The week began with another blockbuster City Council Public Forum followed by two Public Hearings. Of over 100 folks who spoke, about 40 each addressed the proposed dog and smoking ordinances for downtown. As reported in the newspaper, the public comments were predominantly negative about both, although council and I have also received an equally large number of positive email comments as well as a petition with 300 signatures in support of both proposals. Council is scheduled to deliberate and vote at the noon work session on March 8th.
I have decided to postpone the discussion of the next phase of South Willamette planning until after Council’s spring break. The session was set for March 8th. Neighborhood groups and staff are continuing to discuss the next steps and next week’s proposed meeting seemed premature.
We are scheduled to talk about the proposal to require a 1,000 ft. buffer between marijuana retailers at the noon work session on March 15th.
Also coming next week: Council will meet jointly with Lane County Commissioners for a Public Hearing on the Transportation System Plan. This document lays out the goals, policies and projects to meet our growth and livability for the coming 20 years.