Harlow Neighbors Association Minutes November 18, 2009

Harlow Neighbors Association Minutes November 18, 2009

Call to Order

Vie-Chair Bob Kline called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee members
present: Marguerite Zolman, Marian Spath, Richard Edwards, Jennifer Yeh. All attendees
introduced themselves.

Approval of Minutes
The Setember 16, 2009, General Meeting Minutes were approved.
Speaker’s Forum:
Jon Ruiz, City Manager

Mr. Ruiz responded to several questions/concerns posed by audience members:
1. Street problems off Harlow, particularly Arcadia Drive, an unimproved street; possible
solutions:

• Will follow up on Harlow sub-committee report of January 28, 2009
• Because Arcadia is a collector, City could share assessment cost

City could change ordinance prohibiting other users of Arcadia paying part of
assessment ; City Council will evaluate ordinances at a future time

2. Will check into lack of sideway on part of Garden Way

3. Traffic-calming device that was banned by Fire Department has been redesigned to
address problem

4. Michael Kinnison will investigate problem of parking on Rustic Street that constricts
driving area

5. Bob Kline will investigate private traffic-calming installation

6. Strategies in downtown development:

• One “big” project not the answer
• EWEB river site will help development overall
• Creating hubs of activity, then connect them in interesting ways
• Land values don’t support private development, necessitating public expenditure
• Public safety being addressed; street “problems” may be more a matter of perception than
  reality
  

Lt. Rich Stronach, Eugene Police Department

1. Ongoing negotiations for Country Club Road property, former Qwest Call Center;
purchase would necessitate retrofitting and repairs

2. Downtown public safety an issue because of LTD bus station

• Task force (Police/City/business owners) created to deal with problem
• Portland’s downtown development a national model, useful in Eugene
• Budget constraints; however, need to improve situation before new businesses would be
interested in locating downtown
• Red Hats hired by Downtown Eugene Incorporated to serve as guides, spotting trouble

3. Department now concentrating on “hot spots” of property crimes

4. Officers serving at football games do not deplete roster of Eugene officers on duty

5. Volunteer programs relieve officers of non-policing duties, including daily prep of
police cars, graffiti removal

Richard Edwards, HNA Nominating Committee Chair
The Association is in need of a new Chair, as well as more Executive Committee
members.

Michael Kinnison, Neighborhood Services
1. Mr. Kinnison echoed Mr. Edward’s request, noting that sizable participation in
neighborhood associations carries more weight with the City
2. Not all 21 associations are active
3. Department now under aegis of City Manager’s Office, along with Human Rights and
Sustainability Departments

HNA Updates: Bob Kline
1. Survey returns one of highest of all neighborhoods; March General Meeting will report
on survey
2. City matching grants are available: please let Bob Kline know of school or church that
could apply for a project to be funded

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next General Meeting Wednesday, 3/17/2010, 7:00-9:00 p.m.,
James Monroe Middle School Library
Next Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, 2/10/10, 7:00-9:00 p.m.,
Bob Kline Residence, 594 Covey Lane
Marian Spath, Recording Secretary