HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/22/1997 Work Session
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MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1997
The City of Springfield Council met in Work Session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, September 22, 1997 at 6:05 p.m. with Mayor Morrisette
presiding.
Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Ballew (6:07), Beyer, Burge, Dahlquist, Maine
and Shaver. Also present were Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy,
Administrative Aide Shari Higgins, Library Director Bob Russell, Development Services
Director Susan Daluddung, Housing Programs Specialist Kevin Ko, Plal1l1ing Manager Greg
Mott and Police Chief Bill DeForrest.
1. Library Board Application Review
Library Director Bob Russell asked the council to review the two applications submitted
by Al Monce and Barbara Sherman to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Allen
Goldman.
Mr. Russell said the Library Board reviewed the applications and met Mr. Monce at their
meeting on September 18. Ms. Sherman was unable to attend the Library Board meeting.
Mr. Russell said by unanimous vote, the board supported the appointment of Mr. Monce.
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By consensus, council agreed to ratify the appointment of Al Monce at their October 6
regular meeting.
Mr. Russell said he would encourage Ms. Sherman to re-apply for vacancies occurring in the
future, as she is currently a member of the Friends of the Library and a recognized volunteer.
2. Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board Report to Springfield City Council
Housing Programs Specialist Kevin Ko, staff liaison to the Housing Policy Board, introduced
the board chairman John VanLandingham. Mr. Ko said the Intergovernmental Housing
Policy Board was formed in 1992, through a cooperative agreement between Lane County,
the City of Eugene, the City of Springfield, and the Housing Authority and Community
Services Agency of Lane County (HACSA). The policy board also has sponsorship from
the private sector. He referred to a wall chart titled, Sources and Uses of the St. Vincent de
Paul Bluebelle development.
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Mr. VanLandingham provided background information and Mr. Ko provided passed around
photos of affordable housing projects in Springfield. He also showed the artist rendition of
the Springfield Community Development Corporations (CDC) new development called
Fair Haven. He said Mayor Morrisette represents Springfield on the board and has since
1992. Bobby Green represents the Lane County Board of Commissioners; Pat F arr represents
the Eugene City Council; Dean Spencer, is a former teacher of homebuilding who works and
l!ves in Florence; Peggy Thomas, is a low-income advocate and consumer; Brett Hughes is a
developer, homebuilder, and realtor; Norton Cabell represents the Rental Owners Association.
Board members Thomas and Cabell were present.
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Work Session - 9/22/97
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The board advises Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield on how to spend
money for specific projects. The eXplained their Request For Proposal (RFP) process and
spoke about the boards role in oversight of project completion. The Housing Policy Board
is better able to compete at a State level now and have a strong desire to continue with
representation in the metropolitan area. He said recent board discussions have focused
attention on the differing roles the board plays in each jurisdiction's process for developing
affordable housing, and in what capacity the board can best contribute to each jurisdictions
housing needs.
Mr. VanLandingham introduced other important community members present, including,
Rich Weinman, City of Eugene Housing and Neighborhood Development Section Manager;
Barbara Keller, a former Eugene City Council and Housing Policy Board member; Robin
Johnson, Planner II for the City of Springfield; Ann Williams, representing St. Vincent de
Paul; and Lynn Nakamura, Community Development Supervisor for the City of Springfield.
Ms. Williams complimented Springfield on their home ownership efforts. She spoke about
St. Vincent de Paul's role and how home ownership has increased through the efforts of the
Housing Policy Board. Ms. Williams said St. Vincent de Paul has played an important role
in the community, to be able to provide opportunities to families in need. She also explained
the Threshold Program received a large financial decrease in the recent Lane County budget,
but was saved with a combined effort by Mayor Morrisette, Rich Weinman, and others to
reduce budget shortfalls totaling $25,000.
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Councilor Shaver stated his wife is a member of the CDC and he is staff liaison to the
Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) and he reiterated that housing
goals are different in Springfield than they are in Eugene. Springfield is really working
towards home ownership. He spoke of the first time home buyer program and hoped by
continually working together, that common areas to assist Springfield will arise. Mr.
VanLandingham concurred and said the local jurisdictions set the priorities for the board.
Mayor Morrisette thanked Mr. VanLandingham and said he is also a member of the Mayor's
Comprehensive Housing Task Force. He has a lot of specific knowledge on housing issues
and is a very valuable resource for the City of Springfield.
