HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/2003 Work Session
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City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10,2003
The City of Springfield council met in work session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, February 10,2003, at 5:30 p.m., with Mayor Leiken presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Leiken, Councilors Ballew, Fitch, Ralston and Woodrow. Councilor Burge,
was absent (excused). Also present were City Manager Michael Kelly, Acting Assistant City
Manager Cynthia Pappas, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Kim Krebs and members of
the staff.
1. Update Regarding McKenzie Willamette Hospital/Triad Hospital Partnership.
Mayor Leiken introduced and welcomed Roy Orr, CEO McKenzie Willamette Hospital;
Maureen Weathers, Chair of the McKenzie Willamette Hospital Board; and Rosie Pryor,
Communications Director of McKenzie Willamette Hospital. Mayor Leiken said council is
anxious to hear an update from the hospital.
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Ms. Weathers thanked council for allowing them time to speak tonight. She discussed the press
conference that was held recently regarding the merger of McKenzie Willamette Hospital and
Triad. She said they are here tonight mainly to field questions from council and to let council
know where they are in the process.
Mr. Orr said some of what he will go over will be information council has already heard and
some will be new information. He said McKenzie Willamette is in a due diligence phase now
with Triad, exchanging information with them, and scheduling site visits to their McMinnville
hospital for department management staff, board of directors, physician leaders, and senior
management. He said they are also scheduling site visits to other facilities in other states where
Triad has recently built hospitals so they can see an example ofthe quality of construction and
the contemporary design for changes in patient care over the last couple of decades. He noted
that they are also communicating with state officials as appropriate and have meetings scheduled
this week to have dialogue about change of ownership from a 501 (C)(3) status to one of a
partnership in a new company.
Mr. Orr said that as part ofthe partnership structure, they will retain their 501(C)(3) tax exempt
charitable status. He said that would be maintained in an organizational sense and he described
how that would be maintained. He said they will want to continue doing charitable work in the
community, including the Festival of Trees. He said it is their expectation that they will have net
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proceeds above and beyond which they will put into this partnership to allow them to endow this
foundation with several million dollars as start-up funds. In the future, their share of the net
proceeds from the partnership, a 20% interest, would go tax free to the foundation. He said that
would be restricted for health care related, philanthropic community use in a broader way than
the foundation has been able to in the past. He said this gives them an opportunity to expand the
foundation funds to the community.
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Springfield City Council Minutes
February 10,2003
Work Session
Page 2
Mr. Orr did mention that, although the site for a new hospital has not been chosen, rebuilding the
hospital on its current site is doubtful. He discussed some of the obstacles in trying to do this.
He does feel they need to increase the distance between PeaceHealth' s proposed new location at
Riverbend and McKenzie Willamette's current location of 14th and G Streets. He said it is not a
priority at this time to make a site selection. He said they are putting a lot of their time and
energy into the due diligence process. He also wanted to clarify that although he suggested their
current site is doubtful, they may still look at it as a possible site. He said that because of the
hospital overlay district that has been in place, they have been able to accumulate a fair amount
of additional acreage near their current site. Mr. Orr noted that Glenwood is also an option. He
said it is not clear whether or not a move to Glenwood would jeopardize the Cottage Grove
Hospital that is being proposed. He noted travel times and distances and that they will explore
these issues further. He discussed some of the media's views regarding their choice of a site, but
reminded council that a decision on the site of their new hospital it still in the future.
Councilor Ballew asked if going to a for-profit hospital would change McKenzie Willamette's
policy with indigent patients.
Mr. Orr said it would not. Their letter of intent with Triad carries with it the expectation that
levels of charitable care that they have provided in the past would be maintained. Just as
importantly, the letter of intent includes language that the McKenzie Willamette side ofthe
board of directors, including 3 members to Triad's 3 members, would have unilateral authority to
dissolve this partnership if they are not living up to the IRS community benefits standard. It is a
clear indication of Triad's intent.
