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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/09/1996 Work Session Gity of Springfield Work Session . MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1996 The City of Springfield Council met in Work Session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, December 9, 1996, at 6:00 p~m. with Mayor Morrisette presiding. Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Ballew, Beyer, Burge, Dahlquist, Maine and Shaver. Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Eileen Stein, Administrative Aide Shari Higgins, Library Director Bob Russell, Development Services Director Susan Daluddung, Museum Coordinator Kathy Jensen, Public Works Director Dan Brown and members of staff. 1. Library Board Application Review Library Director Bob Russell stated five applications were received for one vacancy on the Library Board. Interviews were conducted on Thursday, December 5, and Monday, December 9, and one applicant, Christopher 1. Urhausen withdrew his application, after his interview. Mr. Russell explained that after the interview process, the Library Board members met and recommend the City Council appoint Allen Goldman to the board. . Councilor Shaver asked why the board felt Mr. Goldman was the best choice for appointment. Mr. Russell replied that his background and his status as a community business member were the main factors in their decision. Mr. Russell stated, for the record, that the board's alternative candidate was Carolyn Vike, who is a retired librarian. Councilor Shaver asked if the board has ever considered the idea listed on Helen Ballew Wagner's application regarding a subscription reference service for the business section of the library. Mr. Russell replied yes, and that future board discussions may include her idea. Mr. Russell stated all the candidates who applied were qualified and the board appreciated their willingness to serve. By consensus, council agreed to ratify the appointment of Allen Goldman at the Special Regular Meeting scheduled immediately following the Work Session. 2. Arts Commission Application Review Museum Coordinator Kathy Jensen stated two applications were received for two vacancies on the Arts Commission. Ms. Jensen commented that both applicants, Judith M. Macomber and Scott Wylie, were present at the commission's November 13 meeting, and will serve the balance of terms which will expire December 1, 1997. Ms. Jensen stated that both members meet the membership requirements of the commission and she asked that council approve their appointments. By consensus, council agreed to ratify the appointments of Judith M. Macomber and Scott Wylie at the Special Regular Meeting scheduled immediately following the Work Session. . City of Springfield Work Session - 12/9/96 Page two . 3. Human Rights Commission Recruitment Discussion Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi stated the Human Rights Commission only received one application (la~e) for five openings. He suggested council extend the recruitment period to December 31, 1996, in order to recruit members for the commission. Councilor Shaver referred to the last two commission meetings and some behavioral problems that the group had been facing. He stated he listened to tape ofthe September 12 meeting where a student member ofthe commission was brought to tears after verbal abuse. Although he had not heard the tape from the next (October 10) meeting, he commented that a verbal argument had again occurred. Councilor Shaver spoke of member Cynthia Anderson and how critical she is of the commission. She not only upset the student member, but she then went to the press with her comments regarding the commission, instead of voicing her concerns within the group. He stated that is not how things are done in Springfield and the responsibility in which the council has to oversee their boards, commissions and committees. Councilor Shaver also discussed the number of meeting which are held without a quorum or any official business"to conduct. He suggested the commission have two tasks: 1) handle civil complaints that are referred to them through the City Manage(s Office staff; and 2) assist with community events, such as the Filbert Festival or the Civic Fair. Their monthly meetings schedule with lack of viable items to complete on has caused good members to resign. He felt meeting on an as-needed basis or at the most quarterly would be sufficient . Mayor Morrisette asked the chair of the commission, Bill Eikenberry, to provide any additional information to the council regarding the issues that Councilor Shaver raised. Mr. Eikenberry stated the information regarding Ms. Anderson seemed accurate and provided more detailed information regarding the verbal attack on the student member. Mr. Eikenberry also provided information regarding the October meeting, when the second set of verbal exchanges occurred. Councilor Burge suggested that Ms. Anderson's continuation as a commission