matching funds they needed to provide a
minimum amount of service.
3) Councilor Wylie reported on the Public Safety Coordinating Committee (PSCC). The
County was exchanging $4.5M in road funds for general funds. There was still
discussion about what could be done with those traded funds. She was concerned
there could be prejudice against Springfield residents if Eugene and Lane County did
that swap.
Councilor Ralston said that could be expected as the Eugene City Council had made
known that their money was for their use. The reason for the percentages was to
make sure Springfield paid their way for the services.
Cou!lcilor Wylie said funding for jail beds had improved.
Councilor Pishioneri said he had not heard that information so chose not to comment.
Councilor Wylie discussed the number of jail beds and the reductions in the District
Attorney's Office. She said there were still questions on the federal timber receipt
funds. She felt the City had a role in this at some point.
Councilor Ballew said she had watched part of Lane County's budget process and
they were planning to cut$2.5M this year and $2M the next. At this point, Lane
County would not tell Eugene what to do with the exchanged funds, and vice versa.
The County would-probably use their funds for public safety.
4) Mayor Leiken reported on the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) Transportation
Committee. He said this committee would have a package that would be sent to the
board of directors of LOC, including operations maintenance. The committee wanted
to make sure LOC remained in the loop. Representative Terry Beyer, Chair of the
Oregon Transportation Committee, was not interested in pre-emption.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
1. Ratification of the Fiscal Year (FY) 08-09 Regional Wastewater Program Budget and Capital
Improvements Program (CIP).
Environmental Services Manager Susie Smith presented the staff report on this item. She
acknowledged Peter Ruffier, Eugene's counterpart to Ms. Smith, who was also in the audience.
As provided for in the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC)
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 9
intergovernmental agreement (IGA), the City of Springfield, the City of Eugene, and Lane County,
as governing bodies, must ratify the MWMC's annual Regional Wastewater Program Budget and
CIP.
The FY 08-09 Regional Wastewater Program (R WP) Budget and CIP document was approved by
the MWMC on March 27,2008. In preparing and reviewing the Budget and CIP, the MWMC
convened three budget work sessions and a public hearing prior to taking action to adopt it. The FY
08-09 Budget funds all operations, administrative services, and capital projects planned for the
Regional Wastewater Facilities. The CIP outlines and describes the capital projects planned for the
next five years. The FY 08-09 RWP Budget and CIP document reflects continued focus on the
completion of facilities upgrades and expansion, and operation and maintenance activities to
provide wastewater treatment for a growing community through 2025 in a manner that protects the
public's health and safety, and the environment. The Commission took a corresponding action to
adopt an 11 % increase in regional wastewater user charges in order to fully fund the Budget and
CIP.
In accordance with the IGA, the MWMC contracts with the City of Eugene for operations and
maintenance services, and with the City of Springfield for administrative services. The attached
budget document provides regional program and budget summaries as well as detailed budgets for
the services provided by Eugene and Springfield. The budget document also provides information
about how the RWP activities are driven by MWMC-established goals and performance measures.
The FY 08-09 RWP Budget and CIP must be approved by the MWMC and ratified by Lane
County, Eugene and Springfield, and then fmally adopted by the MWMC, prior to the beginning of
the next fiscal year (July 1, 2008). The Eugene City Council ratified the Budget and CIP on April
28th. The Board of County Commissioners reviewed the Budget and CIP on May 7th.
The County deferred action until May 14th in order to consider requesting that the MWMC and the
other governing bodies include language in the budget directing the MWMC to conduct a review of
the regional wastewater system development charges (SDCs) during the upcoming fiscal year. This
review would be intended to determine changes that could be made to address the IGA objectives
for "ensuring equity between newly connected and previously connected users for their total
contributions toward the Regional Sewerage Facilities" (IGA Section 3.f.5.). Under the current
methodology, SDCs do not generate sufficient revenue to fund eligible portions of the CIP projects
under construction, so the objective of "full cost recovery" is not being met. At the May 19th
Springfield City Council meeting, staff will review the results of the Board of County
Commissioners May 14th discussion on this matter. Should the Board request specific changes to
the budget document, staff will forward them to the Springfield City Council, as well as the
MWMC and the Eugene City Council for consideration.
Ms. Smith noted that the budget was heavily driven by capital improvement needs for implementing
the 2004 facilities plan. They were on the path towards that project and were planning, designing,
and building on time, under budget and meeting performance requirements. Next year, they were
budgeted to spend $96M with approximately $75M to be spent on projects buiJtnext yee:rr. She
discussed changes in other budgeting items. She acknowledged and apologized for a scriveners' j
error on the chart on page 10 chart in the line item for revenue bond reserves. The final column list
$8.1M as a change from last year. Proposed Budget FY08-09 amount should also be $8.1M. That
funded the required reserve balances to be able to issue revenue bonds. To support the capital
program, they would be issuing the remaining $50M in borrowing. Previous approval had been
received to issue $1 OOM, the fIrst of which was already issued.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 10
Ms. Smith reported that several members of the Eugene City Council had a few questions regarding
SDC revenues and whether or not MWMC was collecting revenues adequately to fund capital
improvements eligible for those funds. MWMC had done some trending for SDC revenues and
payments for those projects. She reported back to Eugene that after about 2010, SDC revenues
would be insufficient to make the eligible payments. The Eugene Council did ratify the budget and
CIP and instructed staff to work through MWMC to reevaluate the SDC methodology, similar to
what Springfield was doing with their local SDC's. The same issue arose from the County Board of
Commissioners. Ms. Smith had submitte,d to the Council in their Communication Packet a memo
with the range of issues raised by the County. In that memo was a revised board order which
showed that the County took action to ratify the budget and CIP under the condition that MWMC,
in its fmal action, agreed to reevaluate the SDC methodology for revenue adequacy.
