01/06/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e liThe City of Eugene Business Assistance Team helped 588 businesses with advice, practical solutions to business problems, and advocacy in siting new developments and expansions of local companies. The newly formed Metropolitan Partnership has raised a fantastic war chest from the private sector to help recruit businesses to this area. It is a long and it is an arduous task, but we had the boost of the relocation of the VanDuyn Chocolate factory, Dunn and Bradstreet, and some others. We will stay on the road of assisting local businesses to prosper while seeking others to diversify our boom and bust timber-based economY. But in the process, we did not turn our back on the area's natural resources, that is of course, wood products. Our advances have been noticeable in 1985, but the poor are still there. We must continue this effort at job development until opportunity for family wage employment matches that of those who need jobs the most. IIThese accomplishments and goals are vital to the health of our town. IIBut I think that there were some other successes in 1985. Those are the day-to-day services and programs that are so important to making life worthwhile. IIlet's start with the all important leaf pick-up--that is a standard favorite. Speaking to the City Manager this morning, I said, liThe Public Works crews picked up 9,500 cubic yards of leaves in 1985. Mike, how much is that?1I He said, lilt almost fills MacArthur Court. II That's a lot of work on the streets for people to appreciate. There were over 1 million books circulated through the Eugene Public library. Parks, open space, the ridgeline trail, pools, community centers, senior centers, bike paths, classes, and coordinated softball and soccer games, all had unprecedented participation in 1985. liThe opening of the Permit and Information Center has made it more efficient and pleasant to get information and necessary approvals for virtually anything you want to do. The center consolidates services from nine City offices and has 550 contacts a day with customers. The new 911 system handles 25,000 calls for service every month. Police and Fire have expanded efficiencies under austere budget limitations, and are doing an excellent job. The City of Eugene continues its heartfelt commitment to social services through the contribution of $415,000 to the Joint Social Services Fund to assist the admirable and unending efforts of non-profit agencies dealing with the homeless and the hungry, those in need of help with legal issues, health issues, information and referral services, senior services, and much more. In 1985, the five Human Rights commissions made remarkable progress with their work plans and activities to educate and promote the rights of women, the aging, youth, minorities, and the disabled. liThe Hult Center continues to cut costs and increase attendance. The one millionth ticket to the Hult Center will be sold in May of 1986. The City of Eugene has adopted a Culture and leisure Plan and established an office of Destination Point activities. That means we are coordinating, promoting, marketing, and assisting with city events and community-initiated events to put Eugene on the map as an exciting and thrilling place for tourists to visit. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 6, 1986 Page 5