08/12/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Whitlow said specific lists of projects were available by department, by - project, and by ward. Ms. Wooten requested copies. Mr. Holmer said transportation had the third best response in terms of those ra ting it not importa nt. Mr. Obie asked members to give their impressions from the meetings they had attended. Mr. Miller said he sensed a general feeling that the airport needed improve- ments, but he also noted a desire to consider broader-based income sources for financing. He also said many residents felt that not all of the projects had been clearly related to economic development, and he said there was a need to communicate the indirect benefits of projects. He said he was not sure about the income tax as a source of financing, and added that he found the 52 per- cent figure surprising. He sa i d he sensed a nervousness about the income tax, and he also said he had noted feelings that some projects, such as downtown development, the library, and the pool, could wait for better economic times. Ms. Ehrman said she agreed that a concern existed about distributing the burden of airport improvements beyond Eugene. She also sa i d suggestions ha d been ITBde to improve the airport in increments. She said a fa irly good response had been received on the Riverfront Project, along with the same criticisms that have been heard at other meetings. Ms. Ehrman sa i d she had noted feelings that the transportation systems could wait, although she had emphasized that the systems would serve the fastest growing area toward the e west. She said one criticism of the entrance beautification project was the feel ing that businesses benefiting would not be charged accordingly. She reported good support for 1 ibrary expansion and sa id her ward wanted Jefferson Pool replaced. She also said concern had been expressed that the proposed pool would be smaller than the Jefferson Pool and that the purpose of the conference rooms was unclear, and added that it still was difficult to explain why Jefferson cannot be fixed. Ms. EhrlTBn said she had encountered an overwhelmingly negative response to the income tax at her first meeting, but had noticed a favorable response at the second meeting. She suggested putting the tax issue to a vote and said she had tried to emphasize exactly where the funds would go. She a 1 so sa i d no t much concern had been expressed about the low-income exemptions or the phasedin approach. She added that about 20 to 35 people generally had been in attendance and said people had expressed their appreciation for the rreetings. Ms. EhrlTBn said she had noticed no differences in the groups with differing responses, and she added that some concern had been expressed about how the sales tax would fit in. She said she felt the agenda might have a better chance of approval if the sales tax fails, although some people had felt that a local sales tax might be a viable option. Mr. Miller said some concern about the tax had been expressed by senior citi- zens, and they had seemed relieved that with an income tax, ITBny seniors would not have to pay. e MINUTES--City Council Dinner Session August 12,1985 Pa ge 3