HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/1993 Work Session
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1993
The City of Springfield Council met in the Springfield City Hall, Meeting
Room 2, 225 N. Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, November 9, 1993,
at 5:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Maine, Burge, Shaver, Schanz,
Beyer (5:35) and Walters (5:55). Also present were Assistant City Manager Gino
Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Eileen Stein, and members of
staff.
1. Metro Plan Amendment Process
Mr. Grimaldi introduced Development Services Director Susan Daluddung who
described the two parts to the Metropolitan Plan amendment process that
needed to be discussed: 1) a decision for the Council representatives to
take to the next Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, and 2) a
decision to move forward on the Resolution for Springfield's own
Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Daluddung stated Councilor Burge was present at
the last MPC meeting and would give the Council a briefing on the
alternative process presented.
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Councilor Burge reviewed item by item the Alternative Plan Amendment
Process, and each difference was discussed by the Council. The Council
agreed Difference #1 should be handled by each jurisdiction agreeing ahead
of time as to who will participate, as discussed at the last MPC meeting.
Difference #2 was agreed upon after Councilor Shaver recommended to remove
the word citizens. Difference #3 was explained as under 100 acres would be
handled by the home jurisdiction and Lane County, and over 100 acres would
be handled by all jurisdictions. Councilor Burge clarified the 100 acre
cap is at anyone time, not over a 12 month period, and that the processing
time would be no longer than 120 days.
Difference #4 was accepted by the Council. Council discussed referrals to
jurisdictions and the "opt-in" process. Councilor Shaver suggested the
word "may" be used versus "must", regarding opting-in. Difference #5 was
discussed and the Council agreed participants can participate over 100
acres, if specific criteria is met.
Council discussed the last MPC meeting and issues for the upcoming meeting.
Councilor Maine stated he had spoken with Eugene Councilor Nancy Nathanson
regarding cooperation from Eugene.
Councilor Burge reviewed the footnotes in the Alternative Plan Amendment
Process handout. He suggested the revisions not be reviewed in three years
and not revert back to the current process.
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
Page two
Councilor Burge preferred the revisions to be reviewed in three years, but
the new process would continue unless all three jurisdictions agreed to
change the process. He also stated the 120 day processing clause needed to
be added.
Jim Carlson from the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) reviewed the
framework agreed upon and stated it was similar to what the MPC consensus
was.
The Council discussed 100 acre criteria and suggested a possible trigger
or a number specific mechanism. Council asked staff to work with LCOG on
definable criteria which would be acceptable to the Council. Councilor
Burge said this issue could be addressed at a future work session on
November 22.
Council discussed the percentage of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) that is
over 100 acres and currently not incorporated. Planning Manager Greg Mott
showed a map of possible sites that could be incorporated.
Mr. Carlson explained the 100.acre criteria would not be a limit of how
many acres could be incorporated per year, but a limit of how many acres
Springfield could incorporate without the city of Eugene participating in
the process.
By consensus, the Council agreed to adopt at a future date, the changes
proposed above to be written out and reviewed by Council, prior to
submitting changes at the next MPC meeting.
Ms. Daluddung told Council staff needed direction on beginning a
Comprehensive Plan for the city of Springfield and preparing a
corresponding resolution.
Councilor Maine suggested staff table work on resolution preparation at
this time.
Mr. Leahy told the Council staff is trying to keep on track with the
Council's time table and appreciated the input. He further explained
Springfield's position on the creation of a Comprehensive Plan is legal and
could be put into a perfect model for approval by the Land Conservation and
Development Commission (LCDC).
Mr. Leahy spoke briefly about the letter regarding annexation of Glenwood
and stated staff could provide a legal response.
2. Council Business
Mayor Morrisette congratulated Communications Manager Mike Moskovitz for
efforts to publicize the Oregon Trail Mural both locally and nationally.
3. Emerqency Winter Homeless Campinq
Mayor Morrisette mentioned this topic would not be a public hearing, but
Council may choose to recognize members of the audience. He referenced
letters to the editor regarding this issue and clarified his position.
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
Page three
Ms. Daluddung stated staff compiled information regarding the Emergency
winter Homeless Camp and were present to answer questions.
Councilor Shaver presented his alternative, proposing churches be allowed
to house homeless families based on the number of single family units that
could have been built on the church property. This would spread the burden
and allow others in the community to address the issue. He also gave
dollar figures and examples of how Springfield is currently active in
assisting the homeless.
Mayor Morrisette asked if a conditional use permit could be granted and Mr.
Mott responded. Council discussed the Springfield Development Code (SDC)
definition for temporary and how it would apply versus a conditional use
permit.