Councilor Burge commended the Housing Policy Board and Mr. VanLandingham for
their efforts and the service they provide to the community. He inquired about pre-
development costs and tax credits with regard to the St. Vincent de Paul, Sources
and Uses chart. Mr. Ko said local funds are able to leverage federal funds; through joint
mutual efforts. The pre-development costs include project planning, development, and
design. The partnership costs arise when three or more parties are involved in developments.
Mr. Ko explained St. Vincent de Paul sells their tax credits (since they are a non-profit
agency and can not use them) and there are larger administrative costs than usual due to
the partnership development issues.
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Councilor Ballew asked if the federal government has reduced their subsidies over
the past few years. Mr. VanLandingham said most federal funding has remained at
the same level, but changes have occurred in reporting and program functions.
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Councilor Beyer said most council members have attended neighborhood meetings
with property owners who are concerned over low-income housing developments.
She said the work the board does at the beginning of projects, helps the city to
support developments within the community. Mr. VanLandingham said the board
is sensitive to endorse quality developments and that is why smaller proposals are
usually favored.
3. Special Noise Permit Application
Police Chief Bill DeForrest provided the staff report. He said the permit is being brought to
council at a work session, due to the timing of the request. Springfield City Code 5-12-8 (g)
provides that upon application to the City Council, "permits may be granted to responsible
persons or organizations to broadcast programs of music, news, speeches or general
entertainment. "
Chief DeForrest said this request is for a permit for 7:30 p.m. to 11 :00 p.m. on Saturday,
September 27, 1997. The application states the purpose for the permit is to broadcast
a variety of music and general entertainment between people. It is indicated on the
application there will be "a lot of outside socializing." Applicant Dancer also provided
information that alcoholic beverages would be served.
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Chief DeForrest said he invited Ms. Dancer to the meeting, but she was not in attendance.
He said the Police Department is not in favor of issuing noise permits for use in residential
neighborhoods for private parties or gatherings. Chief DeForrest said the revised City Code
which will be presented to the council in October, contains language stating special noise
permits are not intended to be issued for private parties or band practice.
Councilor Shaver said he felt council should only issue permits for organizations or special
events, but not for citizens holding private parties. He suggested though, because the new
City Code is not in effect, that this permit be granted, since others have been granted in the
past. Councilor Maine agreed that permits should only be granted to organizations
and special events and added a block party to the types of special events acceptable.
Councilor Beyer asked if the Police Department would respond to complaints if a permit
was issued. Chief DeForrest replied yes, but they would have a hard time enforcing
any actions. Councilor Burge stated he was opposed to last noise permit granted and would
not support the current request. He felt any further approval of private party permits would
set a precedence for council to receive these type of applications.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR MAINE, WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR BURGE
TO DISAPPROVE THE SPECIAL NOISE PERMIT. THE MOTION PASSED BY A VOTE
OF 5 FOR AND 1 AGAINST (SHAVER).
4. Fence Standards and regulations in Springfield
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Planning Manager Greg Mott said council needs to discuss whether or not the city should
continue the regulation of fences and if so, whether existing standards are sufficient to address
recently raised issues regarding fencing materials.
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Mr. Mott provided background on how several property owners have constructed electric
fences and fences topped with razor wire and barbwire in residential districts. Because the
Springfield Development Code (SDC) lists some materials as permitted in commercial and
industrial zones, but is silent on the materials in residential zones, this silence has been
interpreted by staff as a prohibition.
Mr. Mott said the city no longer requires permits to construct fences, but still regulates
height, location and, to a lesser extent, materials. On September 16, 1997 the Planning
Commission, at council's request, discussed fence regulations. The Planning Commission
arrived at the following consensus: 1) to continue regulation of fences by keeping standards
in the City's codes; 2) to amend standards in the SDC residential districts to allow as a right
fences up to 10 feet in height where abutting commercial, industrial, or vacant residential
land around permitted storage areas regardless of adjacent zoning; and 3) to amend the
standards in the SDC residential districts to specifically prohibit electric, barbwire or
razor wire fences unless approved by the Planning Commission through a discretionary
use permit.
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Councilor Ballew asked what type of building material consideration would occur on
a 10 foot fence. Mr. Mott said review and oversight would need to occur, but that
material problems could happen on a fence at any height. Councilor Burge agreed with
the Planning Commission recommendation of using a 10 foot high fence when abutting
commercial or industrial land (vacant or not) but felt that any fence abutting residential
(vacant or not) should remain at 6 feet. He said once a higher fence is constructed in a
residential neighborhood that the city would have trouble enforcing it's removal if the
property developed.
