Health Options Digest
November 21, 2004
Coalition for Health Options In Central Eugene-Springfield (CHOICES)
In This Issue
From the Editor
The Big Picture
Before we get into the details, let's step back and look at the big picture.
Both Sacred Heart and McKenzie-Willamette are important members of our community that provide critical services. Both need updated facilities. Both deserve the support of the community. There is no serious argument there.
But some seem to think that the desires of a hospital should be able to "trump" all other communities concerns. Indeed, much of the recent testimony in support of a new hospital at RiverBend has been from doctors talking about the need for updated medical facilities.
From the community's point of view, the question is: Where does it make sense to locate a regional medical center that will likely attract lots of related commercial and possibly residential activity? More plainly: Does it make sense to, in effect, move downtown Eugene or Springfield to the edge of town?
The decision of where to locate a regional medical center should be a regional decision involving not only Springfield but also at least Eugene, Coburg and Lane County.
CHOICES continues to believe that the RiverBend site isn't an appropriate location for a regional medical center. It is on the edge of the region, pushed up against the McKenzie River and the Coburg Hills and hemmed in my Interstate-5 and Highway 126. If one thinks about how you might get to this isolated patch of land from almost anywhere else in the region, you are going to have to take some state highway: Interstate-5, Highway 126/Interstate-105 or Beltline Highway. Thus, at the very least, the decision depends on the continued support of the Oregon Department of Transportation. It is noteworthy that ODOT is remaining silent in the latest round of plan amendments, which should be a sign of caution to Springfield -- not tacit support. More importantly, it is foolish to locate a critical regional facility in a location that is almost certain to generate significant traffic problems.
Our Imperfect Crystal Ball into 2005
Although our attorneys tried to talk us out of it, here we will fearlessly (and perhaps foolishly) offer our early predictions for 2005.
The Springfield City Council will approve PeaceHealth's latest round of plan amendments, several parties will appeal the decision to LUBA, and LUBA will strike down the decision on one or more grounds, including grounds beyond their earlier decision. The only question is whether someone will then appeal to the Court of Appeals. In any case, PeaceHealth won't be able to begin construction in 2005 nor open in 2008, as they now hope. They will lose another year in their schedule to open a new hospital. Then the really big question is whether PeaceHealth will reverse course after two major defeats and work with groups such as Glenwood Options, Inc., or if they will risk a third strike against them.
Meanwhile, EWEB is going to figure out that they won't be able to move their headquarters with the money Triad is offering them without raising rates for rate-payers. As such, the current offer will fall through. The outstanding question is whether Triad is willing to raise their offer enough to hold EWEB rate-payers harmless.
Lastly, after several years of debate, proposed legislation and lawsuits, a form of Measure 37 will be in place that will provide compensation to property owners unfairly hurt by land use restrictions. But the end result won't please the authors of Measure 37, Oregonians in Action, who are actually hoping to do away with planning in Oregon and/or to gain windfall profits for land speculators.
Week In Review
Last Tuesday, supporters and opponents of a new hospital at RiverBend testified before the Springfield City Council and Planning Commission. Few average citizens testified. Rather both sides brought out their "big guns." PeaceHealth must now have at least three different land use attorneys working for them, so many that we sometimes wonder if they are tripping over themselves. The Jaquas have brought in consultants to look at whether the proposal supports nodal development and whether it makes economic sense. A new player on the scene is the Goal One Coalition, which advocates for better citizen involvement. Okay, so it isn't as exciting as Perry Mason or Ducks football, but it can be exciting to see the big guys and gals face off.
With little fanfare, PeaceHealth agreed to "loan" $15 million to Springfield to pay for improvement to the I-5/Beltline interchange. The money for these improvements is supposed to come from Congress, but it is uncertain is Congressman DeFazio will be able to secure these funds as the Republican-controlled Congress and the President fight over pork and budget deficits.
The EWEB Board voted to accept Triad's offer to purchase their property, subject to both parties doing due diligence. While the vote allows the proposal to move forward, it does not guarantee that the sale will occur.
Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, the U of O, and PeaceHealth Hospital, are joining forces to train more OHSU medical students.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced that they have selected the Gateway area as the site of a new call center. The $60-million, 180,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in the fall of 2005 and may employ as many as 1000 people by 2009.
Mayor Torrey backed away from his push to build a new police station.
The Oregon Department of Transportation asked Eugene and Springfield to engage in a public planning process around a possible Interstate-5/Franklin interchange before it would begin design work for such a project.
Eugene is looking to boost gas taxes -- again -- to raise funds to repair streets.
ODOT also announced it was taking Highway 126 East off of a list of possible new truck freight routes.
Joe Pishioneri, who was elected to fill the vacancy left by Tim Malloy on the Springfield City Council, has begun serving on the city council.
Discussions about how to respond to Measure 37 are occurring all over the state. We offer you a sampling of recent developments.
Lastly, some have wondered how CHOICES is able to get big name celebrities like Dave Barry and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to write for us. Others think we just make this stuff up or have a roomful of interns working feverishly to imitate the styles of these two men. In fact, we use sophisticated computer software to generate columns by our famous guest writers.
Speaking of which, some think that Arnold should get his own state of California in order before thinking of taking on the problems of the whole country.
Looking Ahead
Even in a 3-day week, there is much happening.
On Monday, the Springfield City Council will discuss how to respond to Measure 37.
Also on Monday, the Eugene City Council will continue a public hearing on how to respond to Measure 37 and possibly adopt an ordinance.
Also on Monday, the Eugene City Council will hold a public hearing on raising the local gas tax to help maintain streets.
On Tuesday, the Lane County Board of Commissioners are likely to approve the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan as part of their consent calendar of noncontroversial items.
