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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/22/1993 Work Session . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1993 The City of Springfield Council met in the Springfield City Hall, Meeting Room 2, 225 N. Fifth Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, November 22, 1993, at 6:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Maine, Burge, Beyer, Walters, Shaver and Schanz. Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Eileen Stein, and members of staff. 1. Arts Commission Appointments Mr. Kelly introduced Museum Coordinator Kathy Jensen. Ms. Jensen explained the terms for current Arts Commission members Gary Cornelius, Wendy Hafdahl, Charles Swisher and Nada Zawadny will expire December 1, 1993. She also told the Council the only applications received were from the four incumbents. Councilor Shaver asked if the four applicants meet the commission requirements. Ms. Jensen replied yes, per the by-law change approved at a previous Council work session meeting. By consensus, the Council agreed to ratify the appointments at the December 3, 1993, regular session meeting. 2. Broad Base Proqrams Proposal for Sprinqfield Sports Center Development Services Director Susan Daluddung introduced Broad Base Programs Board member Linda DeSpain, who gave the Council a brief explanation of their organization and operations. Ms. DeSpain introduced Kathy Gran, the Board Chairman and a certified recreational therapist and athlete. Ms. Gran explained the goals of Broad Base Programs and how they hoped to enhance the community. Ms. DeSpain introduced Mary Stevenson, a teacher and coach at Pleasant Hill and a former University of Oregon athlete, who explained the needs users would have for a facility of this type. She described the types people who would benefit from such a facility, including youth groups, people with allergies (through a filtered air system), and existing sports groups who would host tournaments. Ms. DeSpain introduced Gary Fraser, who handles construction and service needs and is very active in community athletics. Mr. Fraser provided detailed information on the amount of time and energy that has been spent on the proposal regarding materials, services and consultants. He explained both the local and national networks that he has been using as resources. . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page two Ms. DeSpain then introduced Richard Lee, Loan Officer for the Register-Guard Credit Union, who spoke about the future visions for the project and the amount of dollars that could be generated from such a facility. He reported $9.1 million dollars would be generated during the first year of operation, plus roll-over dollars and increased motel and restaurant usage. Mr. Lee stated the project would create 30 new jobs and up to 75 part-time jobs at any given time. In closing, Ms. DeSpain explained how the city could assist Broad Base Programs. Mr. Lee then introduced Craig Blanchette, Kevin Hanson and Lance Diehl who all shared their support of the project with the Council. Councilor Burge asked if the facility could be used as a convention center also. Mr. Fraser responded yes, and Ms. DeSpain stated the scope of the uses have yet to be determined. Mr. Leahy spoke of future applicants and concerns that the Council could address during the lease negotiation process. Ms. Daluddung added the Council can give specific parameters during lease negotiations. She also said staff would need to begin work on the amendment to the Urban Growth Boundary in mid-December. Councilor Walters asked about the group's support of martial arts versus gymnastics, and if the facility would be open to home school children. Ms. Stevenson replied the types of groups and uses of the facility are not set at this time. She said the Board is still open to type of groups and activities the community would be interested in. Councilor Burge suggested the Board keep in mind future expansions when preparing the site plan for staff review. Councilor Shaver asked what type of financial backing Broad Base Programs has. Ms. DeSpain replied they currently have a $50,000 commitment from Track City Track Club. Council discussed the amount of acreage needed, the UGB amendment and site plan details. The Council agreed the proposal was very exciting and spoke in support. Springfield School District #19 Board Chairperson Laurie Adams spoke on the Broad Base Programs proposal and asked the Council to work with the district depending on the outcome of the USA Soccer lease. Councilor Shaver suggested Council wait until January to begin lease negotiations with Broad Base Programs. By consensus, the Council agreed and thanked Broad Base Programs for their presentation. THE MEETING RECESSED AT 7:10 P.M. THE MEETING RECONVENED AT 7:20 P.M. 3. Library Policy on Circulation of Videotapes Library Director Bob Russell introduced Library Board members Jodi Arnold, Bruce Horton and Kathryn Wurtz. He explained the Library has over 1,500 videos for both adults and children, and gave background information on the existing video check-out policy and distinction between adult and junior library cards. . