01/13/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e plans to request further funds and Mr. Whitlow said, no, that all the Ci~(ls energy would be directed toward receiving the $4.7 million and a portion of State lottery moneys. Mr. Hansen asked if funds would be available from the Entitlement Program dur- ing the third year and Mr. Smith responded that the funding was currently authorized through 1987. Mr. Whitlow said that Mr. Shelbyls report at Wednes- day's council meeting would provide a clearer explanation of our strategy on funding. e Mr. Holmer asked Mr. Smith to address the issue of reauthorizing the passenger facilities charge. Mr. Smith said that there will be an opportunity to debate the issue when the Airport Improvement Program expires. When asked why groups oppose the tax, Mr. Smith explained that airports donlt want it because there may not be local authority to levy the tax. Also, current agreements with airlines might be a deterrent. Small and medium-size airports are afraid that, if given the option, it would cause Federal funding to diminish because large airports would pullout and leave small airports without funds. Mr. Whitlow explained that some early analysis of the difference in revenue between Federal funding and local taxes has been done. Mr. Miller asked if any thought has been given to the provision for a head tax dedicated only for capital improvement which can be phased out. Mr. Smith was not aware of any such plans in other states, but advised that this be developed as a strategy option. Mayor Obie reviewed that one of the City Council IS objectives in committing to the Federal lobbying program was to receive assistance in identifying procure- ment contract opportunities and potential sitings of Federal government facil- ities. Mr. Smith said that watching appropriation bills for agencies is the best means of monitoring procurement and siting opportunities and that ma:in- taining contact with the network of interests groups in Washington, DC, is al so hel pful . Mr. Obie asked Mr. Smith to tell the council something about the firm of Smith/Dawson Associates. Mr. Smith replied that a new partner, Greg Andr'ews, has recently been added. All three partners have worked at different levels of the Federal government in both the executi ve and 1 egi sl ati ve branches., They have been in business for six years and represent both the private and public sectors. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. e (Recorded by Judy Jernberg) JJ:pv/1960C MINUTES--City Council Work Session January 13, 1986 Page 3