HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/01/1997 Regular
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1,1997
The City of Springfield council met in regular session in the Springfield City Council Meeting
Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, December 1, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., with
Mayor Morrisette presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Beyer, Burge, Dahlquist, Maine and Shaver.
Councilor Ballew was absent (excused). Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant
City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy, Senior Management Analyst Rosie
Pryor, Administrative Aide Shari Higgins, and members of staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Morrisette. '
INVOCATION
The Invocation was performed by Reverend Bobby Nott, Faith Temple.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
Mayor Morrisette introduced Police Chief Bill DeForrest who recognized Springfield Police
Department Dare Officers Scott Molaski and Rozina Clough for Participation in the DARE
Mentor Officers Training Program. Mayor Morrisette asked for schedules for officers Molaski
and Clough, in hopes that council members could attend a few of their classes.
Mayor Morrisette also acknowledged Bobby Nott and his wife for the wonderful breakfast held
the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving, which fed approximately 300 people in the community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
MAINE, TO ADOPT THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. COUNCILOR BALLEW WAS ABSENT (EXCUSED).
1. Claims
2. Minutes
3. Resolutions
a. RESOLUTION NO. 97-53 - A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PERMIT PROJECT 3-011,
NORTH STREET SANITARY SEWER FROM 39TH STREET TO FILBERT LANE.
b. RESOLUTION NO. 97-54 - A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE CITY OF
SPRINGFIELD'S INVESTMENT AND PORTFOLIO POLICY.
4. Ordinances
5. Other Routine Matters
City of Springfield
. Regular Session Meeting - 12/1/97
Page 2
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Amendment to the Springfield Development Code Concerning the Regulation of Home
Occupations, the Jurisdiction of the Hearings Official and Springfield Planning Commission,
and the radius of Mailed Notice.
ORDINANCE NO. 5867 - AN ORDINANCE ELIMINATING PERMITTING
REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME OCCUPATIONS: REPLACING THE HEARINGS
OFFICIAL WITH THE SPRINGFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION FOR CERTAIN LAND
USE HEARINGS IN THE URBAN TRANSITION AREA; AND REDUCING THE RADIUS
OF MAILED NOTICE OF LAND USE APPLICATIONS FROM 300 FEET TO 100 FEET
BY AMENDING THE SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT CODE ARTICLE 3
DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL AND LAND USE DECISION PROCEDURES: ARTICLE 4
INTERPRETATIONS; ARTICLE 10 DISCRETIONARY USES: ARTICLE 12 ZONING
DISTRICT AND OVERLAY DISTRICT CHANGES; ARTICLE 14 PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ARTICLE 15 APPEALS: ARTICLE 16 RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS: ARTICLE
29 UF-1O URBANIZABLE FRINGE OVERLAY DISTRICT: ARTICLE 30 HISTORIC
OVERLAY DISTRICT: ARTICLE 32 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE IMPROVEMENTS:
ARTICLE 36 MANUFACTURED DWELLING STANDARDS: AND ARTICLE 37
MASTER PLANS. AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
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Mr. Mott said council had reviewed the ordinance changes in a previous work session. ,. '
The reason for the changes was due to Ballot Measure 47/50 and suggested revisions
resulting from the 1997-98 budget process. Mr. Mott said the Springfield Development Code
(SDC) will retain the authority over Home Occupations but will eliminate the need for
a permit. The city is waiting for a public hearing before the Lane County Board of
Commissioners to initiate a change to the intergovernmental agreement, changing the
authority of the Hearings Official to the Springfield Planning Commission.
Mayor Morrisette opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak. '
Mayor Morrisette closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
MAINE, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 5867. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE
5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. COUNCILOR BALLEW WAS ABSENT (EXCUSED).
2. Vacation ofa Public Right of Way for a Portion of West A and West B Streets, Jo. No. 97-08-
189, Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Applicant.
ORDINANCE NO. 5868 - AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF WEST A AND
WEST B STREETS EXTENDING WEST THROUGH ISLAND PARK IN THE CITY OF
SPRINGFIELD. LANE COUNTY, OREGON AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
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Planner I Lauren Lezell said the vacation was a request initiated for right of way vacation
by Willamalane Park and Recreation District, submitted in conformance with the
requirements of Section 9.101 of the Springfield Development Code. The Springfield
Planning Commission unanimously adopted a final recommendation of the approval of this
vacation request. As required by statute, the council must take final action of the request, by
adoption of ordinance by motion and vote.