On Wednesday, the Eugene City Council may continue discussing how to respond to measure 37.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Rob Zako, Editor
343-5201
rzako@efn.org
Calendar
Monday, November 22 -- Springfield City Council
City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield
Contact: Amy Sowa, City Manager's Office, 726-3700
5:30 pm, Work Session, Jesse Maine Room
1. Ballot Measure 37 Discussion.
2. Annual Community Goal Setting.
Monday, November 22 -- Eugene City Council
City Hall, 777 Pearl Street, Eugene
Contact: Lynda Rose, 682-5017, lynda.l.rose@ci.eugene.or.us
7:30 pm, Public Hearing and Possible Action, Council Chamber
5. Local Gas Tax: An Ordinance Concerning Motor Vehicle Fuel Dealer's Business Licenses; and Amending Sections 3.467, 3.474, 3.480, 3.483, and 3.484 of the Eugene Code, 1971.
6. Measure 37: An Ordinance Concerning Real Property Compensation; Adding Sections 2.070, 2.075, 2.080, 2.085, 2.090, and 2.095 to the Eugene Code, 1971; Declaring an Emergency; and Providing an Immediate Effective Date.
Tuesday, November 23 -- Lane County Board fo Commissioners
Public Service Bldg., 125 East 8th Ave., Eugene, 682-4203
9:00 am, Regular Meeting, Commissioners' Conference Room
* In the Matter of Approving the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan.
Wednesday, November 24 -- Eugene City Council
City Hall, 777 Pearl Street, Eugene
Contact: Lynda Rose, 682-5017, lynda.l.rose@ci.eugene.or.us
Noon, Work Session (if needed), McNutt Room
1. Measure 37: An Ordinance Concerning Real Property Compensation; Adding Sections 2.070, 2.075, 2.080, 2.085, 2.090, and 2.095 to the Eugene Code, 1971; Declaring an Emergency; and Providing an Immediate Effective Date.
Wednesday, December 1 -- Joint OTC/LCDC TPR Subcommittee
1:00 pm, Work Session, Salem
Contact: Bob Cortright, DLCD, (503) 373-0050 x241, bob.cortright@state.or.us
A joint subcommittee of the Oregon Transportation Commission and the Land Conservation and Development Commission will continue reviewing options for improving how transportation and land use planning are coordinated. Their effort is a response to the court decisions in the case of Jaqua v. City of Springfield.
Thursday, December 9 -- Springfield Planning Commission
City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield, 726-3753
Regular Meeting
A. PeaceHealth Plan Amendments
Monday, January 10 -- Springfield City Council
City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield
Contact: Amy Sowa, City Manager's Office, 726-3700
Regular Meeting
A. PeaceHealth Plan Amendments
Opportunities
Budget Committee seats -- Ward 1, Ward 2 -- to open
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | October 30, 2004 |
The city will have two openings next year on the Budget Committee, which reviews the city's financial plans and policies and helps work out the annual budget.
One position is for Ward 1 residents and one is for Ward 2. Ward 1 includes the northwest corner of the city from Interstate 5 to Debra Drive and north of Highway 126; Ward 2 is in southwest Springfield, bounded roughly by 6th and 7th streets on the east, Highway 126 to the north and I-5 on the west.
Budget Committee members Donald Manning, from Ward 1, and Hilary Larsen-Wylie, from Ward 2, are both eligible for second terms and may re-apply.
Other interested applicants should pick up forms at the City Manager's Office, City Hall, 225 Fifth St., and return them filled out by 5 p.m. Nov. 23.
The Budget Committee mostly meets between April and June to prepare the annual budget.
PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth to Guarantee Additional $15M
PeaceHealth Hospital is prepared to guarantee $15 million additional dollars to keep its RiverBend project moving forward. The money is needed to cover improvements to the I-5/Beltline interchange, which need to be made before the hospital opens. The reason why? The Oregon Court of Appeals and the Land Use Board of Appeals (or LUBA) want the improvements made as the hospital is being built and traffic increases. (more...)
PeaceHealth's Yordy says 'we are ready' to go
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | November 17, 2004 |
SPRINGFIELD -- "We are ready to begin construction at RiverBend," PeaceHealth chief executive officer Alan Yordy told the City Council and Planning Commission in a rare joint meeting of the two agencies Tuesday night. "There is no better time and no better place to build a major medical center."
But opponents of the PeaceHealth proposal who came to the three-hour meeting said the hospital's plan still featured the wrong place and the wrong time.
"We are talking about taking the regional core of our downtown business areas and moving them out of town," said Al Johnson, a lawyer representing landowners who have strongly opposed the PeaceHealth proposal. "I would ask you to greet the current proposals with the skepticism they deserve." (more...)
PeaceHealth ready to proceed
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | November 19, 2004 |
PeaceHealth's intended move to RiverBend continues to raise a mixed bag of reviews from supporters and opponents, as city officials work to alter planning rules to make way for the proposed regional medical center.
A joint Springfield City Council and Planning Commission public hearing was held Tuesday night to give interested parties the chance to weigh in on city staff-recommended changes to planning rules. The proposed changes were made in response to Land Use Board of Appeals and Court of Appeals decisions on "auxiliary uses" in residential zones, economic development and transportation.
PeaceHealth is proposing to build a $380 million regional medical facility near the McKenzie River along the city's northern edge, and hospital officials said they are ready to begin construction. However, the process was stalled earlier this year when the LUBA and the Court of Appeals ruled against portions of the PeaceHealth land-use approvals by finding they were inconsistent with adopted planning rules, prompting the revisions.
PeaceHealth chief executive officer Alan Yordy said the hospital is in dire need of more capacity, saying the time to develop a regional medical facility is now. (more...)
McKenzie-Willamette/Triad
Rosie Pryor -- EWEB Board Authorizes General Manager to Sign Purchase Agreement
By Rosie Pryor
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center | November 17, 2004 |
Tuesday night, a majority of EWEB Board members voted to accept our offer to purchase their property. While the decision was not unanimous, it does give us the green light we need to do site inspections and detailed planning and engineering work, and it gives EWEB staff the same "go ahead" to update and clarify their relocation costs. We expect this information to be positive for both organizations.
