02/10/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mr. Hansen expressed concern about the $9.4 million projected from user fees until the airline negotiations are completed. The lottery money is also a soft figure. He does not think the City can proceed until the funds are secured. He supports the 2% county-wide room tax in order to keep pace with Portland. He also suggested that the council make a commitment of some property-tax dollars in order to make up shortfall and specifically mentioned using Economic Development dollars for the airport if necessary. Ms. Bascom added that there needs to be a community education effort and that a first-, second-, and third-tier reduction plan be developed which could be useful for public awareness that the project is not overpriced. Mr. Obie commented that if the public perceives the project as overpriced, it is necessary to bring the pieces of the project into focus: baggage space, lobby space, the concourse, and accommodations for five airlines. Ms. Wooten agreed that the council should provide leadership and that once a figure is agreed upon ($17.l million), it should not be exceeded. She would not support funding a shortfall with property-tax revenue. Mr. Miller remin- ded the council that, once the project is begun, some areas of the work could be renegotiated, and dollars could be saved. Some questions and discussion were held regarding Mr. Hansen's suggestion to use property tax funds. Mr. Holmer agreed that leadership by the council is essential, that there be a means by which to listen to the public, and that he would not support a property tax funding for shortfall. A series of questions was asked about process, including the joint Chamber of Commerce report, the public hearing process, and how a county-wide room tax would be levied. A joint pUblic hearing was suggested. It was generally agreed that the council would make no decisions on the scope of the project or the financial package until the joint meeting with Springfield and Lane County is held. A meeting will be set up after Councilor Rutan, Mr. Whitlow, and Mr. Shelby meet with the Springfield City Council tonight. Mr. Obie called on Mr. Gleason, who said that in order to complete the project, the City Council will need to accept the ambiguity of working with a fixed amount of money and a fixed project. If the council insists on conceptually nailing down everything before proceeding, the project will probably not be done. If the project concept is well thought out and includes some flexibil- ity, then decisions can be made along the way. The council needs to think of revenue in terms of cash flow. There is enough revenue secured to provide an anchor package to begin, and continue to seek revenue producers. The council may want to phase components of the project. The variables are many and cannot all be nailed down at once. The project is feasible. Mr. Hansen questioned Mr. Gleason's scenario and asked whether he would begin building a house without a loan secured. Mr. Gleason replied that each piece would have to be nailed down, one at a time and that if he were building a house, it might be necessary to delay construction of the garage if the money were not secured in time. There may be parts of the airport project which may have to be delayed while we secure revenue. Mr. Hansen commented that conversations are not enough, that there needs to be commitment. MINUTES--City Council Work Session February 10, 1986 Page 4