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City of Springfield
. Regular Session Meeting - 12/1/97
Page 3
Ms. Lezell said Willamalane Park and Recreation District is requesting the vacation to
alleviate jurisdictional problems relating to police enforcement of city law and ordinances.
Staffs recommended approval, with the condition that public utility easements are provided
for in the maintenance of the existing sanitary and storm lines. The extension of city streets is
precluded by Island Park, a public park. Ms. Lezell said Willamalane Planner Greg Hyde was
present to answer any council questions.
Mayor Morrisette opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Morrisette closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
MAINE, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NUMBER 5868. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. COUNCILOR BALLEW WAS ABSENT
(EXCUSED).
BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE
1. Willie Combs, 334 Scotts Glen Drive, spoke about the recent article in the Springfield
News concerning Glenwood. He said the issue of annexation should be receiving,
serious attention.
Mayor Morrisette responded by saying that Councilor Burge is leading the task force
reviewing Glenwood issues. He also suggested Mr. Combs speak with Glenwood
resident Steve Moe, who is involved in the annexation of Glenwood.
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
I. Correspondence from Attorney Bill Sharp, 310 East 11 th Avenue, Eugene, Representing
Shirley and Peter Keeley, Requesting that Council consider an amendment to the Springfield
Municipal' Code, Regarding Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs.
Bill Sharp, an attorney representing Peter and Shirley Keeley, spoke in favor of their ,.
retention of their pet pot bellied pig. He asked councilors to review the material which
was presented to them that he worked to obtain over the past two months while representing
the Keeley's. Mr. Sharp spoke in reference to the city's animal ordinance and which
animals are allowed within the city limits. He said pot bellied pigs are no longer considered
a swine, per state law.
Shirley Keeley, 754 North 66th Place, Springfield, said her daughter sent the pig to her over a
year ago and they did not know this type of animal was not allowed within the city limits.
They are currently housing the pig in a kennel at a cost of $230 per month. She asked that
they be allowed to house their animal in their home again and for the council to reconsider
their animal ordinance.
Pat Hines, 639 N. 57th Street, Springfield, spoke in support of her friend having the pig
as a pet. She said it is a very clean animal and very gentle with children. Pot bellied pigs
do not have rabies, ticks or fleas.
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City of Springfield
. Regular Session Meeting - 12/1/97
Page 4
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Tom O'NeiL 950 Olympic Street, Springfield, said he had a pot bellied pig as a pet prior
to finding out that they are illegal within the city limits. He felt it should be the choice of
the owner as to what type of house pet they choose and asked council to recognize pigs as
pets and change the city's ordinance.
Mayor Morrisette said a video tape was delivered to his office by Mr. Sharp and asked
council members to view it.
Councilor Shaver said he polled council members prior to the meeting to see if there was
any interest in reviewing the city's ordinance concerning animal regulations. He said
council has revisited this topic twice in the past and decided that pot bellied pigs were
not suitable house pets. He appreciates the love the Keely's have for the pet, but did
not want the them to continue with false hopes of the council changing the City Code
to allow pot bellied pigs. Councilor Shaver clarified that snakes and lizards are not
considered pets also, yet exotic animals and are not allowed within the city limits. Most
other animals mentioned earlier by Mr. Sharp are considered farm animals and are
allowed only under controlled situations where the amount of land under single ownership
could handle such animals.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
MAINE, TO ACCEPT AND FILE THE CORRESPONDENCE. THE MOTION PASSED
WITH A VOTE 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. COUNCILOR BALLEW WAS ABSENT
(EXCUSED).
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Mayor Morrisette thanked the group for their time and effort in attending the meeting
and testifying before council.
BIDS
1. Bid Award for Project 2-023, Entrance Beautification, Anderson Lane and Centennial
Boulevard.
City Engineer Al Peroutka was present for the staff report. Hereferred council to the
drawings placed directly behind them and provide specific information with regards .
to the city's beautification efforts. The view on the right side of Centennial Street as
you enter Springfield will be a brick wall with signage and backlit plantings. The view
from the left side of Centennial will use the existing berm, with the slope done in bark
and landscaping will be similar to the right side. Mr. Peroutka encouraged council to
award the bid to Aspen Springs Company in the amount of$16,577.30.
Mayor Morrisette asked when the next city entry location would be completed. AI said
most beautification projects are tied to street improvement project completion.