The City of Eugene asked us to look at the EWEB site a year ago. Over the months, we've worked closely with EWEB and City staff to understand and resolve the challenges of redeveloping the site. EWEB's central location south of the river in Eugene responds to priorities shared by the Eugene Planning Commission and City Council and reiterated by physicians and community members. This site offers a good opportunity to re-balance the healthcare delivery system for residents of Lane County.
We're very grateful to the EWEB Board for its thoughtful consideration. Their deliberate approach underscores their commitment to their constituents, as well as the community. We've learned Eugene City Councilors Bonnie Bettman and Gary Pape attended the EWEB meeting and testified in favor of the sale. We thank them for their support. In recent months, the Eugene City Council has voted unanimously three times to support hospital development on the site.
Next steps? Work is already underway to establish the scope of the facility we will build. Once that's done, our architects begin working with us on the specifics. We will involve physicians, hospital employees, and community members in our planning efforts.
Questions? Please feel free to give me a call. Thank you for your continued support.
Rosie Pryor, Director, Marketing and Planning
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
1460 G Street, Springfield, OR 97477-4197
744-6164
rospry@mckweb.com
EWEB votes to continue Triad talks
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | November 17, 2004 |
A motion to end negotiations for a potential sale of 22 1/2 riverside acres to Triad Hospitals Inc. narrowly failed Tuesday night after Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners voted 3-2 to continue bargaining with the majority owner of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.
And then things got a bit raucous for what are normally sedate utility board meetings.
Following a 90-minute discussion over whether the possible sale of the utility's downtown headquarters would be in the best interest of ratepayers, commissioners Ron Farmer, Patrick Lanning and Mel Menegat voted to keep talking to Triad.
The vote drew some catcalls of "fiscal irresponsibility" from a couple of irate ratepayers in the back of the board room. Then, board Vice President Sandra Bishop, who voted with Commissioner Dorothy Anderson to terminate talks with Triad, changed her vote -- with a caveat.
Bishop, worried that carrying on negotiations will result in a "fire sale" of the EWEB property and result in future rate increases, switched her vote to yes, ultimately passing the motion 4-1, while reserving the right to revisit the issue at the utility's December board meeting. (more...)
Editorial -- Hold your horses: EWEB needs hard data to weigh Triad's offer
| The Register-Guard | November 18, 2004 |
Eugene Water & Electric Board commissioners are absolutely right to insist that they will not stick ratepayers with the tab if an offer to buy EWEB's current site falls substantially short of the costs of relocating the utility.
But until EWEB has a better handle on exactly what those costs will be, it's premature for commissioners to flatly conclude that a purchase offer from Triad Hospitals is insufficient. Unfortunately, that didn't stop two commissioners from launching an effort Tuesday night to pull the plug on the whole process.
The board narrowly killed the misguided motion on a 3-2 vote, but not before the discussion called into question the criteria being used to evaluate Triad's $24.8 million offer. (more...)
Hospital, EWEB wrangle on over land deal
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | November 19, 2004 |
Negotiations between Triad Hospitals Inc. and the Eugene Water & Electric Board will continue, following a vote by the EWEB board to proceed.
Last week, Texas-based Triad, majority owner of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, revised its offer to buy EWEB's 22.47-acre site by $1.9 million, bringing the total offer to a little more than $24.8 million.
On Tuesday, EWEB commissioners, voting 4-1, approved moving forward with the conceptual offer, allowing both parties to begin an eight-month process to conduct detailed site inspections, planning, engineering work -- and for EWEB, a chance to update relocation costs.
Either party has the ability to end negotiations during or after the eight-month review period.
Rosie Pryor, McKenzie-Willamette spokeswoman, said Wednesday that hospital officials are optimistic that due diligence and site inspections won't unearth any fatal flaws with the site or economics of the deal. (more...)
Health Care
OHSU, UO, PeaceHealth Form Medical Student Teaching Partnership
Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, the U of O, and PeaceHealth Hospital, are joining forces. The trio's mission is to train more OHSU medical students.
"We are going to need to essentially double the number of doctors we have, or else in 10-years, we're going to eb looking at serious shortages all throughout the state," UO President Dave Frohnmayer said.
The partnership will let future doctors take coursework at the UO, while they get hands-on medical training at PeaceHealth, giving OHSU medical students another place to learn.
"That will make the Eugene, Springfield area an even greater mecca for really outstanding medical care," Frohnmayer said.
The news for PeaceHealth is equally as huge.
"Perhaps even ultimately a residency program here," Alan Yordy, CEO of PeaceHealth said. (more...)
OHSU, UO, PeaceHealth Medical Student Arrangement Moves Forward
They're on the same page. Signing a memorandum of understanding.
"This agreement really is the first step," Peter Kohler, OHSU President said.
But details of how OHSU medical students will be taught in Eugene -- at the U of O and PeaceHealth -- are unknown. (more...)
Editorial -- Pricing out Oregon's next doctors
If Oregon wants to educate and retain its own doctors, its sole medical school can't charge deathly high prices
| The Oregonian | November 12, 2004 |
Tuition at Oregon Health & Science University's School of Medicine is high enough to send any young would-be doctor to the emergency room.
Tuition and fees are about $26,000 a year for in-state students. The cost is about double the in-state tuition at the University of Washington, and the highest among 18 state-supported medical schools west of the Mississippi.
That's outrageous. Oregon's only medical school, dangerously squeezed by state budget cuts, has priced itself out of reach of aspiring physicians. In a state with a looming doctor shortage, that's not just bad public policy.
That's bad medicine. (more...)
RiverStone providing health care to medically underserved
By Tim Christie
The Register-Guard | November 17, 2004 |
SPRINGFIELD -- RiverStone Clinic looks like any other doctor's office, with its nondescript waiting area, warrenlike exam rooms and busy medical staff shuttling between patients.
But the clinic, which opened last March, is no ordinary doctor's office. Most of its staff is bilingual. About half its patients are Latinos and other minorities. And it's providing a medical home for the first time in many cases for the uninsured and underinsured, the homeless and at-risk families, as well as people on Medicaid and Medicare who can't get into see other health providers.