Councilor Fitch asked Mr. Orr what kind of a timeline is involved with the due diligence. She
also asked when they might start developing criteria for site selection.
Mr. Orr said they already have some criteria for a site. Some of those criteria could include 1)
easy access for patients; 2) no seasonal traffic issues; 3) large enough acreage for site; and 4)
costs including the acreage. He said the due diligence would take approximately 90-120 days.
They will also be reviewing and perfecting their criteria for a site as they move through this
process.
Councilor Ballew asked about the number of beds they were considering for their new hospital
and if that was a competitive size.
Mr. Orr said the size of hospital they are looking at building, will be a good size hospital for a
community our size.
Councilor Ballew asked how many beds McKenzie Willamette has at this time.
Mr. Orr said they are licensed at 114 beds.
Councilor Fitch asked if there would be a parallel tract regarding where to build a new hospital
and what to do with the existing site. She said she would prefer not to see an empty building.
Mr. Orr said he would not think the building would stay empty long, but they will not be
spending half of their time looking for a buyer. He feels with a year to two years before a new
location could be occupied, they will have ample opportunity to look for a buyer for the existing
property.
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February 10,2003
Work Session
Page 3
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Councilor Fitch asked if Triad was involved in other development besides hospitals. It was
confirmed that they are.
Ms. Weathers said it is not in the partnership's best interest to leave assets idle.
Councilor Woodrow asked if the acreage Mr. Orr mentioned included room for medical office
buildings or if it was just for the hospital itself.
Mr. Orr said it included medical office buildings as well.
Ms. Weathers said it could also include a proposed out-patient surgery center within it as well.
Mr. Orr discussed an adult day-care facility they have been involved in.
Councilor Ralston asked about the property the hospital has acquired near its present location.
Mr. Orr said the two lane boulevard with the grass center median east ofthe hospital, they own
all home on either side with the exception of two on the north and two on the other side. It
would include a couple of acres making the whole parcel with a street vacation about 17 acres.
Councilor Ralston asked how many houses that included.
Mr. Orr said they are all within the hospital overlay district.
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Councilor Ballew asked if there was a need for additional nursing facilities in the area.
Mr. Orr said there is probably a need, but there aren't many that are being drawn to the business
at this time. He discussed bed capacity in relation to care facilities, as well as the actual amount
of space they have to assist those patients in need.
Councilor Fitch asked if they would be trying to do an upgrade in their trauma rating with their
partnership with Triad.
Mr. Orr said they do not have an answer to that.
Ms. Weathers said they will be working to meet the needs of the community other than looking
to reach a special designation. She expects they will have a general uplift in services.
Councilor Fitch said it sounds like they are at the beginning of a very exciting road and she
hopes to hear more as they progress.
Ms. Weathers said as a board member, affiliation has been an option for many years. They have
taken a hard look and tried hard to maintain the community feel. She said they feel good about
the process they have already been going through to get to this point. She said she feels they can
stay true to McKenzie Willamette going forward.
Councilor Ballew asked if they will need to go through a certificate of need.
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Mr. Orr said this would be deemed a replacement hospital, not a new hospital. He said under the
certificate of needs laws they have the ability to expand their current number of acute beds, as
long as they are staffed and in operation, by 10 percent a year.
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February 10,2003
Work Session
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Mayor Leiken said it is important to project the population growth in Springfield when looking
at their new hospital and the number of beds needed. He commented that this is a positive event
for McKenzie Willamette. He said McKenzie Willamette has always had a positive
administrator and this is very important for the future of the hospital. He said as this progresses,
the public will be looking at the administration and how the physicians will feel a part of the
hospital. He said Springfield will put their best foot forward when the hospital begins to look at
sites, but they will rely on McKenzie Willamette to choose the right site for their hospital.
Mr. Orr concluded by saying he cannot imagine how health care will be delivered in 50 years;
hopefully it will still be with the human touch. He hopes it is not as institutionalized as it is now.
