HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/02/2011 RegularCity of Springfield
Regular, Meeting
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
MONDAY, MAY 2, 2011
The City of Springfield Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Lundberg presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Mayor Lundberg and Councilors Pishioneri, VanGordon, Wylie, Moore, Ralston,
and Woodrow. Also present were City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Assistant City Manager Jeff
Towery, City Attorney Joe Leahy, City Recorder Amy Sowa, and members of the staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lundberg.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Resolution to Honor Eugene Officer Chris Kilcullen.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-10 - A RESOLUTION HONORING EUGENE POLICE OFFICER
CHRIS KILCULLEN WHO GAVE HIS LIFE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND
SUPPORTING THE CITY AND CITIZENS OF EUGENE DURING THIS TIME OF
SORROW
Mayor Lundberg read the resolution.
Springfield would like to honor Eugene Police Officer Kilcullen and offer support and
condolences to his family, and the City of Eugene staff and its citizens with this resolution
Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop at the
intersection of Highway 126 and 52nd Street in Springfield. Officer Kilcullen was an honorable,
dedicated and hard-working police officer who loved his family, his work, and served his
community in an exceptional manner.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-10. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
SPRINGFIELD UPBEAT
1. Diversity Goal
Mayor Lundberg read a statement from the Council regarding the Diversity Goal.
"I want to take a moment to make a public statement that reaffirms the Springfield City Council's
commitment to making Springfield a welcoming community. The City and the Council are
working very hard to better recognize the growing diversity of our citizens and in every way
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 2
possible be supportive and inclusive. We understand how important it is to develop the
relationships that will make this a community of choice for individuals, families and businesses
of many backgrounds."
"We specifically wrote a Council goal to honor diversity and inclusion and will continue to focus
on outcomes that will forward that goal. It's the essence of our City's community spirit that will
have us prevail through whatever comes our way, and prevail in a positive manner - and for
everyone."
She invited everyone to step forward and help the City achieve this goal.
2. ALS Awareness Month Proclamation.
Mayor Lundberg proclaimed May ALS Awareness Month and read from the proclamation.
3. Earth Day Poster Awards.
Environmental Services Public Information and Educational Specialist Rachael Chilton presented
this item. This was the 5th Annual Earth Day Poster Contest with the theme "Keep Our Rivers
Clean". There were nearly 300 entries. The top five posters were on display in the wall case
across from the entry to the Library. The twenty finalists were also posted in the lobby.
Mayor Lundberg presented framed certificates for the top five winners:
1St: Jennifer Santiago
2nd: Trevor Duran
3rd: Sarah Gabuya
4t1': Tyler Hamilton
5th: Alex Brooks
A photo was taken of the Mayor with the 5 winners.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Claims
2. Minutes .
a. April 18, 2011 - Work Session
b. April 18, 2011 - Regular Meeting
3. Resolutions
4. Ordinances
a. ORDINANCE NO. 6267 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SPRINGFIELD
DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTIONS : 5.4-100, TABLE 5.4-1. 5.12-15 5, 5.12-160;
12-160
5.12-165; 5.16-120; and 6.1-110; AND ADOPTING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
5. Other Routine Matters
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 3
a. Approve the Amendment to the Restated Annexation Agreement between Daniel and
Shannon Jackson (Applicant) and the City..
b. Approval of the Liquor License Endorsement for Goodfellas Lounge, Located at 117
South 14th Street, Springfield, Oregon.
c. Approve Directing the City Manager to Sign the Amendment to the Ground Lease for
Hamilton Construction Use of City Property in Glenwood.
d. Acceptance of Financial Reports for March 31, 2011.
e. Approve the Contract with Milliman, Inc. for Actuarial Services for the City of
Springfield through December 31, 2012.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. THE MOTION PASSED BY A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
ITEMS REMOVED
PUBLIC HEARINGS - Please limit comments to 3 minutes. Request to speak cards are available
at both entrances. Please present cards to City Recorder. Speakers may
not yield their time to others.
1. Fiscal Year 2011-2012 One-Year Action Plan of the. Eugene-Springfield Consolidated Plan
for Housing and Community Development (City of Springfield Section).
Springfield Housing Manager Kevin Ko presented the staff report on this item. One-Year Action
Plans must be submitted to HUD prior to the beginning of each fiscal year as amendments to the
five-year Consolidated Plan, and were designed to indicate how communities intended to fulfill
the priorities established in the Consolidated Plan. This was the second One-Year Action Plan
under the 2010 Five-Year Consolidated Plan.
The City of Springfield received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as an
entitlement community and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds as a
participant in a HOME consortium agreement with the City of Eugene. CDBG funds were
awarded to communities who carried out community development activities directed, towards
neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and the provision of improved community
facilities and services. HOME funding was a housing block grant program allocated to
communities to be used for housing rehabilitation, new construction, acquisition and tenant based
rental assistance activities. A public hearing was held on April 18, 2011, to review and consider
applications for CDBG or HOME funding. Council approved seven projects for funding.