The clinic, which is housed in an office building behind Mc- Kenzie-Willamette Medical Center in Springfield, has recruited a top-notch medical staff and provided services to thousands of patients who otherwise may have gone without medical care. (more...)
FDA safety expert slams agency's drug oversight
By Gardiner Harris
The New York Times | November 19, 2004 |
WASHINGTON -- Federal drug regulators are "virtually incapable of protecting America'' from unsafe drugs, a federal drug safety reviewer told a congressional panel on Thursday, and he named five drugs now on the market whose safety needs "to be seriously looked at.''
In testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, David Graham, the reviewer in the Food and Drug Administration's office of safety research, used fiery language to denounce his agency as feckless and far too likely to surrender to demands of pharmaceutical manufacturers. (more...)
William Brody -- Malpractice caps won't fix problem
By William Brody
For The Washington Post | November 21, 2004 |
News reports of recent efforts to reduce malpractice insurance costs have missed what is needed: genuine reform of the medical justice system.
A good way to start is by jettisoning some commonly held misperceptions about the current malpractice system. Call them the "Myths of Malpractice.'' Here's what is really going on: (more...)
Nearby Developments
Council talks about Glenwood: Urban renewal committee will include local residents
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | November 17, 2004 |
On Monday night, Glenwood community members seized an opportunity those in unincorporated areas didn't have this election -- they voiced their opinions.
Glenwood residents met with the Springfield City Council and Springfield Economic Development Agency for an intense public hearing and first reading of the Glenwood Urban Renewal Plan. While residents know their community will change with the approval of a Glenwood Urban Renewal District, they want to be involved in the process of shaping Glenwood's future -- not left out of the fold.
Glenwood residents want to know what an urban renewal district will mean for the community, how or if it will affect private property taxes, whether eminent domain (condemnation) will be used as a tool to make way for development, and other answers to their questions.
Above all, Glenwood locals at the public hearing want their opinions, interests and concerns recognized and represented. (more...)
Medical office space proposed on MLK Blvd.
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | November 16, 2004 |
Developer Wally Graff is proposing to build more than 120,000 square feet of medical office space along the east end of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Eugene.
Graff hopes to complete purchase of the vacant 8.6 acres from Colorado-based Simpson Housing LP by mid-December. The parcel, sandwiched between Marche Chase Drive and South Garden Way, is the former home of the Chase Gardens nursery operation.
In tentative plans submitted to the city, Graff is proposing a three-story building of more than 80,000 square feet along Garden Way, and a two-story building of about 40,000 square feet next to Marche Chase Drive.
Though he hasn't yet moved a shovelful of dirt on the site, Graff said he already has leased out a substantial portion of the space in the three multitenant medical buildings. "We don't do anything until we have tenants," he said. (more...)
Cruise line will pick a spot this week
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | November 17, 2004 |
An official announcement is afoot.
Representatives from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will be meeting with city and state leaders Thursday for a special luncheon and announcement regarding the siting of a Northwest call center.
Springfield City Manager Mike Kelly said that an official announcement is expected. (more...)
Cruise line plans announcement
By Sherri Buri McDonald
The Register-Guard | November 17, 2004 |
Royal Caribbean has something to announce in Eugene on Thursday. And it's important enough that Gov. Ted Kulongoski is scheduled to be there.
But no state or local officials were leaking details on Tuesday.
The company "asked all of us to keep quiet until they do their announcement," said Jack Roberts, executive director of the Lane Metro Partnership. (more...)
Royal Caribbean Makes It Official
EUGENE -- Today Governor Ted Kulongoski was joined by city and county leaders as he announced that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has selected Springfield, Oregon as its preferred site to build a new 200,000 square-foot national customer service center. Royal Caribbean expects to create 300 jobs within one year, an additional 300 jobs within two years, and a total of 1,000 jobs by the end of four years. Average hourly wage for the 1,000 new jobs was estimated at $11.00, with comprehensive benefits. (more...)
Royal Caribbean Announcement
SPRINGFIELD -- We've been anticipating another new call center for months now, it now appears that Royal Caribbean is ready to make the big announcement about its move to Springfield. (more...)
Royal Caribbean Announcement
EUGENE -- Royal Caribbean drops anchor in Springfield. The Miami-based cruise line company will build a $60 million call-center facility in the Gateway Area.
Officials with Royal Caribbean hope to be up and running in about a year, bringing with them up to 1000 jobs, over the next five years. They've now outlined their plans for what will be the company's largest "customer contact center."
Complete with steel drum music, officials with Royal Caribbean made the long-awaited announcement. (more...)
Royal Caribbean unveils plan to build Springfield call center
By Sherri Buri McDonald
The Register-Guard | November 19, 2004 |
Revealing what he called possibly "the worst-kept secret in the state of Oregon," a Royal Caribbean executive officially announced Thursday that the company will build a $60 million, 180,000-square-foot customer service center in Springfield's Gateway area.
The center will employ 250 workers when it opens in fall 2005; 600 workers by late 2006 and up to 1,000 workers by 2009, company officials said. (more...)
Royal Caribbean Jobs
EUGENE -- With Royal Caribbean's official announcement to bring a call center to Springfield, a lot of folks want to know, where do I sign up? (more...)
It's official: Cruise line coming
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | November 19, 2004 |
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. has a new home port -- the City of Springfield.
Springfield and Eugene city leaders, Gov. Ted Kulongoski, representatives from the Lane Metro Partnership and others met with Royal Caribbean officials Thursday for an announcement that has been anticipated for what seems like weeks on end. (more...)
Cruise line charts new rooms with a view in Springfield
By Sherri Buri McDonald
The Register-Guard | November 20, 2004 |
SPRINGFIELD -- The video presentation at Royal Caribbean's luncheon on Thursday, where it announced plans to build a $60 million Springfield call center, showed images of an expansive building with high ceilings, large windows, natural light and views of the Coburg foothills.
