12/19/1988 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Secondly, she cited a potential violation of bond contracts, and finally, she referred to a potential breach of a Bonneville Power Administration power sales agreement. Ms. Reeder emphasized the historic independence of EWES and maintained that taxing the utility would set a precedent of significant change in this relationship. Ms. Reeder concluded by asking the council to preserve the financial strength and independence of the utility by not imposing the proposed tax, or by taking the proposal to a vote of the people. Dale Allen, 4181 N. Clarey, spoke against the proposed library project and argued that the present library could be expanded. He opposed a joint public and private venture. Mr. Allen considered any additional tax burdensome and oppressive and encouraged the council to include the library in its regular budget process. Brent Rich, 1762 West 2nd Avenue, spoke as general counsel for Cuddeback Lumber Company. Mr. Rich described the proposed utility tax as a discriminatory sales tax and he cited Oregon voters' failure to pass a sales tax as evidence of unwillingness to support higher levels of library operations. Mr. Rich estimated the cost of the proposed utility tax to his company at over $5,000 and said it would result in a competitive disadvantage. Mr. Rich submitted a letter from the Gale M. Roberts Company which said the present library was designed to allow additional space. e Thomas Gilbert, 1451 White, identified himself as a Friend of the Eugene Public Library. While the Friends had supported expansion at the current site, Mr. Gilbert said it was now clear that the type of library Eugene needs and deserves require a new building. He commended City staff for developing a financial plan that should be tried. Because of the apparent conflict between the City and EWES, Mr. Gilbert no longer supported the utility tax and proposed a public vote on the finanCing of the project in March or April. Vern Gleaves, 975 Oak Street, spoke as the representative of Farwest Steel Corporation and Valley River Inn. Both businesses would be harmed by the proposed utility tax and Mr. Gleaves concurred with Ms. Reeder's questioning of the legal authority of the City to levy the tax and EWEB to collect it. Mr. Gleaves suggested that the proposed tax would send an anti-business message and he urged the council not to make a decision without regard for the wishes of the citizens. Evelyn Perkins, 2586 Brittania Place, president of the Friends of the Eugene Public Library said she was not representing that group at the hearing. Ms. Perkins spoke of the high usage of the library and the friendliness of the staff in poor working conditions with limited program space and a lack of seating. Ms. Perkins said action must be taken and she considered the proposal under consideration by the council to be the only solution that has been presented. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 19, 1988 Page 4