Mayor Morrisette commented that some Springfield churches are already
participating in the in the InterFaith Shelter program.
Councilor Shaver suggested Council adopt a formal ordinance to allow
churches to house the homeless and provide specific guidelines versus
making churches seek individual approval through a public hearing process.
Mr. Leahy advised Council to be specific regarding allowed uses, so other
issues and activities do not occur in residential areas.
Councilor Walters suggested using the proposed $5,000 for emergency housing
vouchers instead of the car camp. He explained a proposal for families
being able to use the vouchers for 10 days per year in a local hotel.
Staff responded by saying local hotels are usually full and 10 days would
not be long enough for most homeless families. Councilor Walters asked
staff to look into the availability of using vouchers for Springfield
hotels/motels.
Mayor Morrisette said Springfield currently funds a voucher program through
an intergovernmental agreement to Lane County Health and Human Services.
Councilor Burge stated he is opposed to a car camp due because he wants the
city to get the most for it's dollar. He inquired about the amount of
money White Bird Clinic receives to manage the camp and the percentage of
the White Bird contract to the total budget for the camp. Mr. Wayne Ford
explained Whitebird's staff is highly trained in crisis intervention and
referrals. He also stated some of the financial support pays liability
insurance that Whitebird must carry.
Mr. Ford and Mr. Ron Chase discussed the plans of the shelter work group to
identify the long term needs for emergency camping by selecting a permanent
site.
Councilor Burge provided dollar figures for apartment rent throughout
Springfield. He shared information that showed 41 people could be housed
in apartments year round for approximately the same amount of money the car
camp costs. He felt the car camp was inhumane and discussed the idea of
purchasing an apartment complex.
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
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Councilor Maine asked if campers are screened and given the rules regarding
use of the camp. It was explained Whitebird has suggested rules, but none
are officially imposed. Councilor Maine stated he could not support the
camp without screening procedures and Whitebird not allowing campers to
consume alcohol.
Councilor Shaver said he is concerned that Springfield was the last
organization to be asked to contribute, but he prefers to help people
remove themselves from the cycle of homelessness. He stated he would
support the $5,000 contribution to the camp, as long as there are no drugs
or alcohol allowed.
Councilor Beyer said she felt this proposal is doing something to assist
people in need and that the Council's expectations are too high for only a
$5,000 contribution. She suggested the city contribute to the car camp and
also look into the merits of Councilor Shaver's alternative proposal.
Councilor Schanz stated he would like to see the city help families with
children. He said he did not favor the car camp proposal and felt more
information was needed regarding Whitebird's administration costs.
Mayor Morrisette said he agreed with Councilor Beyer and described a survey
done in 1992 which showed over 500 people are homeless on any given night.
He suggested maybe the $5,000 contribution could be designated for
Springfield residents only.
The Council discussed the use of alcohol and drugs and sought input from
Mr. Ford. Mr. Leahy explained the city's liability factor in limiting a
contribution amount based on Whitebird rule changes regarding alcohol and
drugs.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR BEYER TO
CONTRIBUTE $5,000 TO THE EMERGENCY WINTER HOMELESS CAMP WITH PROVISIONS
THAT NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BE ALLOWED ON THE SITE, AND FOR STAFF TO LOOK INTO
THE POSSIBILITY OF A VOUCHER SYSTEM TO BE SET UP TO HELP SPRINGFIELD
HOMELESS FAMILIES.
Councilor Shaver explained how he would like to see the voucher system
researched and proposed the decision on the above motion be delayed until
the data could be gathered. He described other aspects of his homeless
proposal.
Councilor Maine stated he would like to see an amendment of the above
motion stating, Whitebird should require any abusers of alcohol or drugs to
be placed in a program to assist with abuse.
Council discussed the motion, alternative proposals suggested, the exact
intention of the motion and amendments.
IT WAS DECIDED BY CONSENSUS TO TABLE THE ABOVE MOTION UNTIL MORE
INFORMATION COULD BE GATHERED REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF LOW COST MOTEL
ROOMS AND A VOUCHER SYSTEM.
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Work Session Council Meeting
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IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR BURGE WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WALTERS TO
DIRECT STAFF TO BEGIN THE NECESSARY WORK TO ESTABLISH COUNCILOR SHAVER'S
IDEA OF INVOLVING SPRINGFIELD CHURCHES, TO ASSIST THE HOMELESS. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
2. Council Business (Continued)
Councilor Schanz reminded Councilors to return their completed City Manager
Evaluation forms to him as soon as possible.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
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ATTEST:
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City Recorde
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