Mayor Leiken thanked Councilor Ballew for her years of service on this commission.
Councilor Ballew said there were citizens, experts and competent staff that sat in on these meetings.
MWMC had been sued by the HomeBuilders' Association and had prevailed. It was a grand
ambition to collect as many SDC's to accommodate growth, but that calendar couldn't always work
that way. She didn't feel the methodology for SDC's could be completed by 2010. Staff had been
working hard trying to get the facility built and she asked that they be given a break. The staff at
MWMC did a terrific job. SDC's should be looked at, but there was no immediate rush.
Councilor Woodrow asked that when MWMC stafflooks into Eugene and Lane County's SDCs,
they also look into Springfield's.
Ms. Smith said they would do that.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO RATIFY THE FY08-09 REGIONAL WASTEWATER PROGRAM
BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP). THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
2. Declaration of Real Property as Surplus.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-19 - A RESOLUTION DECLARING CERTAIN REAL
PROPERTY OWNED BYTHE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD SURPLUS AND DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO OFFER SUCH PROPERTY FOR SALE.
City Engineer Ken V ogeney presented the staff report on this item. In 1964, the City acquired
property that lies adjacent to the existing south right-of-way line of G Street, east of Mill Street,
from the Housing Authority and Urban Renewal Agency of Lane County, Oregon.
The property was purchased in fee simple. However, the deed states that the City's use of such
real property is limited to public purposes. As such, staff will seek concurrence from the Housing
Authority and Urban Renewal Agency of Lane County concerning the sale of the property. The
principal purpose of the acquisition is unknown, but one possible use would be the improvement
to G Street. The right-of way of G Street, as platted by the "Sixth Addition to Urbana" in 1962, is
sixty feet (60') in width. There are currently no plans to further improve G Street, which is
. improved with curb and gutter, and pavement to a width of thirty six feet (36'). There is no
sidewalk along the portion of G Street adjacent to this parcel, but there is sidewalk on the
opposite side of the street and adjoining this parcel. This parcel is approximately 0.03 acre in
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 11
size, and is of variable ~idth across the frontage of G Street. The parcel is free of easements, but
is not suitable for any other public use. There are two parcels of land adjoining this surplus
property and the owners of each parcel have expressed an interest in acquiring the property. The
interested owner of the western adjoining parcel intends to remove the existing house on that
parcel and construct a new building for a day care and activity center for children from infancy to
elementary school age. The owner of the eastern adjoining parcel, who is involved with the
western parcel, does not intend to modify the current use of that parcel.
Written notice will be provided to the owners of any abutting property and advertisement in a
paper of general circulation to give notice of the City's intent to entertain offers in writing for the
purchase of the property. The City Manager will review any offers, which are to be accompanied
,by evidence of the value of the property, and a Public Hearing, pursuant to ORS 221.715, will be
scheduled to allow the Council to take testimony and consider any offers.
Staff recommends that the property be offered for public sale consistent with the provisions of
Municipal Code Section 2.714 and the relevant provision of Oregon Revised Statutes regulating
the disposal of public property.
Mr. V ogeney said once staff received Council approval, they would go back to the original
owners or their successors and ask for their approval to dispose of the property.
Councilor Pishioneri asked for clarification of the property. He asked about the intent of the
property.
Mr. V ogeney said one owner would like to build a child care facility.
Councilor Pishioneri said he would be in favor if the owners did something to improve the lots
rather than leave them the same. He had concerns about the fence along that property which was a
target for graffiti. He would like to see them take down that fence. ,
Mr. Vogeney said it was the express interest of the abutting property owners to improve those
lots.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-19. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
3. Approval of Design Development Phase - Thurston Fire Station #16 - P20534.
Project Manager Carole Knapel presented the staff report on this item. On October 15,2007, the
Council approved the Functional and Space Program for the Thurston Fire Station #16 Project
and directed staff to proceed with the design of a facility which would incorporate Best
Management Practices and which would address issues of gender neutrality, ADA accessibility, ,
turnout and equipment storage "Blue Line" separation and apparatus storage. The Council
authorized the project to include approximately 9550 square feet. On February 4,2008, the
Council selected the two story pitched roof option with a construction budget of$1,832,000 and
directed staff to proceed with the proj ect design.
The project design team has been working with representatives of Fire Life Safety, Development
Services, and IT to design a facility which incorporates the Functional and Space Program as
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 12
approved by the City Counci.l. The design development phase of the project is complete
including a construction cost estimate and value engineering analysis. The current construction
cost estimate with value engineering items is $2,081,450. This amount exceeds the approved
budget of$I,832,000 by $249,000. The increases included in the estimate are not caused by any
major increases in specific areas but rather by the fact that the estimators had more, detailed
drawings at this phase and they could more accurately price the components of the work. Since
the construction cost estimate exceeds the approved budget, staffhas developed four project
options for the Council to consider:
Option 1 Reduce the project scope to stay within the council approved construction budget of
$1,832,000.
