HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/21/2006 Team Springfield
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Minutes of the Joint Elected Officials Meeting
January 21, 2006
Springfield Utility Board Conference Room
The TEAM Springfield Elected Officials met on Saturday, January 21,2006, at 8:35 a.m., in
the conference room at the Springfield Utility Board.
ATTENDANCE
City of Springfield Representatives:
Councilors: Anne Ballew, Joe Pishioneri, John Woodrow, Christine Lundberg, Tammy Fitch,
and David Ralston; Interim City Manager Cynthia Pappas, Mayor Sid Leiken, and various
members of the staff.
Springfield Public Schools Representatives
Board Member: Al King; Superintendent Nancy Golden, Deputy Superintendent Steve
Barrett, and various members of the staff.
Springfield Utility Board Representatives
Board Members: Ted Johnson, Virginia Lauritsen, Bobbie Adams, and Joe Mathieu; General
Manager Bob Linahan and various members of the staff.
Willamalane Park and Recreation District Representatives
Board Members: Greg James, Gary Ross, Helen Wagner, and Lee Beyer; Superintendent
Bob Keefer and various members of the staff.
INTRODUCTIONS AND WELCOME
Mayor Sid Leiken called the meeting to order and welcomed all present to the tenth TEAM
Springfield Joint Elected Officials meeting. Mayor Leiken thanked special guests,
Representatives Terry Beyer and Phil Barnhart, for attending the meeting.
FY 06 ACTION PLAN AND BUDGET STATUS REPORT
Bob Keefer provided an overview of the Action Plan for FY 06 (Attachment I). He also
reviewed TEAM Springfield goals that have been approved and refined by the elected officials
over the last few years. The Action Plan report was an update ofthe TEAM's endeavors. The
Action Plan's five-year goals are as follows:
1) Education: Strive to educate each child to their fullest potential sothat they are prepared
to attend college and/or enter the workforce.
2) Economy: Continue to assist local businesses with expansion plans and attract new
employers that provide family-wage jobs to diversify the Springfield economy.
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3) Community Livability: Support projects that will enhance the attractiveness of our
community; expand and celebrate cultural diversity and heritage; and create opportunities
for local citizens to define and be involved in neighborhood and community projects.
4) Public Safety: Improve citizens' perception of personal safety by responding to
emergency and other law enforcement needs of the community in accordance with
established priorities, visible patrols, enforcement of traffic laws, and timely
investigations of crimes.
5) Lobbying: Coordinate and support lobbying efforts to reduce unfunded mandates, create
new economic development opportunities, and support funding for services and projects
in the Springfield area.
6) Public Information: Keep the public informed of the' services each agency provides
individually and jointly at TEAM Springfield.
7) Cooperative Agreements: Support the creation of cooperative agreements between the
agencies on specific projects that benefit at least two of the four agencies.
Bob Keefer provided an update on the FY 2006 Budget. He noted that the Economic
Development Action Plan is still in progress and will not require funding this year. The bike
patrols were again very successful this year and are an outstanding addition for our community.
The bike patrol budget is $20,000 this year. The Increase Opportunities for Student
Achievement task was created to help improve the status ofleaming experiences in our schools
and raise the level of student achievement. He said that the School District has done a great job
with the Springfield Quality Education Model (S-QEM) and engaged the community in what is
important. The School District will be finalizing this project and TEAM Springfield will be
helping to fund this project with $6,000. The budget also allowed $13,000 for festivals and
events, which included support for the Fiesta Latina, Filbert Festival, and a Summer Fun insert in
The Register Guard. The Arbor Day celebration has a budget of $600 and the agencies will be
seeking the Tree City, USA designation. In addition, the budget includes $14,500 for two
TEAM Springfield newsletters to be published and distributed. The Downtown Clean Up -
Youth Day of Caring was one of TEAM Springfield's top priorities and was very successful with
several staff from each agency involved. The budget for this project is $500. The Downtown
Springfield Revitalization project has a budget of $2,500. This project is also sponsored by the
Downtown Association and is in partnership with Springfield Renaissance Development
Corporation to install planters and benches in the downtown area. The Springfield Rotary has
also donated funds for downtown projects. The Springfield Tomorrow project budget of $8,000
has been completed. The budget has nearly $15,000 available for opportunity grants.
Opportunity grants are for organizations or citizens that request funds for projects that are
aligned with the TEAM Springfield goals. The Springfield High School Mural Project is one
project that maybe funded once the school board approves the Mural Project.
Councilor Anne Ballew asked if the bike patrols were pushing problem activity into other
neighborhoods. Chief Smith answered that they are probably just displacing them because they
are not being held accountable.