He said hospitals are evolving into intense care units. Surgery centers are opening up, doctors
open their own projects in the community, and all of these are taking some of the easier more
predictable surgery cases that they know will start and stop on time. The hospitals will be left
with the more complicated cases. He is also hoping families will be more involved in the care
for family members.
2. Historic Commission Work Program.
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City Planner and Historic Commission Staff Liaison Kitti Gale presented the staff report on this
item. Ms. Gale introduced several members from the Historic Commission who were present.
Those members in attendance were Vice Chair John Tuttle, Roxie Metzler, and Ted Corbin. The
Historic Context Statement (HCS) is the planning document used by the Historic Commission
for planning and protecting the community's historic resources. Ms. Gale noted that this
document was handed out to councilors at the beginning of their session. The HCS includes a
Goals, Objectives and Priorities section, which lists eight goals as a framework for fulfilling the
Commission's mission of preserving the community's significant historic resources. The Goals
also function as the Historic Commission's work program and are intended to evolve in response
to community needs over time. The priorities are re-evaluated and re-prioritized on a regular
basis to reflect changing needs and goals of the Historic Commission and the City of Springfield.
The Historic Commission believes that the Goals are consistent with City Council goals of: 1)
Preserving our small town character; 2) Partnering with citizens and other public agencies; and
3) Participating in the renaissance for Springfield. Ms. Gale said that Ms. Metzler would be
discussing the Commission Work Program.
Ms. Metzler said that the top portion of the handout received by council shows what the Historic
Commission has worked on for the last two years. She noted some of the grants they have
received for projects in downtown and the Glenwood area which were completed in 2001. She
explained some of the other projects the Historic Commission has been involved in over the past
few years which include projects associated with the school district and Lane Transit District
(LTD). Ms. Metzler said that she and two other Historic Commission members attended an
Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) sponsored workshop in Salem which was
very valuable. She described some of the projects they are planning over the next two years.
Ms. Metzler said the commission is working on a revision on the existing guidelines to meet
current State Historic Preservation Office standards to be useable for all historic resources in the
community. They continue to support the Washburne Historic Neighborhood Association
through grant funding and/or partnership for preservation week activities. The Historic
Commission works for protection of the district through design review for alteration and/or
demolition plans.
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The implementation measures for the Historic Commission's work program include activities
such as: Proces~ing 17 Review Applications; Providing financial and educational support to
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February 10, 2003
Work Session
Page 5
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Washburne Neighborhood Association; Supporting preservation-related education projects in the
Springfield School District; Sponsoring activities during National Historic Preservation Week;
Updating the Design Guidelines for the preservation and restoration of Springfield's historic
resources; and updating inventories.
Staff support to the Historic Preservation program varies depending upon yearly grant funding.
The State Historic Preservation Office requires a minimum of a I: 1 grant match. The financial
impact to the city to implement this program is approximately .2 Full Time Employee (FTE).
Councilor Ballew asked for the dates of National Historic Preservation Week and what activities
would be taking place.
Ms. Metzler said it is sometime in May. At this time they do not anticipate any activities other
than their regular meeting in which they will work with the neighborhood association for the
design guidelines review. It would be too difficult to complete the goals and objectives, the
design guideline review and plan a large activity.
Councilor Ballew mentioned some of the workshops in the past that were held during that week
that were very beneficial and well attended. She would like to see more of those in future years.
Mr. Tuttle said this year the Washburne Neighborhood Association is planning a tour of homes
'of eight or nine houses. The neighbors are getting very involved in that event.
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Councilor Ballew would like to see the Historic Commission more visible to the neighborhood in
a positive way.
Ms. Gale said she believes the update of the design guidelines will accomplish that objective.
Mr. Tuttle said one of the projects the neighborhood is looking at is a fundraiser to help plant
more trees in the neighborhood.
Councilor Woodrow asked about the involvement of the Historic Commission with the LTD
Station.
Mr. Tuttle said he has represented the commission on the design review committee for the design
of the LTD station. This committee has met about four or five times over the last nine months.
