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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/05/1994 Work Session . 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. . 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. . 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. . 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. . 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. . 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. . . . . 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 2~ . ~ Council President Min75