The video, accompanied by music and narration, offered the best look yet of the company's proposed 180,000-square-foot complex off Interstate 5 in Gateway.
The building, with two cafes, outdoor verandas, and a fitness center, was designed for employees, Royal Caribbean officials said.
The company plans to open the facility next fall with 250 employees. That figure would rise to 600 employees by the end of next year, and 1,000 employees by early 2009. (more...)
Editorial -- Cruising: Royal Caribbean is bringing up to 1,000 jobs
| The Register-Guard | November 21, 2004 |
The Eugene-Springfield area has learned through bitter experience that telephone call centers can be here today and gone tomorrow. For that reason, restraint has tempered the enthusiasm surrounding rumors that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. might open a new customer service center in Lane County. Yet, Thursday's formal announcement of the company's plans to build in Springfield included encouraging evidence that Royal Caribbean is making a long-term commitment -- making it the biggest economic development coup of the decade. (more...)
New police station may wait
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | November 20, 2004 |
On the evening of Nov. 2, as Eugene voters drubbed the proposed bond issue to help pay for a new police station, Mayor Jim Torrey insisted he would stick to his game plan and urge construction of the police building anyway.
The reason? The $6.79 million bond issue wasn't needed to pay for most of the police station, proposed for East Eighth Avenue next to City Hall. The city already has another $29 million in projected and current funds set aside for the building, and the bond issue would have paid only for extra office space in the structure for domestic violence agencies, room for future police growth, and streetscape improvements along East Eighth Avenue.
But in the 2 1/2 weeks since 60 percent of voters said no to the bond measure, Torrey has dropped his go-ahead-and-build-it-anyway strategy.
On Monday, he will recommend that the City Council leave the decision to the new council and Mayor-elect Kitty Piercy. (more...)
Jim Torrey -- Mayor hears voters loud and clear
By Jim Torrey
The Register-Guard | November 21, 2004 |
The results of the vote on Measure 20-88 are in. By a decisive margin of 27,130 in favor to 40,962 opposed, Eugene voters said no to the bond measure and now have a right to ask their leaders, "Can you hear me now?"
The answer from this mayor is yes. I heard the people say no, and I respect that decision; however, I'm a little uncertain about what the vote ultimately means for this community. (more...)
Deal Coming Soon?
Let's make a deal. That's what the folks who run Williams' Bakery are telling the University of Oregon. They want it to happen during a meeting scheduled for this Thursday. Bob Albers, the CEO of parent company Franz Family Bakery, says, "We're hopeful that we're going to determine whether this is a move forward, and walk away from the meeting with a friendly handshake that it's going to take place, or that it's not going to take place, and we'll pursue other things, and they'll pursue another site." (more...)
No Deal Yet
No deal yet...that's the word after a morning meeting between the University of Oregon and the owners of Williams' Bakery. The University wants to put a new basketball arena on the Williams' Bakery property in Eugene. Both sides say they are walking away from this meeting with a positive outlook. They want to reach a sale agreement. But, right now, it all comes down to money. (more...)
Neighborhood opposes rezoning
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | November 16, 2004 |
Laurel Hill Valley residents sent a clear message to the Eugene City Council on Monday night: Don't mess with our neighborhood plan for the benefit of a developer.
Residents opposed a request by real estate investors Don Furtick and Charles Larson to change the zoning of 1.38 acres northeast of Laurel Hill and Moon Mountain drives, near Interstate 5 and the Glenwood interchange.
The vacant property is zoned for residential use, but Furtick and Larson said large electric power lines that traverse the property and its proximity to the interstate make it more suitable for commercial uses, including possibly motels. (more...)
Transportation
Public to weigh in on interchange
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | November 18, 2004 |
Gathering public opinion early and often is the best route state highway planners and local officials can take as they embark on a study of a proposed new Interstate 5 interchange at the Willamette River and Franklin Boulevard, officials said Wednesday.
Oregon Department of Transportation officials on Wednesday presented their request for public involvement to the Eugene City Council, which liked the idea of getting residents involved. (more...)
Boost in tax on gasoline under review
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | November 21, 2004 |
If Eugene residents want to have a say about how much gasoline tax they pay, they should be at City Hall on Monday.
The City Council will have a 7:30 p.m. public hearing on a potential increase in the city's gas tax, which is currently 3 cents a gallon.
Councilors are considering the boost at the urging of public works staff, who say the city needs more money to keep a $90 million backlog of street repairs from growing.
Money collected from the tax goes to resurface streets, such as the work done last summer on Cal Young Road in north Eugene and Willamette Street in central Eugene.
City Manager Dennis Taylor is recommending that the council approve a 2-cent raise, which would bring the city's total gas tax to 5 cents a gallon. (more...)
McKenzie Highway won't be freight way
By Randi Bjornstad
The Register-Guard | November 20, 2004 |
Residents along the McKenzie River who waged a spirited grass-roots campaign against a proposal to designate Highway 126 East as a freight route exulted Friday when the state announced it will not add the road to the freight system. (more...)
Elections
Pishioneri takes over Ward 6
By Amber Fossen
The Springfield News | November 17, 2004 |
A Springfield resident for more than 26 years, Joe Pishioneri is now ripe and ready to serve.
On Monday, Springfield City Councilors appointed Pishioneri to serve as the Thurston area representative, filling the Ward 6 position vacated by former councilor Tim Malloy in March. (more...)
Measure 37
Measure 37 Passes, Now What?
Will apartments be built on city lots zoned for single-unit housing? Will neighbors add-on garages they once couldn't? Will property owners do whatever they want with their land?
"That is the big fear," Peter Sorenson, Lane County Commissioner said. But, Sorenson isn't completely sure what will happen now that Measure 37 has passed.
But, he knows this: "We don't have any money to pay. And we don't have any money to pay a claims process," he said.
Under Measure 37, state and local governments will either have to pay property owners the difference (when land-use laws de-value their property), or waive their own law.
