March 19, 1998

FUTURE FOCUS TASK FORCE

Commissioners Conference Room - 4:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Lee Beyer, Bob Fenstermacher, Gretchen Pierce, Hal Reed, Hill Walker, Bill Van Vactor, David Garnick, Tanya Heaton, Rick Schulz. Zoe Gilstrap, Recording Secretary.

I. CALL TO ORDER

Hal Reed called the meeting to order.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

Verna Brown, 31145 Sentinel, Cottage Grove, stated that she believed the recommendation on the Economic Growth Infrastructure should be strengthened. She submitted her suggestions for consideration by the task force (see material on file). She remarked that this recommendation was weak because there is not a separate key finding to address it and suggested adding a key finding on Population Growth and Economic Development. Brown would like to see the difference noted between economic development money and road funds and transit room taxes. She said road funds and transit room tax fall more in line with infrastructure and not development, stating that economic development money should go more toward actual economic development.

Reed noted that he also rewrote this section to strengthen it.

III. TASK FORCE BUSINESS

MOTION: Approval of March 3, 10 and 17, 1998 Minutes.

Pierce MOVED, Walker SECONDED. VOTE: 4-0.

IV. REVIEW DRAFT REPORT

Reed stated that the non PSCC needs should be addressed. Reviewing the list of non PSCC needs, there were questions regarding the computer replacement fund. Schulz explained that the figure was not the amount that would actually come out of the general fund. Beyer said computer costs should be a part of the operating costs and should not be sought in a levy.

Regarding maternal health care, Pierce asked why Peace Health couldn't operate these clinics. Van Vactor noted that maternal health is very understaffed. Pierce said, in going through the criteria, they should ask if there is anyone else that can do it besides Lane County, noting that Peace Health could provide this services.

There was a suggestion to take Parks off the list. Van Vactor stated that the Parks Department has had no significant expansion in a long time. He noted that they are closed on most holidays due to overfill. Fenstermacher expressed concern that the more that is added to the list, the less likely the levy will pass. Beyer suggested language to say in addition to the PSCC levy, there have been other needs identified (without listing them all) up to $1.5 million.

Regarding special districts, Beyer noted that Washington County as well as several other counties have these districts. He said the issue is that by allowing this type of piecemeal, people are encouraged to stay outside the city while still receiving city services. Van Vactor stated that there are many people outside the Urban Growth Boundary who will not have adequate public safety. Beyer said that Santa Clara/River Road has made a choice by not annexing. Van Vactor noted that special districts are the only way to get a new permanent tax rate.

Regarding Recommendation No. 3, there was agreement to strike the first three paragraphs. Beyer suggested saying that the task force reviewed spending $10.8 million but did not support the recommendation. He said they could state that it might be something that can be considered but that they don't recommend that they spend $10 million retrofitting this building.

Regarding No. 4, take out the last sentence of paragraph two and move the remaining sentence up under the first paragraph.

No. 5, no changes.

Regarding No. 6, Fenstermacher distributed his suggested changes. Van Vactor noted that the Solid Waste Division also provides household hazardous and recycling services. He noted that Glenwood is the most expensive transfer site. There was agreement to Fenstermacher's changes. Regarding his action item, Fenstermacher said he believed they could raise fees by this amount and not lose business to Coffin Butte. There was agreement to all of his suggestive material.

No 7, there was agreement to use Reed's language as modified regarding placement of sentences. There was agreement to move this suggestion to No. 3. Pierce suggested adding a second bullet after finding No. 1 to include the economic issues in Lane County and economic development as a revenue strategy. There was agreement to add a finding for this issue.

No. 8, Fenstermacher expressed concern about doing a Request for Proposals for Waste Management because Lane County would still be liable for the landfill.

V. ADJOURN MEETING

Next Meeting Thursday, March 26, 1998.

There being no further business, this meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Zoe Gilstrap, Recording Secretary

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