Mayor Leiken inquired about the status of the Filbert Festival. Bob Keefer noted that Danelle
Ralston, Willamalane Board Member, was absent from the meeting, but that Danelle does chair
the Filbert Festival Board and they are planning on the event for next year. Willamalane's
Living History Festival is scheduled for the same weekend as the Filbert Festival. Staffwill
work together to coordinate both events. Councilor Dave Ralston added that the Filbert Festival
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volunteers are actively fundraising and seeking sponsorships from new businesses. He believes
this is Springfield's signature event for drawing in people from all over.
Board Member Helen Wagner would like to see hanging baskets, rather than benches installed
downtown. Bob Keefer will pass along this information.
Councilor Christine Lundberg noted that with the community gaining more special events there
needs to be agreement and solid coordination or the events struggle. Although the Filbert
Festival has been the Springfield event for a number of years, there are now many other events,
such as the Children's Celebration and the Living History Festival that have been very
successful. She asked how the agencies can capitalize on the assets that are in place and only
seek donations for certain projects versus several different events. Christine said to look to
Willamalane when it comes to events because she said they do such a great job coordinating
successful events. She is always hopeful that the Filbert Festival, as well as other events,
become under the wings ofWillamalane for coordination. Bob Keefer summarized that the
Chief Administrative Officers consider this issue next year and look for opportunities to do a
better job of coordination. They should also look at special events as a whole to see ifthere is a
better strategy for putting on events.
Board Member Joe Mathieu would like additional allocation in funds for the bike patrol due to
the rash of arsons and other problems occurring in the City. Bob Keefer summarized Joe's
concerns as such; Joe would like the CAOs to look more strategically at how they deploy the
bike patrol and see if there is a need for additional funding.
Councilor Joe Pishioneri would like agencies to track participation at the different events to help
guide the group in deciding which events to fund. Bob Keefer said that Willamalane does a good
job oftracking their events, but does not track other agencies' events. Bob suggested acquiring
statistics from the different events to see what they are using to sell their event for the next year.
Jason Genck, Willamalane, added that using the Living History Festival as an example, when
Willamalane received grant funding for advertising outside of our area that they were required to
keep statistics on participation numbers. Councilor John Woodrow thanked the members of
TEAM Springfield for their efforts with the Holiday Parade and noted that without the
collaboration of all four agencies they would not be able to accomplish what they have. Anne
Ballew suggested creating a short summary to recap the individual festivals, including the target
audience, attendance, and the costs involved for the event.
AGENCY UPDATES
Springfield Utility Board - General Manager Bob Linahan said that the water utility is looking
at rate increases of9.6 percent on an annual basis starting in February. The rate increases are
partially due to the street improvement projects and economic growth. One of the milestones
this year is the fact that SUB took over the water in Glenwood and by the end of March SUB will
be supplying water to the Glenwood area from Springfield water, not EWEB water. SUB is
rebuilding the system. The water department will also be spending resources to service the new
hospital in the Gateway area.
Bob Linahan said that the State Supreme Court ruled that the Natron area would be served by
EPUD as the electric provider.
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Electrical projects for 2006 include completing the three-year project of building a substation at
28th and Olympic. SUB will also be busy at the Gateway substation at 3600 Game Farm Road.
Improvements will be made to provide electric service to the hospital. The hospital has
requested a dedicated circuit at the Gateway substation. Bob Linahan said that due to losing a
couple oflarge contracts this year, SUB will be increasing the electric utility rates in May. He is
hopeful that the electric utility rate increase will be less than 3.5 percent.
Board Member Lee Beyer asked if there was any action in progress by SUB to change the law so
that a municipality can provide service to an entire area. He also noted that this issue is a public
policy question. When a municipality chooses to establish its own utility it should be able to
serve all of the citizens within the area. Bob Linahan said that he has not had that discussion
with the SUB Board. Dave Ralston said since SUB is losing some good contracts in October
would SUB still run propane or gas generators. Bob Linahan answered that they would continue
to run natural gas fire generators. SUB has contracted with EWEB to purchase power from this
source.
Anne Ballew said the drinking water ordinance concerned several businesses that standards
might not be met by 2015. She said there is more work to do and hopes SUB partners with
businesses to accomplish this goal.
Springfield Public Schools - Superintendent Nancy Golden noted that three School District
Board Members were unable to attend today's meeting.
Nancy reported on a process that began two years ago when the community engaged in the
S-QEM where they created a vision for the School District. The School District feels great about
the laptop computer initiative at Springfield Middle School in terms of achievement. Springfield
Middle has achieved more in the last six months than any other middle school in terms of
academic growth.
