HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/10/1997 Work Session
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City of Springfield
Joint Work Session
MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SPRINGFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION HELD
MONDAY, MARCH 10,1997
The City of Springfield Council met in Joint Work Session with the Springfield Planning
Commission at Springfield City Hall, Library Meeting Room, 225 Fifth Street, Springfield,
Oregon, on Monday, March 10, 1997, at 6:05 p.m. with Mayor Morrisette presiding.
Present from the City Council were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Ballew, Beyer (6:35),
Burge, Dahlquist, Maine and Shaver. Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant
City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Recorder Eileen Stein, Administrative Aide Shari Higgins,
Development Services Director Susan Daluddung, Planning Manager Greg Mott and members of
staff.
Present from the Planning Commission were Chair Daniel Bedore and Commissioners Burford,
Cole, Collura, Hatfield and Lutes (6: 10 p.m.). Commissioner Harvey was absent.
1. Joint City Council - Planning Commission Work Session
Mayor Morrisette led the introductions of City Council members and Planning
Commissioners.
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Development Services Director Susan Daluddung said it has been three years since a joint
meeting had occurred between the City Council and Planning Commission to discuss general
issues and policy topics. Both the City Council and Planning Commission have been very
responsive to development changes and needs, but future Development Code revisions must
occur and policy discussion need to take place prior to code updates.
Ms. Daluddung introduced Planning Commission member Lyle Hatfield who initiated a
discussion of design standards for multi-family development and provided an update on the
residential lands inventory. There was a discussion about lot sizes, open space and a more
livable community.
Commissioner Hatfield stated one component of the residential lands inventory is'to propose
smaller lots be allowed (or the flexibility for development options to be approved) so that
lower income housing can occur by using smaller lots. Councilor Burge stated he would not
support smaller lot sizes and said the current 4,500 square foot requirement is the minimum
the city should impose. He stated the children of the community need the open spaces and
social injustice could occur if smilller densities are allowed. Commissioner Hatfield spoke
about Planned Unit Development (PUD) standards and concepts for all zoning districts.
There was a further discussion on the aspects surrounding smaller lots and lower income
housing.
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Joint Work Session - 3110/97
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Commissioner Hatfield spoke about another possible component of the residential lands
inventory, to creation "transition" districts, which would take place between low density and
medium density zones. These "transition" districts would help to offset the and lessen the
impacts to Low Density Residential (LDR) neighborhoods. He spoke about the proposal and
explained how three types of Medium Density Residential (MpR) units would be created as
buffers. Councilor Shaver cautioned the Planning Commission about allowing housing
additions when smaller lots are used, as density could become a bigger problem. He
suggested Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions be used to keep densities low and maintain
quality homes on smaller lots..
Councilor Burge cautioned the Planning Commission on increasing parking lot standards
which would cause higher parking lot costs, larger side yard needs, and setback issues when
discussing smaller lot sizes. There was a general discussion about density concern items
from Attachment 2 of the staff report.
Councilor Maine said she would like to further discuss the idea of "transition areas."
Commissioner Hatfield distributed density proposal material and Ms. Daluddung asked
council members to respond in writing to Housing Planner Robin Johnson with any comments
on the status of density proposals.
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Ms. Johnson spoke about figures handed out to council members and commissioners,
regarding fair share information and medium density buildable vacant land. Council
requested the total land density information, including what is already developed. Ms:
Daluddung said the information could be collected quickly for council's Goal Setting session
on Saturday.
Commissioner Lutes spoke about the Residential Land Use and Housing Study. He stated the
purpose of the long-range planning study is to update the element ofthe Eugene-Springfield
Metropolitan Area General Plan. Does Springfield currently have enough residential zoned
land for a 20 year rolling supply and how will future developments will impact residential
land and housing. policy decisions in relation to state law, recent trends "and community goals.
The amount of undeveloped versus underdeveloped land was discussed.
Mr. Lutes explained the process the study is following and how changes of current
households will affect future demands on residential lands. In addition, Mr. Lutes explained
the group is comparing fair housing standards. A draft wilI.be prepare& in May and then a
report will be provided to council for discussion.
Councilor Maine said the key to density is balance. Commissioner Lutes said a variety of
housing needs is what the study is producing, not more or less of one certain zoning.
Councilor Burge stated density can be achieved well by going vertically not horizontally
while still providing open spaces.
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Commissioner Burford spoke about hillside development and his participation on the
Thurston Hills Development Task Force. Commissioner Burford stated the key to hillside
development is education and some weaknesses which were discovered during the permitting
process. He referred to Attachment 4-2 of the staffreport, which outlined the process which
developers would follow for hillside development.
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Joint Work Session - 3/10/97
Page 3
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Councilor Maine who participated on the task force spoke about hillside lots that are
purchased and then building plans are submitted which are not suitable for development on a
slope. Commissioner Burford commented the task force suggested a few sets of building
plans which are approved for slope development be available to people who have purchased a
hillside lot and have unacceptable building plans.
