HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/27/2003 Work Session
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City of Springfield
Work Session Meeting
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION MEETING OF
THE SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL HELD
TUESDAY, MAY 27,2003.
The city of Springfield council met in work session in the Jesse Maine Room, 225 Fifth Street,
Springfield, Oregon, on Tuesday, May 27,2003 at 5:30 p.m., with Council President Fitch
presiding.
ATTENDANCE
Present were Councilors Ballew, Fitch, Woodrow, Burge and Malloy. Also present were Acting
City Manager Cynthia Pappas, City Attorney Joe Leahy, Clerk III Amy Sowa and members of
the staff.
Absent: Mayor Leiken, Councilor Malloy and Councilor Ralston (excused)
1. Planning Commission Interviews
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Planning Supervisor Mel Oberst was present for the staff report. Mr. Oberst said there are four
candidates for two vacant positions on the seven member Planning Commission. Tim Malloy
has been appointed to the City Council. Marilyn Phillips resigned on April 151 to relocate her
family to Las Vegas. One candidate will be appointed to a four year term and one will be
appointed to complete the remainder of Ms. Phillips' term which expires on May 6, 2005. The
appointment for these positions will begin immediately upon Council ratification to bring the
Planning Commission roster to the full seven members.
The City received four applications for two positions on the Planning Commission. The
Planning Commission by-laws provide for no more than two non-city residents serving on the
Commission simultaneously. Ms. Phillips was a non-city resident on the Commission. Mr. Moe
is a non-city resident and was reappointed on May 5,2003 to a second four year term.
Therefore, only one non-city resident may be appointed.
Two applicants reside outside the city limits: David Carvo, 4010 East 16th in Glenwood and
Cynthia Hart of 3130 Game Farm Road. Ms. Hart is an account manager for ADT Security
Services in Springfield and Mr. Carvo is a plumber with Harvey and Price in Springfield.
Mr. Oberst noted a correction regarding the number of city residents who may be appointed. The
AIS stated that only one ofthe two city residents may be appointed, but actually both of the two
city residents may be appointed. The two applicants who reside in the city limits are: David
Cole, 1336 Modoc Street and Gayle Decker, 415 67th Street. David Cole is a mechanical
designer for Heli-Tech in Eugene and Gayle Decker works for Timber Valley Medical Center in
Springfield. No more than two Commissioners may represent the real estate profession.
Currently, there are no commissioners or applicants employed in real estate.
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The applicants interviewed this evening were:
a. David Carvo
b. David Cole
c. Gayle Decker
(Cynthia Hart was interviewed at a previous Work Session)
City of Springfield
Council Work Session, May 27, 2003
Page 2
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The questions asked of the candidates included:
1. What personal or professional contribution will you bring to the Planning Commission?
2. What is your understanding ofthe role of the Planning Commission?
3. Explain in specific detail why you wish to serve?
4. What do you think, other than Peace Health, will be the significant issues the Planning
Commission will be addressing in the next four years?
Councilor Fitch read an e-mail from Councilor Ralston regarding the applicant, Dave Carvo.
Council discussed the strengths ofthe candidates. They discussed the balance of those outside
city limits. Council recommendation is to appoint Gayle Decker and David Cole.
Mel Oberst said he would like to contact those that Council has recommended to invite them to
attend the Planning Commission meetings in June. This would mean getting information to them
prior to their actual ratification. Council agreed that would be a good idea.
2. Region 2050 Population and Employment Land Use Needs
Planning Manager Greg Mott was present for the staff report. He introduced Region 2050
Project Manager Carol Heinkle. Mr. Mott said that Springfield's population by the year 2050 is
expected to reach 95,000-105,000 or approximately 72% of the current population. Springfield's
existing urban growth boundary does not include enough land to accommodate this projection,
even if development intensity levels double the current Metro Plan benchmarks for residential
density, employees per acre, and nodal development sites.
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The Region 2050 project is focusing on four possible development scenarios: Today Growth
(existing benchmarks found in the Metro Plan and TransPlan); compact Urban Growth (nodal
development, increasing residential density 3X); Satellite Communities Growth (Eugene and
Springfield populations reduced by 8 small cities getting 20% more population); rural Growth
(Eugene and Springfield growth at "Satellite" numbers, small cities' increases go to rural areas).
In spite of our best efforts to maximize land use efficiencies, all four of these scenarios require
significant UGB expansion if Springfield is to accommodate projected population and
employment. The City Council is requested to consider preferred areas for this expansion so that
staff may continue to prepare the necessary analysis for Council's future consideration regarding
growth strategies.