This year the School District has identified three key goals: Literacy, Academy of Arts and
Academics (A3), and Schools as Places of Learning. In the S-QEM the community outlined the
skills and knowledge they want children to have. Literacy is the gateway skill and will be the key
focus this year.
The School District wants Springfield to be transparent about our children's test scores and work
toward all children exceeding the standards. On June 1 the School District is holding their first
Springfield Education Day and will invite the community to visit schools to see how they are
improving achievement for all students. Another event occurring on the morning of June 1 is
Springfield Gift of Literacy sponsored by the Springfield and Twin River Rotary Clubs. This
event will offer community members an opportunity to read with first graders. Each first grader
will receive a hardcover book at this event.
By next fall all teachers will have data on their desktop to view each child's assessment, test
scores, and achievements. Principals will also have access to the data to view the entire school
and District. The Federal Government has just released a new request for proposal of $1 00
million for preschool-age children across the nation. The University of Oregon has agreed to
work with the School District to write a proposal.
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Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) is an integrated curriculum and students have begun to
apply to attend the school. Sixty students have already applied. Nancy noted that $2.7 million
leaves the School District every year as students leave the School District (drop outs, home
schooling, alternative schools, etc.). The School District hopes to regain a significant portion of
these funds through the A3 School by keeping more kids interested in school.
Springfield Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Steve Barrett spoke about Schools as Places
of Learning. The Facilities Advisory Committee has completed an assessment process that
looked at the criteria of each school facility. The committee has identified facility
recommendations and is nearing completion of their assessments.
Dave Ralston asked if the School District is pursuing re,sidents that reside in the Glenwood and
Gateway areas that are currently in the Eugene School District 4J attendance area. Board
Member Al King responded that the School District does have interest for those students to
attend Springfield schools. He did note that with 4J passing their tax measures that those
students are receiving the benefits of improved funding at Eugene schools. Al offered to discuss
this issue further at another time.
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Anne Ballew understands that Springfield Middle School received laptops for students and asked
ifthe School District has seen an impact. Nancy Golden said that those students are improving
at a much faster rate than others. Board Member Gary Ross complimented the School District
for their laptop initiative and compared it to the state of Maine where they are seeing a
significant increase in student performance. Al King is glad to see two legislators in attendance
because the State may want to look at funding for a laptop initiative. Mayor Leiken is glad that
Representatives Terry Beyer and Phil Barnhart are in attendance to hear these concerns. He
would like to leverage more funds from the State and/or Federal Government or tie into
foundations, such as Apple, Dell, or Gates for additional funding. The Mayor appreciates the
outstanding work from Nancy and the School District.
Nancy Golden followed up to David Ralston's question stating that if residents of the Glenwood
and Gateway areas were voting on whether or not to attend Springfield schools that they would
look at the following: after-school activities, student achievement, and the condition of the
facilities. Nancy would like to focus on these issues first and in the future look at redirecting
students to Springfield.
John Woodrow said the laptop initiative program is terrific and asked if a national study follows
students' progress. He also asked ifthe laptops continue with the students into high school.
Nancy replied that the laptops do not continue with students to high school and hopes to see a
solution. Nancy said there has not been a study following students' progress and that the
program started only four years ago. The School District is working with the University of
Oregon to study the progress. Lee Beyer asked if the School District had a relationship with
other districts that offer one-to-one laptops. Nancy said they have not had a relationship with
other districts to follow the progress, but would look into that. Lee recommended looking to
Maine who was one of the first to start this program.
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Board Member Virginia Lauritsen asked why oruy 38 percent of our students are passing the
reading tests and 69 percent are passing writing. She also asked why the laptops were in the
middle schools when high school students appear to be more critical. Nancy replied that this is a
preventative process so students are more successful when they enter high school.
City of Springfield - Interim City Manager Cynthia Pappas said the City has received a large
infusion of transportation funding which has created a number of transportation improvement
projects. In addition, several business owners made decisions to expand and relocate. The City
will be focusing internally in 2006 as they put their budget together to look at maintaining and
sustaining current services. The business climate is allowing redevelopment to begin in the
Mohawk area as well as the downtown area. The construction of St. Vincent DePaul mixed use
housing project on 5th Street should begin in May. One way to stimulate a positive environment
in the downtown area is by having more people living in the area which will help support retail.
One challenge facing the City is that Coburg may want to hook up to the metropolitan waste
water management treatment plant. The City is also partnering with the other agencies for a
model literacy project. These issues will be discussed at the United Front in Washington, D.C.
