02/29/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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-- e -- Ms. Hooten stated that she generally supports the proposal merger, stating that it makes sense to approach the program as a metropolitan labor pool. She stated that she does not want the merged program to be an independent corporation, adding that she would prefer an intergovernmental agreement to maintain efficiency in the operation and to maintain a bond of accountability. She stressed that she would not support a merger except as an intergovernmental agreement. Mr. Obie added that the City views the available training funds as essential to the balance of its economic development efforts and the flexibility and ongoing communication relative to those funds as important to economic diversification. He said an autonomous organization working outside the City would raise several concerns. He encouraged the EPIC to study the merger in terms of an intergovernmental agreement and maintaining a proper role in the present effort by the City in economic diversification. He felt a real problem in the metropolitan is the number of players involved in that effort. He stressed that all the players must work toward the common objectives of the community. Mr. Pryor commented that Lane County also has an economic develop- ment agenda, although it is broader than the concerns of the metropolitan area. Mr. Gleason, while qualifying that he could not speak for the City of Springfield, stating that the sentiments expressed by Councilors Hooten and Obie would be favorably considered by Springfield. He felt Springfield was comfortable with the present pattern, but he stressed that the council should directly the ask the City of Springfield to voice its opinions. Ms. Cawood said she felt the Metropolitan Team has a well developed economic development program. She did not feel the intent of an incorporated entity would be to operate separately from that process. However, she said that one area not addressed was the individual communities within the county. She believed that an intergovernmental agreement would not address the interests of those communities. Mr. Forbes believed that each PIC was aware of the issues of the other group. He did not want to eliminate any options in the negotiation process. He suggested that the joint committee prove to the EPIC and the City Council that the proposed merger would meet the needs of the respective gagencies and involved groups. Ms. Schue agreed that the process must be done on a rational basis with the benefits of the plan being considered. As a member of the council, she said she agreed with the comments of r~s. Wooten and ~1r. Obie that the council has the experience in various types of organizations from which some conclusions have been reached. While it would be easier to coordinate fewer players in an organization, she said an independent entity would have more organizational difficul ties. Mayor Keller also stated he would support the comments of Mr. Obie and Ms. Hooten. He said he would not support any vehicle which would not achieve the goals jointly shared by the involved groups. He stressed that during the past three years there has not been any City project which was solely a department project, explaining that all the players have been involved. Mr. Forbes responded that he did not have any agenda for the merger and would support any operable organization. He hoped that no limitations would be placed on the merger. MINUTES--Eugene City Council/Private Industry Council February 29, 1984 Page 5