The committee developed guidelines, pertaining to height, scale and pattern, for the building so it
would blend with the other urban buildings that are already established on Main Street. He said
the commissioners' views on this were similar to the others on the design review committee.
Councilor Fitch said that Mr. Tuttle has been a great asset to the L TD design review committee
because of his background and vision. She asked about the Glenwood windshield survey and the
question regarding historic trailer parks.
Ms. Metzler noted that those questions were from the surveyors, not the Historic Commission.
The concept of historic trailer parks has not come up in any Historic Commission meetings and
they do not have any intention of considering that. There are some very worthy and potential
properties in Glenwood.
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February 10,2003
Work Session
Page 6
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Councilor Ballew noted the challenges for the Historic Commission regarding development. She
said that just because a building is old, does not necessarily mean it is worth saving, because of
poor structure, etc. Clear guidelines are necessary for those types of decisions.
Ms. Metzler agreed and discussed some of the survey results.
Mr. Tuttle noted that attachment 2-1, which was included in the agenda packet, outlines the goals
for the next two years. Outreach to the community is one of the underlying themes.
Ms. Gale discussed the processes for the applications the Historic Commission receives.
Discussion was held regarding additional cost for those living in the Washburne Historic District
when they apply for permits, etc. for improvements and additions.
Mayor Leiken asked about the Brattain House and if there were any possibilities for restoration
of that site.
Ms. Gale said the Brattain House was damaged by fire and cannot be restored. The family has
not decided what to do with the property. Hanalei Rozen is working with the family to
determine options. The city cannot do anything until the family makes that decision.
Mayor Leiken asked if the Historic Commission has discussed the Mill Race as an historic part
of the city, especially below the new LTD station site. Mr. Tuttle said they have not discussed
that.
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Ms. Metzler asked if this is something the Mayor and council would like them to address.
Mayor Leiken said it, is an important part of the city and should be looked at in the future, maybe
beyond 2004 and 2005.
Ms. Metzler said it does have a potential to be a partnership between the commission and other
parts of the city, which is in the Historic Commission's goals. They will discuss with Ms. Gale
how they could incorporate that.
Councilor Fitch asked if council had any concerns with attachment 2.1 on the goals page where
the Historic Commission is asking for approval to go forward. There were no concerns and
council consensus was to go forward.
3. Update on Storm Water Management Program Activities.
Chuck Gottfried presented the staff report on this jtem. The purpose of this item is to update the
council on the status ofthe city's storm water management activities, specifically regarding
development and submittal of the city's first ever Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) Storm Water Discharge permit application under the provisions of the Federal Clean
Water Act (CW A) National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program.
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The City Council's review of water resources issues in Springfield dates back to 1999, when the
Federal CW A NPDES "Phase II" Storm Water Program rules were finalized and Spring Chinook
Salmon were listed as threatened and protected under the Endangered Species Act. At that time,
the council reviewed the stressed conditions of local waterways, urban activities negatively
impacting them, and various State and Federal requirement s impacting the city's planning and
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February 10, 2003
Work Session
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management of storm drainage systems. In 2000, and again in 2001, the council reviewed and
endorsed a set of "desired outcomes" which are outlined in Attachment A, 1 in the agenda
packet, to guide City water resources management responsibilities. In 2002, the council
established a 10-year target for restoring Springfield's waterways to meet minimum state water
quality standards.
Over the past two years, the city has begun to modify and expand its storm water management
activities to work toward meeting the council's and regulatory agencies' clean water objectives.
One of these components is development and timely submittal of an NPDES MS4 permit
application. The Council Briefing Memorandum, which is included in the agenda packet (see
Attachment A and Exhibits) details the requirement of the NPDES MS4 permit requirements.
The MS4 application includes a required outline for the development of comprehensive Sto~
Water Management Program Plan (the SWMPP) to guide storm water management in city
facilities, private developments, and in commercial and industrial settings, both during
construction and in the future. The SWMPP will be the blueprint to improve water quality to
achieve the city's desired outcomes, and meet State and Federal water quality standards, through
implementation of "best management practice" within the six minimum management areas
defined in the NPDES Phase II rules.