"Things that we're currently able to regulate and prevent, will now be allowed to happen," Tony Bieda, Lane County Lobbyist said. (more...)
Ballot Measure 37
SALEM -- Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced six steps he has directed the state to undertake to develop a plan for implementing Ballot Measure 37. Two weeks ago, voters approved the measure that requires government to either compensate property
owners for land use restrictions that reduce property values or waive regulations.
The measure becomes effective on December 2, 2004. Since before the election, the governor and his staff have been analyzing the potential effects of Measure 37 and preparing for its possible adoption."It is my sworn obligation to see that the laws of the state are fully and faithfully executed," said the governor. "Although I continue to have concerns about this measure's potential impact on our communities, our economy, and our quality of life, the measure has been passed into law by Oregon voters."
Governor Kulongoski is working closely with Attorney General Hardy Myers, affected state agencies and local governments to identify a comprehensive plan that meets the requirements of the recently passed measure.
Today, the governor announced the following six steps that are currently underway at his direction. (more...)
Governor outlines plan to satisfy land use compensation measure
By William McCall
The Associated Press | November 17, 2004 |
PORTLAND -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski said Tuesday that voter approval of Measure 37 to require landowner compensation in exchange for restricted development does not mean the state is ready to abandon its planning system.
"As governor of the state I will not let us walk away from something that is very good for the economy of the state and very good for our quality of life,'' Kulongoski told the Association of Oregon Counties at their annual meeting.
But the governor warned officials from the 36 Oregon counties they will have to help their cities and the state come up with a sensible way to pay landowners for value lost to restrictions on development.
"There will be compensation,'' Kulongoski said. "The voters have spoken.'' (more...)
Governor: Pay for land rules
Rather than waive restrictions on use, Ted Kulongoski says, governments should compensate landowners under Measure 37
By Laura Oppenheimer and Harry Esteve
The Oregonian | November 17, 2004 |
Gov. Ted Kulongoski said Tuesday he will press to compensate property owners who make Measure 37 claims rather than "abandon" Oregon's land-use laws, even if that means dipping into the state's already squeezed general fund.
The governor, who also predicted lagging revenue will hurt schools and social services in the next budget, said he is working on a way to pay landowners who can show that government rules harm their investment. The measure gives governments the option of waiving rules or paying owners.
Voters who overwhelmingly supported the measure this month didn't intend to dismantle the state's iconic land-use system, Kulongoski said during a speech at the Association of Oregon Counties' annual conference in Portland. He promised to honor voters' intent while keeping land-use laws intact. (more...)
Editorial -- Not so fast, bulldozers
Gov. Ted Kulongoski sends a strong signal that he isn't about to let Measure 37 destroy the land-use system
| The Oregonian | November 18, 2004 |
Two weeks ago, Oregonians approved a $344 million monstrosity called Measure 37 that supposedly sent a message to state and local government. (Memo to voters: Next time, think e-mail, Western Union or carrier pigeon. There are cheaper ways to send a message.)
For all of Measure 37's ambiguities, though, you could indeed reduce its message to one word in crayon on a napkin: Fairness. And this week, Gov. Ted Kulongoski made it plain that he has taken that message to heart.
He's trying to pin down the uncertainties of Measure 37. And impossible though it sounds, he's also looking for a way to provide compensation -- what the voters said they wanted -- to people who have valid grievances under Oregon's land-use system.
But Kulongoski also sent a more subtle message Tuesday, to people who are standing by, licking their chops and hoping to exploit Measure 37:
Back off, bullies. (more...)
Editorial -- Paying for Property
| The Wall Street Journal | November 9, 2004 |
Property rights may not draw as many headlines as gay marriage, yet we'd like to draw readers' attention to an important initiative that Oregonians approved last week. The measure is proof that voters can make sensible decisions on even emotional environmental issues. It's also a precedent for land owners that could spread to other states,
Measure 37 dealt with the growing abuse of "regulatory takings." These have become a big favorite with environmentalists, who see them as a backdoor way of stopping development even on private land. In Oregon, for instance, regulations have forbidden property owners from cutting down their own trees or building on their own lots. The state government isn't obliged to pay a dime for these new, privately owned state parks.
Measure 37, which passed Tuesday with 60% of the vote, doesn't forbid authorities from regulating land use. But it does excuse owners from rules enacted after they bought their land or compensate them for complying. The immediate effect will be to stop the most frivolous land-use regulations, since state and local governments can't afford the millions of dollars it'd take to pay for all the land they "take" in this fashion.
This is the second time Oregonians have passed the measure, the first version having been tossed out by the liberal Oregon Supreme Court on a technicality. In the intervening four years, greens have opposed any new measure as an environmental calamity. Yet hundreds of thousands of rural and suburban folk, some with dreams of new homes, others with ambitions to start businesses or expand farms, recognized this for the hyperbole it was. Owning property is, after all, a basic Constitutional right -- as Oregon voters just reminded the nation.
1000 Friends of Oregon -- Why We Are Opposed to Destructive Waivers and No Public Process
1000 Friends of Oregon supports a fair land use system that strengthens the small town feel of our communities and the integrity of Oregon's scenic landscapes and family farms. Consistent with this goal, we support an adequately funded system of compensation for property owners who have experienced individual hardship in the application of our state's land use regulations. In fact, during the 2001 Legislative session we worked diligently on a bill to accomplish just that, only to see it scuttled at the eleventh hour by Oregonians In Action.
We believe Oregon voters approved Measure 37 with the understanding that they were voting for greater fairness in Oregon's land use system. However, we believe Measure 37 also includes several provisions that are inherently unfair and toxic to the democratic process.
Measure 37 is an unfunded mandate with one clear objective: to rollback Oregon's land use protections. The measure makes the false promise of payments to property owners, but local and state governments simply do not have the money for such payments. It is inherently unfair to authorize government to issue waivers arbitrarily for select property owners. In the absence of adequate funding, the effect of Measure 37 is to force government to issue such waivers. Furthermore, Measure 37 eliminates all normal notice and public hearing requirements so that affected neighbors and Oregon taxpayers remain in the dark and vulnerable to backroom deal making. (more...)