The FY2011-2012 One Year Action Plan included the CDBG and HOME funding allocations for
projects and activities. and must be approved by both the City of Springfield and City of Eugene
prior to submission to HUD. In addition to the approved projects, a description of other
activities that may be initiated was included in both the CDBG and HOME sections of the Action
Plan. The public comment period for the City of Springfield section of the document concluded
with the public hearing on May 2, 2011. The City of Eugene section of the Plan was being
adopted separately by the Eugene City Council.. The combined Eugene-Springfield One-Year
Action Plan would be submitted to HUD for review and acceptance on or before May 15, 2011.
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 201-1
Page 4
Mr. Ko noted that one piece of correspondence was received from Planned Parenthood, which
was distributed to the Council. This would be included in the public record.
Councilor Ralston asked if there was a possibility that the funds listed could be reduced because
of reductions in Federal funds.
Mr. Ko said they didn't have the final dollar amounts, but were instructed by HUD to project
16.5% reductions for CDBG, and 12% reductions for HOME. That was reflected in the agenda
Plan. The figures could change slightly. If there were further reductions, there were funds
remaining from last year that could possibly be used as backfill.
Mayor Lundberg opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Lundberg closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ADOPT THE SPRINGFIELD SECTION OF THE FY2011-2012 ONE-
YEAR ACTION PLAN. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0
AGAINST.
2. Liquor License.Endorsements for the Renewal Period of 2011-2012.
Assistant Community Services Manager Jackie Murdoch presented the staff report on this item.
On December 19, 1994, Council approved Ordinance No. 5768 that established specific criteria to
be used when reviewing an application for a liquor license endorsement. Council may
recommend denial based upon reliable, factual information as it related to any of the criteria listed
in Section 7.302 of the Springfield Municipal Code.
Some of the required information for liquor license renewal, i.e., ownership of the establishment,
could not be determined until staff received the actual application. However, some determination
about meeting the listed criteria could be made now since the criteria related to the level of police
activity associated with the establishment.
The public hearing this evening was scheduled for Council to receive community testimony
relative to the liquor license renewal endorsement. At the conclusion of the public `hearing,
Coun'cil was requested to provide one of the following recommendations to the Oregon Liquor
Control Commission for the license renewal of the listed establishments: 1.Grant; 2. No
Recommendation; 3. Do Not Grant Unless (applicant demonstrates commitment to overcome
listed concerns); or 4. Deny.
Mayor Lundberg opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Lundberg closed the public hearing.
Mayor Lundberg said this was the first year in awhile that this was going forward smoothly.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 5
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO GRANT THE LIQUOR LICENSES FOR THE RENEWAL PERIOD OF
2011-20112. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
3. Fees and Charges.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-11 - A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD ADOPTING AN AMENDED MASTER SCHEDULE OF
RATES, PERMITS, LICENSES, AND OTHER FEES AND CHARGES AS
ESTABLISHED BY THE SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-12 - A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD ADOPTING AN AMENDED MASTER SCHEDULE OF
MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES, RATES, PERMITS AND LICENSES AS
ESTABLISHED BY THE SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE.
Finance Director Bob Duey. presented the staff report on this item. Each year, Council and staff
reviewed existing fees and charges for appropriateness of the rate for meeting cost recovery
targets as well as reviewing for areas where new or additional fees should be considered. Council
met in work session on March 21 and April 18 to discuss staffs recommendations and was
requested to hold a public hearing on this topic. After the public hearing, Council was asked to
consider two resolutions amending the City's master schedules for fees and charges for the year
beginning July 1, 2011.
The two resolutions in tonight's agenda packet did not include some of the new fees discussed
during previous work sessions such as the Motor Vehicle Accident First Response Fee, License
Facility Fire Inspection Fee, Ambulance Service Area Reduction, and Rental Housing Business
License. The rate increase for the stormwater and sanitary fees that would be presented later this
evening, included the, amount for the right-of-way fee, but the actual adoption of that fee would
be done by ordinance at a later meeting. The first resolution presented this evening included
existing fees that were specifically mentioned in the Municipal Code. The second resolution
included miscellaneous fees and charges, which were existing fees that were being adjusted.
Mayor Lundberg opened the public hearing.
1. Curtiss Greer, 357 55th Street, Springfield, OR. Mr. Greer said the citizens of
Springfield had elected the Council to represent the ratepayers. An article in the
Springfield paper supported his statement that we (City) could raise fees and charges
to keep public employees from feeling the effect of the downturn in our economy.
The only option offered was to cut the service and raise the cost. Layoffs did not
lower costs and in fact raised costs due to unemployment, recruiting plans, and
training charges. The Council needed to take note of what was happening in other
areas at this time. Public sector unions had negotiated their costs beyond the means of
the taxpayers to fund. It was time to reign in benefits. If they reigned in the cost,
there was no need for layoffs and service could be maintained. As a retired ratepayer,
his income had been frozen for the last three years, benefits had been cut, medical
costs increased, taxes had increased, and now the City wanted to raise fees. He felt
something needed to be looked at to cut costs in government.
