HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/2008 Regular
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 Monday, 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
ofthe staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Leiken.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
I. 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 ofthe United States are eligible to participate.
Reiann Hardiman won a Gold Medal for Musical/Vocal- Contemporary. Reiann is a junior at
~pringfield 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 ofService.-
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.
5. 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, Le., 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
Commission for the license renewal of the listed establishments: 1. Grant; 2. No
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19,2008
Page 3
Recommendation; 3. Do Not Grant Unless (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 AUDIENCE
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. Sh~ 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 activities 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
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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 of people 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 ofthe 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 finer 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. Doyle 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
Springfield 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. Myles 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
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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 regarding 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 res~arching a school for her daughter, one ofthe 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 Corns. 497 N 68th Place. Springfield. OR. Mr. Corns spoke on the proposed strip club
moving downtown next to A3. Mr. Corns 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.
ll. Jason Gayton. 1065 S Street. Springfield. OR. Mr. Gayton said it was vital that we didn't lose
the momentum the Council had started 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 people know what the City could or could
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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
ifthere 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 next 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 decision quickly. The City could condemn the building ifthat was an option.
Councilor Lundberg said she would like the City to buy up all the more problematic locations,
with the support ofthe citizenry. There was need for parking and a fire 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.
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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 Bound~, 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
I. Business from Council
a. Committee Reports
1) 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 levell, minimal service. 28% of the
people that used that service were from Springfield; the Communicable Disease
Control was put down to a levell. Only 18% of the people that used that' service
were from 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
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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 was 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 ofthe 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.
Councilor 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 ofthe 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)
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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 (RWP) 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 ~scal 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 built next year. She
discussed changes in other budgeting items. She acknowledged and apologized for a scriveners'
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.
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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 staffto 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 submitted 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 ~ariable width 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 hi a
paper of general circulation to give notice ofthe City's intent to entertain offers in writing for the
purchase ofthe property. The City Manager will review any offers, which are to be accompanied
by evidence ofthe 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 ofthe property. He asked about the intent of the
property.
Mr. Vogeney 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. V ogeney 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 project 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$1,832,000 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, staff has 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 $l,832,000
2 $1,990,000 $1,832,000
3 $1,981,450 - $ 2,081,450 $1,832,000
4 $1,890,000 - $l,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 more money.
Councilor Lundberg said we just gave $200,000 to the theater, so she was fine giving the funds
for this project.
Mayor Leiken agreed. 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 fmancial
information for their proposed projects and overall they requested a total of $l79,80l.
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 members 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 14
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 WlLLAMALANE 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.' Effective January 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 oftaxing 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 authorization had always sat with the City, and that would remain. The
withdrawals were usually done all at one time, once fl year.
Councilor Ballew asked ifWillamalane or MWMC would pay for any ofthe 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
2.1 % (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 of85,521. 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
cOInmunities 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 Government'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.
Tht< 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 staff's 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:
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City Re 0 der