11/09/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. " ,~ council representative on the Lane Council of Governments made her aware that conflicts do arise between competing jurisdictions. She said when a prospective -- new industry approaches this area, there may be several cities interested, and it was not clear to her who would give staff direction in this type of situation. Mr. Moreland said the professional staff would direct a prospect to the appropriate cities and it would be up to the prospect to make the decision. Ms. Miller referred back to the idea of reaching a public consensus and said this would be difficult to develop. She said someone has to define it. Mr. Obie felt the forums would develop the consensus. Mr. Lindberg stressed the importance of complyin9 with the Metropolitan Area General Plan, on which the jurisdictions have already reached a consensus. Mr. Moreland said the central committee would appreciate any input at any time on ways to make this system work better. He said all ideas would be put into the record. Mr. Lindberg also urged more affi rmat i ve act i on to i nc re ase the representation from all segments of the community. Mr. Moreland said the next forum would be in Cottage Grove on November 18, and would deal with specific questions about economic development. Ms. Wooten asked if the foundation intended to fund a venture capital program. Mr. Moreland said the foundation intended to keep its role very simple. He sa i d the foundation would not establish an assistance program or a venture capital program. He said it would be an ombudsman for indicating the needs for certain programs and would help guide people to the proper agencies to receive assistance. Mr. Lieuallen said the central committee was not formed to make judgments about methods for improving economic development but to devise methods for eliciting e comment from all facets of the community. He sa id a consensus waul d be formed from those attending forum meetings. Ms. Smith said it was important to work together so a "we/they" attitude would not develop. Mr. Moreland said there was a need for assisting existing businesses and teaching them management skills. Ms. Schue said she would like information on manufacturing versus service-related industries. Mr. Obie said leadership and focus were needed in the area of economic develop- ment. He said all the groups interested in economic development needed to develop trust with one another and not be suspicious or divisive. Ms. Schue said everyone was supportive of economic growth and she felt the work of the foundation and forum was a very positive approach. She sa id she did not feel that raising questions about possible problem areas was being divisive but rather the first step in getting those problems solved along the way. She said the council and the foundation needed to share their concerns. Ms. Wooten was concerned about people feeling that speaking at the forum would not be appreciated or welcomed. She said there are those who feel the founda- tion and forum were initiated by those with a particular point of view and that speaking out would be fruitless. She said this may restrict the broadest kind of citizen participation that the forum sincerely wants. Mr. Moreland said 1,600 groups and individuals were on the mailing list to receive notification of forum meetings. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 9, 1981 Page 4