Mayor Lundberg closed the public hearing.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 6
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-11. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH.A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-12. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
4. Resolution Certifying the City's Eligibility to Receive State Shared Revenues from Cigarette,
Gas, and Liquor Taxes.
RESOLUTION NO. 11-13 - A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD CERTIFYING ELIGIBLLITY FOR STATE-SHARED REVENUES
FROM CIGARETTE, GAS AND LIQUOR TAXES, APPROVING THE CITY OF
SPRINGFIELD'S PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE REVENUE SHARING PROGRAM,
AND DECLARING THE CITY'S ELECTION TO RECEIVE STATE REVENUES
PURSUANT TO OREGON REVISED STATUTES 221.760 AND 221.770.
Finance Director Bob Duey presented the staff report on this item. The law provided that cities
located within counties having more the 100,000 inhabitants, according to the most recent Federal
decennial census (2000) must provide four or more municipal services from a specific list to be
eligible to receive state-shared cigarette, liquor and highway taxes under ORS 221.760. The
accompanying resolution would satisfy that requirement.
To be eligible to receive state shared revenues in the ensuing fiscal year, the City must provide at
least four of seven eligible services, and perform five additional actions:
1. Advertise and hold a public hearing before the Budget Committee
2. Advertise and hold a public hearing before the City Council
3. Adopt a resolution certifying the City is eligible to receive funds under the ORS
221.760
4. Adopt a resolution approving the City's participation in the program
5. File a copy of the resolution with the State of Oregon by May 31 st
A public hearing was advertised and held before the Budget Committee on April 26, 2011. The
attached resolution would satisfy items 2, 3 and 4. Upon adoption, the City's Budget Officer
would file the appropriate documentation with the State.
.. Mayor Lundberg opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Lundberg closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISIHONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-13. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 7
5. Proposed Resolution Setting Local and Regional Wastewater and Stormwater User Fees.
RESOLUTION NO 11-14 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD COMMON
COUNCIL SETTING LOCAL AND REGIONAL SEWER USER FEES AND LOCAL
STORMWATER USER FEES AS SET FORTH IN THE SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL
CODE.
Environmental Services Manager Ron Bittler presented the staff report on this item. Each year,
the City Council reviewed and established the rates for local wastewater and stormwater user fees.
These rates were established to provide adequate revenue to fund operation and maintenance
(O&M) of Springfield's sanitary sewer and storm water systems, and a portion of the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) for each program. The Council also adopted the user fees set by the
Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) for the Regional Wastewater
Program.
The City Council reviewed options for a proposed local wastewater and stormwater user fee
increase at its April- 11"' work session. Staff prepared a schedule of user charges for a public
hearing, based on a 4% increase in the local wastewater user fees and a 3% increase in-the local
stormwater user fees. In addition, the Council was informed that the MWMC adopted a 4%
increase in regional wastewater user fees that also needed to be incorporated into the schedule of
user charges for FY 11-12.
Attachment 1 of the agenda packet was a resolution establishing the local and regional wastewater
and local storm water user fees for FY 11-12 and was provided for Council consideration. It was
requested that the Council consider acting on the resolution following the public hearing.
Mayor Lundberg opened the public hearing.
No one appeared to speak.
Mayor Lundberg closed the public hearing.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 11-14. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
BUSINESS FROM THE AUDIENCE
1. David Wallbridge - Mr. Wallbridge had left the meeting.
2. Artemio "Art" Paz, 86950 Cedar Flat Road, Springfield, OR. Mr. Paz found the recent
comments by a member of the Springfield Council to be inconsiderate and out of touch with
responsible policy making and articulation of 21s' century America, the healthy communities
most were working to structure throughout this country as a models that could serve other
countries. He was here as an advocate of equity and equality for all people. He was a member
of the State Board of Education and also a past member of the United States Army. He was
speaking only'for himself. The Board of Education provided governance and policy direction
for 197 school districts with over 560,000 students in the State of Oregon, plus 17 community
colleges adding another 260;000 students. Many of the K-12 students were Spanish speakers
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 8
and were dropping out at a rate of just over 50%. Any community that created a hostile
environment for students of any particular ethnic or racial group through passive or explicit
negative expressions of a racial character served only to undermine both the intent and
direction of State and Federal policies to create positive learning environments in our
community and schools. The programmatic and financial implications of comments made by
public policy makers were construed by local, state, and national agency decision makers as
shaping comprehensive policy and funding programs that directly impacted building healthy
schools and related successful community learning and working environments. As an artillery
officer with the U.S. Army, he was put into working circumstances with people from
throughout the world. That inclusive structure-was paramount. Latinos were part of units that
were reserved for the highest status to accomplish difficult missions throughout the world.
When in Kansan, the Commandant Commander of Fort Leavenworth indicated that an
inclusive population was a fundamental and essential element of contemporary armed forces.
It was essential we had inclusion in every aspect of our communities. He would encourage
the Council to clarify recent Council member comments directed at Latinos and move toward
creating a safe and health community environment now and into the future for all people.
