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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/17/2002 Team Springfield . . . MINUTES MID-YEAR JOINT ELECTED OFFICIALS MEETING Wednesday, July 17, 2002 The TEAM Springfield group met on Wednesday, July 17, 2002, at 7:10 p.m. following a barbecue on the grounds of the Willamalane Park Swim Center, 1276 G Street, Springfield. Themeeting started with self-introductions of those present. ATTENDANCE Attendees signing in for the record included: City of Springfield: Mayor Sid Leiken and Councilors Fred Simmons, Anne Ballew, Lyle Hatfield, Dave Ralston, and Tammy Fitch. City Manager Mike Kelly, Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi, Chief of Police Jerry Smith, and Fire Chief Dennis Murphy were also present, as well as staff members John Tamulonis, Mike Harmon, Debbie Steinman, Julie Wilson, Bob Duey, Craig Gibons, and Ed Black. Springfield School District: Board Members Tom Atkinson, Garry Weber, and Laurie Adams. Superintendent Jamon Kent and Assistant Superintendent Len Arriey were also present, as well as staff members Brett Yancey, Cherie Kistner, Bob Wilson, and Tony Bova. Springfield Utility Board: Board Members Bobbie Adams and Virginia Lauritsen (8:45 p.m.). Staff member Bob Schmitt was also present. Willamalane Park and Recreation District: Board Members Jim Mayo and Helen Wagner. Superintendent Bob Keefer was also present, as well as staff members Chris Pryor, Jill Cuadros, and Pat Lewis. Others: Others present included Sharon Tabor, BEST Grant Coordinator from the Eugene School District. Agencv Status Reports City Manager Mike Kelly presented a status report for the City of Springfield. Superintendent Jamon Kent presented a status report for the Springfield School District. Staff member Bob Schmitt presented a status report for the Springfield Utility Board. Superintendent Bob Keefer presented a status report for Willamalane Park and Recreation District. A Partnership Between the City of Springfield, Springfield Public Schools, Willamalane, and the Springfield Utility Board . . . MINUTES TEAM Springfield Mid-Year Meeting July 17, 2002 Page 2 Meadow Park Status Report Mike Harmon of the City of Springfield Police Department presented a status report on the Meadow Park neighborhood project. He said that in May of 2000, a task force comprised of staff members from the City, Willamalane, and the Community Development Corporation, and an attorney from the District Attorney's office, met with a group of citizens who live in the neighborhood. The citizens asked ifthere was anything that could be done to improve the quality of life and the livability of the neighborhood, which is roughly bounded by Main Street, Centennial Boulevard, Fourth Street, and Kelly Boulevard and was known for a high degree of criminal activity. Mr. Harmon gave a brief history of how the task force proceeded with the project, noting that TEAM Springfield funded the successful police bicycle patrol and staff members from the different organizations were made available as needed. He expressed his appreciation to TEAM Springfield. In answer to School Board Member Tom Atkinson's question, Mr. Harmon said there has been some increase in property crimes in the neighborhood located to the east since cleanup efforts began in the Meadow Park area. In response, the scope of the bicycle patrol was expanded into the downtown area, and that seems to have taken care of the problem. Mayor Leiken noted that City Councilor Lyle Hatfield had accepted an award from the League of Oregon Cities for the Meadow Park project, adding that the effort has been recognized throughout the state. He commended Mr. Harmon and TEAM Springfield for the success of the project. After-School Programs Status Report Chris Pryor of Willamalane and Cherie Kistner of the Springfield School District presented information on the status of the community's "out-of-school programs," including Willamalane's after-school care programs in all 12 elementary schools, swim lessons, summer camps, 22 free playground programs, sports programs, teen dances, the BEST program in 4 elementary schools and 2 middle schools, Schools Plus, free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs, summer school programs, English Language Learning classes, City of Springfield Library programs, A YSO soccer, Kidsports, FOOD for Lane County, etc. Mr. Pryor said a partnership is already in place providing activities for the youth of the community, but additional support from TEAM Springfield would make it even stronger. He referred to the project as the "children's initiative." Ms. Kistner presented Springfield youth statistics, including numbers of visits to after-school and out-of-school activities. Mr. Pryor and Ms. Kistner explained the BEST and Schools Plus programs and what they provide Springfield youth. Ms. Kistner said that the out-of-school programs are labor-intensive, especially those funded by federal grants, noting that it takes a lot of staff time to track and report how the funds are being used. She informed TEAM Springfield that one year remains on the three-year BEST grant, although there may be some funding to provide for another year, and there's only one year left on the Schools Plus grant, although Congress is being asked to reappropriate funding for the program. Mr. Pryor said the programs could be expanded through partnerships. Ms. Kistner agreed, noting that the recent BEST partnership between Willamalane and the Springfield School District will result in an