Option 2 Convert southwest internal stairway to external metal stairs and lease light poles
from SUB to reduce construction cost. Increase construction budget by $158,000.
Option 3 Increase the project construction budget by $249,450 for the purposes of proceeding ,
with design. Direct the project manager to negotiate with the CM/GC to submit a
Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal once construction documents have been
completed and the project has been bid. Direct the project staff to return to Council
with the Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal for final construction cost approval.
Option 4 Option 2 and Option 3 combined.
The construction cost estimates for the options are summarized below:
Option Cost Approved Const. Budget
Variance
1 $1,832,000 $1,832,000
2 $1,990,000 $1,832,000
'3 $1,981,450 - $ 2,081,450 $1,832,000
4 $1,890,000 - $1,990,000 $1,832,000
$0
$158,000
$149,450 - $249, 450
$58,000 - $158,000
Ms. Knapel reviewed the four options for Council consideration. She noted how the costs could
be reduced.
Councilor Woodrow asked if additional funds of $250,000 would need to be borrowed if Council
went with option 3.
Ms. Knapel said the fmancing plan would go forward with the additional $250,000, but the hope
was that some of that could be returned so that total amount would not need to be used for the
construction budget.
Councilor Lundberg asked if Ms. Knapel had an estimate of what that savings might be.
Ms. Knapel said the contractor felt they could reduce the cost by about 5% ($92,000).
Councilor Pishioneri said option 3 seemed to make more sense. He asked if adjustments could be
made as the project progressed.
Ms. Knapel said that was correct. Staff would come back to Council with a Guaranteed
Maximum Price (GMP) for Council approval before moving forward with construction.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 13
Councilor Lundberg asked if choosing option 3 would also adjust the contingency amount.
Ms. Knapel said the 5% reduction the contractor suggested included reducing the contingency as
well. The savings could be more than 5%, but that was the conservative figure they felt they
could achieve at this time.
Councilor Ballew said she didn't want to spend any mo~e money.
Councilor Lundberg said we just gave $200,000 to the theater, so she was fine giving the funds
for this project.
Mayor Leiken agree~. Construction costs were escalating and it was important to get this done.
He felt option 3 made sense.
Councilor Wylie agreed with option 3.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO APPROVE OPTION THREE FOR THURSTON fIRE STATION #16.
THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 1 AGAINST (Ballew).
8:20 p.m. Council Pishioneri left the meeting.
4. Springfield Budget Committee Room Tax Recommendations.
Management Analyst Courtney Griesel presented the staff report on this item. The City of
Springfield requested proposals for community-based projects that would use up to $60,000 in
Room Tax funds in FY2009. These Springfield funds were established to enhance sports and
cultural attractions in the Springfield community and in turn generate additional economic
activity and more Room Tax revenues. Local organizations submitted proposals and financial
information for their proposed projects and overall they requested a total of $179,801.
Attached are the recommendations from the City's Room Tax Advisory Committee for the 15'
projects proposed by 11 different community organizations.
The Advisory Committee focused on evaluating how each project generated overnight guests; its
feasibility, support from other resources; its level of support in the community; how it enhances
other projects, activities, and assets in the community; its potential for growth without Room Tax
support in the future; and the organization's ability to complete the project effectively. In addition
to reviewing the applications from each organization, the Committee members interviewed
representatives that could speak on a project's characteristics and effects in the community and
Room Tax revenues. After extensive discussion, the Committee ~embers agreed unanimously on
the projects and the funding for each.
The Committee recommended allocating the full $60,000 in Room Tax Funds.
The attached summary provides an abbreviated description of each project, the requested Room
Tax amount, any matching funds, and the Committee's recommendations for funding and funding
amounts. Their recommendations include the following:
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page ~ 4
Four projects receiving full funding;
Five projects receiving reduced funding and allowing each organization to
choose how to spend the funds on the proposed projects;
One organization receiving funding to do its choice of several projects; and
Two projects not receiving Room Tax funds.**
** Committee members advised applicants and recommends funding for these two projects,
through the Springfield Economic Development Agency or the City's CDBG-funded
Downtown programs. These projects merit funding now and would greatly enhance the
Downtown's redevelopment for the long-term.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY' COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO APPROVE THE SPRINGFIELD BUDGET COMMITTEE'S
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ROOM TAX FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS
AND THEm INCLUSION IN THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD'S FY09 BUDGET. THE
MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 Absent - Pishioneri).
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
1. Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Lane County Regarding Boundary Changes for the
Metropolitan Wastewater Service District and Willamalane Park and Recreation District.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-20 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH LANE COUNTY TO
APPROVE BOUNDARY CHANGES FOR METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER SERVICE
DISTRICT AND WILLAMALANE PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT.
