HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/27/1995 Work Session
.
City of Springfield
City Council Work Session
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27,1995
The City of Springfield Council met in Work Session at Springfield City Hall, Jesse Maine Room,
225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, February 27,1995, at 6:05 p.m. with Mayor
Morrisette presiding. '
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Burge, Dahlquist, Maine, Shaver and Beyer
(6:10). Councilor Walters was absent. Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant
City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Tim Harold, City Recorder Eileen Stein,
Administrative Aide Shari Higgins, Traffic Engineer Gary McKenney, Police Chief Bill DeForrest,
Fire and Life Safety Chief Bill DeForrest, Development Services Director Susan Daluddung,
Public Works Director Dan Brown, Downtown Coordinator Cynthia Pappas, Community and
Economic Development Manager John Tamulonis and members of staff.
1. Bicvcle Committee Appointment
Traffic Engineer Gary McKenney explained Mr. Rex Redmond was present and has applied
for one of two vacancies currently on the Bicycle Bommittee. Mr. Redmond is not a
Springfield resident but has an interest and enthusiasm for bicycle commuting.
.
Mr. McKenney discussed the current.size of the Bicycle Committee and why the by-laws were
changed in 1991. The change occurred to appoint nine members .versus seven to the
committee and assure a quorum is present for each meeting: He stated at this time staff is
not recommending that Council review the size of the committee.
By consensus, the Council agreed to appoint Rex Redman to the Springfield Bicycle
Committee at the March 6,1995, Regular Council Meeting.
2. Update on Proaress to Police Lona Ranae Plan
Chief DeForrest provided background on the creation of the Police Planning Task Force. He
stated there are three specific tasks the task force is working on, 1) to produce findings, 2)to
present future issues and trends, and 3) work with the Police Department and the community
for a long range plan for providing police services.
Chief DeForrest introduced Police Planning Task Force Chair Zane Wilson and members
present including Councilor Maine who is the Council liaison to the task force. Mr. Wilson
stated the task force is completing its second working paper.
Mr. Wilson reviewed the existing police services and operations attachment in the staff report.
He said the task force will now begin to focus on what should occur not what has existed in
the past and explained several prior studies conducted regarding the Police Department. He
said the task force has reviewed the prior studies and discussed issues such as the positions
of lieutenants being eliminated, the scale between sergeants and captains and problems
occurring after 5:00 p.m. in contacting the department for non-emergencies. The task force
feels the Police Department is doing as much as it can and more resources will be needed as
growth occurs.
.
.
Springfield City Council
Work Session Meeting - 2/27/95
Page two
Mr. Wilson also spoke about the substandard building and aging radio equipment, upgrading
firearms, networking computers, the Lane Community College police officer academy,
demographics and economic transition. Council asked questions of Mr. Wilson and stated the
needed radio replacement is a current City Council goal.
3. Confined Space Rescue Proaram (Revised)
Fire and Life Safety Chief Dennis Murphy presented the staff report and reviewed Council's
direction regarding the Confined Space Rescue Program (CSRP). Council's directives were
1) to be self-supporting and maintain a positive cash balance from user fees at all times,
2) to break even after four years with revenue generated (income) to exceed expenses after
fourth year, 3) to adjust hazardous materials fees and move from one-third to two-thirds
support to help pay for a CSRP vehicle, 4) to charge Public Works fees at actual cost, 5) to
ensure that the Springfield Utility Board (SUB) participates, with an agreement at $16,500,
subject to SUB approval, and 6) eliminate the program vehicle (sedan).
Council asked questions regarding the increase in rates of the hazardous materials program
and expressed concern the rate increases would be viewed negatively by the industry. Mr.
Kelly explained that the CSRP and Haz Mat program can be viewed separately by the Council
in considering the CSRP.
.
Councilor Burge stated he had no confidence in the program, as initially it was presented to
bring $100,000 into the General Fund and now it will not be a self-funded program for four
years. He also questioned the City's participation in entrepreneurial programs. Councilor
Beyer stated this is not the right time for the Fire Department to begin a new program when
they have other issues to focus on (the new fire station, staffing and overtime).
Mayor Morrisette asked what will happen if the City does not offer this service. Chief
Murphy replied the department will assist the industry's rescue teams, but will not enter
into rescue situations involving confined spaces. Councilor Dahlquist explained his
discussions with local businesses who currently do not have a need for the CSRP and only a
limited need for a hazardous materials program.
Councilor Burge stated he could possibly support the program if was organized at the
metropolitan level. The Council discussed the City of Eugene's lack of participation and
Springfield revisiting the issue it if could be proposed on a metropolitan level.
Councilor Maine stated she does not feel this is an enhanced service and does not compare
to the original proposal. She expressed concern over capital costs and re-payment of the
General Fund and said she received different answers from industry than those reported by
Chief Murphy.
By consensus, Council agreed not to move forward with the Confined Space Rescue
Program at this time. If circumstances change or compelling reasons surface, then Council
could request staff bring this issue back for review.
Councilor Burge asked Chief Murphy not to use staff time regarding the metro-wide idea.
Councilor Shaver stated staff did a good job of responding to Council questions with all
of their mixed emotions and direction.
.
.
Springfield City Council
Work Session Meeting - 2/27/95
Page three
Chief Murphy stated he will notify prospective applicants that the City is going to discontinue
the development of the CSRP. He said the department will review inflation-related issues
associated with the hazardous materials program and will bring their findings back to the
Council at a future time.