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page three Mr. Russell told the Council the Library Board accepted and acknowledged the current video check-out policy with one addition, to ask for additional signs to be posted in the Library. Ms. Arnold spoke in support of the current policy and said parents have the right to monitor what type of videos their children check out, not the city government. Councilor Walters questioned the consistency of letting a 16 year old view an R-rated video from the Library but not being admitted into a movie theatre. Mr. Russell commented this was the first complaint regarding checking-out videos in the three years the service has been provided. Councilor Shaver commented the Library has been good at screening, and although this is not a censorship issue, he believed the video check-out system should require the same parental consent as the theatres. Councilor Schanz stated it is the city's responsibility to oversee the children in the city. He suggested the Library should not check-out R-rated videos to children under 16, or not carry the videos at all. Council discussed the age limit issue. Councilor Maine asked how videos differ from books. Councilor Beyer said it would be wrong to change the existing policy and urged the Council to give the community a choice. She also added she would not want the community to raise her children. Mayor Morrisette stated he agrees with the 16 year or older suggestion for checking-out R-rated videos. Council discussed using junior and adult cards, or a parental consent form as suggested by Councilor Shaver. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WALTERS WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR SCHANZ TO AMEND THE LIBRARY'S VIDEO CHECK-OUT POLICY TO RESTRICT CHECK-OUT OF R-RATED VIDEOS TO PERSONS WITH AN ADULT LIBRARY CARD ONLY. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 4 FOR AND 2 AGAINST (MAINE AND BEYER) . 4. Metro Plan Amendment Process - Participation Criteria Planning Manager Greg Mott reviewed with Council the agreement they reached at their November 9 work session meeting regarding the Metropolitan Plan Amendment process. He then reviewed and discussed Attachment 2, Participation Criteria, which the Council had requested. Mr. Jim Carlson from the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) handed out a matrix and discussed the three specific criteria as presented by Mr. Mott. Mr. Mott added staff will put the 120 day process time and three year review period requests on the final version for the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) review. Mr. Leahy asked what jurisdiction would decide if an amendment to the Metro Plan would alter the Public Facilities Plan or the TransPlan. Mr. Mott explained the projects on the plans are already set and discussed the timing of projects that might trigger a plan amendment. . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page four Mr. Leahy suggested the only criteria to "opt-in" should limit, as it is not subjective, and other criteria was. stated he did not see a problem with a 100 acre limit in as there would be a small likelihood for the limit being be an acreage Mayor Morrisette a one year period, abused. Councilor Shaver asked if an acreage requirement or limit could be appealed to the State Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). Councilor Burge commented the city of Eugene has made no compromises and he is willing to entertain the criteria for participation, but no other compromises. Councilor Burge left the meeting at 8:12 p.m. and returned at 8:14 p.m. Development Services Director Susan Daluddung said staff presented the participation criteria so the Council could approve it before the December MPC meeting. Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Burge and Maine suggested staff send Springfield's proposal to the city of Eugene and Lane County as soon as possible. By consensus, the Council agreed to send Springfield's updated proposal to Eugene's Mayor and Council and the Lane County Board of Commissioners. The Council also agreed to begin work on Springfield's own Comprehensive Plan, if the proposal presented at the December MPC meeting is not accepted by the other jurisdictions. 5. Public Auction of Firearms Police Chief Bill DeForrest explained the issue of whether or not the Police Department should engage in the sale of firearms at public auction or use alternative means of disposal. Chief DeForrest stated his opinion after speaking with peers, colleagues and Risk Manager Craig Gibons, was to not sell firearms at public auction, due to the liability factor. He suggested, if the Council would like to sell firearms through the auction process, that proceeds be returned to the Police Department for use at their discretion. Councilor Schanz inquired about the city of Corvallis' policy regarding selling weapons to local dealers. Chief DeForrest responded the city of Corvallis' policy may not be legal, per State Law. The Council discussed the sale of firearms by public auction versus disposal and the possibility of trading weapons per the recommendation in the staff report. Councilor Burge reviewed policies of other jurisdictions and suggested