Planning Manager Greg Mott presented the staff report on this item. The 2007 legislature adopted
a law (Ch 239) which eliminates the Lane County Boundary Commission.' EffectiveJanuary 1,
2008, ,all special district boundary changes are handled by the County, and all city boundary
changes are handled by the affected City.
On December 3, 2007, the City"adopted a process for annexing property to the City of
Springfield. This Resolution places before the Council the issue of whether to accept the
delegation of authority to the City by Lane County to handle boundary changes that involve either
Willamalane Park and Recreation District or Metropolitan Wastewater Service District (MWSD)
(or both) at the same time as annexation to the City.
The City Attorney's Office and staff recommend the Council approve the Intergovernmental
Agreement in the interest of streamlining boundary changes for the two affected Districts and to
reduce costs and confusion for constituents.
Mr. Mott noted that the County had the responsibility to oversee the expansion, creation and
dissolution of taxing districts. As the City annexed property, those properties would automatically
be incorporated into two other taxing districts: Willamalane and MWSD. Rather than having the
City Council approve the annexation, then having the applicant go to Lane County to incorporate
into the other two districts, the County suggested through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA)
the City Council could have that jurisdiction. That would allow the property to be incorporated
into all three (City, Willamalane, and MWSD) in one action. It consolidated and centralized that
action and made sense from a practical standpoint.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 15
Mayor Leiken agreed that it made sense.
Councilor Ballew asked if properties annexed to the City would detach from their previous water
district at the same time.
Mr. Mott said withdrawal authorizatio~ had always sat with the City, and that would remain. The
withdrawals were usually done all at one time, once a year.
Councilor Ballew asked if Wi llama lane or MWMC would pay for any of the City's costs if we
took over this part of the process.
Mr. Mott said a new fee schedule would be coming to Council soon that included about five
different annexation actions. Currently, there were only two that the City processed and charged a
fee. The new fee schedule proposed the two district annexation actions. The new schedule also
included a line for extra-territorial extensions if Council were to enact an ordinance to regulate
that. The only thing the City collected from Willamalane was their SDC's for building permits.
Councilor Ballew said it seemed the City should charge for assuming their tax base.
Mr. Van Vactor said the IGA authorized Springfield to charge fees as a process of these
applications. If it was determined after experiencing the impact of taking on annexation that a fee
needed to be charged, Council could enact that.
Mr. Mott said he asked Planning Supervisor Jim Donovan to calculate actual costs for processing
annexations and setting the fee to cover those costs.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 08-20. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST (1 Absent - Pishioneri).
2. Safe Harbor Approach to Complying with the Coordinated Population Forecast Obligations
Arising from the City's Duties Under House Bill 3337.
Planning Manager Greg Mott presented the staff report on this item. Springfield staff has been
diligently pursuing the tasks necessary to fulfill the requirements ofHB 3337: Section lofthe.
new law requires establishment of separate urban growth boundaries for Eugene and Springfield.
One step in the process leading to the adoption of the new urban growth boundary is the
preparation of a coordinated population forecast as provided in OAR 660-024-0030.
The development of the population forecast is included in the Development Service Department's
09 work program.
, . ,
The City Council may recall that in October 2007 EcoNorthwest, as part of a Preliminary
Residential Lands Need Analysis, described three possible growth scenarios at 1.3%, 1.7% and
2.1010 (Page 2, Attachment lOin the agenda packet). At that time the Council expressed a
preference for a growth rate of 1.7% which results in a 2030 population of 85,521. The Safe
Harbor approach results in a 2030 population of 80,843. When balancing the risk and time frame
involved in preparing a new forecast rather than using a Safe Harbor approach, staff strongly
recommends a Safe Harbor. Mr. Mott further described the Safe Harbor approach and noted that
it was straight forward, simple and non-political. ,
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 16
It is City's staff understanding that City of Eugene staff will soon discuss whether to implement
the Safe Harbor approach with the Eugene City Council.
Mr. Mott referred to Attachment 9 in the agenda packet, which showed the forecasting done by
EcoNorthwest. The Safe Harbor approach was consistent with the law and the history for
Springfield, Eugene and Lane County. If the City chose to proceed in a way other than the Safe
Harbor, it would use methodology that relied on figures from the State Office of Economic
Analysis in conjunction with Portland State University. Those figures were generated bi-annually
and all the counties and cites could use those figures by implementation of the statute. Frequently
communities had a slightly different opinion than those figures, and had asked the County to
adjust those figures according to that community' preference. He described how those
preferences were ,compared with figures from the State. Staff's recommendation to Council was
to approach this in the Safe Harbor method.
Mayor Leiken agreed, but found it interesting that the Department of Land and Conservation
Development (DLCD) sent a letter to the accept Lane Council of Govemment's (LCOG) figures.
He felt the Safe Harbor approach was not different for Springfield, but there were concerns in
several smaller communities.
Mr. Mott said City staff was comfortable with the LCOG projections and the preliminary
projections presented by EcoNorthwest as well as the Safe Harbor approach. The difference of
1.5% and 2% difference over the next twenty years was not substantial. He noted how that
difference could be addressed. There were a lot of other reasons Council made decisions
regarding density and economic opportunities. This was another part of trying to accommodate
citizens who wanted to live and work in Springfield. The City would have to do periodic review
in ten years, and the population projections would most likely need adjusting at that time.
