Item 2C: Ratification of IGR Actions of April 23, 2008

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Ms. Wilson noted that since preemption was a given, that perhaps it didn’t need to have a half of a page in the book. Ms. Taylor thought the language regarding local preemption could be truncated to an introductory paragraph and thinks that the rest of the book could be shortened. Ms. Taylor also pointed out a mistake on page four of the book, where it states that the City supports repeal of the real estate transfer tax. She stated that she thought that we supported a ban on the real estate transfer tax. Ms. Wilson said she would look into this issue. Mayor Piercy said they should ask councilors to let them know where their legislative interests lay at the front end. Ms. Taylor agreed but thought we could have some suggestions for the council at first. She then listed some of her concerns, which included a repeal of the ban on inclusionary zoning. She also thought the State should “do something” about homeless shelters. She related that some people felt that budgetary problems could be eliminated by getting rid of all business tax exemptions. Ms. Wilson related that the City of Eugene introduced four bill concepts in 2007. She wanted the City to be more proactive. She averred that the City needed to be able to shape its future and the things that were important needed to be in the document. Ms. Taylor was also interested in pursuing institution of a local car registration which would be a change from the current countywide registration. Ms. Wilson affirmed that this and other items were on the list of options for the upcoming legislative session where transportation funding was concerned. She noted that she sat on the League of Oregon Cities committee on transportation, chaired by Mayor Sid Leiken, and transportation funding options are a priority for the committee. She remarked that the counties would likely have their own ideas on how to pursue funding. She felt it would behoove the City to start out early with the county and see where they are since they will compete with what cities may be considering. Ms. Wilson predicted it would be difficult in 2009 legislature. She said when the City started to talk about what it wanted in terms of funding packages it needed to consider what was going on at the state and federal levels, especially given that reauthorization of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) was upcoming. Ms. Taylor averred that they should also work on getting other transportation funds opened for use for preservation and maintenance. Mayor Piercy said not to forget about field burning. Ms. Ortiz said she would like to see some language on hate crimes. She noted that the Human Rights Commission was doing scoping work in regard to hate crimes legislation. Ms. Taylor questioned language in regard to urban renewal exemptions on page 11 of the Legislative Priorities document. Ms. Wilson reiterated that this particular version of the document was not useful and she would not rely upon it as a reference for a narrow issue. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations April 23, 2008 Page 5