HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/06/1997 Work Session
.
MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE
SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL AND WILLAMALANE
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD HELD MONDAY,
OCTOBER 6, 1997
The city of Springfield council met in a joint work session with the Willamalane Park and
Recreation District Board, in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on
Monday, October 6, 1997, at 6:00 p.m., with Mayor Morrisette presiding.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Present were Mayor Morrisette, Councilors Ballew, Beyer, Dahlquist (6: 10 p.m.), and Shaver.
Councilors Burge and Maine were absent (both excused). Willamalane Board members present
were Chair Janice Morrisette, Wayne Hill, Blake Hastings, and Rob Adams. Ms. Morrisette said
James Mayo was not able to attend. Also present were Willamalane Superintendent Dan Plaza,
City Manager Michael Kelly, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Julie Wilson and members
of the staff.
I. The New Bob Artz Park.
.
Mr. Adams provided information regarding the Bob Artz Park. He said a third field would be
built resulting in a three-plex softball complex. He said softball was popular in Springfield.
Mr. Plaza clarified that of the $1 million project cost, the property value was in addition to
that cost. The $1 million was an approximate cost for recreational resources (ball field,
restrooms, parking, lights, etc.). Mr. Adams said the project should be complete by fall of
1998. Road improvements were included in project costs.
2. Eastgate Woodlands.
Mr. Hill provided an update on this project. He explained the Eastgate Woodlands area was
the recreation area from 1-5 east and the area near the river. By a vote of the people, the land
was transferred from Lane County, then to the city of Springfield, then to Willamalane Park
and Recreation District. He said a 15-member advisory committee for the project met once
per month for about three years. Mr. Hill served as chair of that committee. Springfield had
five representatives on the committee. .
Mr. Hill provided information about the boat launch and pedestrian and bike paths. He said
they have tried to improve this area by reconfiguring the trail from the parking lot to the boat
launch. He discussed path improvements and repaving. He said Eagle Scouts helped to
install picnic tables and benches. Lane County prisoners also assisted with a cleanup project.
Nearby Nature, a volunteer organization, also assisted with restoration work. American
Veterans Post #16 members periodically monitor and pick up litter.
Mr. Hill discussed the River Trails project. He said Willamalane has been working with the
city on this project. The project developer was Ainslie Krans. He said the ivy and bushes
were being maintained.
.
3. Willamalane Park Swim Center.
Mr. Hastings discussed financial needs for the Swim Center. He said the facility was in bad
shape and needs many improvements. The Board hoped for voter support when presented
with another bond measure in hopes of obtaining needed financing. Roofing demolition was
Minutes of the Joint Meeting with Willamalane Board
October 6, 1997
Page 2
.
one immediate option to pursue. The facility could then be used as a summer facility.
Willamalane staff was considering initiation of request for proposals for this project. Interim
financing was still an issue. Private financing was another option. Mr. Hastings expressed a
desire to have this complete by this summer.
Councilor Shaver said many residents think the city of Springfield owns the pool. He has
received many comments suggesting roof removal or the use of a temporary inflatable roof
until the repairs are complete. He urged Willamalane to look into bids for roof removal. He
also discussed monetary value of the lumber that could be salvaged/removed.
4. Child Care Program\Kids Club.
Mr. Adams discussed the Willamalane Kids Club. He said children of different ages were
served by this program. He said vacant school buildings were being used for the Kids Club
program. He discussed benefits of the well managed program. He said the program paid for
itself.
5. Cooperative Efforts with City Staff.
.
Ms. Morrisette recognized many cooperative efforts between Willamalane and the city. Some
efforts included coordination for special events and projects, children celebrations, park days
and sign production. She recognized the significant financial savings resulting from the
operation and maintenance of the regional fuel facility, SDC fees, Willamalane computer ties
to the city. She reviewed many other areas of joint cooperation, including city access and use
of Willamalane Buildings for drills and emergency situations. City employees also used the
Memorial Building for noon activities.
Ms. Morrisette said the district pool was used for a city fitness program. Water safety
training to firefighters was another coordination effort, among many others. Mr. Plaza said
the Police Department works very closely with Willamalane and recognized their efforts in
assisting when needed.
6. City Budget Overview.
Mr. Kelly provided a brief overview of the city's General Fund and impacts of Ballot
Measures 47/50. He said the measures would have impacts of approximately $2 million. He
explained council directed staff to take a two-year approach in dealing with the reductions.
He briefly reviewed the inventory of services project.
Mr. Hill asked about the option of raising the tax base. Councilor Shaver said council was
trying to carry out what the citizens have directed. He said this was not necessarily the proper
time to ask for funding. He said once reductions are initiated as directed, citizens will be able
to make better decisions on what services are available with current resources.
7. Other Business.
.
a. Revenue Generating Opportunities.
Councilor Shaver discussed the current tax base, infrastructure money, library fees, and
other issues which complicate the financial formula.
Minutes of the Joint Meeting with Willamalane Board
October 6, 1997
Page 3
.
He appreciated the cooperation between Willamalane and the city. He explained
Willamalane uses machinery owned by the city and the city in turn utilizes Willamalane
owned machinery. He also encouraged board members to communicate through electronic
mail (e-mail). He commented on the convenience of using e-mail.
Councilor Shaver discussed city funds used to build a bike path through Island Park. He
said there was a section of pedestrian way between the Administration Building and the
Depot. He said a sidewalk was needed. He also said appropriate street lighting was
needed.
.
Councilor Shaver discussed the telephone lines on the bike path along D Street which have
been there for three years. He said when D Street was relocated, the utility company
moved the poles to the land aside old D Street which became a bike path. He said the
entire area was reconstructed. Power and cable lines were moved to the land aside the
, street. On the river side, telephone lines have been draped along trees. In talking with the
appropriate people, they said they had difficulty working with Willamalane to site a vault
for fiberoptic cable. They were not able to obtain an easement from Willamalane to do
this. Councilor Shaver recognized the revenue generating opportunities associated with
the sale, lease or rental of the space. The company now selected another option. He said
the city was missing out on fiber optic opportunities and Willamalane had an opportunity
to generate revenue. He said as a Board they need to send a message to staff stating they
did not want to turn down income opportunities such as this.
Councilor Shaver discussed telecommunication tower issues. He discussed the proposed
tower ordinance and the need for co-locations (more than one provider on one tower, on
top of buildings). Councilor Shaver discussed a provider who was turned down by
Willamalane to place a tower on top of the pool building in Thurston area. Mr. Plaza
replied that the proposal received was rather obtrusive and the board rejected it. It was not
appropriate for Lively Park.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Julie Wilson
~id' ~
Bill Morrisette
Mayor
Attest:
.