05/11/1983 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Councilor Ball expressed support for the proposed program, which he felt made good sense and would not infringe on ,free trade. He expressed some concern about the contract process and hoped that in the future there would be an early and clear public definition of the services being sought so that all possible providers would be aware of the opportunity. Councilor Wooten noted that both she and BATeam staff member Doug Eveleth had been asked to serve on the advisory board of the Buy Oregon First program. Councilor Holmer said he recognized that the proposed contract involved only a small amount of funds but that he felt the matter of principle of the proper role and function of the City in economic development was also involved. He said he was uncomfortable with the proposal to take funds from an already overextended City budget and allocate them to a non-profit corporation to provide services traditionally provided by private firms. He did not feel the City's economic development efforts would be furthered by "taking in each other's washing". He felt it was wrong for the City to subsidize this effort. e Councilor Wooten and Mayor Keller said that the council had debated at some length the proper role for the City in economic diversification. They noted that the subcommittee had worked under the direction provided by council. Councilor Holmer recognized that the council had previously discussed and adopted policies on economic diversification but noted that this was his first opportunity as a councilor to speak on the issue. He felt there was a distinction between marketing the City and marketing the products of individual firms. He asked if equal service would be provided to all firms engaged in the purchase or manufacture of goods. Councilor Obie noted that no council motion was required unless the council wished to change the direction taken by the subcommittee. Councilor Wooten suggested that if councilors wished to reopen the discussion of the City's role in economic development this could be done at the annual goals session. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, that the council approve the funding of a Buy Local Program as fulfilling a legitimate public purpose in assisting the City of Eugene's efforts to achieve economic diversification. Responding to a question from Councilor Ball, Mr. Obie said that while there is no requirement for the Council Subcommittee on Economic Diversification to refer decisions to the City Council as a whole, the subcommittee had agreed to use its discretion in determining issues that should come before the council. Roll call vote; motion carried 6:2, with Councilors Ball, Lindberg, Obie, Schue, Smith, and Wooten voting in favor, and Councilors Hansen and Holmer voting in opposition. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 11, 1983 Page 4