HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/23/1994 Work Session
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
The City of Springfield Council met in Springfield city Hall, Meeting
Room 2, 225 Fifth Street, Springfieldk Oregon, on Monday, May 23, 1994, at
6:10 p.m. with Council President Burge presiding.
Present were Council President Burge and Councilors Shaver, Walters, Maine and
Beyer (6:12). Mayor Morrisette and Councilor Schanz were absent (excused).
Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino
Grimaldi, City Attorney Tim Harold, City Recorder Eileen Stein, Code
Enforcement Officer Jackie Murdoch, Maintenance Manager Ed Black, Property
Manager Jim Douglas, Police Chief Bill DeForrest and members of staff.
Councilor Burge told the Council and staff an Industrial broker came into his
office and was very pleased that he received an occupancy inspection within 48
hours of his request. He also stated a local developer told him the
Development Services Department staff was very caring, efficient and friendly.
Mr. Kelly thanked Councilor Burge for his positive comments.
1. Proposed Civil Infraction and Nuisance Ordinance Chanqes; Nuisance Code
Enforcement in the Urban Growth Boundary
Code Enforcement Officer Jackie Murdoch introduced Code Enforcement
Inspector Cindie Mott and explained proposed changes to the Civil
Infraction and Nuisance Code Enforcement ordinances.
Ms. Murdoch explained the proposed change regarding eliminating certified
mail for the first notice letter. She explained the current process in
which the first letter is sent by only certified and regular mail and all
warning notices and citations are sent by certified mail. Ms. Murdoch
discussed discretion which would be used for repeat offenders and explained
after multiple violations have occurred no letters or extended timeframes
will be granted, only a warning citation will be issued.
Ms. Murdoch reviewed another proposed code change regarding Chapter VIII
Businesses. She stated transient merchants and garage sales would be given
warning notices only, and not letters by regular and certified mail.
Councilor Shaver asked if when writing a residence for two violations,
(i.e. inoperable vehicles and garbage) the violations would be treated
separately. Ms. Murdoch replied yes, and stated a copy of the appropriate
ordinance is sent with each letter. She added in all nuisance cases, staff
seeks to achieve voluntary compliance.
Councilor Beyer asked how staff performed research before proposed
ordinance changes were brought to the Council. Ms. Murdoch replied, by
advice of the City Attorney's Office, contact with other cities and
suggestions from citizens.
Councilor Burge discussed the city pursuing enforcement in the Urban Growth
Boundary (UGB) from Lane County. Ms. Murdoch replied there are two issues
with regards to nuisance, 1) changes to City Code and 2) enforcement in the
UGB. She asked the Council to make City Code changes before discussing UGB
enforcement.
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
Page two
Councilor Walters suggested screening from public view the tanks and dirt
left at abandoned gas stations. Council discussed the tank removal process
and provisions for screening. Building Official Dave Puent said the city
is currently looking at a permit process for tank removal to screen when
tanks are removed. Council consensus was to have tanks and dirt screened
from public view when tank removal is required.
Ms. Murdoch showed photos of violations which have been screened from
public view and gave options for screening. She explained that currently a
complaint is resolved if a fence is constructed around a violation.
Councilor Walters asked about leaking crank shaft oil on residential
properties. Development Services Director Susan Daluddung told Council
that would be an issue for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Mr. Kelly said the city can refer violations to either the DEQ or the Fire
Department based on individual cases.
councilor Maine inquired about changes to the ordinance and how staff would
notify on existing cases. Ms. Murdoch explained a moratorium or
grandfathering clause could be used for existing violations. She said she
is working with the City Attorney's Office regarding the ordinance changes
and ramifications.
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Councilor Shaver asked about enforcement of boats, motorhomes or
motorcycles. Ms. Murdoch stated the nuisance ordinance does not include
boats, but does include motorhomes and motorcyles not moved every 20 days.
The Council discussed the placement of motorhomes and Councilor Walters
suggested they not be parked parallel, but perpendicular to houses.
Councilor Burge stated he would prefer the requirement for side yard
setbacks to be 12 feet. Councilor Maine stated she has a concern with
motorhomes not used for recreational uses, but parked illegally with grass
growing over them.
Ms. Murdoch told the Council motorhomes are not addressed in nuisance code.
Council discussed screening of vehicles and Councilor Shaver stated
vehicles screened by a fence are acceptable, unless they pose a vector or
fire hazard.
Councilor Burge suggested the city impose a very stringent nuisance
ordinance. Mr. Kelly stated staff will return with an ordinance that is
stringent, but would allow recreational vehicles. Councilor Walters
suggested adding the requirement of parking boats on private properties
parallel into the ordinance.
Mr. Kelly said staff will again contact Lane County regarding enforcement
in UGB. Councilor Burge stated he is in favor of jurisdiction from Lane
County for the UGB even without funding. He said the city can opt to
enforce if they have the jurisdictional rights. Council discussed seeking
UGB enforcement funding from Lane County.
2.
Review of FY 1993/94 Brush Chippinq Proqram
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Public Works Director Dan Brown introduced Maintenance Manager Ed Black.
Mr. Brown gave background information on a previous Council decision
regarding banning backyard burning and initiating the brush chipping
program.
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
Page three
Mr. Black explained the chipping program consists of a two person crew who
spends approximately 50 days per year. The program is supervised by
Maintenance Supervisor Greg Ferschweiler. Mr. Brown stated this is a
popular and highly used city program.