The groups discussed the required analysis and fees for slope development and maneuvering
contours. Commissioner Lutes said he had some suggested items to add to the process and
would share them with Commissioner Burford. As an architect, he spoke about development
on a slope and how it is a very customized and individual procedure.
Councilor Burge inquired about slope storm water issues. Councilor Shaver suggested
flexi,ble standards for steeper lots with excavation standards. Commissioner Burford spoke of
setback and tree requirements. There was a discussion regarding the creation of a new tree
replacement program where one tree is cut down and a group of trees are replanted.
Councilor Maine stated the task force would like to see Douglas Fir trees be placed on the
allowable street tree list, for hillside development areas as they look appropriate in certain
areas.
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Ms. Daluddung commented as the issues discussed are placed in Springfield Development
Code form, then the City Attorney's Office will assist staff in recommending appropriate
standards and language. The draft code amendments will again be reviewed by boththe
Planning Commission and City Councilprior'topublic hearing. The groups discussed the use..
ofCCR's, which many hillside developments may have. Councilor Shaver suggested a stamp
be used for all building permits, that states "CCR's do exist, may apply to your property and
you should check with your home owners association prior to development." Ms. Daluddung
said the process for hillside development does notify property owners about CCR's. After
discussion, it was decided by consensus that the city should not reference CCR's unless a city
owned lot was being discussed.
Commissioner Bedore led a discussion of Ballot Measure 47 impacts. He stated the. .
commission would like to discuss topics which include more responsibilities being asked- .
from planning staff, how to manage land use issues in light of Ballot Measure-47,and '
meeting state law with regards to expedited procedures. The Planning Commission
suggested staff provide less professional information and ask developers to seekthe'
assistance of professional land use planners and engineers.
Council members and commissioners discussed whether or not the city duplicates work that
has been done by architects during site plan or building plan check review. They discussed
private versus city certifications and requirements which mayor may not assist the property
owner. Commissioner Lutes stated plan check review might be checking work done by a
certified architect, but that site plan review is still a needed function to provide.
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Commissioner Burford said that unless a cost reduction is given to the property owners or
developers, then time savings by eliminating duplicating review processes may not be enough
incentive to them to give up the service.
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Joint Work Session - 3/10/97
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Ms. Daluddung commented that in many cases a quicker review provides for a shorter time on
the loan value and may save the developer money in the construction process. Councilor
Shaver supported the approach of less staff assistance with a certified private professional
submitting information to the city. Then the process would then be on a fast track without
additional staff time. Councilor Shaver stated with decreased staff levels, the work still needs
to get done and a process allowing a fast track on review processes would alleviate staff
assistance, while providing the citizens with a quicker time line to begin development.
Councilor Burge agreed and said with hillside development that a design team could be
assembled to review all issues associated with the request, as building design issues greatly
differ on slope developments.
Commissioner Bedore asked how the council felt about raising service fees. Councilor Burge
stated this discussion is premature as the city does not yet know how the Legislature will
decipher Ballot Measure 47. Councilor Beyer stated if you shift funds out of a department,
then fees can not be raised, per recent Legislature discussions concerning Ballot Measure 47.
The groups discussed citizen advisory committees. Commissioner Bedore stated the Planning
Commission is currently brainstorming whether or not to increase the role of advisory bodies
or instead eliminate or reduce the input of citizen volunteers. Staffing of citizen advisory
committees was also discussed, as resources are declining.
Commissioner Hatfield commented the focus forthe commission should be on mandated.
rather than optional work assignments. He suggested staff identify mandates or assignments
that are less important and provide resources or prioritize a work plan based on that scale.
There was a discussion about the mandate of periodic review and legislation that
Representative Beyer has introduced regarding eliminating the counties of Oregon from
mandatory participation in the periodic review process. Councilor Burge suggested staff
review Springfield's legal mandate for completing periodic review also.
Ms. Daluddung explained the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee has taken the place of the
Tree Commission and that the Planning Commission currently acts as the Committee for
Citizen Involvement. She asked for council impact regarding boards, commissions and
committees that affect the role of the Planning Commission. Councilor Shaver stated the
review of citywide boards, commissions and committees would occur at council's scheduled.
Goal Setting Session for March 15.
Councilor Ballew asked if the commission would meet more frequently when the 120 day rule
is applied to land use applications. Commissioner Bedore responded yes, and said the
commission had already discussed the need to meet more frequently if expedited applications
are received.
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Council expressed their thanks to the Planning Commission for doing exceptional work on
behalf of the city. The Planning Commissioners thanked the council for their support.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Minutes Recorder: Shari Higgins
ATTEST:
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Depu CIty Recorder
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Mayor