Mr. Van Vactor said staff had focused on the population forecasting methodology and who had
conducted those studies. There had been some controversy about who was doing those forecasts.
By going the Safe Harbor approach, they could avoid that issue.
Mr. Mott said even if Council directed staff to go the Safe Harbor approach, other events could
occur that would derail that effort and require the City to go another path rather than Safe Harbor.
The City would get a population projection one way or the other. It did need to be done and put
into the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Van Vactor spoke regarding the requirement for a coordinated population projection forecast.
The City of Springfield had been coordinating closely with the City of Eugene and we had a good
track record for coordination.
Councilor Ballew said it was prudent to go with staffs recommendation. Safe Harbor would save
the City a lot of problems. Things would change in the future, so this made sense now.
Councilor Ralston agreed.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR LUNDBERG WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
WOODROW TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PURSUE THE SAFE HARBOR APPROACH
(ORS 195.034) TO COMPLY WITH THE CITY'S COORDINATED POPULATION
FORECAST OBLIGATIONS UNDER HOUSE BILL 3337 AND INITIATE A POST
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 17
ACKNOWLEDGMENT PLAN AMENDMENT OF THE METRO PLAN TO ADOPT
THE NEW FIGURES. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0
AGAINST (1 Absent - Pishioneri).
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:41 p.m.
Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa
Attest:
City Recorder
Sidney W. Leiken
Mayor
City of Springfield
, Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
TUESDAY, MAY 27,2008
The City of Springfield Council met in a work session in the Library Meeting Room, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Tuesday, May 27,2008 at 5:32 p.m., with Mayor Leiken
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken and Councilors Lundberg, Wylie, Ballew, Ralston, Woodrow, and
Pishioneri. Also present were Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery, City Att<;">rney Joe Leahy,
City Recorder Amy Sowa and members of the staff.
1. Report of Street Preservation Task Force.
Assistant Public Works Director Len Goodwin presented the staff report on this item. The Mayor
appointed the task force to consider whether the streets of the City were adequately maintained
and if additional resources are required to maintain the appropriate level of maintenance.
Subsequently, the Council referred to the Task Force the question of alternative preservation
techniques for unimproved streets.
. The Task Force was created in March 2008 by the Mayor to consider the following charge:
Council seeks the advice of this panel of citizens on the current condition of the City's
transportation system and whether or not transportation activities are adequately funded.
Subsequently, the Council directed the Task Force to consider possible alternative preservation
treatments to be provided to unimproved City streets where residents have not made the capital
investment to bring the street to City standards. Th~ Task Force met on April 16 and April 30,
2008. At the April 30 meeting, the Task Force developed recommendations on both questions.
With respect to unimproved streets, the Task Force recommends that the City provide labor and
equipment to perform thin overlays on appropriate streets if the residents agree to cover the cost
of materials. .
With respect to preservation of City streets, the Task Force concludes that the current condition
of the City's streets is acceptable and should be maIntained at that level. They further conclude
that additional revenue of $500,000 to $1 million a year is required to assure that can happen.
Although not specifically directed to suggest alternatives, the Task Force did study alternative
revenue mechanisms and concluded that the most appropriate would be a Street Preservation
Fee imposed on residents and businesses. . .
As reflected in the Task Force Report, staff have compiled the following options for the Council
to consider:
Option 1: Direct staff to proceed with all recommendations in accordance with the Task
Force Report.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27,2008
Page 2
Option 2: Direct staff to proceed with the Task Force recommendation to focus on
unimproved streets only utilizing the thin-lift overlay and cost-sharing (by residents I
property owners) approach.
Option 3: Direct staff to proceed with the Task Force recommendation to maintain
current levels of improved streets by increasing revenues through a Street Preservation
Fee.
Option 4: Direct staff to look into other funding sources to provide funds to adequately
maintain city streets.
Option 5: Do nothing - the impact to the condition of the street system of this option is
displa'yed in attachment "D" of this memo.
Mr. Goodwin discussed current Council policy related to improved and unimproved streets. He
introduced Jason Nowlin, who was the spokesperson for the task force. He also introduced task
force members Ron Herbert, Neal Zoumboukos, and Ronna Frank who were in the audience.
Mr. Nowlin thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to serve on this committee. He
was proud to live in Springfield and appreciated the opportunity to have a say on this issue. He
also thanked the task force who had put 'in many hours and provided the report before Council.
He discus~ed the process the task force went through to put together this report. He noted that the
task force went beyond the charge of the task force and offered some suggestions on how to
address the street fund issue. He asked the other task force members if they wanted to speak.
Mr. Zoumboukos said he was a more recent citizen ~ Springfield, but took a great deal of pride
living in this community. He had lived in other communities in Oregon where people hadn't
taken pride. He was raised to believe that an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure and
this applied to this situation. If this issue was not addressed now, we would be facing that issue
down the line in a more severe way. One of the things that sold him on the recommendation was
the analysis of the effect of not doing it on each and every citizen in terms of the cost to yo~r
own vehicles in tire wear, maintenance, etc. This recommendation was significantly less that the
citizen would make if they had to make repairs on those items. He said they knew it was hard
times for everyone, but the ounce of prevention would be far outweighed by the pound of cure
individuals would have to pay for their own cars and as a community. He hoped the Council
considered it in that vein.