Mr. Black explained the city processed 700 cubic yards of chips in the last
three years, with 2,000 people participating in the program each year. He
told the Council of the many positive comments the Maintenance Division
receives from the public. Mr. Black explained the requirements, size, and
placement materials must meet to be included in the program. If load does
not meet a requirement, a second chance is given and sometimes a third
through a callback list.
Mr. Black explained the 1993/94 program modifications as discussed during
Council Goal Setting Session. The suggestions were as follows: 1) reverse
program starting zone annually, 2) expand program to include Christmas tree
disposal, and 3) provide brush chipping services by appointment. He said
staff's ideas regarding the Christmas tree disposal modifications are, 1)
the city could possibly modify the franchise agreement with Sanipac, 2) the
program start date could be moved to mid-January, 3) designated centralized
disposal sites could be created, or 4) the city could develop a volunteer
program. He also stated staff agreed the route should be changed annually
and chipping by appointment should not be instituted at this time.
Councilor Shaver stated he is a big fan of the program and he agreed with
rotation of zones. Mr. Black stated zone rotations would not cost more
except for providing additional public information. Councilor Shaver
suggested chipping by appointment for an entire block, not for individual
houses. Mr. Black said the city could handle large jobs by appointment.
Councilor Walters suggested appointments with a minimum number on a block
or street.
Councilor Burge asked why the city is performing this program when 90% of
the citizens are paying for the program and only 10% of the citizens use
it. He felt the city provides many services that only a few people take
advantage of.
Councilor Shaver explained that this small program provides a service to
the entire city. Councilor Beyer said she likes the program, but does not
want the city to get into the Christmas tree business.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR SHAVER WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR WALTERS, TO
ROTATE ZONES ANNUALLY, NOT INITIATE A CHRISTMAS TREE PROGRAM AND PROVIDE BY
APPOINTMENT SERVICE ONLY IF IT SATISFIES THE NEEDS OF PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 4 FOR AND 1 AGAINST (BURGE).
3. Booth-Kelly Property Manaqement Report
Mr. Kelly explained the history of the Booth-Kelly property and Property
Manager Jim Douglas explained current leases and future plans. They
described the property acquisition in 1985 of 76 acres and the process of
obtaining grants and loans for site studies and development.
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Work Session Council Meeting
Page four
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Mr. Douglas reviewed current issues and development progression, beginning
with attachment two of staff report. He said over $2.6 million dollars has
been invested in the property, $2.1 million in grants and $300,000 in
Federal Revenue Sharing, with $122,469 transferred from Fund 18 to the
General Fund for FY 1994/95.
Mr. Douglas explained future cash flow scenarios per attachment V of the
staff report. He stated expenses would remain flat in the FY 1994/95
budget, including improvements to the parking/loading area. Mr. Douglas
detailed current operating expenses and Priority's 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4. He
described the process for obtaining Federal dollars and asked for Council
direction with regards to expensive repairs that are currently needed.
Councilor Burge clarified a total of $4 million dollars will be spent by
the time all renovations are completed. Council discussed the renovation
of older buildings versus demolition and rebuilding. There was a lengthy
discussion regarding the needed renovations.
Mr. Kelly explained possible funding options including, possible
grants and a loan from internal funds or private sources to finish the
renovations. He said any loans would be repaid with increased rent from
renovated buildings.
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Council discussed Gunderson's agreement with the city to raise their rent
to match the improvement loans for their current site. Councilor Maine
suggested completing the needed improvements for Gunderson's site, while
also and seeking grants. Ms. Daluddung said the city is currently seeking
grants and researching loan possibilities for the balance of renovations.
Mr. Douglas spoke of the expansion program that Gunderson is undertaking
including 50 more local jobs. He felt the city should act now regarding
needed site improvements to support their expansion.
Councilor walters asked if Gunderson signed their lease with the city under
the assumption the city would assist with their expansion. Mr. Douglas
stated the improvements were implied but not promised. Councilor Shaver
suggested seeking State funding to assist with Gunderson's improvements and
not waiting for possible Federal funding. He felt the city should proceed
with option 3, as soon as arrangements can be finalized.
Councilor Walters stated he supports providing industrial
suppliers to Sony and other strong industrial businesses.
said there is a strong industrial market now and a demand
space for
Councilor Burge
for good space.
Councilor Burge thanked Mr. Douglas for the quality presentation and
property management report.
4.
Resolution Amendinq the Schedule of Charqes for Doq Control Services
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Police Chief DeForrest outlined proposed changes to the fee schedule for
dog control services, per the Council Briefing Memorandum. He explained
the fees have not been increased since 1986, and if amended would be equal
to the Lane County Animal Regulation Authority and the city of Eugene, who
contracts with Lane County. Chief DeForrest stated he is seeking Council
approval to proceed with increases to the fee schedule.
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
Page five
Councilor Walters asked why the city has no cat regulations, only dog
regulations. There was a lengthy discussion between Police Records Clerk
Cheryl Peterson, Chief DeForrest and the Council regarding cities with cat
regulations and the possibility of inst~tuting one in Springfield.
Councilor Maine stated she supports the fee schedule amendments. Council
discussed the projected revenues and increase to the FY 1994-95 budget.
By consensus, the Council agreed to support the proposed resolution
amending the schedule of charges for dog control services and asked staff
to check with cities in Oregon and Washington regarding cat control
regulations and options.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
Ma