increase from 40 participants to 60 participants at Springfield Middle School and from 60 participants to 100 participants at Agnes Stewart Middle School. Mr. Pryor said that by co-locating services, greater access for kids can be provided, e.g., there's no need for two sites or duplicate staffs, etc. He added that the kids are not only learning, expanding, and having fun, but are also safe, which is an important goal for Springfield. Ms. Kistner presented suggestions regarding what could be done to continue the out-of-school programs, e.g., there are opportunities to expand intergovernmental agreements, such as the one between Willamalane and the School District regarding the BEST program, to continue the services; efforts to find and/or allocate the funding and make the programs a top priority can continue; funding for local . MINUTES TEAM Springfield Mid-Year Meeting July 17, 2002 Page 3 youth programs could be advocated at the State and Federal levels; and efforts could be made to encourage community support for youth-oriented programs and initiatives. Mr. Pryor said it will take the entire community to support Springfield's children effectively, noting that for many years the Springfield School District has supported kids in the way it could, as has Willamalane, the City, and many other local organizations. He added that partnerships, increased efficiency, and leveraging funds is a way to do more for Springfield youth, and the children's initiative asks TEAM Springfield to lend its weight, both legislatively and, if possible, financially, to support the kinds of programs that can have a measurable, profound effect upon kids. Mayor Leiken thanked Mr. Pryor and Ms. Kistner for their presentation. He said the bottom line is the livability and the future of the community, adding that a plan can be formulated at this time even though there may be no funding available. He also said Springfield has a history of sticking with its plans even through the hard times, knowing that the seeds will bloom in the future, and he believes TEAM Springfield should take a serious look at the children's initiative, formulate a plan, and move forward, reiterating that it comes down to livability and the future of Springfield's children. Councilor Tammy Fitch asked if there were any dollar amounts that have been affixed to the program that TEAM Springfield would be asked to assist with if the children's initiative was adopted as a goal. Mr. Pryor said no specific amounts have been targeted at this time because it will depend on the balance of how much may come from federal grants, how much may come from other sources, and how much may come from TEAM Springfield. He added that if TEAM Springfield adopts the children's initiative as a goal, a specific proposal would be worked out and presented to the CEOs and, through them, to the elected officals. . Budget and Status Reports on One-Year Targets Willamalane Board Member Helen Wagner said that at the January meeting, TEAM Springfield was asked t6 identify Springfield's wants and needs, and three ofthe top items were the bike patrol, the TEAM Springfield newsletter, and State legislative priorities, with other projects selected for consideration. In May, the Board and Council Chairs and Mayor met with the agencies' CEOs to establish a budget for Fiscal Year 2002-03. The proposed budget (attached) was presented as follows. Bike Patrol Mike Harmon presented the budget report for the police bike patrol, estimating the cost of the program at $25,000. Newsletter Chris Pryor presented the budget report for the TEAM Springfield newsletter, estimating the cost of the . project at $20,000. Superintendent Bob Keefer informed the group that consensus on where to spend the $17,000 set aside for the four other projects would be requested later in the meeting. . State Lobbvin2 Assistant City Manager Gino Grimaldi presented the budget report for the State legislative priorities, estimating the cost of the project at $18,000, depending on which lobbying plan is selected by the TEAM Springfield elected officials. He also presented a list of general legislative priorities (attached) and reviewed each priority. Councilor Fred Simmons asked that the Springfield Utility Board prepare a resolution for consideration by each public agency concerning the recent proposals by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Regional Transmission Organization, stating that the proposals . . . MINUTES TEAM Springfield Mid-Year Meeting July 17,2002 ' Page 4 will be economically detrimental to the combined agencies and to the people they serve. He also asked that the issue be added to the general legislative priorities list. Mr. Schmitt said he would work with SUB's General Manager Steve Loveland on the resolution, and stated his appreciation ofthe support. Other Proiects Willamalane Superintendent Bob Keefer presented the budget report for the four other one-year projects identified by staff based upon input during the annual TEAM Springfield planning session. He asked for input from the group about how they would like to see the projects proceed, utilizing the uncommitted $17,000. Other Proiects Discussion Councilor Lyle Hatfield expressed an interest in the children's initiative, noting that President Bush's program entitled "No Children Left Behind" is still in existence, and he would like to see some resources spent on the children's initiative so the legislature and the Oregon State delegation is made to understand how important those types of programs are and