Mayor wants businesses to weigh in on license fee.

Byline: CITY BEAT/SPRINGFIELD By Jack Moran The Register-Guard

SPRINGFIELD - Mayor Sid Leiken is asking the City Council to postpone voting on a business-license fee program that has been met with opposition from many local business owners.

The proposal to charge Springfield businesses $100 to $250 annually is designed to raise $250,000 a year for operation of a planned municipal jail. The City Council was set to consider the licensing program Monday night, but Leiken said he wants to give the business community a few more weeks to weigh in on the plan before a decision is made.

Leiken and Councilor Tammy Fitch have been discussing the idea of a new fee system with Springfield Chamber of Commerce officials.

"We're having a good, healthy discussion ... and I'm willing to allow more time to come up with different ideas," Leiken said. "But I do not want to take this off the table.'

The city needs to raise at least $250,000 through a licensing fee, he said.

Dan Egan, the chamber's executive director, said a recent survey shows that about 70 percent of Chamber of Commerce members oppose the plan.

Egan said he appreciates the mayor's effort to delay a council decision on the issue. He hopes ongoing discussions produce a solution acceptable to both sides.

Revenue from the program would generate about 10 percent of the annual cost of running a city jail. The city would tap other funding sources to help pay the balance of the cost, under a plan devised by Springfield's Police Planning Task Force.

The City Council could decide later this year to ask voters to approve a tax levy to pay some of the costs of staffing a jail. Springfield voters approved construction of the facility in 2004.

It's French for `little cart'

Ever heard of a charrette?

The word is defined in the dictionary as "an intensive design process that involves the collaboration of all project stakeholders at the beginning of a project to develop a comprehensive plan or design."

So, city officials are going with "charrette" to describe what they have in mind for a two-day workshop next month on ideas for the future of downtown Springfield. They're hoping members of the public join a team of architects, planners and engineers to put together recommendations for the city's core.

"The overall goal of this is to get some energy about revitalizing downtown," city spokesman Niel Laudati said. "This gives the city, architects and residents an opportunity to work on some ideas that could be used in future planning."

The event, sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, will run April 7-8 at City Hall, 225 Fifth St. Call 726-3775 or 726-3780 for more information.

Tai chi for seniors

Tai chi has been around for thousands of years, but only recently researchers have discovered how the ancient Chinese practice can help older folks avoid dangerous falls.

A free, 12-week class beginning April 3 will focus on how people in their golden years can improve balance by practicing tai chi, which involves flowing exercises to relax the body and mind.

Anyone age 60 or older is welcome to attend the class, which will meet from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays through June 26.

The program will be at the Willamalane Park Swim Center, 1276 G St.

The class is co-sponsored by Willamalane Park & Recreation District and the Oregon Research Institute. Register no later than March 27 by calling 736-4444.

Jack Moran can be reached at 338-2373 or [e-mail].