High priorities for the City include jail operations funding, police and fire levy renewals, and
updating commercial and residential land inventories.
Board Member Bobbie Adams inquired about parking for the St. Vincent DePaul housing
project. Cynthia Pappas answered that the City is aware ofthe parking concerns and is looking
at alternate sites for parking. As development continues in the downtown area, parking will be a
concern that will need to be addressed with the possibility of a parking garage. Board Member
Joe Mathieu complimented the City for taking advantage of available land for development and
is pleased to see that in 2005 Springfield surpassed Eugene in the amount of permits issued. Lee
Beyer noted that the Jasper-Natron area is ready for development and asked ifthe City will
provide sewer and water to that area. Cynthia Pappas said the City has developed a model for
areas that are interested in annexing. The City develops annexation agreements that provide how
those services will be cost-shared by the developer and the City. City Councilors will review the
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to determine how the Jasper area will be served. If the 215 acre
Gray/Jaqua project located in the southeast hills moves toward a positive conclusion in
negotiations, the CIP will allow the ability to provide water and sewer to this area. Mayor
Leiken added that the City is in the process of working with ODOT regarding the access point on
Jasper Road. The City will call upon Representative Terry Beyer to assist the City with this
project.
. Steve Barrett added that in facilities discussions at the School District, that future TEAM
Springfield agenda items should be added for the Jasper-Natron area of discussing public
services, property purchase, etc. and to do this before the fact, not after.
Willamalane - Superintendent Bob Keefer noted that most of what Willamalane has
accomplished in 2005-2006 could not have been possible without assistance from others. With
the assistance of SUB, Willamalane has just completed the installation of fiber optics to all of
their facilities. The fiber optics has made it possible to move forward with an online
registration system for recreation programs and facilities. Over the next few years, this service
will become completely interactive with patrons. Bob thanked SUB for their assistance in this
endeavor.
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Bob reported that Willamalane's most exciting news in 2005 is the construction of a new
Community Recreation Center. Willamalane has entered into a lease agreement with Broad
Base Programs. Willamalane has sold a storage building, the Administration Building is for
sale, and they have a $1.8 million loan to construct the Community Recreation Center. Bob is
hopeful that next year's TEAM Springfield Joint Elected Officials meeting will be held at the
new building. Bob added that Willamalane will be leasing the Memorial Building to the
School District.
The Lively Park Master Plan has been completed. The Plan includes access to Thurston
Middle School to assist with the soccer activities.
The District has completed the second artificial-turf soccer field this year, adjacent to the first
field. The west field will be dedicated to Mike Kelly for his support ofthe Sports Center. The
City assisted the District in their donation of the land for the soccer fields. This enabled the
District to leverage a $500,000 grant from the State of Oregon to build the second field.
Lighting was made possible with the assistance of funds from Williams Bakery, Symantec, and
private donations.
In partnership with the School District, Willamalane has received a SAFE grant to continue
affordable after-school programs. Willamalane and the School District will also coordinate In-
Service projects as well.
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In 2006 the District will continue with the Living History Festival and Civil War reenactment.
The reenactors for this event happen to be available the same weekend as the scheduled Filbert
Festival. Last year there were about 350 reenactors involved.
The District would not be discussing obtaining the Gray/Jaqua property with an 80 acre
ridgeline park without the assistance of the City and the leadership of the Councilors. He noted
that the Gray/Jaqua project is in final negotiations.
Willamalane has received a $3 million appropriation for the Middle-Fork Trail from Dorris
Ranch to Clearwater Park. This was made possible by the United Front partnership with the
City and School District. Bob Keefer noted the District has received excellent support from
ODOT for the Middle-Fork Trail project. Construction ofthe trail is scheduled to begin in
three years.
The Willamalane Board will be discussing future goals and at the request of Board Chair Greg
James, the Board will discuss a strategy for providing affordable after-school programs. One of
the top three goals in the Springfield Tomorrow 2015 report is affordable after-school programs
for all students. The Board will look at funding options and, in a few years, possibly ask the
public for additional funding for these programs.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STATUS REPORT
John Tamulonis, Economic Development Manager for the City of Springfield gave an update on
economic development activity. John informed the group that current development of housing
units are modest at 2.5 percent growth compared to 8 or 9 percent in the 1970s. There is interest
in the Gray/Jaqua area which may lead to development. The City has initiated $60 million in
redevelopment permits. The Armory project should be completed in 2008 and will include
offices for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. ODOT plans to repave
Highway 126 within and beyond the City limits. St. Vincent DePaul is planning on opening
another retail o;utlet around 45th and Main Streets. Two hotels are being proposed in the
Gateway area.
