CC Minutes - 03/07/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to questions from Mr. Pap~, Chief Tallon said the survey of 17 fire departments addressed the cost and structure of service provision. The City of Gresham, because of the vote on fire district annexa- tion, had published a significant amount of data about the general fund and fire district rates. He added that Springfield was not actively pursuing annexation into the Willakenzie Fire District and instead was looking at points of cooperation and collaboration with the department. Ms. Taylor agreed with the staff recommendation and preferred to retain local control and accountability. Ms. Ortiz said the department did a good job and she would continue to support its efforts. Ms. Bettman agreed that the department was excellent and the issue was not just about money and local control, it was also about training and quality of services. She said at a recent LOC conference, experts had indicated that public safety districts were economical for small jurisdictions but when the population was above 20,000 to 30,000 the economy was lost. Ms. Bettman, seconded by Mr. Kelly, moved to authorize City staff to lobby against any proposed legislation that would weaken or eliminate any of the powers or responsibilities of the Lane County Local Government Boundary Commission. Ms. Bettman said that the council would not meet again until April 2005 and a number of bills were likely to be introduced prior to that time; it would be good to have definitive council direction on those issues that could preempt local control. Mr. Pap~ expressed concern about the process when the CCIGR existed to address legislative matters. He recommended that the matter be referred to the CCIGR for consideration at its next meeting. He said the committee had already been given policy direction on the subject of preemption of local authority. Mr. Kelly pointed out that the City's Intergovernmental Relations Manager Jason Heuser indicated the motion was a good idea and provide some guidance while the council was on break. He said the issue could be revisited by the council after its break and the CCIGR had a certain level of authority to act when there were time constraints and could even modify the council's recommendations. He said the issue related to the structure of government in the Metro Plan and the general structure had served the City well; he would support the motion to direct lobbying during the break and trust that the CCIGR would address any specific legislation that was introduced. Ms. Solomon stated that she would not support the motion and was not prepared to discuss the matter. Mr. Poling agreed with Ms. Solomon. He preferred to discuss the matter with Mr. Heuser present if the motion was based on his request. City Manager Taylor said that Mr. Heuser would be present at the regular meeting for the agenda item related to the CCIGR. Mayor Piercy suggested that the motion and discussion be deferred to the regular meeting following the work session when Mr. Heuser would be available. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 7, 2005 Page 4 Work Session