After more than a year of debate and negotiations, the Willamette Science and Industry Technology Center and the University Athletic Department agreed Thursday on a contract that would compensate WISTEC over the next four years for their loss of the use of the Autzen Stadium parking lot.
The Eugene City Council decided last January to allow the University to build a transit station on the Autzen Stadium parking lot as part of the University’s stadium expansion plans, a decision WISTEC executive director Meg Trendler once claimed would shut the doors of the children’s museum for good.
The University had been allowing WISTEC to sell parking spaces in the lot during football games and other events in order for the non-profit museum to generate revenue.
The University originally offered WISTEC $201,000 in compensation through 2007, when WISTEC’s contract for use of the lot would have ended. WISTEC officials originally refused the amount because it did not meet their projected revenue of $300,000.
However, both parties settled on the amount of $206,191, which is slightly higher than the original offer.
“Some of the original assessments on the revenue WISTEC would have made were incorrect,” said Dan WIlliams, vice president of administration for the University. “We decided to change the amount.”
Trendler said although the amount is not as high as the museum would have liked, it is still enough to keep WISTEC alive.
“We are pleased that we have finally made an agreement,” Trendler said.
Dave Williford, the assistant athletic director of media services, said the amount of compensation offered to WISTEC is the only thing that changed in the negotiations.
Williford said when WISTEC officials originally said $300,000 was the only amount that would keep the museum running, it was not the University’s intent to shut WISTEC down.
Eugene City Councilor David Kelly said he’s sorry the agreement took so much work after the city council’s decision, but he’s pleased WISTEC got what it needed to stay open.
“The University continued to listen to WISTEC’s need to reach an agreement,” Kelly said. “For all the complexities, it seems like a straightforward agreement.”
Trendler said WISTEC has suffered a little in the meantime, but should be able to progress with its usual programs and events for kids during the summer.
“We didn’t want to spend the money on an exhibit when we weren’t clear on our future, and it’s better to provide the programs and serve the kids if that’s what we can afford,” Trendler said.
Overall, University officials are pleased that WISTEC accepted their offer.
“Whatever changed their minds [about the amount of compensation offered], we’re happy they were able to take our agreement,” Williford said.
William’s agreed, acknowledging the importance of WISTEC.
“WISTEC recognizes the significance of educating young people on science,” Williams said. “We’re hopeful our financial contribution will help WISTEC continue services.”