08/15/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

- v. JOB TRAINING MERGER (memo, resolution, Exhibit A distributed) e Assistant City Manager David Whitlow introduced the agenda item. Lee Beyer of the Eugene Development Department presented the staff report. Referri ng to the recommended intergovernmental agreement and resolution distributed to the council, Mr. Beyer stated that the agreement had been recommended by Councilors Ball and Obie in their positions on the Elected Officials Policy Committee. He explained that the merger will create a new private industry council (PIC) to be a partnership among Eugene, Springfield, Lane County and the new PIC. He said the agreement was the first step in the merger by creating the PIC; the next step will be for the PIC to propose a working agreement with the three jurisdictions. Councilor Ball stated that the progress spoke well for the increased intergovern- mental cooperation, stating that the issue had been resolved in a fair and rational manner. He added that the interim period for the Job Training staff had been difficult for the staff which continued to operate a good program. Councilor Obie stated that Mr. Ball's efforts in the process were a good indication of his future ability as a county commissioner. In response to a question by Councilor Wooten regarding potential layoffs, Mr. Beyer stated that any decision would be up to the new PIC members. With regard to areas of duplication, he said that some reduction would possibly occur in administrative areas with the merger. In response to another question, Mr. Beyer stated that the hiring of the agency director will be part of the agreement between the new PIC and the three juriSdictions as specified by e Federal law. He added that the basis for payment by the three jurisdictions would also be part of that agreement. He stated that the Elected Officials Policy Committee discussed this issue and Eugene representatives made it clear that no new agencies would be created. In response to a question by Councilor Wooten regarding the accountability of the PIC, Mr. Beyer said he was not sure how accountability would fit into the process. He stated that law provided that an annual operating plan and budget be developed, with progress reports being made at least on a quarterly basis. Ms. Wooten, while stating that she supported the merger, felt that the information provided was insufficient on which to base a final decision. She stated that she was concerned with the issues raised and requested that any thoughts or proposals be presented to the council for review after the merger was approved. Councilor Ball stated that elected officials from each of the three jurisdictions will serve on the new PIC, thus the City Council will have direct input and monitoring of any deci si ons. He said the final working agreement between the bodies will incorporate the priorities of the Job Training and Metropolitan Economic Development Programs. Mr. Whitlow stated that this resolution was not the final decision on the issue. He said the final agreement will be presented to the council. Councilor Bascom questioned the efficiency of a 22-member council. Mr. Beyer stated that it was probably too large but it was the smallest council possible under the constraints of Federal law in representing all constituency groups. Ms. Bascom suggested that the number of private sector representatives from each jurisdiction be reduced. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 15, 1984 Page 4