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The attached MS4 application (Exhibit A-III) materials summarize water quality programs and
measures the city already implements, and a strategy for development of a SWMPP. While the
complete MS4 application is due to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by
March 10,2003, DEQ has extended the deadline for completion and submittal of the SWMPP to
March, 2004. Implementation of the SWMPP over the next five years will improve water
quality within the city, establish measurable benchmarks and goals for reaching and maintaining
compliance with water quality standards, and ensure compliance with the city's storm water
discharge permit requirements.
Storm water management functions are housed in the city's Public Works and Development
Services Departments. The planning, expansion, maintenance, and management of the city's
storm water infrastructure, which includes open waterways, requires ongoing operations staff
and capital improvement program resources. Funding for these functions is derived primarily
through storm drainage user fees, development application fees, and system development
charges. The preparation and submittal of the MS4 permit and subsequent development of the
SWMPP were anticipated and funded in the FY 02-03 city budget.
Mr. Gottfried discussed many of the storm water quality measures staffhas worked on over the
last several years. To receive credit for the work they have already done, they will be including
those measures in their summary outline and document their efforts. He summarized the
minimum control measures which include education, construction and erosion control efforts,
post construction, internal housekeeping, water quality monitoring program, and citizen
involvement. He said their goal with this plan is to provide consistent clear guidance to the
development community and the citizens regarding their responsibility for maintaining clean
waterways. They will meet the council's outcome directives and improve Springfield's
waterways to meet state water quality standards.
Councilor Ballew asked about an item on the front page of the application which refers to other
government agencies and their impact on storm water.
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Mr. Gottfried said that sometimes one jurisdiction can join another jurisdiction in an existing
program. This question identifies this possibility.
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February 10, 2003
Work Session
Page 8
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Councilor Ballew asked what staff hoped to gain from the public outside of educating them on
the storm water issues.
Mr. Gottfried said that many of their open houses and other citizen involvement activities will
most likely attract folks from the development community and business community. He said it
is difficult to say how effective the outreach programs are, but they believe there will be some
interestJrom certain elements of the community. He hopes the outreach will interest people that
are directly impacted by the way they design projects and the requirements needed. There is still
a lot of education to be done.
Ms. Smith said there is a part of citizen involvement from people in the community who live
with these waterways. She said the staff can do some sampling and modeling, but the people in
the community are the ones who can identify the storm water issues in their area. That
information is vital for staff to identify what the key issues are with our waterways.
Councilor Fitch asked if the city is doing any partnering with the high schools assisting in
measuring the storm water, etc. Mr. Gottfried said they are. Councilor Fitch said that
stormwater management is crucial, but with a tight budget is there a way to target the public
input so that it reaches' those that might be most willing to participate.
Mr. Gottfried said the results from the open houses have been mixed. The Planning Commission
had suggested using the city's website to solicit comments. They have also used the mailing list
from the HomeBuilders' Association which was helpful in getting the information out to those
that are very interested in these issues.
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Councilor Ballew asked for more details on the education piece.
Ms. Smith said that Rachael Dillman provides the public education both for local Springfield
efforts and the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission. Ms. Dillman will physically
be at the schools educating staff and students.
Mayor Leiken discussed some of the bans the South Coast Air Quality Management District,
which oversees southern California, is planning to put in place involving dense solids. He feels
we are in a good position to prepare ourselves for these types of bans arid for groundwater
protection. He said we need to look for quality of life and clean industry. Once we have the
quality issues in place, it will be clear for the development industry as a whole, and our real
estate holdings will increase. He feels where we are leading will prepare us for the future and
the future growth of our community. The guidelines must be clear to the development
community. He said the work on this by staff is much appreciated.