Lee Beyer asked if the community should be looking ahead 25 years at moving further north
toward Johnson Road. John Tamulonis said there is some farm property, but the property has
some restrictions. John reported it may be a costly way to provide developed land.
Mayor Leiken asked for a Wildish Theater update. Bob Keefer said the Springfield Renaissance
Development Corporation (SRDC) is trying to get the last of the funds to complete the facility by
September.SRDC received a $300,000 earmark through the United Front program. SRDC was
also able to access funds from the State of Oregon through the State Incentive Fund and has
extended the d~adline to access those funds ($100,000) through September. The Theater is about
$300,000 short, which includes funds for seating and lighting that are not part of the contract.
This project should be able to move ahead and open in September. Lee Beyer believes this is a
really good example of TEAM Springfield involvement. He noted that the School District is in
need of this facility for their A3 School. At the last Willamalane Board meeting, the Board was
in consensus to assist the Theater with facility reservations. Christine Lundberg asked if SRDC
wanted to get the Theater built and then it would move to another group in terms of operations.
Bob Keefer said SRDC wants to have another group responsible for managing the theater once it
is completed. If the Willamalane Board gives final approval, Willamalane would take over for
the interim until a non-profit agency is formed to take over management. SRDC hopes to open
the Theater without any debt. This would allow the Theater to charge $35-75 per hour for a non-
profit organization to utilize the facility, not $300-$400 per hour which would make it difficult
for non-profits to cover their costs.
Al King said rail freight is projected to triple by 2020 and expressed some concern about the
possible increased volume of trains will have on the City, specifically downtown. John
Tamulonis recognized AI's concern and the City has conferred with ODOT regarding the Booth-
Kelly site. John stated that much of the concern at Booth-Kelly was alleviated by development
in Mohawk and Gateway. John continued to point out other rail conflict areas within the City.
Al King suggested that the City bring in a planner to evaluate the rail system and its impacts on
the City.
TEAM Svrimdield Signature Proiect for 2006-2007
All in attendance agreed to continue with the five-year goals that were created last year. The
group also agreed on the proposed funding for FY 06. Chris Pryor abbreviated the selection
process due to time constraints. The CAOs are recommending allocating approximately $39,000
for a Signature Project in 2006-2007. The budget would also allow for bike patrols, newsletters,
and community event promotions and the group was in consensus. Christine Lundberg said that
a Signature Project would bring attention to TEAM Springfield and would produce a tangible
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project for the community. Dave Ralston would like to see the funds spent on a visible project in
the downtown area. Anne Ballew believes downtown revitalization is a priority and is in favor
of the Saturday Market which would help get citizens downtown. Joe Mathieu was not in
agreement to decide on which project to choose at this point. Chris Pryor agreed that time did
not allow a decision of a project. The group agreed that the CAOs and CEOs would determine a
project at a later date. The majority of the group was in favor of focusing $30,000 to adopt one
TEAM Springfield Signature Project for 2006-2007 and reserving $9,000 for future allocation. It
was also agreed that the CAOs and CEOs would bring the proposed project to the Board
Members and City Councilors for approval.
As a collaborative approach the group agreed to develop a Signature Project that is meaningful to
the community and accomplishable within a specific amount of time.
REMARKS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Leiken asked for additional comments. Lee Beyer is very impressed with TEAM
Springfield. Joe Mathieu believed this was one of the best TEAM Springfield meetings that have
occurred. Greg James noted that several kids are frequenting Springfield Middle School on the
weekends due to the internet access that has been provided by the one-to-one laptop initiative.
Greg is serving on the LCOG Board and said TEAM Springfield should be thinking about
incorporating citywide type services. Mayor Leiken suggested that Len Goodwin present to the
CEOs the possibility of providing wireless access throughout the City. John Woodrow would
like TEAM Springfield to look at collaboratively purchasing a piece of the J asper- N atron
property for a substation, fire station, school, and/or park. Gary Ross is in agreement of
purchasing property for multiple uses. Lee Beyer thanked SUB for connecting Willamalane to
the fiber optic lines. Dave Ralston said there is a cruise that occurs every summer that brings
many people downtown and is an example of projects he believes should be supported. Joe
Pishoneri said Thurston High School has a significant need for bleachers and to keep this in mind
for projects. Mayor Leiken said that one critical issue is the shortage ofland supply throughout
the metropolitan area and it ought to be a key collaborative effort. Anne Ballew thanked SUB
for the use of the Board Room.
ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at J 1 :30 a.m.
Minutes Recorder:
Executive Assistant Dena Landrum
Willamalane Park & Recreation District
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