Ms. Frank said she called three different tire companies to find out what happened to tires with a
50,000 mile guarantee on regular good roads compared to unimproved or gravel roads. She noted
that she lived on an unimproved road that was repaired last year using a process that included our
gas tax. She and her neighbors voted for an increase in gas tax specifically because they saw the
direct positive results of it being used.to repair an unimproved road. They also,noted a direct
positive effect on the wear of their tires. The frrst company she checked with was Goodyear, and
although they offered no percentage difference in wear, they acknowledged that sharp rocks and
rough roads could increase tire wear. Schmucks said they thought that driving on gravel or
unimproved roads could increase tire wear by twenty-five percent. Les Schwab said for the
trucks used by Weyerhaeuser, when they drove on unimproved roads, they got about ~ the
mileage out of their tires as they did when driving on good roads. She noted her personal
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27, 2008
Page 3
experience with her tires. She would rather spend the $24 a year than $50 to $100 a year on car
maintenance. She knew others would also prefer to have roads in good condition.
Mr. Goodwin said James Hanks, a member of the task force, submitted a letter in support of the
recommendations. The letter was handed out to the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Leiken said Mr. Hanks was a highly respected transportation engineer with JRH.
Councilor Pishioneri thanked the citizens for working on this task force. Their recommendation
made sense and he liked option 3. '
Councilor Ballew said she liked option 2, the thin lift overlay for unimproved streets and asking
the citizens to pay for materials. She would like staff to test the process to see if it could be
completed that fast. She would like more information on the actual cost of thin overlay, slurry
seal, the two-inch ,seal and how our costs compared to those from the League of Oregon Cities
(LOC). She would like'staffto keep track to estimate how much it cost per linear foot, and how
much it saved to do the thin overlay. It should pay for itself. She wanted more information on the
street preservation fee, ~uch as charts showing the revenue source totals and expenses in major
categories (maintenance, new streets, sewers, etc) for the period from 2000-2008. She wanted to
know what the tax would actually yield in terms of funds.
Councilor Woodrow echoed Councilor Pishioneri's appreciation to the task force. He enjoyed
being the liaison and working with the group. The input from the task force was very diligent and
the staff also put in a lot of work. He said he was in support of option 1. It was a low cost for
citizens to maintain streets and was brought forth by the task force. He mainly listened as he sat
in on the meetings. He asked that someone from public works answer some of Councilor
Ballew's questions.
Public Works Director Dan Brown and Maintenance Manager Brian Conlon answered Councilor
Ballew's questions: 1) What did it cost the City of Springfield to put on a thin overlay? That
cost was represented as materials cost only and would be between $8 and $10 per linear foot per
/
side of the street. It was approximately $20 per linear foot for approximately a 20-22 foot wide
street for materials and equipment. 2) Was the cost for slurry seal at $8 a linear foot for materials
only? Slurry seal was contracted and the $8 per linear foot included the entire cost for the
contractor. 3) Was the cost for the two-inch seal at $44, also contracted? Yes.
Mr. Brown'said they could expect all costs to increase.
Mr. Conlon said the cost recovery of thin lift overlay was about 50 percent. He explained the
difference in doing thin overlay compared with repairing pot holes.
Councilor Ballew said she thought staff was underestimating the cost savings. She would like
that documented as they went along.
Mr. Conlon said they had done some streets with thin lift overlay already. He noted those
locations.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27,2008
Page 4
Councilor Ballew said if the residents had been willing to pay for the materials cost, that put
them on more of an equal footing with the rest of the City. She asked what percentage of the
costs was charged to residents when a full improvement was made.
Mr. Brown said everything except intersections was charged, making it about 80 percent.
Councilor Ballew noted the additional benefits of sidewalks, lighting, etc. that residents receive '
when their street was fully improved.
Mr. Brown referred to attachment B, page 1, second to the last bullet, which discussed the
efficiency of the thin-lift overlay program.
Councilor Ballew said the City could actually have an overall savings with the overlay program
and she supported that. She would like to have the residents pay for the materials.
Mr. Brown said that was the recommendation of the task force.
Councilor Ballew said at one time, Council proposed a transportation utility fee and received
strong opposition. She would like to see more data on the street preservation fee.
Councilor Ralston said he drove on one of the streets that had thin-lift overlay, but only on some
sections. He felt the whole street should be done. It did look like it would wear longer. He asked
how much the $1.75 street preservation fee would raise.
Mr. Goodwin said $1.75 on residents would raise about $100,.000, but it would be coupled with
the fee that was applied to businesses. The commercial fee would raise considerably more. One
member of the task force recommended a fee on off-street parking spaces or on trips. If Council
directed, staff could go back and research to determine exactly how much would be generated by
fees of those kinds. In 2003, it was a different fee that would have raised about $750,000 a year.
Councilor Ralston said there was nothing in the recommendation about who ~ould collect such a
fee, so that would need to be determined. It was a great idea for the residents to pay for the
materials, but he asked what would happen if not everyone wanted to or had the money to do it.
He. did not like fees or taxes. He knew something had to be done about the streets, but was not
sure he was ready to go with the full recommendation. He was leaning towards option 2 or 3.