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Ms. Smith noted that the work on the stormwater in the downtown basin that drains to the Mill
Race will probably be the highest priority in terms of actual targeting of capital improvement
projects. She said it is complicated, but staff will continue working on it. She acknowledged the
industries that are here today and the partnering between the business and staff to make retrofits
to existing systems to address water quality problems that have been identified. She said our
community should be proud of the improvements these industries have made. She added that the
status of the NPDES phase II is' a little in limbo at this time. The requirements on the City of
Springfield are much less rigorous than those oflarger cities. The city's program gives the city a
lot of flexibility. She discussed some cases that have been in the Ninth Circuit Court. She also
noted that the City Manager will be the signer on this permit and failure to sign it and turn it in
subjects the city to both civil and criminal penalties.
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February 10, 2003
Work Session
Page 9
Councilor Ballew asked how the city was doing on city erosion, sediment control and updating
programs as referenced in Attachment A, page 101, of the agenda packet.
Mr. Gottfried said the city has worked on this issue, and has the outline of the program inhand.
He said what staff needs is enforcement of the inspection and that is another issue regarding
staffing.
Ms. Smith said they have made some headway, but still have some code gaps in terms of having
baseline programs to be implemented. The urban growth boundary has many enforcement
issues. She said they have a good prototype at this point. It is just a matter of having it engaged
in the work plan and getting it done.
4. Discussion of Proposed Fee to Recover Comprehensive Land Use and Facilitv Planning
Costs at the Time Property Annexes to the City.
Economic Services Manager John Tamulonis presented the staff report on this item. The city
assures annexation and the highest and best use of unincorporated urban transition (UT) property
by planning for the full array of urban services, appropriate land use plans and zoning, adequate
transportation system, and the efficientprovision of public facilities that allow property to
develop to urban densities. Planning efforts prepare land for annexation with refinement plans,
Public Facilities Plan, TransPlan, nodal development selection, Natural Resources Plan and the
Glenwood-Riverfront Specific Development Plan).
The city taxpayers and the General Fund bear the costs of these efforts. The proposal seeks fees
from properties being annexed to recover a portion of the city's comprehensive planning
investments. Only property owners requesting annexation would pay the fee when petitioning
the city to annex. The fee would add about $730 to the cost of annexing each acre of
residentially zoned land to the city. (Note: Once incorporated and provided with a full range of
planned urban services and facilities, the land value can typically increase 100% to 300% or
more. The proposed fee is only about 3 percent of the current Real Market Value of property in
the UT area before annexing).
Attachment 1, Table 1 of the agenda packet shows, for example, the Glenwood planning effort
costing about $300,000 so far, with added planning costs for riverfront development scheduled
during the next two years. Table 1 provides two more specific examples and average costs per
acre ranging from $297 to $6,237. However Table 1, Line 4 shows "Average Planning Costs per
Acre' of$743/acre (a baseline average among them for comprehensive planning costs).
Attachment 2, Table 2 of the agenda packet includes information on the entire UT area of 4714
acres. Table 2 estimates the UT area's costs as a proportion of the city's broad comp planning
activities. It includes primarily staff costs for the range of comprehensive planning activities and
adds a general 'overhead' (indirect) cost but excludes most materials and service costs.
(Estimating these additional costs for full cost recovery would require further detailed analyses.)
The calculated UT cost per acre is $730/acre.
Mr. Tamulonis said staff is looking for council to determine whether or not to try to recover the
cost oflong-range planning effort for UT areas when annexed to the city. With the proposed
fees of $730 per acre and an average 85 acres annexed annually over the last 7 years, estimated
comprehensive planning costs recovered would be about $62,050 annually in the General Fund.
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February 10,2003
Work Session
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Councilor Ralston asked if this was part of the System Development Charge (SDC) formulas.
He is for recovering costs for services.
Mr. Tamulonis said it would be a separate fee charged at the same time. He discussed the
process to get to this point over the last few years.
Councilor Ballew said there are some things that are general government functions which are
paid for through taxes. She doesn't know if these charges should be in place for this type of
service. She asked about grants and other funding. She said it needs to be determined what
things are reasonable to charge for and what is for the public good.