can work with the Administration to keep them funded. He added that he didn't think the issue would require funds from the $17,000, but it would be more of a commitment through the United Front process, and the TEAM Springfield process, that whenever legislators are contacted, the issue and its importance are brought forward so those legislators will understand that importance and push for continued federal funding. Councilor Anne Ballew expressed an interest in the Millrace project, suggesting that more could be done to explore partnerships with private businesses in the area. WiUamalane Superintendent Bob Keefer agreed. School Board Member Tom Atkinson suggested using some ofthe $17,000 as seed money for planning the development of the Millrace, stating that the waterway could become the crown jewel of the community. He added that the Millrace could evolve into a self-funding project because there's an opportunity for more development as the Millrace becomes that crown jewel and property values increase, which will spur development and, in turn, spur investment. He also commended the CEOs, stating that they are continually looking at more and different ways to develop partnerships. Councilor Tammy Fitch suggested utilizing Springfield schools' student programs in a partnership, which could be related to th~ children's initiative, regarding the Millrace, e.g., water-testing projects, etc., adding that she didn't believe 100% of the $17,000 needed to be spend on the Millrace project. She also cautioned that matching funds may be needed for some grants. She reiterated that her interest lies in the Millrace and the children's initiative. . Willamalane Board Member Helen Wagner expressed an interest in continuing efforts to reduce property crimes, and suggested utilizing funds for educational programs or expanding Neighborhood Watch. Councilor Anne Ballew added that the City is considering putting two measures before the voters in November, one of which is to expand the Police Department, and she asked for input from the other partners regarding their support, or the support of their constituents. She added that there may be some opportunities for education dissemination through TEAM Springfield regarding personal and property protection, and suggested using the newsletter as a way to educate the public. Addressing Counci1- person Ballew, City Manager Mike Kelly said that if there were any funds left over from the $17,000 and she (Councilor Ballew) felt the two City measures were important, she could suggest that TEAM Springfield allocate a certain amount to a public information campaign to make sure the citizens recognize what is proposed in the measures. Willamalane Board Member Helen Wagner said she was . MINUTES TEAM Springfield Mid-Year Meeting July 17, 2002 Page 5 also interested in personal safety, noting the recent incidents involving children. She suggested tying in an awareness of personal safety with efforts to reduce property crimes. Willamalane Superintendent Bob Keefer agreed that the newsletter is an excellent tool to use for an educational campaign on the City's measures, as well as educating people about their children's safety. City staff member Ed Black suggested using some of the $17,000 to identify grant opportunities and write grants. School Board Member Tom Atkinson agreed, adding that he would like to focus on grants for the children's initiative. Willamalane Superintendent Bob Keefer said there seemed to be some consensus among the elected officials about using the $17,000 to seek grants for out-of-school programs, the Millrace project, and other areas. Councilor Anne Ballew expressed caution at putting all the funding into grant writing, adding that $17,000 isn't a lot of money, but it's better than none. Willamalane Superintendent Bob Keefer stated that the CEOs have a pretty good list to work from, and will now prepare a proposal in conjunction with the Board and Council Chairs to be brought back to the elected officials. Councilor Tammy Fitch asked for darification on the proposal to spend $1,000 on a public information campaign. The group decided it would be much more effective to include the information in the next TEAM Springfield newsletter, which will be published before the November election, and Ms. Fitch agreed, . Budget Approval City Councilor Lyle Hatfield asked for consensus on the FY 2002-2003 budget, i.e., $25,000 for the bike patrol, $20,000 for the newsletter, $18,000 for state lobbying, and $17,000 for the four other projects. The group reached consensus on the budget amounts. State Legislative Lobbying Plan Springfield Schools Superintendent Jamon Kent presented three approaches to lobbying in Salem, and some brainstormed ideas for lobbying activities (attached). The TEAM Springfield members discussed the options and agreed that a consultant should be hired to work with the group as suggested by School Board Member Laurie Adams, rather than an expert lobbyist. She also suggested, and the group agreed, that the effort should involve the elected officials, rather than staff. The group also agreed, based on the budget, that TEAM Springfield should utilize the available professional organizations as much as possible, e.g., the League of Oregon Cities, the Special Districts Association of Oregon, etc, The TEAM Springfield members expressed their approval ofthe lobbying activities presented. School Superintendent Jamon Kent thanked the members for their input, and stated that the CEOs would summarize the information, take it