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Councilor Burge asked how much is budgeted per year for beautification, what the
total cost to the city will be when all entries are completed. Councilor Shaver suggested
providing council with a plan of which entrances will be completed and what the total
cost of tax dollars will be upon completion.
Mr. Peroutka said the city could review the current and future beautification plans and
provide council with an update during the Capital Imp;ovement Plan (CIP) process.
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City of Springfield
Regular Session Meeting - 12/1/97
Page 5
Councilor Beyer said the direction staff is taking regarding beautification efforts was a
directive from this council and they should continue with current plans until
council provides a different direction. She felt the update would provide the information
needed to direct staff on future entrance beautification efforts.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
MAINE, TO A WARD THE ENTRANCE BEAUTIFICATION CONTRACT TO
ASPEN SPRINGS COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,577.30. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. COUNCILOR BALLEW
WAS ABSENT (EXCUSED).
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
I. Committee Appointments
a. Budget Committee
Councilor Maine suggested council re-appointment the Ward 6 candidate
for the Budget Committee, Brad Anderson, as he was the sole.applicant .
for the position and is eligible for re-appointment.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR MAINE, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
SHAVER, TO RE-APPOINT BRAD ANDERSON TO THE BUDGET COMMITTEE
WITH A TERM EXPIRING 12/31/00. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 5
FOR AND 0 AGAINST. COUNCILOR BALLEW WAS ABSENT (EXCUSED).
Councilor Maine reported that no applications were received for the Ward 5
Budget Committee position. Council discussed options regarding the
vacancy and decided to extend the recruitment period.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR MAINE, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
SHAVER TO EXTEND THE BUDGET COMMITTEE RECRUITMENT PERIOD
FOR WARD 5, UNTIL JANUARY 30, 1997. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
Councilor Maine clarified council would rev.iew the applications and not
interview the applicants for the Community Development Advisory Committee
(CDAC). Since the CDAC and Human Rights Commission were merged last
spring, council agreed that no interviews would occur and the regular process
for CDAC application review would be their preference.
2. Business from Council
a. Committee Reports
There were no reports.
b. Other Business
City of Springfield
Regular Session Meeting - 1211/97
Page 6
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BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
1. Report by Mayor Jim Torrey Concerning Eugene City Council Recent Actions on Homeless
and Emergency Housing Issues.
Mayor Torrey was present to discuss the City of Eugene's recent ordinance regarding
homelessness and emergency housing issues. He stated some people are homeless by chance,
and some are homeless by choice. Mr. Torrey explained the background leading up to the
creation of the homeless task force and issues which affect not only Eugene, but the entire
metropolitan area. The ordinance allows people to park in the parking lots of local churches,
allows one family to park in every residential driveway or backyard (as long as sanitary
facilities are provided by the property owner) and allows families to park in industrial zoned
areas, provided they are not there for longer than 24 hours.
Mayor Torrey said between January 1, 1997 and July 1, 1997, there were over 700 people
who were homeless for at least one night. The adopted ordinance and task force work came
after researching what remedies other cities have found and an extensive review of housing
programs and transitional housing available within the community. He said in addition to the
ordinance, the City Council approved spending $100,000 on youth services forLooking Glass
to expand shelter beds. In addition, $50,000 in funding was set-aside for the Interfaith Shelter
program, which provides information to families who are in need. and assists incoordination
of the church parking program.
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Mayor Torrey explained the items which the City of Eugene has chosen to do will not solve
the homeless problems, but should help. He suggested other areas which could help,
including: a travelers aide program, assisting churches by funding portable sanitary units to
place in their parking lots, and providing one months rental support to families who are in
CflSIS.
Council thanked Mr. Torrey for his comments. Councilor Burge said he did not fully
understand the issue of homelessness and why people choose their vehicles over shelter. He
questioned how many homeless people are actual residents of Lane County versus transients
who pass through. There was a discussion regarding homeless by chance or by choice.
Mayor Morrisette suggested council members contact local service providers and ask them
questions about numbers, location, and residency.
City of Eugene staff member, Richie Weinman said many homeless people are employed, but
can not afford the communities rental prices, which average $600 per month in Eugene.
Many have mental health problems, children, and living with a single income. Mr. Weinman
said many choose to keep their vehicles as they are their last link to society. People are
willing to give up their homes if they know they can live out of their vehicle.
