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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/1993 Work Session . . . ~ City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, MAY 17, 1993 The City of Springfield Council met in the Springfield City Hall, Meeting Room 2, 225 N. Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, May 17, 1993, at 6:35 p.m. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Morrisette, Councilors Burge, Walters, Maine, Schanz, Beyer, and Shaver. Also present were City Manager Michael Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Recorder Eileen Stein, City Attorney Joe Leahy, and members of staff. 1. South A Facade Improvement Project Downtown Manager Cynthia Pappas introduced Don Lutes, the Chair of the Downtown Design Review Board and thanked him for his instrumental role in the South A Facade preliminary project work. She also introduced Brian McCarthy from Cameron and McCarthy, who prepared the design options for the facades of buildings in downtown Springfield. Ms. Pappas explained the process the project will take if the Council decides to pursue the next phases. She discussed the similarities of the facade project with public works capital improvement projects, and mentioned other cities that have completed such projects. Mr. McCarthy discussed the design considerations given to the businesses located on Main Street where the exterior rear structure faces South A Street. He stated the drawings included in the packet are visions using existing elements and adding paving, painted architecture and landscape plantings. Mr. McCarthy explained the one time expense to the city, property owners and merchants will bring long lasting civic and cultural pride. He gave background information on designs other cities have completed and the processes they followed. Councilor Valters asked what the project cost would be. Ms. Pappas replied the dollar amount would depend on Council direction on how staff should proceed. Development Services Director Susan Daluddung said the facade project was one of the 1992 Council goals, and said staff is confirming the new Council's commitment to this project prior to contacting property owners and moving ahead with the design consultants. Councilor Burge discussed the structural integrity of some of the buildings in the 300 and 500 blocks and suggested an analysis be completed prior to committing dollars to the project. ~ . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page two Councilor Shaver asked Mr. McCarthy what specific experience and qualifications his firm represented. Mr. McCarthy replied they are a landscape architecture firm, but they work in most all areas of design projects. He stated they have worked for Willamalane Parks and Recreation and are currently under retainer for the University of Oregon. Councilor Maine asked staff how much it would cost to get to the next project phase. The Council discussed what blocks to include in the next step and how much additional work to commit to. Ms. Pappas stated there is money in the downtown improvement fund (approximately $40,000) to do the design work. Councilor Beyer asked if the enthusiasm level of the property owners is less if the city does not fund the facade project and they are asked to produce their own funding. Ms. Pappas replied they are reluctant to participate without public funds, and discussed changes in ownership on the 300 block. Councilor Burge said he is not in favor of using public dollars to fix up private property that has been allowed to deteriorate. He suggested the city use a loan program instead of providing funds, and asked staff to come back to the Council with dollar figures to move on to the next phase. . Mr. Lutes asked a philosophically, what amount of money is it worth to the city to fix private sector buildings. He stated by spending public dollars it may jump-start the private sector and would also enhance the public view of the city. Mr. Leahy suggested a loan program where the property owner repays the city at the time the property is sold or transferred. The Council discussed options for getting the private sector motivated and willing to participate with their own dollars. Councilor Shaver suggested the Council look at leverage options. Councilor Maine asked if they city has any options for enforcement of buildings not structurally sound, such as building code or development code regulations. Mr. Kelly responded if the building are dangerous then the city has leverage to abate. He said the city can look into the safety of the buildings and give the Council a recommendation. Councilor Schanz asked if the Council could recall another state's program regarding negative incentives placed on the private sector. The Council discussed the taxing bases on other states. In summary, the Council agreed to look at the 300 block as a model and to proceed with design work options, but not to spend too much money without firm itemized breakdowns. 2. Bicycle Committee Poster Contest Judging . Traffic Technician Dean Bishop addressed the Council and asked them to judge the Bicycle Committee's bicycle poster safety/commuter contest. . . . , " ... ,. City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page three Members of the Bicycle Committee introduced themselves to the Council. Members present were: Chair Bill Carpenter, Vice-Chair Richard Farrell, Gary Guttormsen, Kenneth Chesnut, Dave Cummings and Chuck Fisher. Mr. Bishop explained the poster contest and the support they have received from local retailers. He told the Council about the two categories (middle school and high school) and instructions for voting. Mr. Bishop stated there will be an awards ceremony in the next three weeks and the Council as well as all participants and the media will be invited. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins ~K/P/I~:d Mayor ATTEST: ~~J~~ Ci ty Recorde-r #3766