3. Judy Harold, 641 City View Blvd, Springfield, OR. Ms. Harold thanked Mayor Lundberg
and the Councilors for their earlier statement about the Council goal. She welcomed the
Council asking citizens to be a part of this process for a welcoming community. The Council
had adopted a goal that stated our City shall "Effectively Create a Positive Environment that
Values Diversity and Encourages Inclusion". The City partnered with other public agencies to
the Human Services Commission (HSC). This Council appointed a Councilor to the HSC
who was responsible for the Commission's policies. The HSC had adopted a policy which
said in part that the "Commission will work towards cultural and linguistic access to services.
for Latinos". She suggested that the Council appoint a representative on the HSC who neither
violated the goal adopted by the Council regarding diversity and inclusion, nor violated the
policy adopted by the HSC regarding cultural and linguistic access for Latinos. The remarks
by the City Council's representative on the HSC in his interview with KVAL TV, and
subsequent interviews with the press and at a recent work session, was not only an
embarrassment to our Council and our City, but was in violation of this Council's goal and
policy of the HSC of which the Council was a partner. She suggested the Council appoint a
member to the HSC who would honor and uphold the goal of this Council and the policy of
the HSC. If the current representative was not removed, then the .City's goal "To Create a
Positive Environment that Values Diversity and Encourages Inclusion" was meaningless and
the City's participation in the HSC was a sham. The City's representative on the HSC must
represent the goals of the City as adopted by the Council, not his or her personal views.
4. Carol Plaia, 607 7th Street, Springfield, OR Ms. Plaia said she was a private citizen and
member of the Board of Directors at the Emerald Art Center. At last week's Board meeting,
they voted unanimously to post prominent signs on all entry ways that say everyone was
welcome, in both English and Spanish. They were working on a larger sign that would have
"Everyone is Welcome" in as many languages as possible.
Ms. Plaia said she was here today to read a letter she wrote this week in response to the
article in the Parade Magazine that Springfield had the highest incidence of strip clubs per
capita. The other `funny' statistics in the article did not have a negative impact on those
cities. Her letter noted the many amenities in Springfield, including the National historic
district, state of the art performance theater, fifty-four year old visual arts center, five fire
station, 27 public schools including an arts high school, 35 parks, 2 public swimming pools,
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 9
12 public tennis courts, 2 public fitness centers, and a world-class 800-bed hospital. When
that hospital was being built, it was the largest construction project on the West Coast. It was
a City like many in the nation that was struggling, yet still vital, and striving to be better. This
article did not help. There were strip clubs in Springfield, and although they were not the kind
of business she would like to see here, they were not against the law and their presence meant
that we had free speech here. She also noted that the statistic published was far from correct.
5. Kathie Dolan, 547 South 3rd Street, Springfield, OR. Ms. Dolan said she had the pleasure of
going to Clearwater Park and walked the length of the new bike path that was a project of the
City of Springfield in conjunction with some of our community partners. This bike path
would provide access and views of the Willamette River that were previously available only.
by boat or raft. In conjunction with the Mill Race, she felt it would improve environmental
quality and was something everyone could enjoy and be proud of.
Ms. Dolan said she was dismayed, embarrassed, and frustrated to read the recent comments
by Councilor Ralston. His comments about Latino immigrants and those that didn't speak
English were negative, hurtful, disrespectful, and known to be false at the time they were
made. They put Springfield in a bad light. They seemed to be official because they were
made by an official of our City, but they didn't express what Springfield believed and worked
against our stated goals. She noted those goals. Springfield was trying to attract business,
public agencies, and social services to our area and we had been successful. These companies
had human resources departments that were concerned for their workers and their families,
their clients and customers. They wanted to be sure a diverse workforce found a supportive
environment where they intended to locate; where diversity was respected and everyone felt
safe. She wanted them to know that Springfield was such a place. She felt the City needed to
clarify where we stood. She thanked Mayor Lundberg for her reiterating that the City of
Springfield supported their stated goals.
6. Mary Davidson, 184 South 72nd Street, Springfield, OR. Ms. Davidson thanked the Mayor for
the statement made regarding the. City Council goals. She quoted a current world leader from
Rome, "Migration is an opportunity to highlight the unity of the human family and the values
of acceptance, hospitality, and love of neighbor". She hoped that everyone in Springfield
would be a welcoming light to those still arriving, hoping to work and create a community,
where they could feel at home. She believed we should welcome not just the business man or
woman, not only the buyer of a home, but those that came without money, with broken
-English or no English, as her ancestors came so many years ago hoping and willing to work
hard, trusting in the good. Let us show them good will and respect for all human beings.