Glenn Klein -- Measure 37: Some Preliminary Thoughts for Implementation by Cities
The purpose of this paper to provide for cities initial information about Measure 37 to help them decide how they want to respond to the Measure, particularly in terms of implementation. In deciding how to respond to Measure 37, cities should keep in mind one of the policies the League adopted several years ago: as cities, we need to balance (and recognize) the rights of property owners (including the new rights granted under Measure 37) with the rights of the citizens that a city also serves. To assist cities with that effort, this paper will first provide a summary of Measure 37. It then will discuss some of the potential options available to cities in responding to the Measure. (more...)
Craig Faiman -- Fund Measure 37's consequences fairly
Specific to compensation programs, there is a fair way to fund them. How? A state-administered capital gains tax on profits acquired from the sale of land.
By Craig Faiman
The Oregonian | November 19, 2004 |
All investments carry risk. At least that's what I was taught when I learned about investing. What seems odd to me then is that the sponsors of Measure 37 apparently never learned any such thing. Indeed, with the passage of Measure 37, we have created a new and altogether unique category of investor, an investor who does not face risk: the land investor.
David Hunnicutt of Oregonians in Action, the sponsor of Measure 37, has publicly acknowledged that Oregonians would vote down any straightforward attempt to abolish land-use planning. Gov. Ted Kulongoski's inquiries after the election left him believing that what voters sought was fairness, not the undoing of land-use laws. Hunnicutt's assessment concedes the governor's findings.
Whether living on a farm or a city lot, most Oregonians are aware that land-use planning is responsible for both a viable farm economy and for neighborhoods and schools set apart from industrial activity and truck traffic. Planned communities contribute to Oregon's livability. At the same time, I have not heard anyone argue that Oregon's land-use rules are not overdue for a rational review.
Now that the election and the campaign spin are behind us, the governor among others is talking about how to fund Measure 37 programs. Here's what Hunnicutt has had to say: "Ninety-nine out of a hundred people who've had their rights taken from them don't want a check. They just want the ability to use their land the way they could when they purchased it." That sounds a lot like disassembling land-use planning without the trouble of a straightforward vote.
So let's consider the small landowner we heard so much about during the campaign. The fact is, they are unlikely to benefit from Measure 37. The only people or businesses likely to get a land-use law waiver or compensation are those wealthy enough to fund a lawsuit for that purpose.
Why? Because everyone including Hunnicutt knows Oregonians are not about to simply walk away from land-use laws. With known citizen commitment for planning, local governments and the state are not about to hand out waivers or cash without a fight. And attorney fees are likely to prove too high a barrier for many small landowners.
But Measure 37 may trigger what's really needed, a talk-turkey and tempered tuneup of land-use regulations. Specific to compensation programs, there is a fair way to fund them. How? A state-administered capital gains tax on profits acquired from the sale of land.
There is nothing in Measure 37 -- and nothing in fairness in general, for that matter -- to suggest that taxpayers whose investments are not in land should contribute to funding land investor compensation. I neither know of nor would I support similar efforts to insure the rest of us -- stock, bond, precious metal or whatever investors -- against detrimental government decisions, which, by the way, occur every day.
A state of Oregon capital gains tax to fund compensation programs should be put before the voters at the earliest opportunity -- Tuesday, March 8 -- for a yea or nay. Only then will we know the true value Oregonians hold for investor compensation. A yes vote for funding means the compensation program should stay. A no vote for funding means the compensation program should go.
End of story.
Further -- and perhaps the main voter intent behind Measure 37 -- a comprehensive effort must be made by the Legislature to address Oregon's land-use rules with an eye toward making them less burdensome for land investors. We have all heard the horror stories. Now let's hear our representatives in Salem working together to review and realign the rules so what contributes to Oregon's livability will also make Oregon more livable for many of its land investors.
Craig Faiman is a member of the city planning board in Wilsonville.
City readies rules for Measure 37
Officials propose a fee and a dozen other requirements for property owners who file a claim under the new law
By David R. Anderson
The Oregonian | November 17, 2004 |
BEAVERTON -- Property owners who want to file a Measure 37 claim with the city may face an application fee and 12 other requirements, including an inventory of all regulations they say restrict their land's use and an appraisal of the property that shows the decrease in value. (more...)
Beaverton takes aggressive stance on claims filed under Measure 37 Measure 37: Critics say rules would create new problems City takes tough stance on Measure 37 claims
Officials propose a fee and a dozen rules for property owners who seek redress under the new state law
By David R. Anderson
The Oregonian | November 17, 2004 |
BEAVERTON -- Property owners who want to file a Measure 37 claim with the city may face an application fee and 12 other requirements, including an inventory of all regulations they say restrict their land's use and an appraisal of the property that shows the decrease in value.
The city essentially wants to place the burden of proof on the property owner, City Attorney Alan Rappleyea said Monday night when unveiling a proposed city ordinance crafted to handle claims.
Almost none of the information the city may ask for -- including the application fee -- is required by the property compensation measure passed Nov. 2. (more...)
Measure 37 planning
| The Oregonian | November 17, 2004 |
While Beaverton has forged ahead on dealing with Measure 37 claims, other agencies are still in the planning stages:
Washington County: Land-use officials are studying how to handle property owners' requests for compensation or rule waivers, said Phil Bransford, a county spokesman. "It's too early to say exactly how the process is going to unfold," he said.
Hillsboro: Officials held a private meeting Tuesday night to discuss how to respond to Measure 37, city spokeswoman Barbara Simon said. "The city is working with our attorney to see what we need to do to implement the measure," she said. Specifics on appraisals, staff demands and potential fees will be addressed after the meeting.
Forest Grove: City Manager Michael Sykes said city staff members will discuss a resolution on the measure Thursday. He expects to have the community development department handle claims, to charge a fee and likely require the applicant to pay for an appraisal.