Councilor Wylie said she would like to see more numbers to see what this would cost.
Councilor Lundberg said she appreciated the task force. The unimproved streets were costly and
it would be great if that could be addressed in option 2, but she would like to move cautiously.
She had never been a proponent of a specific fee, because it was difficult to be equitable when
some homes had only one car and some had many. She also had concerns about the mechanism
for collecting the fee. She dido't like transportation fees on something like a utility bill and she
hadn't seen another mechanism. She felt the City could make great progress with the
unimproved streets, and she was fine with residents paying for the materials portion. She would
like staff to look at option 2.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27, 2008
Page 5
Councilor Ballew suggested having a two or three year test period on the thin overlay process on
unimproved streets with residents paying for the materials.
Councilor Wylie said short unimproved streets degraded without any improvements. The City
didn't want to lose ground on those types of streets.
Mr. Goodwin asked if Council wanted the two issues back as two separate things. First, staff
would bring something back on unimproved streets, then with answers to questions about a street
preservation fee.
Councilor Pishioneri said Councilor Ralston brought up a good point regarding an entire street
agreeing to pay for the materials. There was often a mix of rentals and homeowner hOines on the
unimproved street. He asked if a thin-lift overlay project could be stopped if not all of the
neighbors were willing to pay or if there was a system to make sure it got done.
Councilor Lundberg asked if the same process could be used that was used for improving streets.
Mr. Goodwin said the approach for improved streets worked because it involved assessments on
the property and this would be voluntary. He explained how it could be set up as an account and
once enough funds were in the account, the project could be done. It wouldn't matter who
contributed to the fund, although it could be that renters would also be interested in putting some
money towards the improvement if they were planning to live there for four or five years. The
program was flexible in how it collected funds.
Councilor Ballew said she liked that approach.
Mr. Brown referred to attachment B. He noted that maintenance staff tried to facilitate the
neighbors, but it was the responsibility of the neighbors to get the total funds.
Mayor Leiken again thanked the task force. It was good when a Citizen group looked at different
options. Cities were limited in what they could or couldn't do. The Governor had some task
forces moving forward on transportation issues which should be wrapping up in September. The
revenue piec~ had broken out into a separate subcommittee of the original subcommittee because
it was such a large issue. From the City's perspective, we could implement either a gas tax or
something similar to what was being recommended. The gas tax would be tied in with the high
cost of fuel, and this may not be the right time with the high cost of gas. He was interested in
pursuing the option the task force recommended. He agreed with Councilor Ballew that the
options were on the table with the information. He thanked staff for having the information to
. respond to Council's questions this evening Although these were our' streets' it was also a
quarter billion dollar asset in our community and would only increase. Streets coincided with the
quality of life and solid infrastructure was the key. We needed to protect our asset and have a
good plan in place. He appreciated the recommendation.
Mr. Brown said the last sheet in attachment D showed what would happen if nothing was done.
Staff had re-estimated the value of the City's streets and it was now closer to $400M, which was
nearly one-half billion dollars.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27, 2008
Page 6
Councilor Ballew said it would be good for Mr. Laudati or someone to put together a brochure to
explain things to the public about thin overlay.
Mr. Brown said they could include information on where to go to look at pilot projects.
Mayor Leiken agreed. He noted that the signs the City currently displayed saying projects were
being done with gas tax funds was beneficial.
Councilor Woodrow said a number of members of the task force were willing to wor~ with the
public works staff to educate the public. '
Mr. Goodwin safd the taskJorce was interested in pursuing these options and would like to stay
involved if the Mayor approved. /
Mayor Leiken said that was fme.
Mr.' Herbert said the task force felt the street preservation fee' was the only equitable way to
figure this out. He noted he was on a fixed income and couldn't afford more fees, but would
support this $24 a year because the primary function was to maintain the roads. The task force
didn't want to see Springfield's streets deteriorate to the level of those in Eugene. This fee was
an equitable way to share the cost. City buses or Ridesource didn't pay to use the streets.
Bicyclists and walkers also needed good streets. This was to address the entire street system in
our City because we traveled all over town. He thanked the City staff for their time and
knowledge. It was an honor to be asso~iated with this process.
2. Fire & Life Safety Standards of Cover (SOC) Adoption.
Fire Chief Dennis Murphy presented the staff report on this item. On May 14, 2007 a Standards
of Cover report prepared by a consultant was presented to Council. It was recommended as a tool
for:
. ,Assessing the community for fIfe and non-fire risk factors
. Defming minimum emergency response performance standards
. Determining appropriate vehicle and staffmg patterns
. Evaluating workload capacity and determining unit utilization
. Measuring current and ongoing service delivery performance
. Planning future fIfe station locations
. Assisting in strategic planning and policy development relative to resource procurement
and allocation
Since the report was 150 pages and included many charts and graphs, Councilors agreed that
adequate time should be allowed for them to study details of the document. Councilors requested
that staff bring the issue back to the Council when prepared to address timelines and triggers for
various actions such as property acquisition for new fIfe stations and changes in staffmg.
