Item 2C: Ratif. of IGR Actions - Laserfiche WebLink

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continuation of work that begun in the last Legislative Session which would seek to limit the extension of municipal urban utility activities in exclusive farm use zones. Mr. Ruffler pointed out that the issue with the language in the bill is its definitions of solid waste which specifically includes sewage sludge. Mr. Ruffler said that in the reading of the definition of hazardous substance there is an argument that bio-solids or sewage sludge, if ingested, would make one ill. Ms. Bettman asked if individuals are using the farm use zones to store radio-active material. Mr. Ruffler stated he was not aware of such a practice. Ms. Bettman questioned if the bill could be supported if sewage sludge was exempted. Mr. Ruffler responded that the Farm Bureau has indicated it did not intend to include sewage sludge in its proposal, however, he shared that that statement is suspect throughout the Legislature. Mr. Ruffler added that the regulations already authorize land application of bio-solids when done under a permit issued by DBQ; however in the same sections, prohibitions are noted; therefore, conflicting arguments are present. Ms. Bettman, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to change the position of the bill to support with an amendment that exempts sewage sludge. The motion passed 2-0. HB2595 RELATING TO PESTICIDE OPERATOR LICENSES; AMENDING ORS 634.116 - Priority 3 Oppose Ms. Bettman voiced her preference to increase the priority from 3 to 2. Ms. Brooks shared that the bill has already passed the House with only one descending vote. Staff explained that the City requires all operators to be licensed and would not apply pesticides anywhere without a license. It was also pointed out that through this bill the government could apply to a home owners' association without a license and merely adds those associations to an existing list. Staff quoted the ORS "Basically we could apply to own lands without an operator's license." and said that from a watershed, general policy direction of the Council to protect the City's water supply, staff opposes this bill... Ms. Brooks surmised there is no opposition from the environmental community to this bill. In conclusion, Ms. Bettman and Ms. Taylor agreed to leave the priority at 3. HS 2912 PROHIBITS PUBLIC BODY FROM SUBSTANTIALLY BURDEINING PERSON' S FREE EXERCISE OF RELIGION, INCLUDING WHEN BURDEN RESULTS FROM APPLICATION OF RULE OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY, UNLESS PUBLIC BODY MEETS BURDENS OF PROVIDING EVIDENCE AND PERSUADING TRIER OF FACT THAT IMPOSITIOIN OF BURDEN FURTHERS COMPELLING GOVERNMENT INTEREST AND IS LEAST RESTRICTIVE MEANS OF FURTHERING THAT COMPELLING GOVERNMENT INTEREST - (Priority 3 Monitor) MINUTES--Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations March 24, 2005 Page 8