changing the City Code to allow the sale of firearms. Councilor Beyer stated there would not be much financial gain, due to the length of time it takes to collect the seized weapons. Councilor Maine said he was opposed to selling firearms to private citizens. Mayor Morrisette stated he agreed with Councilor Maine. Councilor Shaver expressed his concern over the risk factor for an increase of approximately $9,000. City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page five . Council discussed the appropriateness of the city selling firearms and if it pertains to the right to bear arms. Councilors Maine and Beyer stated they would not support the city sponsoring auctions for the sale of firearms. Councilor Burge left the meeting at 8:45 p.m. and returned at 8:47 p.m. Councilor Walters asked Mr. Leahy to explain the State Forfeiture Law. Mr. Leahy gave a brief explanation, as well as the opinion of the Risk Manager. Mr. Leahy stated he could provide an in-depth review of the law and provide the Council with his opinion at a future meeting. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SCHANZ TO PROCEED WITH DISPOSING SEIZED FIREARMS IN A WAY TO BRING BACK REVENUE TO THE CITY. THE MOTION DIED, DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR BURGE WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR SCHANZ TO INSTRUCT LEGAL COUNSEL TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT, UNDER STATE STATUE, THE CITY COULD LAWFULLY EXCHANGE OR SELL FIREARMS TO A LICENSED DEALER. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 4 FOR AND 2 AGAINST (MAINE AND BEYER) . Mayor Morrisette asked if a public auction can exclude the public. Mr. Leahy explained the differences between the State Law and our City Code. He stated it is probable the Council would need to change the City Code to allow a public auction. Councilor Schanz asked Mr. Leahy if he would also research the parameters of conducting an auction. . 6. Public Safety Advisory Commission Mr. Kelly told the Council this agenda item was in response to a 1993 Council Goal. He explained the accountability factor the Police Department has within the community. Chief DeForrest explained his experience working with Advisory Commission and the input citizens provided. the department is accountable to the City Manager and Council. a Public Safety He stated currently ultimately the City Chief DeForrest explained the time commitment an advisory commission would place on him, his Bureau Commanders and officers. He also stated he would need additional staff of 1.5 FTE now, which could possibly be reallocated in two years, depending on the Council's priorities. Councilor Maine said this commission would be preventative and could save the city money in the long term. Council discussed what type of role citizens would have on the advisory commission. They also discussed community policing and how the commission could participate with the Crime Prevention program. Councilor Burge stated he was opposed to the creation of the commission. He said he would like to see additional budget dollars spent on officers, not more committee meetings and administrative staff. . . . . City of Springfield Work Session Council Meeting Page six Councilor Walters suggested creating a task force instead of a commission, to open the doors to the program. Councilor Shaver suggested having a member from the Human Rights Commission, Neighborhood Watch and the Block Home Program on the task force to coordinate efforts. Councilor Walters said he felt subcommittee's of committee's were not as effective and the task force would need more attention by its members. The Council discussed the neighborhood watch program. Mayor Morrisette shared information on citizen police complaints he has experienced. IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR WALTERS WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR BURGE TO APPROVE THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY TASK FORCE, TO SUNSET WHEN A PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN IS CREATED AND THE "TASK" IS DONE. Councilor Maine stated the group must be a commission to be an advisory board to the Council. He explained the Council could revoke a commission, just as a task force would sunset. not wait to form a commission until She agreed that the commission should Councilor Beyer said the city should there is a major policing problem. be formed for prevention purposes. Mr. Kelly explained the community policing concept. He suggested staff review the issues discussed regarding the commission and return with specific answers and suggestions in January. Mr. Kelly also suggested the topic be re-evaluated by Council at their 1994 Goal Setting Session. Councilor Walters withdrew his previous motion. By consensus, the Council agreed to ask staff to review issues involved with the creation of the Public Safety Advisory Commission, and to re-evaluate the priority of establishing the commission at their 1994 Goal Setting Session. 7. Council Business Councilor Schanz reminded Councilors to prepare their City Manager evaluation forms. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins Pi~{!~~A1 ATTEST: ~~;fb;-~~ City Recorder #4331