back to each agency, and come back with a final recommendation. ADJOURNMENT . City Manager Mike Kelly thanked the members for their time and effort. He said TEAM Springfield is unique in Oregon and on the West Coast. He urged the members to share any comments on the meeting format they may have with their administrators and staffs, noting that last January the group spent four hours and broke off into small groups to come up with ideas, while ideas were presented to the group as a whole to react to at this meeting, which was scheduled for two hours. He said staff always appreciates hearing directly from the elected officials, and again thanked the members for their time. Mayor Sid Leiken announced that City Councilors Christine Lundberg and Fred Simmons would be leaving their positions on the City Council. Having no further business, Willamalane Board Member Helen Wagner adjourned the meeting at 9: 14 p.m. . . . MTh'UTES TEAJ.Y1 Springfield Mid-Year Meetillg July 17, 2002 Page 6 Recording Secretary . Pat Lewis, Willamalane Park and Recreatlon District Minutes of the TEAM Springfield Mid-Year Meeting held on July 17, 2002. Approved by the Springfield City Council this 16th day of September, Z002. ~~ Kim Krebs, City Reco der . TEAM SPRINGFIELD 2002-03 Budget Summary On May l5, 2002, the Board Chairs and Mayor met with the agencies' CEOs to establish a budget for Fiscal Year 2002-03. It was agreed that each agency would recommend setting aside $20,000 for TEAM Springfield activities during the year. The primary activities to be funded would be the following: 1. Bike Patrol - This will be the third year of the Meadow Park Neighborhood Summer Bike Patrol. The bike patrol has been effective in reducing crime and creating a sense of safety in the neighborhood. The bike patrol would enlarge its territory to include more of the downtown core area. The estimated cost of this program is $25,000. 2. Newsletter - It is recommended that TEAM Springfield continue to publish and distribute the newsletter three times per year. The general theme of the publication should be around telling the Springfield story. The estimated cost of the newsletter is $20,000. . 3. State Lobbying - The top priority of the TEAM Springfield officials attending the annual TEAM Springfield planning session in January 2002 was to take a united-front approach to lobbying efforts during 2003 State Legislative session. Based upon input from each agency, staff has proposed seven general themes/priorities to focus our lobbying efforts on. It is recommended that $l8,000 be set aside to assist with the lobbying efforts. The actual amount of funds spent on this effort will be dependent upon the lobbying plan selected by TEAM Springfield elected officials. 4. Other Proiects - Based upon input during the annual TEAM Springfield planning session, staff identified four other one-year targets. These projects include Explore Partnerships, Reduce Property Crime, Expand After-School Programs, and improve the Millrace. It is recommended that $17,000 be set aside for these projects. Specific dollars for each project has not been identified at this time. However, over the next several months and after input received at the Mid-Year TEAM Springfield meeting of elected officials, staff will finalize the budget amounts, finalize tasks to be completed over the next year, and request approval from the Chief Elected Officials to proceed with the identified tasks. . A Partnership Between the City of Springfield, Springfield Public Schools, Willamalane, and the Springfield Utility Board . Team Springfield General Legislative Priorities HOME RULE The Oregon Constitution gives the power of self-determination to local communities. This power has gradually eroded over time through the enactment of statewide legislation and ballot measures. Team Springfield will continue to work to preserve its constitutional right to exercise local control over local responsibilities, including enabling local revenue options. Team Springfield supports legislation that upholds or strengthens local control. COMMUNITY LIVABILITY Springfield is a community proud of its heritage, committed to maintaining its own identity, and dedicated to building a Ii vable, well-balanced community. Economic diversification and job growth continue to be high priorities despite recent successes. With limited undeveloped industrial land located inside the city limits, Team Springfield continues to be focused on community and economic development efforts. . Team Springfield recognizes that economic stability and community livability depend on a stable and reliable system of transporting people, products, and information. Team Springfield is committed to intermodal transportation planning and supports the creation of a reliable stream of revenue for preservation of the existing transportation and transit system, as well as for necessary improvements in the community, the region, and statewide. Team Springfield is committed to strengthening family and neighborhood vitality by increasing home ownership opportunities, establishing neighborhood identities and encouraging neighborhood problem solving, abating chronic nuisances, and addressing school truancy and juvenile runaway issues. LAND USE COMPENSA TlON-MEASURE 7 In November of 2000, the voters of Oregon passed Measure 7. Measure 7 amends the Oregon Constitution and requires governments to pay just compensation to property owners when the governrrient takes any action that reduces the fair market value of property. Measure 7 