Mr. Mott referenced the map regarding Region 2050 and the cities included in this study. Ms.
Heinkle explained the scenarios in more detail. Mr. Mott discussed the scenarios and how they
could affect the different cities involved. He described the different groups involved in creating
these scenarios. He described some of the limitations they faced. There is no proposal for no-
growth. Ms. Heinkle explained that Springfield faces constraints due to flood zones and steep,
unbuildable ground.
Discussion was held on the affect these scenarios would have on livability.
Mr. Mott discussed density issues vs. land availability.
Councilor Burge asked when the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) was applied to Springfield.
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Mr. Mott said it was part of Senate Bill 100 and was acknowledged in Springfield in 1982.
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City of Springfield
Council Work Session, May 27,2003
Page 3
Discussion was held on the population figures. They are based on population within the UGB.
Population growth also indicates business growth.
Ms. Heinkle said they were looking for guidance from Council. Ifthey want less density, where
do they want to look for UGB growth?
Councilor Fitch asked about the UGB process. It appears that significant changes might need to
be made. She asked if it had been studied to be determined if it would be best if these changes
occur at once or slowly.
Councilor Ballew said she is not sure this area will develop at the rate they are predicting. She
said they may need to densify somewhat.
Councilor Fitch asked if there was any discussion regarding publicly owned land (BLM, Forest
Service, etc.)
Ms. Heinkle said it wasn't considered for development; it was viewed more as a restraint.
Mr. Mott said the configuration of the land needs to be taken into account and if it is buildable.
Councilor Woodrow asked if this would be a consensus between Eugene and Springfield.
Mr. Mott said the map shows a mechanical exercise, not anyone's preference. Our existing
policies include participation with Lane County and could include Eugene as well. All three
jurisdictions would have to evaluate the scenarios.
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Ms. Heinkle said the Region 2050 process is different from standard planning. Standard
planning usually projects past trends into the future. By looking out 50 years and working with
all jurisdictions involved, hopefully all jurisdictions can agree how much growth, population and
employment growth, each one wants to serve. Because they are a regional problem solving
process by state law, the state and DLCC are involved. They have more flexibility.
Mr. Mott said we are still obligated to maintain meaningful relationships with the surrounding
communities with what we need now. He discussed monitoring of housing inventory and trends.
If we fall below a reasonable level, something must be done. He said a periodic review must be
maintained.
Councilor Burge said he has always felt the UGB should be more flexible. Limitations have
caused our housing costs to be high. He also believes the inner city suffers from the higher
density. He believes it also impacts our ability to set aside open space for parks and recreation.
He is not a supporter of compact growth.
Councilor Woodrow agrees with Councilor Burge. He said part ofthe appeal of Springfield is
the space it offers the citizens. We do need the higher cost homes to balance the tax base.
Ms. Heinkle clarified that the compact growth would be more in the metro area. It can occur
through UGB expansion at lower density or it can occur within the existing boundary at higher
density. If they want a lower density, they need to expand the UGB, but where?
There was discussion regarding the balance between UGB growth and a lower density.
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Council Work Session, May 27,2003
Page 4
Councilor Fitch suggested looking at moving the UGB east towards Jasper. Councilors agreed.
She said as we look to the year 2050, we need to try to expand in a grouping. Walterville is
narrow and the Mohawk Valley has flooding areas and steep slopes. There was discussion
regarding service issues and satellite communities. All ofthese areas have issues.
Councilor Fitch asked as the population grows, what makes sense economically. What can those
areas provide for industrial and residential and when can they be brought in to our area?
Ms. Heinkle referenced the map that identifies details such as transportation, etc.
Councilor Burge asked if the City of Springfield could make these decisions without Eugene.
Mr. Mott said yes, on issues that only affect Springfield. He said, however, agreement with the
City of Eugene and Lane County will be part of the process. We will need to work with them
when it impacts all jurisdictions. He also noted that if we expand to the east near Jasper and
Pleasant Hill, it will affect those two towns.
Councilor Fitch asked how long it would take to create these new scenarios with the suggested
areas for UGB.
Ms. Heinkle said it would take approximately 5 months. They will also be able to study air and
water quality and rare habitat. They are also pursuing grant money that will allow them to study
the impact the growth will have on transportation systems and costs.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
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Minutes Recorder - Amy Sowa
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Attest:
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City Reco er