member be evaluated and asked Mr. Eikenberry why the meetings were allowed to continue after the verbal attacks. Mr. Eikenberry replied that the commission now operates under Robert's ' Rules of Oroer and that future outbursts or arguments will not be tolerated. Councilor Beyer stated as the council liaison to the commission, she would be attending the next meeting and completing some research on the recent events at commission meetings. She also cited problems with attendance and quorums and agreed that the commission may be meeting too often. Council discussed the Human Rights Commission (with remaining members) meeting in January to discuss a work plan and commission goals for 1997. It was suggested that the HRC use subcommittees to accomplish the actual tasks that are identified in the work plan. . Councilor Ballew asked if the group was too large with 11 members. Councilor Shaver stated the use of subcommittees and a focus would give the existing commission size some focus with regards to their work plan. The council needs to take leadership action and let the commission know that their operating expectations are. ,. . City of Springfield Work Session - 12/9/96 page three . Mr. Eikenberry explained that he, as chair, has tried to recruit members to the commission, but has been unsuccessful. He felt until the commission becomes viable, that community members will not apply or have interest in volunteering. Councilor Burge suggested asking the Human Rights Commission to discuss their issues and have Councilor Beyer report back to the council. Mayor Morrisette stated after the commission identifies their written work plan, then council could assist them with their mission, meeting schedule, etc. City Attorney Joe Leahy stated council could ask the commission members to resign and then reapply and reconstitute the commission or abolish the commission. He explained to council alternatives regarding their role in guiding boards, commissions and committees. By consensus, council agreed the recruitment will not occur until they have had a report from Councilor Beyer on the status of the commission. They also suggested ajoint work session between the commission and the council to further clarify the commission's role and work plan. 4. Review of Draft Chapter 9 "Development Regulations" Springfield City Code Recodification . City Recorder Eileen Stein reported that the recodification project is almost complete and that only two chapters remain for council review. She explained that most of Chapter 9 has been moved into the Springfield Development Code (SDC) already and that eventually, the remaining parts of the chapter will likely move to the SDC also. Ms. Stein stated that Article 1 deleted some definitions which are already included in the SDC; Article 2 has been deleted and added to the SDC; Article 3 has not been changed, but will eventually be moved into the SDC; Article 4 has been deleted and added to the SDC; Article 5 although shown deleted, will remain for now and will eventually move into the SDC (see Attachment B of the staff report for existing language); and Article 6 codifies Ordinance No. 5519, adopted on July 2, 1990. Council discussed Section 11-2-1 through 11-2-7 regarding neighborhood associations. Councilor Shaver reminded staff that council would like to see boiler plate bylaws that would be available for those interested in starting a neighborhood association. Council also discussed the number of associations and possible future limits on size, boundaries, membership, etc. ' Councilor Maine asked if the current associations are monitored by staff. Ms. Daluddung stated staff time is limited with regards to support of neighborhood associations. After further discussion, council agreed to leave the code as is for now, and revisit the topic if a need occurs in the future. Ms. Stein stated the contents of this chapter that are not placed into the SDC will be merged into code chapters: General Government, Building and Government and Administration. . Councilor Shaver asked that the figures on Page B-17 of the staff report be printed larger in the actual code, so they are easier to read. . . . .. .' , City of Springfield Work Session - 12/9/96 page four Councilor Maine asked about different hillside standards to account for things such as heavy. rain, mud slides, etc. She stated the city has been in her neighborhood almost daily since the heavy rains began and she discussed the need for grading on a hillside to be addressed in the code. Ms. Daluddung reported the recent bad weather had caused problems with the building at Booth-Kelly that is currently leased to Gunderson. She stated Building Official Dave Puent is working with Gunderson to complete repairs to the building, pipes and irrigation system. Ms. Daluddung explained the exact cost of the repairs is unknown at this time, but she will keep the council posted. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins BdI'M~/~ Mayor ATTEST: ~du..J (q) Q~ Depu City Recorder