was challenged in the court and declared unconstitutional. The Oregon Supreme Court is currently reviewing the issue. The 200 I Legislature attempted to create legislation that would address the issues that were raised by Measure 7. A bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and was referred to the Senate Rules and Redistricting Committee where it did not receive a hearing. Should the 2003 Legislature decide to address Measure 7, Team Springfield encourages the Legislature to seek a fair balance between the rights of private property owners and the needs of local communities. . NA rURAL RESOURCES Team Springfield recognizes the key role that natural resources have in creating a healthy, viable community. The Springfield commulllty is located between the ~kKenzie and Willamette . Rivers. Forested hills to the north and south frame the community. The community has undertaken a number of projects to protect and enhance the natural resources of the area. Team Springfield is interested in continuing to protect natural resources while maintaining an appropriate balance with private property rights and the need for family wage Jobs in the community. At this tune, private property owners are unable to take advantage of a federal program designed to conserve forestland for forestry purposes. The program is the Forest Legacy program. The Forest Legacy program involves a partnership between the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service. The program is designed to mitigate the etfects of forest losses by supporting State efforts to protect privately-owned forest land from conversion to non-forest use. Team Springfield encourages the State of Oregon to apply for Forest Legacy Program funds so that communities such as Springfield can take advantage of the program as part of the overall effort to protect natural resources. HOMELAND SECURITY . Since the tragedy of September 11, America has been on high alert for additional terrorist attacks. Of particular concern to local governments is the potential damage or destruction of the public infrastructure that supports local communities and the citizens we serve. In Springfield, we have concerns about protecting our public utilities, schools, communication systems, and other public facilities from sabotage and/or harm. Team Springfteld encourages the State to aggressively pursue funding assistance from the Federal Government that can be used by local agencies to respond to these threats. This is a matter 0 f pub lie safety. SCHOOL FINANCING One of Team Springfteld's top priorities is the continuation of a top-quality education system for our children. This education system should encompass more than writing, reading, and arithmetic. It should be well-rounded, wi.th opportunities for every child to excel. Creating opportunities for students to participate in the arts, athletics, vocational training, and out-of- school activities should be the standard for healthy children, not an extra. Without consistent and adequate funding, our schools, and the children that attend them, will suffer. An education system that does not meet the needs of the community and its children will ultimately lead to a less productive workforce, an impaired economic development program, increased crime including more vandalism, higher teenage pregnancy rates, and a lack of community pride. Springfield's ability to continue its "can do" approach to getting things done could be significantly hampered by a less-than-average education system. Team Springfteld will strongly support legislation that maintains and/or enhances the educational opportunities that the Springfield School District presently provides. BALLOT MEASURE IMPACTS . Team Springfteld will monitor the progress of initiative petitions and determine the potential impacts of each initiative on local governments and utilities. Once the General Election Ballot is prepared, Team Springfteld will evaluate those mitiatives and referred ballot measures to determine their impacts on Team Springfield agencies. Such impacts will be shared with the community through the Team Springfteld newsletter prior to the General Election in November 2002. After the General Election, Team Springfteld will work to ensure that the implementing legislation is fair and has minimal negative impact on our agencies. ~. APPROACH A: Expert Lobbyist . . Contract for services. . Identify 3-4 Issues for TEAM Springfield to pursue. . Monitor, track, update TEAM Springfield members. . Coordinate TEAM Springfield members/staff for testimony. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APPROACH B: Part-Time Legislative Coordinator . Employee (Part-time). . Monitor, track state legislative activities. · Report to TEAM Springfield members periodically. . Coordinate TEAM Springfield members/staff for testimony. . APPROACH C: TEAM Springfield Members (Elected Officials/Staft) as Lobbyists . Agency staff monitor, track state legislative activities. . Agency staff meet routinely to review and recommend action. . Agency staff coordinate testimony of elected officials. *Success strongly dependent on allied TEAM Springfield association. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEAM SPRINGFIELD LEGISLATIVE LOBBYING ACTIVITIES . TEAM Springfield hosted breakfast for local legislators. Prior to start of session. Early in the session. Mid-session as needed. · Weekly or biweekly drop-in breakfast at local location for updates, informal conversation. . · Planned TEAM Springfield trips to Salem during session.