4. Downtown Pedestrian-Level Street Liahtina
Public Works Director Dan Brown gave staff report. Mr. Brown presented photographs of
decorative lighting poles in Walnut Creek, California, and the Oak Tree subdivision in
Springfield. He also displayed a map of downtown Springfield from Mill Street to 10th Street,
and North A to South A, where new poles could be placed amongst existing light standards to
provide pedestrian level lighting.
Mr. Brown provided the history of the project beginning with 1988 Council direction and 1989
staff review. He stated that during the January 1994 City Council Goal Setting, the project
was discussed again and staff direction given to review the project.
Mr. Brown stated that $20,000 to $30,000 per block would be needed to complete the project
with an additional cost of $10,000 for preliminary engineering work. He gave the Council
options for proceeding with the project, including property/business owners contributing
$2,500 to $3,000 each.
.
Council discussed the options 'and asked questions regarding aesthetics, lights in the
downtown trees, wattage'and energy usage, lumination and foot candles: Traffic Engineer
Gary McKenney discussed high pressure sodium (HPS) versus low pressure sodium (LPS)
lighting, particulary in relation to both driver and pedestrian lighting comfort.
Councilor Shaver suggested if this program ever became needed, the City could help by
purchasing fixtures and the downtown businesses could install their own lighting.
Downtown Manager Cynthia Pappas discussed recent meetings held for the downtown area
regarding crime downtown and she reported the meetings are causing downtown businesses
to want to unite and consider possibly re-forming a downtown association. She stated the
downtown businesses are concerned over additional lighting that they would like provided for
both alley ways and business entrances.
By consensus, Council agreed not to pursue downtown pedestrian-level street lighting at the
present time although, stated the issue may be revisited in the future.
The meeting was convened at 7:20 p.m.
The Meeting reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
5. Room Tax Allocation Process
Development Services Director Susan Daluddung provide the staff report. Ms. Daluddung
said Council discussion of the 1995/96 room tax allocation process was needed. She
explained that Arts Commission Chairman Charles Swisher had previously approached the
Council and asked for room tax funding. Although the Council was in support of his request,
consensus was to look at the entire room tax allocation process and budget.
.
'" .' .
.
.
.
Springfield City Council
Work Session Meeting - 2/27/95
Page four
Ms. Daluddung explained the history of how funding has been allocated in previous years and
referenced the staff report attachment regarding requests which have been submitted to date.
Ms. Daluddung stated staff is requesting a decision tonight regarding the Oregon Trail Mural
Brochure funding. She explained the student proposing to complete the project must know
immediately if the Council chooses to pursue the project.
Ms. Daluddung discussed alternatives for when and how Council could review the Room Tax
allocation process. Council discussed the alternatives and asked questions of staff regarding
the VIP Room Tax Committee and Budget Committee. Council also discussed leaving a
portion of the funds available after the budget process for special projects which may occur
after the budget allocation process.
Council asked questions regarding the Oregon Rivers Museum and Conference Center
Study funding. Ms. Daluddung detailed staff report attachment regarding Room Tax Funding
Allocations and Recent Allocation of Room Tax and Anticipated Requests.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR MAINE WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR BURGE TO
REVIEW 1995/96 ROOM TAX ALLOCATION REQUESTS AT A CITY COUNCIL WORK
SESSION, PRIOR TO BUDGET COMMITTEE REVIEW. THE MOTION PASSED BY A
VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0 AGAINST. COUNCILOR WALTERS WAS ABSENT.
Community and Economic Development Manager John Tamulonis reviewed the request
for the Oregon Trail Mural brochure in the amount $4,500 by Will Boise who would produce a
11 X 14 brochure. Mr. Tamulonis stated a $1,000 contribution has already been established
by the Arts Commission as a base for the project. Distribution would be mainly locally, but a
test market would also be evaluated in Baker City, Oregon, at the Oregon Trail Interpretive
Center.
Council also reviewed other options for distribution of the brochure, including placement
in local motel rooms and at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Morrisette
stated the Chamber needs to promote more brochures and postcards of Springfield.
Councilor Shaver suggested the Council approve the request at the higher funding amount.
Councilor Burge suggested the City also create a glossy brochure highlighting the McKenzie
River, Filbert Festival, etc.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR BURGE WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR SHAVER
TO ALLOCATE $4,500 FOR OREGON TRAIL MURAL BROCHURES, PER OPTION #1
OF THE STAFF REPORT. THE MOTION PASSED BY A VOTE OF 5 FOR AND 0
AGAINST. COUNCILOR WALTERS WAS ABSENT.
6. Business from the Council
Councilor Burge spoke about a Sports Center meeting he attended earlier this date and
a request made from BroadBase organizers to have a letter drafted from the City Council
supporting their concept for an indoor facility to be constructed at the Sports Center. By
consensus, it was agreed a letter would be written for Mayor Morrisette and Council
President Burge for their signatures.
Mr. Kelly reminded the Council that both USA Soccer and BroadBase have performance
measure agreements with the City and it is important for the Council to have active
agreements or letters of understanding with both groups regarding performance measures.
'. ..' III't
.
.
.
Springfield City Council
Work Session Meeting - 2/27/95
Page five
Councilor Burge stated staff is spending a lot of time bringing issues before the City Council
that are mentioned or suggested by only one or two Councilors. He recommended if issues
are suggested by just one or two Councilors that he, as Council President, would poll the
Council and ask if there is any interested in the topic.
By consensus, Council agreed to implement the process described by Councilor Burge.
For informational purposes, Mr. Kelly discussed how agenda items are processed and
appear before the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
g#$'~
Mayor
ATTEST:
-A~lu,tUd!i~
City Recorder (,