10/10/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Greg Page, Technology Coordinator, said that staff has been examining I processes in other cities, such as: Portland; Seattle; Davis, California; San Diego; and Minneapolis. From that information he has developed e various process options in a flow-chart format. He feels the key questions would include what level of participation the Council wants from the community, especially those in the affected interest groups. For example, he said a proposal regarding mandatory weatherization of homes would be of interest to real estate people. Other key questions would be the timetable on implementation and, also how much Council involvement is desired during the formulation of the policy. He outlined the three options as presented to Council which are common in that a proposed community-wide conservatiQn plan would go through a public hearing process, modifications would be made, and a budget process developed for funding education, enforcement, etc. Option A provides that staff alone would develop a proposed compre- hensive energy plan for presentation in the various public forums. He said that this option would be the quickest of those presented. The disadvantage is that there would be little community involvement in the development of the plan. Option B is similar to the plan used by the cities of Seattle and Portland. It consists of a policy board made up of Councilors, EWEB, Planning Commission, and affected interest groups. Subcommittees on various specific topics would be formed from the policy board. The advantages would be community participation and perhaps a better level of community support. Option C is somewhat a hybrid of Options A and B, and would involve a technical advisory group consisting 'of City staff and EWEB staff, as well as community resources. The pl an would be presented in a public forum prior to Council consideration. Ms. Smith wondered if any consideration had been given to involving someone from the city of Springfield. Mr. Page said this had been considered but, e there were things unique to Eugene dealing only with EWEB, which does not serve Springfield. There was some discussion of a community-wide program with the County and Springfield, and he suggested that the best way would be through the policy board. Ms. Schue said she had the impression that much research has already been done on energy conservation. Mr. Page responded that much information is being received, but staff has not spent much time transferring that information to a process that would work for Eugene. Ms. Schue does not envision a citizen committee getting involved in studying the energy issue, but rather promoting awareness, taking public input, and working on modifying staff suggestions. If Option C would do that, she would favor it. Mr. Delay said he fears that, even if the Council reaches consensus on a process to be followed, later down the road there might be parties objecting to the measures forced upon them. Some balance will need to be struck between conservation and the extent to which it will create hard- shi ps. He wants to use the information we already have and proceed from there so as to not "invent the wheelJl again. He feels such a vehicle should not take more than a year. Mr. Obie agreed, adding that Council must take a strong leadership role and participate with the community e 10/10/79--4 5~2