People of Springfield, be a light in the world, showing acceptance, hospitality and love of
neighbor:
7. Sarita Lief, 174 W. K Street, Springfield, OR. Ms. Lief thanked .the Mayor for the opening
statement. She said we all had our own set of personal experiences and knowledge. Her
request was that they listened with open hearts to people who may have had life experiences
different from their own. Mr. Ralston's entire interview on KVAL and the subsequent articles
and quotes in the Register Guard, disturbed her because of the blatant inaccuracies,
unsubstantiated accusations, and vehement tone. She noted that she was a child of
immigrants, as we all were. Her grandparents immigrated to this country, married, had
children, and died here. Their children went off to World War II. Her grandfather had his own
business, provided for his family of seven children, all college graduates, and yet they
experienced the quota system that restricted, well into her lifetime, the number of Jewish
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 10
people allowed into those prestigious schools. She recalled being told that there were certain
neighborhoods they could not live in, and heard the stories of Jewish people being denied
entry to the United State during World War II
Ms. Lief noted that during the end of her grandfather's life as he suffered from Alzheimer's,
he could only speak in his native tongue of Yiddish. Because his children spoke Yiddish, they
were able to calm him. Knowing multiple languages was a benefit for everyone. There were
thousands of organizations in this country like Centro Latino Americano that help hundreds
of ethnic communities in many languages. She grew up with an understanding of how
valuable such agencies were to immigrants and newcomers. There was not a single person in
Oregon who couldn't trace their presence back to immigration. In Oregon, English is a very
late-comer. For her, when someone in an official position singled out a group and said that
they were to blame for our current unemployment crisis, or for the inability to help all those
in need, she thought about when her ethnic group was the object of such scapegoating. Some
might say she was over-reacting, but that was what was said of Jewish people as late as 1936.
She would not stand by in silence when any one group was singled out and she would do
whatever she could to ensure that no one in Springfield was afraid to seek help from our
community because of their appearance or how they spoke. She offered the "City Council the
opportunity to unite with our friends and neighbors who were unfairly singled out and blamed
for the growing impoverishment of our country, which was coming from the wealthy elite
and not from below. Ms,. Lief 'said this was a personal statement, but she was also a member
of Springfield Alliance for Equality and Respect (SAFER). She asked others from SAFER
that were in the audience to raise their hands.
8. Sarah Strand, 182 East 48h Ave., Eugene, OR. Ms. Strand said she was active in Lane
County civic affairs and a volunteer with the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Central
Lane County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Tonight she was speaking as a citizen. She
felt Councilor Ralston's recent comments revealed that he was unable to hold a post that had
responsibility to respect and acknowledge all of Springfield's constituents. To function well,
our community needed to reach out and encourage all of its people to participate in civic
government, including and especially, it's underserved, underrepresented, and under
privileged population. There wasn't a lot of representation of a lot of cultures or communities
in our City governments in Eugene, Springfield and Coburg, and there was a need for that
representation. Councilor Ralston's remarks hindered the inclusion of all of Springfield's
residents in determining the fate of our collective future. She called for his resignation. She
provided a personal experience of her husband's family when they first came to this country.
9. Sandy Coffin, 1431 Wimbledon Place, Springfield, OR. Ms. Coffin thanked Mayor
Lundberg for her earlier remarks, but noted that those remarks belonged not only in the
Council Chamber, but in the community at large. He expected, as her representatives, the
Council would conduct themselves in ways that would not embarrass her and subject her to
ridicule by others by virtue of living in Springfield and represented by them. If they felt they
were unable to support any of the goals posted, including valuing diversity and encouraging
inclusion, then she would suggest it might be best to leave the Council. Not only did she
expect all of the Council to walk the walk with regard to those goals, but also to talk the talk.
10. Joyce Thomas, 86701 Franklin Blvd, Eugene OR. Ms. Thomas noted that her children
attended Goshen Elementary, Hamlin Middle School and Springfield High School, and were
fortunate to learn the importance of respect for all from teachers such as Jonathan Siegel and
Bill Morrisette. In Mr. Morrisette's history classes, they learned about the history of our
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Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 11
country and good governance. She was sorry that the Springfield school system had to have a
model that included speaking out in a way that was contrary to what her children learned in
school as important values. Her daughter went on to be-a teacher of ESL (English as a Second
Language) helping students from other countries who came to this country learn to speak
English. She valued her education in the Springfield School District and wanted to make a
similar education available to her students. She appreciated Mayor Lundberg's statement of
support for inclusiveness. Ms. Thomas's father was an Italian immigrant from Cicely. As an
Italian child, he worked in the Connecticut tobacco fields. When the labor inspectors came,
the bosses made all the children hide. Her father was so ashamed of being Italian that she
didn't know of this history until he died. No one should have that shame about their country
of origin or heritage. She wished her grandfather and father had services such as Centro
Latino available for them.
11. Dale Seese, 239 W. K Street, Springfield, OR. Mr. Seese said he was raised in Indiana
among corn farmers. His parents helped resettle U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry as they
were released from internment camps after World War II. The kids from those families
seemed as much like his siblings as the wide variety of his many cousins, but he had no
exposure in school to any students besides white Anglos, except for one outstanding scholar
from the only Latino family in the county. He knew he may never be free from the
subconscious affect of his lack of childhood learning to see past the color of his new friends
in Springfield, but his son was raised in Springfield among peers of all heritages and colors.
He felt supported in speaking out against discrimination among his fellow students. He
believed that each generation could grow beyond the experience of their parents. He hoped
his son would choose Springfield as an inviting community when looking for a place to raise
his family.