Typical indicators that signal threshold has been reached to trigger changes include:
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27,2008
Page 7
· Percentage of emergency response times met reaches minimum
. Problem areas in the city where response is chronically slow
· Time for on duty training, vehicle preparation, rest and meals between calls is
inadequate to be supported with a 24 hour shift operation.
· Major new developments include buildings and other facilities that require intensive fire
service maintenance and resource allocation
· Annexations and! or urban growth boundary expansion
At this point in the city's planning, no triggers points have been met but severa,l are projected to
be met in the near future (Attachment Bin the agenda packet). The most pressing is future fire
station relocation. Staff recommends that Council direct action be taken to locate suitable' land
for future fire stations and bring back options for purchase and related timelines.
Chief Murphy referred to the previous topic and noted that Fire and Life Safety (F&LS)
depended on good streets.
Chief Murphy reviewed the national standards. Eugene had adopted a SOC and was a
Commission on Fire Accreditation International, Inc. (CF AI) organization. The focus tonight
would be' on today's needs. Following the discussion, Chief Murphy said he would be looking
for Council direction on a staff recommendation. With that direction, no money would be spent,
but rather staff would bring back more information and options. He discussed the purchase of
property in Gateway for that station back in 1994. The City was actively working to improve
property Vc:llues in downtown and Glenwood through urban renewal. The first major project in
one of those areas would put us past our trigger point. Downtown property costs would go up, so
the better option for downtown may be a one acre lot with a two-story building.
Chief Murphy said the SOC was to assess the risk as noted on the AIS in the agenda packet. He
discussed each of the items listed. The SOC helped determine planning for future stations. He
discussed the indicators for determining trigger changes in location or stations and response
times. Property costs would be going up in the future so now could be the time to purchase
property in this area. He discussed the Jasper Natron area and the triggers that would increase
property values in that area. Staff was getting much better at determining where future growth ,
would occur in our City. '
Mayor Leiken confirmed that a fire truck at City Hall could make the response time to west
Glenwood.
Chief Murphy said that was correct. The consultant felt somewhere downtown would be the
appropriate place for a fire station 'for that reason. He noted several locations downtown that
could be appropriate. They needed to look at costs and values of those properties and where the
funds would come from to purchase them. Staff would bring those options back to Council. He
, was interested in planning ahead and getting property before the costs went up too much. There
were six districts in Springfield covered by five stations. Two of the stations would need to be
relocated. He referred to the maps distributed to the Council and discussed the areas where the
stations would need to 'be relocated.
Councilor Wylie asked about the timeline for relo.cation of the fire stations.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27, 2008
Page 8
Chief Murphy said one of the two could be done by 2010 or 2015. Catalysts would get them built
and moved, such as annexation or development. Discussion was held regarding property
acquisition only at this time.
Councilor Wylie asked about the stations to be relocated.
Chief Murphy said Station #4 (28th and Centennial) would move to downtown, and Station #14
(formerly #2) would move into the south hills. There was property available near the intersection
of Linda Lane and Mt. Vernon that was affordable. The City had a good reputation of acquiring
properties, leasing them and maintaining them until the right time to use the property. He
discussed several options for locations downtown. The City needed to be strategic.
Councilor Ralston said he wanted to be proactive, stay ahead and promote growth. He supported
fmding the property now because the triggers would be coming up soon.
Mayor Leiken asked if the staff had checked the property out in Jasper Natron for therelocation
of Station #2. The time was now to start having those conversations.
City Attorney Joe Leahy said there was another property downtown that Springfield Utility
Board (SUB) had been considering across the street from their current location. SUB received an
appraisal on that property, which was owned by Don Major, but decided not to buy it. That could
be an option for the downtown relocation.
Chief Murphy said staff would bring back options that were affordable and with options of
funding. They would also bring information on timelines and triggers.
Mayor Leiken said it was not a problem to look around and get ideas of costs. Staff could then
bring back options and costs for Council to consider. The property costs would only increase.
Councilor Ballew said now was the time. She would like staff to bring back options, prices and
financing. She asked if staff had looked at using people that were not paramedics and a more
standard vehicle for transporting patients to the hospitals.. That would relieve the regular
paramedics for other calls.
Chief Murphy said staff would bring information on that back to Council. Springfield's role in
that was yet to be determined, but the City of Eugene was energized at a high level about that
issue. It involved separating the non-emergency work and creating inexpensive and effective
alternatives for firefighters/paramedics to do non-paramedic work.
Councilor Ballew said those people could be parallel to the Police Community Service Officers
(CSO). Chief Murphy agreed.
Councilor Lundberg said she agreed there was a need to purchase property, especially downtown
with the redevelopment of Glenwood. She was in favor of being foresighted in purchasing
property. This was the time for the City to be proactive in downtown to acquire those properties
for a Fire Station and for parking. The City might need to look at condemnation and putting
together a number of properties for a public purpose as soon as possible.
City of Springfield
Council Work Session Minutes
May 27, 2008
Page 9
Chief Murphy said the City h~d often looked at downtown properties, but not for a fire station.
Mayor Leiken said our city was being watched and developers would take note of where we
located fire stations. He appreciated the fact staff was looking ahead.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 pm.
Minutes Recorder - Amy Sowa
Sidney W. Leiken
Mayor
Attest:
Amy Sowa
City Recorder