HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/05/1994 Work Session
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City of Springfield
Work Session Council Meeting
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
TUESDAY, JULY 5,1994
The City of Springfield Council met in Springfield City Hall, Meeting Room 2, 225 Fifth
Street, Springfield, Oregon, on Tuesday, July 5, 1994, at 6:10 p.m. with Mayor Morrisette
presiding.
Present were Mayor Morrisette and Councilors Burge, Maine, Beyer; Shaver and Schanz
(6:55 p.m.). Councilor Walters was absent. Also present were City Manager Mike Kelly,
Assistant City Manager/City Recorder Gino Grimaldi, Administrative Aide Shari Higgins,
Development Services Director Susan Daluddung, Planner III Mel Oberst and members of staff.
1. National Park Service Grant Offer for Development of Millrace Park and Information Kiosk
Development Services Director Susan Daluddung introduced members of other agencies present
and Planner III Mel Oberst.
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Mr. Oberst explained the City is working with Willamalane Parks and Recreation District on the
Millrace project and what requirements must be met to ensure the waterway remains intact.
Mr. Oberst explained prior funding the City has received, bank restoration attempts to date and
efforts to improve the water quality. He described the Millrace park and kiosk proposal and how
the City is hoping the project brings the citizens of Springfield closer to the Millrace through
public awareness and education.
Mr. Oberst explained Willamalane is taking the lead on the project by providing funding, the
land donation and working with the University of Oregon on design. Mr. Oberst stated
Willamalane is seeking funds from the City to match grant funding from the National Park
Service.
Councilor Burge clarified Willamalane will maintain and staffthe park and kiosk. Mr. Oberst
described the model of the project as prepared by the University of Oregon. Mr. Oberst
introduced Diana Armpriest and Stan Jones from the University, who have been involved in the
project from its inception.
Ms. Armpriest explained the design including the trellis, signage, stream bank restoration and
kiosk. She described long terms plans which could include a bike path, and needed site
improvements (movement of soil, blackberries and natural vegetation planting) to complete the
project.
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Councilor Burge inquired about fencing. Ms. Armpriest explained no fencing will be used and
Mr. Jones described how the natural vegetation will be used as a physical barrier. The Council
discussed liability issues and instructed staff to work with Willamalane regarding responsibilities
associated with the park and kiosk.
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Councilor Shaver asked why room tax dollars will not be used to fund the project. Ms.
Daluddung eXplained since the budget was adopted, Sewer Fund dollars have become available,
which would allow room tax dollars to be used for City participation in a study for a new area
conference center.
Councilor Burge asked about the reduction of parking. Ms. Armpriest stated no parking will be
reduced and an additional five spaces will be created. Council discussed with Chamber of
Commerce Director Jean DeYoung the parking needs associated with the Chamber office.
Mayor Morrisette spoke of the attributes of the Springfield Millrace. The Council reviewed the
model and asked specific questions regarding design of Ms. Armpriest and Mr. Jones.
Willamalane Parks and Recreation District Planner Phillip Farrington discussed the project and
explained who it would serve. He discussed its close vicinity to the Chamber and downtown
business area, and gave additional information regarding parking.
Councilor Burge asked about security issues. Mr. Farrington stated the park will have good
visability, be well lit and the kiosk will be constructed of small wooden panels. Mr. Oberst
stated the Police Department has been involved in the design.
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The Council discussed the addition of picnic tables, benches, landscaping and other amenities.
Councilor Beyer stated it will be an improvement for the entrance to Springfield. Public Works
Director Dan Brown said he suggested Sewer Fund dollars be used to support the project, as it
fits in well with the recent entrance improvements on South A Street. The Council congratulated
staff on the entrance improvements.
By consensus, the Council agreed to provide matching funds for the National Park Service Grant
for the development of a demonstration park and information kiosk on the land between the
Depot and the Millrace.
2. City Participation in Conference Center Study
Ms. Daluddung explained the background on the convention center study and the City's proposed
participation. She stated the study will focus on the downtown Eugene area and the Gateway
area of Springfield, and Springfield has been asked to participate through funding and staff
support to analyze the extent of the need, possible locations and size of facilities needed.
Mayor Morrisette referred the Council to an attached letter from Red Lion General Manager
John Erickson and other local hotel owners or managers in support of the City's participation in
the study. Mayor Morrisette stated Mike Kelly, Susan Daluddung and himself met with Mr.
Erickson and Red Lion staff, prior to the letter being received by the City.
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Ms. Daluddung explained how approximately $1 million dollars annually would be now
available through Lane County by the retiring of Fairgrounds capital bonds. She stated the firm
of Coopers and Lybrand was selected in March, to provide detailed information about
conference center needs and convention activity in the metropolitan area.
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Councilor Burge asked who will make the final determinations regarding the new conference
center. Mr. Kelly replied in his conversations with County Administrator Bill VanVactor, the
Lane County Board of Commissioners will have the final decision with input from the advisory
committee. The Council requested one member of the advisory committee be a Springfield City
Councilor.
Council discussed the retiring of County bonds, financing options and feasibility of placing a
convention center in the Gateway area. The Council agreed that a facility would be appropriate
in the Gateway area and discussed a previous 1992 study (Potential Opportunities for a
Convention/Conference Center development in Springfield, Oregon) that showed a convention
facility would be highly used and profitable in Springfield.
Councilor Shaver suggested participating as a good faith partner with Lane County. Councilor
Burge agreed and asked who would represent Springfield on the advisory committee. Ms.
Daluddung replied, Mr. Erickson and Councilor Walters, due to his participation on the
Eugene/Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Board.
By consensus, the Council agreed to approve Springfield's participation in the Conference Center
Study, to analyze the extent of need, possible location and size of conference center facilities in
the metropolitan area.
3. Business from Council
There was none.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Minutes Recorder - Shari Higgins
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Council President
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