12. Jorge Navarro, 1452 West Broadway, Eugene, OR. Mr. Navarro said they were a broad based
group of Latino business people, educators, administrators, elected public officials, and
advocates for the immigrant community who had a long proven history of engaging in a
respectful, open-minded and tenacious style. They were writing to inform the Council of their
dissatisfaction with comments made by Springfield City Councilor Dave Ralston. On April
19, 2011 at a meeting of the Human Services Commission (HSC), Mr. Ralston used ignorant,
biased, hateful speech denigrating immigrants. He went on to repeat his prejudiced opinions
on KVAL television. Mr. Ralston's statements saddened and infuriated them all. They felt
morally and ethically obligated to protest and condemn Mr. Ralston's statements. This was
not the first time Mr. Ralston had espoused his own views, prompting a public demonstration
in 2006 during the Springfield City Council meeting. As individuals, people had the right to
espouse personal beliefs without being held to public scrutiny, however, Mr. Ralston was a
City of Springfield representative on the HSC. This was a position that was held to a higher
standard and demanded judgment that was fair, open-minded and unbiased. He had
demonstrated to the Latino community, to Springfield and to Lane County that he did not
have the capacity to comport himself in a responsible manner. It was their position that Mr.
Ralston be sanctioned by removing him from this position of responsibility. They understood
this was a challenging request. The City of Springfield was home to a significant number of
Latino families. The City had been making and taking steady committed steps to welcoming
these families into the community. From the Cesar Chaves Celebration to the Martin Luther
King March, progress was being made. Their hope for the future was that they continued on
this path. They looked forward to receiving the response to this request. He thanked the
Council for the opportunity to speak. He introduced those that had signed their letter: Jorge
Navarro, Eugene City Councilor Andrea Ortiz, Activist Guadalupe Quinn, Emilio Hernandez
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 12
from the University of Oregon, Carmen Urbina from the 44 School District, Charles
Martinez, James Garcia, Francisca Leyva Johnson, Angel Dorantes, and Angie Sifuentez
COUNCIL RESPONSE
Councilor Wylie said it grieved her to bring out the finest representatives of the Hispanic
community under these circumstances. She was honored to have them in the Council Chambers
and please to hear them speak to the Council. She was a daughter of an immigrant and had spent
30 years working in human services in our community. Years ago she was a supporter and
advocate for the Chicago Fair Center, which was the predecessor to El Centro. She also worked
with Lane County to help get the organization up and running for years. She was supportive of
the work Centro Latino did. She supported the Mayor's comments about honoring the City's
diversity goal. No other councilor could speak for her as she could not speak for the rest of the
Council. She was a strong supporter of the community.
Councilor Woodrow thanked everyone for the comments, stories, and opinions represented
tonight because it gave her even more perspective. She felt a part of this community, had
participated and observed and been a recipient of the community spirit that was Springfield. She
was an advocate that they would prevail and continue to be a welcoming community for
everyone.
Councilor Moore said she was new to the City Council. She had, an adopted son who was African
American, and currently hosted three international students; one from South Korea, one from
Saudi Arabia, and one from Indonesia. It was a joy for her and her husband to participate in their
lives. She also owned a rental and rented to two Hispanic families and it never occurred to them
to ask if they were here legally or not. They had done a wonderful job taking care of the property.
Springfield was a special place to her and she felt sorry to have received the many emails she
received. She wanted people to know that she wanted to reach out to everyone in Springfield
regardless of their ethnicity.
Councilor Pishioneri thanked everyone for coming out and sharing their views. It didn't surprise
them that they had come out and what their views were. He hoped it didn't surprise them that the
Council shared their views. He supported the Council goals through his actions and representation
and interaction with others. In his job he came across every section of socio-economic scale.
Everyone understood what they were saying. The Council was not adversarial and didn't want to
create an adverse relationship with any section in our community.
Councilor VanGordon said he supported the Mayor's statement. It was a good representation of
the Council's feelings. The stories shared tonight were interesting and telling about the quality of
the members of this community and he looked forward to working with them all as they tried to
move past this and continue to.build a strong community in Springfield.
Councilor Ralston said most people that spoke commented that he had made disparaging
comments about a race, but it had nothing to do with race, but rather whether people were her
legally or not. He didn't feel public money should be spent on people that were not here legally.
He supported the diversity goal, but stood by his opinion regarding a broken immigration policy
in this country. He understood it wasn't a City issue that they could solve, but it didn't mean he
needed to remain silent. He admitted that he could have done it in a different way and could have
had a different tone. He had learned a lot from this, but the rest of the Council would start
learning something after this, too, like the rest of the citizens out there.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 13
Mayor Lundberg thanked everyone for attending. She noted the statement that she had read
earlier in the evening that was put together by the Council. She was asked to read it again.
"I want to take a moment to make a public statement that reaffirms the Springfield City Council's
commitment to making Springfield a welcoming community. The City and the Council are
working very hard to better recognize the growing diversity of our citizens and in every way
possible be supportive and inclusive. We understand how important it is to develop the
relationships that will make this a community of choice for individuals, families and businesses
of many backgrounds."
