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Works had provided a report to the subcommittee stating that the backlog of work totaled $53 million, and if <br />ignored, could grow to an amount in excess of $260 million over the next 10 years. He said that the <br />subcommittee asked for a second opinion and a consultant was contracted to issue findings. <br /> <br />Mr. Corey pointed out that the findings revealed (1) the current backlog of preservation work was estimated <br />at closer to $67 million; (2) the pavement management system was on track; and (3) an annual budget of $8.5 <br />million for street preservation and maintenance would cap the existing backlog and decrease it to $40 million <br />in ten years. <br /> <br />Mr. Corey stated that additionally, an independent review was conducted to report on the efficiencies and <br />effectiveness of Operations, Maintenance, and Preservation (OM&P) services of the transportation system. <br />He said that the findings of that report revealed that (1) the City had a heavier reliance on the State Highway <br />Trust Fund than comparable cities; (2) some activities that were charged to Eugene's Road Fund were not <br />included in other city's road funds; (3) the range of services provided were not always consistent among the <br />cities surveyed; and (4) City maintenance operations were generally efficient in comparison to other cities. <br />Mr. Corey said that the recommendations included a continuation of performance measurement efforts, the <br />involvement of employees in further analysis of private contracting options, and the creation of additional <br />funding for pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction to reduce future maintenance costs. <br /> <br />Mr. Corey pointed out that the subcommittee had devoted over a year to this study and commended its efforts <br />as well as those of staff. <br /> <br />Craig Wanichek, vice chair of the subcommittee, thanked staff for its assistance in this study. <br /> <br />Mr. Wanichek said that the two areas the subcommittee focused on - in deference to council policy and <br />TransPlan priorities - were (1) implementation of a revenue source that the City could control; and (2) a <br />revenue source adequate to stabilize and improve the condition of the roads over the next ten years. Mr. <br />Wanichek noted that the recommendation was approved unanimously by the subcommittee which included a <br />diverse group of citizens. He reiterated that the independent studies confirmed the projections made by staff <br />which added credibility to the recommendation. Mr. Wanichek noted that the gas tax, at the two-cent level <br />discussed by the subcommittee, could generate an estimated revenue stream of $1.5 million; the <br />Transportation Utility Fee (TUF),as discussed by the subcommittee, could generate the remaining resources <br />for the $9 million recommended annual funding. He said the next step in the process should be an educational <br />campaign informing citizens of this issue. He concluded that the recommendation represented an investment, <br />by the citizens, in the infrastructure of the City. <br /> <br />Eleanor Mulder, chair of the subcommittee, stated that subcommittee members reviewed approximately 20 <br />suggestions of alternate funding outlined by staff; however, many of those were not feasible without changes <br />to policy and/or State law. She added that a property tax would exclude private non-profit concerns and <br />government entities and that those utilizing the services should participate in the cost. With regard to the gas <br />tax, Ms. Mulder said it was pivotal that the City of Springfield be included in a cooperative effort. She <br />conceded that initially she did not believe the TUF was equitable but ultimately arrived at the conclusion that <br />those without automobiles had a need for transportation services which were performed by others and <br />therefore required adequate roads as well. Ms. Mulder spoke about those individuals who were in a low- <br />income/low-spending bracket and would be required to pay the same fee; however, she pointed out that <br />individuals coming into the City from out-of-town would be contributing, as well as those who were heavy <br />consumers and paying additionally through the cost of goods. She concluded that although not perfect, the <br />TUF was the preferable alternative. <br /> <br />MINUTES- Eugene City Council Work Session October 17, 2001 Page 2 <br /> <br /> <br />