CC Minutes - 01/10/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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· City Manager Taylor recommended that the council pursue a legislative solution (a repeal of the cap). Mr. Potter stated that if the council wished to proceed with wither Toxics Board proposal, a public hearing would be set for February 14. He welcomed questions by the council. In response to a question from Mr. Poling, Mr. Potter replied that this type of program does not exist in other localities. He further explained that if the current fee structure continues, the City's obligation will be fulfilled. Mr. Potter noted that 50 percent of his time is spent on the program, which is funded through the fee structure. Mr. Kelly voiced his agreement with the City Manager's recommendation to pursue the legislative avenue to repeal the cap. Intergovernmental Relations Manager Jason Heuser stated that sponsors in both the State House and Senate of legislation to remove the cap have been identified by Intergovernmental Relations staff. He said he would work diligently to obtain the required number of votes to pass such legislation and noted that the chances for passage in the Senate were excellent but the House was currently believed to be split on this issue. Mr. Kelly surmised that the inequity to small businesses may sway House members. In terms of the two proposals noted by Mr. Potter, Mr. Kelly noted that a waste hauling surcharge may not be perceived as ~true to the intent" of the charter amendment. He stated that broadening the program to include other businesses was appealing if it helped to resolve the inequity issue. Ms. Taylor voiced her support of a legislative approach; however, she questioned if such action was adequate. She wondered if it would be wise to also include other businesses in the program. Mr. Potter responded that the initial authors of the charter amendment aimed the program to manufacturers solely. Mr. Poling moved, seconded by Ms. Solomon, to table the Toxic Board's recommendations as noted above and pursue legislative repeal of the fee cap. Ms. Taylor moved, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, to amend the motion to set a public hearing for February 14, 2005, to discuss a proposed ordinance - Ordinance adding businesses to the program as noted in the council packet. Ms. Ortiz voiced her confidence in the State's legislative body; however, she advised caution in considering expansion of the program to include other businesses, as inequity would continue to be perceived within the community. In response to Mr. Kelly's inquiry, Mr. Potter noted that a threshold of 2,640 pounds of toxic substances must be reached before a business is required to submit a report. He explained that if a business had more than two employees and did not reach the threshold, only a fee would be required. Mr. Kelly requested that staff estimate how many newly added businesses will likely reach the 2,640 threshold at the proposed public hearing, should the motion pass. Mr. Poling commented that by adding painting contractors, dry cleaners, spas, swimming pools, etc., the City is moving away from the original intent of the charter amendment. He urged that the intent be MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 10, 2005 Page 3 Work Session