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<br />e that Eugene-Springfield is noted as having one of the finest, most <br /> advanced medical services in the United States. He mentioned two com- <br /> plaints that had been lodged with the ambulance service, explained how <br /> they were resolved, and he also passed out letters of commendation <br /> which he has received from various citizens. He went over rates in <br /> other cities, saying that rates in several towns will be increasing <br /> approximately 15 percent per year. Mr. Leonard then showed the Council <br /> a map of the five-year plan. It showed fire stations, the ambulance <br /> station, and where satellite ambulance stations are planned. Those <br /> will be added over a five-year period with no additional cost to users. <br /> Only inflationary increases will be requested. Mr. Leonard suggested <br /> possibly some kind of compromise. He said that, with inflation, the <br /> ambulance service would have to request a rate increase every year. <br /> He said, right now, perhaps a nine-percent increase on the base rate <br /> and mileage could be approved or perhaps a 6-1/2 percent increase on <br /> everything. <br /> Manager said that Council should take the opportunity to review the <br /> information that has been presented and come back to the next meeting with <br /> a recommendation. Mr. Haws said he felt the need to request certain <br /> information be provided that the City's accountant could look at, and on <br /> which to base a decision. Mr. Leonard said they would be against a <br /> certified audit because it would cost about $15,000 to $25,000. Mr. Delay <br /> agreed to the need for further review. He said any automatic adjustment <br /> based on some arbitrary base only adds to inflation. Mr. Williams said <br /> he felt the data that Council has at present is inadequate. He said it <br />e might be worthwhile to create a regulatory commission and let them look <br /> at various rates for quasi-judicial public utilities. Mr. Obie said that, <br /> if the City want~ quality of service to be kept at its present state, the <br /> equipment must be maintained and the City must support that. He said he <br /> has not as ,yet seen a better system for granting rate increases. Mr. <br /> Lieuallen said perhaps staff could come up with an idea of what would be <br /> considered reasonable service. He is not in favor of a City commission at <br /> this point. <br /> It was understood that Council will come back with a recommendation <br /> in a week and that staff will respond to Mr. Leonardis alternative <br /> suggestion for a nine-percent increase on base'rate and mileage, <br /> or a 6-1/2 percent increase on everything. <br />III. VISITORS FROM KAKEGAWA--Visitors were present from the city of Kakegawa. <br /> They hope to establish a sister-city relationship with the City of Eugene. <br /> Jean Paul, Sister City Committee, introduced members of the tour. The <br /> leader of the delegation presented a message from the mayor of Kakegawa, <br /> indicating that the city wishes to institute a sister-city relationship <br /> because of the similarities of the two cities, because the mayor is the <br /> general manager and owner of a lumber company and has been working with <br /> American corporations having Douglas firs, and because Eugene is the <br /> Number 2 city in the United States for livability. Gifts were exchanged <br /> between the two delegations. <br />e <br /> 8/23/78--4 <br /> 516 <br />