"We specifically wrote a Council goal to honor diversity and inclusion and will continue to focus
on outcomes that will forward that goal. It's the essence of our City's community spirit that will
have us prevail. through whatever comes our way, and prevail in a positive manner - and for
everyone." .
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
1. Correspondence from Sandra Rennie, Springfield, Oregon, Regarding the Naming of the
Library Meeting Room.
2. Correspondence from Craig Enberg, Springfield, Oregon, Regarding Councilor Dave
Ralston's Recent Comments.
IT WAS MOVED'BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ACCEPT THE CORRESPONDENCE FOR FILING. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
BIDS
1. Project P21055 Bid Award- City Hall Fascia Replacement Project.
City Hall Maintenance Manager Jim Polston presented the staff report on this item. A
comprehensive inspection of the exterior envelope of City Hall revealed significant deterioration
of the wooden fascia and exterior paint. Both had continued to decline rapidly, which was
exposing the building structure and interior to the potential of water damage. The fascia in its
current state was deteriorated to the point that structural or interior damage would result if not
replaced. Staff solicited bids for this fascia project on March 3, 2011 and received and opened
five competitive bids on March 24, 2011. One bid, submitted by C & R Construction, contained
several errors, omissions and irregularities which City Staff and the. City Attorney determined
were substantive and required that the bid be deemed non-responsive and therefore rejected. The
remaining bids were deemed responsive and, among them, Ryan Thomas Construction LLC was
the apparent lowest responsible bidder. This contract would accomplish the project as outlined to
Council in the November Communications Packet. As awarded, the project would maintain the
existing look and feel of the building, preserve its historical character, and maintain its
compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, the project minimized excessive
redesign, installation and cost for construction materials. Contract award was now necessary to
enable work to proceed. Staff recommended that Council award the contract to Ryan Thomas
Construction LLC.
The following bids were received and opened on March 24, 2011:
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 14
Engineer's Estimate
C&R Construction Inc.
Ryan Thomas Construction LLC
Frank Construction
Dorman Construction
Lake Oswego Construction
$100,015.50 .
Non-responsive
$109,937.50
$112,981.50
$125,502.50
$156,541.50
Staff recommended award.of the contract to Ryan Thomas Construction LLC, the low responsive
bidder in the amount of $109,937.50. Sufficient funds were budgeted in the Internal Building
Preservation Fund account 420-62224-810050.
Councilor Pishioneri asked if this was less than originally estimated for this project.
Mr. Polston said the entire project was in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at
$240,000.00. About half of that amount was to be for fascia and half for painting City Hall. They
had not yet received bids for painting. Those bids would probably be awarded in June.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO APPROVE A MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO RYAN
THOMAS CONSTRUCTION, LLC FOR PROJECT P21055, CITY HALL FASCIA
REPLACEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT $109,937.50. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
ORDINANCES
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Committee Appointments
a. Historic Commission Appointments
Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery presented the staff report on this item on behalf of
Planner Molly Markarian. There were three vacancies on the seven-member Historic
Commission: The recruitment for this vacancy opened on March 1, 2011 and closed on April
6, 2011. Two candidates applied: Paula Guthrie and Tim Hilton.
Municipal Code Section 2.502 stated that the qualifications for membership on the Historic
Commission included being appointees of Willamalane Park & Recreation District or
Springfield School District # 19; or specialists with expertise in the fields of architecture,
history, architectural history, planning, or archeology who lived within the Metropolitan Area
General Plan boundaries; or residents,. electors, or property owners within Springfield. The
School District and Willamalane declined to appoint representatives to fill this vacancy.
State and Federal funding of the City's historic preservation activities stipulated that a
majority of the Commissioners have professional qualifications in a field related to historic
preservation. Four existing members possessed these qualifications. Mr. Hilton and Ms.
Guthrie also met the qualifications and standards set forth by the National Park Service
regarding commissions.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 15
The vacancies on the Commission were the result of a resignation and the expiration of terms.
Springfield City Council Operating Procedures Section IX, Subsection 3.7, stated that
vacancies on commissions shall be filled as needed throughout the year as vacancies occur.
The remaining vacancy would be re-advertised the next time a vacancy occurred on the
Historic Commission. Appointments to the Historic Commission must be confirmed during a
Regular Session.
Springfield Municipal Code Section 2.504 stated that appointed members shall hold office for
four years with the terms staggered to provide overlapping and continuity. Appointed
candidates would serve four-year terms beginning on the date of appointment by City
Council, currently scheduled for May 2, 2010.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY
COUNCILOR. RALSTON TO APPOINT PAULA GUTHRIE AND TIM HILTON TO
THE HISTORIC COMMISSION WITH TERMS EXPIRING MAY 1, 2015. THE
MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
1. Business from Council
a. Committee Reports - None
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
1. Ratification of the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) FYI 1-12
. Regional Wastewater Program Budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
Environmental Services Manager Ron Bittler presented the staff report on this item. Each year,
the City Council reviewed and established the rates for local wastewater and stormwater user fees.