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Mayor Torrey provided information on focus groups he conducted with youth of the
community. He said there are many health and safety issues which may affect the recently
adopted City of Eugene ordinance. A sunset date of June 30 (to assist children through the
school year) was part of the ordinance, and at that time an extensive review will occur by the
Eugene City Council.
City of Springfield
Regular Session Meeting - 12/1/97
Page 7
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Charles Gray, 256 N. Grand Street, Eugene, spoke as a representative for the Homeless
Action Coalition. He read a prepared document regarding homelessness. He spoke of the
high rental prices, low job wages, and opportunities for better employment, which face many
homeless people. He said he would provide the council with a copy of a study he conducted
regarding rental prices and available units.
Mr. Gray supported the City of Eugene ordinance and said it is important to allow car
camping, as being allowed to remain in the same place for an extended period of time is very
important when you are homeless. He suggested cities budget funding for sanitary units that
can be made available to churches. Since every person must sleep, he felt providing a place
for them to sleep is a basic right. He urged the council to adopt a similar ordinance as the
City of Eugene, or take additional steps to assist those in need in the City of Springfield.
Councilor Burge suggested the use of the Lane County Fairgrounds. Mr. Weinman said that
location had already been reviewed and had too many issues associated with its use,
including: fire codes, building codes, zoning issues, and the amount of time which the facility
is used for shows, conventions, etc.
Mayor Morrisette said he had approached School District #19, Superintendent Jamon Kent on
the issue of homeless ness and the possible use of Mount Vernon School. Mr. Kent citedthe
same issues as the fairgrounds have with regards to using the vacant school as a shelter.
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Councilor Shaver said funding issues should be addressed at the mid-year budget review or.'
during the upcoming budget process in the Spring. He suggested community members could
show individual support all throughout the year. He reminded council that they had allowed
local churches to bring people inside their buildings, which had provided heat, kitchens,
sanitary facilities, etc. without the use of cars and parking regulations. Councilor Shaver said
he polled council members regarding opening the city to camping in parking lots or certain
zoning areas and did not receive enough support for any action to occur at the present time.
He said the City of Springfield has done many good things already to assist with the issue of
homelessness and will continue to be flexible enough to meet the needs of the community.
Councilor Maine agreed and said the budget process is the time to consider any additional
funding for either housing or homelessness issues. They will be reviewed along with other
critical city services in the future.
2. Other Business
a. Noise Ordinance Variance
City Engineer Al Peroutka provided a hand-out and explained the contractor of the South
Springfield Sewer Interceptor project is requesting a variance to the city's noise ordinance
to allow construction operations at nighttim~ in the vicinity of South 16 Street and South F
Street. He said it would allow the boring subcontractor to work on a 24-hour basis from
December 2 to the end of January. Mr. Peroutka said council has granted such approval
previously when citizens would not be adversely affected.
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City of Springfield
Regular Session Meeting - 12/1/97
Page 8
Councilor Burge said as long as there would be no adverse impact to neighbors, which
were listed as commercial or industrial businesses only, that he would support the request.
Mr. Peroutka said staff would track the permit and if any adverse conditions were to
develop, they would bring them back to council for review. The permit would be
revocable also, by staff, based on the number and severity of any complaints received.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR BURGE,
TO ISSUE A VARIANCE TO THE NOISE ORDINANCE ALLOWING H & J
CONSTRUCTION, INC. TO PERFORM BORING WORK ON A 24-HOUR BASIS
BEGINNING DECEMBER 2, 1997 AND ENDING JANUARY 31, 1998, FOR PROJECT 1-
961, SOUTH SPRINGFIELD SEWER INTERCEPTOR PROJECT, REVOCABLE BY STAFF
BASED ON THE NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED. THE
MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
Mr. Leahy eXplained the difference in the above variance request versus a noise permit in the
City Code. He said the methodology for a variance is part of the code for such instances as the
construction need. Noise permits for an exception to the city's noise ordinance are administered
by the Police Department and also must have council approval.
Mr. Leahy said the city has obtained a preliminary injunction against Mr.& Mrs. Knox for tree
cutting in the South hills area. He said 112 trees were cut prior to the injunction. Thecity.is also
proceeding in Municipal Court to cite the Knox's through the municipal citation process for each
tree cut without approval. Mr. Leahy said the city is proceeding with the maximum penalties
allowed by law in this case.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
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Mayor
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City Recorder
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