Cornelius: Cornelius officials will join about a dozen other cities to receive advice from attorneys on Thursday. "I wouldn't be in the business of planning if I didn't think it created value, rather than take value from people," said Richard Meyer, the city's Community Development director. "There should always be ways to deal with exceptions."
Tualatin: Brenda Braden, Tualatin's city attorney, said officials were still considering establishment of a claims process. "We just need to have some way to get the paperwork in the door," she said. City Council members are scheduled to discuss Measure 37 strategy Friday.
Tigard: City spokeswoman Liz Newton said City Council members would consider adopting a strategy for handling written claims under Measure 37 during their meeting Tuesday.
Sherwood: City Council president Keith Mays said city staff members are crafting a plan to handle applications. He said Sherwood would be able to take applications by Dec. 2, but the City Council was not planning to have a special meeting to consider a strategy before the deadline. "It's going to be a little bit learn as you go," Mays said.
North Plains: City Manager Don Otterman said he would meet Thursday with the city's law firm, Beery, Elsner & Hammond, and several of the firm's other municipal clients to learn how best to deal with Measure 37 requirements. Banks: City Council members aren't scheduled to discuss the issue until their Dec. 14 meeting.
Milwaukie lays out Measure 37 ground rules
The City Council adopts a plan for dealing with any claims asking the city for compensation for land-use decisions
By Dennis McCarthy
The Oregonian | November 18, 2004 |
MILWAUKIE -- City officials have approved a process for considering Measure 37 claims from property owners who think the value of their property has been harmed by local land-use regulations. (more...)
Canby council adopts ordinance to handle Measure 37 claims
Until the Legislature decides how the law will be applied, each city is determining how to compensate land owners
By Steve Mayes
The Oregonian | November 19, 2004 |
CANBY -- Although Measure 37 is awash in ambiguity, the Canby City Council adopted an ordinance Wednesday that spells out how Canby will deal with claims filed by property owners. (more...)
Other
She oughta be in pitchas
By Bob Keefer
The Register-Guard | November 20, 2004 |
City Attorney Meg Kieran laughed graciously when Planning Commissioner William Carpenter referred to her as "Meg Ryan" at a meeting this week. Mayor Sid Leiken quipped: "I hope she's not 'Sleepless in Springfield.' "
Planning panel gains advisers
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | November 21, 2004 |
It's a good thing Eugene has people like Phillip Hudspeth.
An aide to Rep. Peter DeFazio, Hudspeth recently volunteered to be on the city's Planning Commission. He was appointed by the City Council last week.
Hudspeth was one of many citizens who volunteered to serve on various city committees and boards, which provide valuable advice and guidance to local government.
Hudspeth, 39, said he wanted to be on the Planning Commission because it deals with how Eugene will grow in the future. (more...)
New radio company sues Cumulus
By Joe Harwood
The Register-Guard | November 16, 2004 |
Broadcast upstart Churchill Communications LLC is taking a swipe at radio giant Cumulus Media's domination of the Eugene-Springfield radio market.
Eugene-based Churchill, which has launched two radio stations over the past two weeks, has filed a lawsuit in Lane County Circuit Court against Cumulus, alleging that the broadcast giant uses noncompetition agreements with its employees to prevent industry newcomers from establishing competing radio stations.
The lawsuit claims that Cumulus is limiting competition in the local radio market by trying to enforce noncompete clauses that prevent former Cumulus employees from working for Churchill or other rivals.
Such covenants generally protect broadcast outlets from their on-air talent going to work for a competitor, and usually include a specific amount of time and geographic area for the ban. (more...)
Torrey sues for rent, damages
By Edward Russo
The Register-Guard | November 17, 2004 |
Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey has filed a lawsuit against the nation's second largest radio chain, claiming that former tenant Cumulus Media Inc. owes him $111,916 in damages and back rent.
Torrey claims that Atlanta-based Cumulus owes him $28,557 in back rent and $83,359 in damages, plus interest at an annual rate of 9 percent, related to the occupancy of a building at 4222 Commerce St. in west Eugene that he rented to Cumulus for about 10 months. (more...)
Autodave picks up the Barry slack
By Karen McCowan
The Register-Guard | November 14, 2004 |
Dave Barry fans: We feel your pain. We understand your anxiety in light of the humor meister's decision, after 20 years of column writing, to take a yearlong break beginning Jan. 1. We understand that many of you will have trouble functioning without your weekly fix of Dave's funny facts and musings.
But take heart! AutoDave can help you through your withdrawal. Surf over to http://www.peacefire.org/staff/bennett/autodave/ and create your very own, customized Dave Barry column. You supply the names, places and insults, and Autodave will generate a column incorporating them. (more...)
Debra Saunders -- Premature 'amendation'
By Debra J. Saunders
San Francisco Chronicle | November 16, 2004 |
No doubt there are good reasons for amending the U.S. Constitution to allow naturalized citizens to run for president. But you won't read them among the arguments posted by a California group pushing to rewrite our founding document so that the naturalized citizens can run for president.
Their Web site acknowledges, "Naturalized citizens make a heckuva lot more effort to become Americans than those of us who were lucky and landed here at birth." But the group's entire reason for being isn't so much right or wrong: It's "Arnold," as in California's Republican governator. The effort calls home the Web site AmendForArnold.org, which sells an array of "Amend for Arnold' products -- T-shirts, baseball caps and coffee cups.
It's amazing: Schwarzenegger campaigned for the governor's job by promising to balance the budget without raising taxes because California's money woes weren't due to undertaxing but overspending. So far, Schwarzenegger has fathered one budget -- and that one saw the light of day thanks to a one- time $15 billion loan.
Schwarzenegger hasn't cut the size of government. He hasn't balanced what the state takes in and what it spends. He hasn't done anything particularly difficult yet. He has a record only a fan club of starstruck teens -- or Lissa Morgenthaler-Jones of Menlo Park, who formed AmendForArnold.org -- could love. (more...)