Council discussed fences as health and safety issues. Councilor Beyer said wire and
electrical fences are not appropriate. Councilor Shaver spoke about chain link fences
and when slatting is required and why. He felt too much regulation of fences exceeds
the boundaries government should set and cited the Springfield Post Office parking lot
at 7th and B Streets as an example.
Councilor Maine said fences are a quality of life issue. Councilor Burge felt the reason
people construct fences is either for security, visual, or privacy reasons. He felt the city
would lose the value of enforcement if people are not held accountable to meet the law and
comply with adopted fence standards and regulations. Councilor Shaver suggested including
a minimum fence height in the SDC also, especially if any type of barbwire or razor fencing
would be allowed.
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Planning Commission members David Ralston and Jim Burford were present. Mr. Ralston
said it would require a variance request or discretionary use permit from the Planning
Commission to allow any type of barbwire or razor wire fencing in a residential area.
Although the commission agrees this type of fencing should not be used in neighborhoods,
there would always be requests for an exception or a special circumstance. Councilor
Dahlquist said he would not be opposed to a higher fence in a residential neighborhood, if it
was not solid and had a partial opening, then he felt limits should not be imposed. He said he
is against any type of barbwire or razor wire in a residential zone.
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In response to Councilor Dahlquist's comments, Mr. Ralston said lattice can be used to
extend the height of a fence, yet provide an open visual affect.
Mr. Leahy suggested the topic return to the Planning Commission with council's direction
to craft new SDC wording. Mr. Mott said if storage in a residential district is allowed, and it
is allowed in a mobile home park, then it would qualify for consideration of a discretionary
use permit from the Planning Commission. It would be like an allowance within a district,
but applicants would need to seek approval from the Planning Commission for specific
security uses.
By consensus, council agreed to refer the topic back to the Planning Commission for
additional review and discussion of the changes needed to amend the SDC.
5. Update - Police Use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Police Chief Bill DeForrest provided the staff report. He said council had previously asked
questions about the AED project and he was present to provide an update. Chief DeForrest
said the city does have a written guarantee to provide ten defibrillators to the city and another
verbal commitment from a different vendor has also been received. Currently, the Fire and
Life Safety Department is reviewing the vendor information and will make the decision on
which equipment to receive, as they are the experts.
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Chief Murphy has shared with Chief DeForrest that free equipment may continue to be given
to the city if this pilot project is successful. If not, he assured council the Police Department
currently has adequate reserves in their equipment replacement fund to provide updates or
replacements as needed.
Chief Murphy spoke about training requirements and introduced Sergeant Steve Swenson
who is working with EMS Officer Fred Lundgren of the Fire and Life Safety Department in
development of the program. Chief DeForrest showed a three-minute video which
summarized the process for use of AEDs.
On October 6, Chief Murphy, Chief DeForrest, Sergeant Swenson and Mr. Lundgren will be
meeting with the Oregon Health Division (OHO) and the Board of Medical Examiners
(BME). Both agencies have agreed the Springfield Rapid Zap III Project as proposed, is
permissible in accordance with state law and regulations and are supportive of the concept.
Mr. Leahy said he has reviewed the legal aspects of the project and sees no legal barriers
to proceeding, as our employees do not fall within the purview of "good samaritans" and are
not required to receive first response training.
As long as police staff are given the proper training, in a timely manner, than legally he felt
the project should proceed. Chief DeForrest supported this effort as a pilot project and said it
would allow the citizens of Springfield a valuable service at a minimal cost. Review would
occur in three years and if the pilot program was not successful then it would not be
continued.
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Springfield City Council
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. It is not intended police officers would be dispatched to heart attack calls where the patient is
not in cardiac arrest. Preliminary review suggests that dispatching officers to cardiac arrest
(no pulse or breathing) would fit into the Priority I dispatch criteria. Chief DeForrest said in
terms of the Oregon Revised Statues (ORS) there is no language on AEDs and it is an area of
unregulated behavior.
6. Business from Council
Councilor Shaver said he received a call from Mayor Torrey regarding a new task force for
homeless youth. Although he had no formal information yet, he asked if any council
members would like to participate, as a Springfield representative.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
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Mayor
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ATTEST:
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Ci Recorder
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