City Planner Mel Oberst said the citizens in the UT don't pay taxes to the City of Springfield.
He said what we are doing is preparing all of our services in land use so that when they are ready
to annex their property into city limits, everything will be in place. These services are in place
because oftaxes paid by citizens of Springfield. Once these areas are annexed into the city, then
the citizens will pay for the taxes they will receive at that time. System development charges are
for the capacity issues that they would create by joining the city. He explained how they looked
at the values and the increase in property value once a property is annexed into the city.
Councilor Ballew asked about those that will most likely never annex into the city.
Mr. Kelly said the fee would apply to anyone based on acreage. He discussed developed and
undeveloped properties and their reasons for wanting, or not wanting, to annex into the city.
This is more on the planning side rather than the sewer and water side of the issue.
Councilor Ballew asked if any other cities have done this.
Mr. Tamulonis said they have in the Portland area. Lane County also charges a fee.
Mr. Kelly said that with a reduced budget in the spring, any money that can be raised
legitimately in the General Fund means less cuts to existing services. He said it is up to council
to decide what is better in the public interest; to keep the present level of services or to reduce
those or to charge others who benefit by our citizens investments.
Councilor Ballew said if it is a deterrent to positive development, you may be losing more than
you gain.
Mr. Tamulonis said we have kept our fees fairly low for a number of years. He said this is less
than a one percent increase. They are looking at it as a fee for service, not as an enhancement or
deterrent to growth. He has spoken with developers who have considered annexation of
properties and they did not feel this was a deterrent to annexation.
Councilor Ralston said the cost is minimal for the benefit received.
Councilor Woodrow asked if an existing household that resides in the county that wants to be
annexed could pay that fee, too. Mr. Tamulonis confirmed that they could.
City Engineer Al Peroutka said that existing households don't pay for the transportation or storm
drainage if they aren't using those systems, but if they annex and hook up to the sewer system,
they will pay the SDC.
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February 10,2003
Work Session
Page 11
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Councilor Fitch said we need to find ways to bring fees in to pay for these extra expenses,
especially when folks using them are not within the city. She suggested taking this to the Lane
County HomeBuilders' Association and to the Chamber of Commerce to let them know what the
city is considering.
Public Works Director Dan Brown said when the council first adopted Springfield's first SDC in
1979, it included a charge similar to this. It was $475 per acre. He said they stopped charging
that when the state took control of what the SDC's could be used for. He also noted that until
urban transition occurred in 1986, planning services in the UT area was funded through Lane
County from their General Fund. Under UT, the city took road money from Lane County to take
over the planning and building services out of our General Fund.
Discussion was held regarding whether or not this fee is fair and if exemptions should be
considered.
Councilors Ballew and Fitch said they would like to check with the HomeBuilders Association
and the Chamber first.
Mayor Leiken said that council did give staff direction to use a combination of cuts and fee
increases to manage the budget situation. He agrees with Councilor Fitch that this needs to be
tested and discussed with those affected before moving forward. Council asked staff to return
with some.ofthose issues answered.
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Mayor Leiken said discussion was held at agenda review regarding the PeaceHealth public
hearing and time allocated for those speaking. He does not feel that other elected officials from
other jurisdictions should have any additional time to speak. He feels that all citizens should
receive the same amount of time to be heard.
City Attorney Joe Leahy said there was a complaint faxed to his office today from a law firm
representing the Oregon Grocers United. They have filed an appeal to the Oregon Tax Court on
the Transportation System Maintenance Fee ordinance that Springfield council passed. They are,
also appealing Eugene's ordinance. Mr. Leahy will coordinate the defense of that appeal with
the attorney for the City of Eugene. The Eugene attorney he spoke with this afternoon said
Eugene may be interested in postponing a determination. Mr. Leahy questioned why and noted
that Springfield would not be interested in postponing as well.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:20 p.m.
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Minutes Recorder - Amy Sowa
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Attest:
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