These rates were established to provide adequate revenue to fund operation and maintenance
(O&M) of Springfield's sanitary sewer and storm water systems, and a portion of the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) for each program. The Council also adopted the user fees set by the
Metropolitan Wastewater.Management Commission (MWMC) for the Regional Wastewater
Program.
The City Council reviewed options for a proposed local wastewater and stormwater user fee
increase at its April 11 ' work session. Staff prepared a schedule of user charges for a public
hearing, based on a 4% increase in the local wastewater user fees and a 3% increase in the local
stormwater user fees. In addition, the Council was informed that the MWMC adopted a 4%
increase in regional wastewater user fees that also needed to be incorporated into the schedule of
user charges for FY 11-12.
Attachment 1 of the agenda packet was a resolution establishing the local and regional wastewater
and local storm water user fees for FY 11-12 and was provided for Council consideration. It was
requested that the Council consider acting on the resolution following the public hearing.
Mr. Bittler said this budget was a reflection on the design and construction of the Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) for the regional facility. The driver for the CIP was a result of the 2004
Facilities Plan which was'a 20 year plan. They had identified thirty-eight major capital projects
that needed to be constructed to meet increasing environmental standards and to ensure we had
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 16
capacity within the conveyance system and the treatment plant for continued growth. As they
.moved forward with the CIP5 they continued to design and construct the projects, coordinating the
projects with the Eugene staff which operated the regional treatment plant.
Mr. Bittler said they would be updating the 2004 Facilities Plan during this year. He discussed the
budget figures, how much had been borrowed in revenue bonds, how much in state revolving
funds, and how much in City funds. Many of the capital projects had been driven by regulations
that had to be completed by the end of 2009. Staff was asking the Council to adopt the budget.
They would then take the budget to Lane County on May 18 and the City of Eugene on May 23
for ratification. Ultimately, it would go back to MWMC for final adoption on June 10, 2011.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO ADOPT A MOTION RATIFYING THE FYII-12 REGIONAL
WASTEWATER PROGRAM BUDGET AND CIP. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A
VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0 AGAINST.
2. Approval of Downtown Parking Sign Package.
Assistant City Manager Jeff Towery presented the staff report on this item. Staff created a
parking sign package specific to the parking needs of Downtown. The signs illustrated in
Attachment 1 of the agenda packet were designed with input and guidance from City staff as well
as Rick Williams Consulting and with review of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD). This sign package required formal approval by Council as it incorporated more
colors than recommended by the MUTCD.
The fabrication cost of each sign was approximately $20 - $30 depending on size. There were
two different sizes anticipated.for use. Downtown Urban Renewal dollars were planned to fund
the initial production of signs for the implementation of the Downtown parking area enforcement.
Staff anticipated an initial need for approximately 250 signs with a total cost not to exceed
$6,500.
Mr. Towery displayed some mock ups of the signs. The signs displayed small print regarding
exceptions on weekends, which would not be included in the final signs. Signs would be for both
on and off street parking, including directional signs. The signs could be made by the City of
Springfield sign shop, but would be looking at other organizations as well for competitive pricing.
The total cost was about $6500 for the sign package, although the amount would vary because of
the different sizes of signs. About 250 signs would be installed in downtown by mid-summer.
They were continuing to move forward with questions of enforcement and marketing, which
would come back to Council later this summer for guidance and action.
Councilor Ralston asked why the exception would be removed.
Mr. Towery said the program didn't presume any exceptions, but rather 3 hours every day.
Councilor Ralston asked about handicapped parking.
Mr. Towery said the standard was that handicapped allowed parking for twice the posted limit.
Councilor Moore confirmed they were just talking about the signs and not the size of the parking
space or the striping. Correct. She asked about the three colors.
City of Springfield
Council Regular Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2011
Page 17
Mr. Towery explained that having a white sign with blue and green constituted three colors.
Councilor Pishioneri asked about the posts and if new ones would be installed or the existing
posts would be used. He noted some information he had forwarded to staff on posts. He was
concerned about running 7 days a week on a 3 hour limit. It was important to encourage people to
come downtown on Sundays and felt the enforcement would be prohibitive.
Mr. Towery said that was the recommendation from the study. Staff could bring the enforcement
piece back with more details.
Councilor Pishioneri would like to have more discussion on enforcement.
Councilor Woodrow said the third color was important.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCILOR PISHIONERI WITH A SECOND BY COUNCILOR
RALSTON TO APPROVE ATTACHED PARKING SIGN PACKAGE FOR USE IN
DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD AREA. THE MOTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 6 FOR AND 0
AGAINST.
Mr. Grimaldi reminded Council about the Budget Committee tomorrow evening.
BUSINESS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY
Mr. Leahy noted that Taylor Murdoch passed the bar exam and would be going to Salem on
Friday to be sworn in.
The Mayor and Council offered their congratulations.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:26 p.m.
Minutes Recorder Amy Sowa
Attest:
afX,U,& W &-
City Rec 0 er
Christine L. Lundberg
Mayor