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e e e E. Business Assistance Team Mr. Whitlow said that there are six and one-half staff on the BATeam. Answer- ing Ms. Wooten's question, Mr. Gleason said that the original BATe am staff was composed of people already in the organization and that their original jobs were not filled. Ms. Ehrman asked what the cut of $150,000 represented, and Mr. Whitlow said that the BATeam would not be able to service as many clients, that special projects would be eliminated, and that other services would be reduced. The Metro Partnership is a contractual agreement that is renewed annually. Mr. Miller asked if the Chamber of Commerce could pick up any of the services. Mr. Gleason pointed out that it is the perception of the Metro Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce that the City is not doing enough now. Some projects would be at risk, such as the newly opened Customs Sta- tion. The Metro Partnership does not do business assistance, only recruit- ment. Ms. Wooten reported that she and Mr. Rutan have prepared a memorandum proposing to reshape the Council Committee on Economic Development and to work with the BATeam to become more proactive. F. Metropolitan Partnership Mr. Whitlow explained that the reduction was in the actual contract to help support operations; the staff is above and beyond. G. Neighborhood Program The reduction, according to Mr. Whitlow, would eliminate the program, one staff position, and materials. Referrals will then need to be made by separate departments. H. Municipal Court Ms. Ehrman suggested that the traffic crimes, which are under State statute, be handled by the District Court. She also questioned why the City pays $45 per hour on their Public Defender Contract, while the State pays $30 per hour. Mr. Holmer agreed that both were worth exploring. I. Convention and Visitors Bureau Under this category, Mr. Rutan introduced Destination-Point Activities for reduction consideration. This area, which includes Cultural Arts, the Eugene Celebration, and the Destination-Point Program, is staffed by three full-time employees and costs about $200,000, according to Mr. Whitlow. Ms. Wooten asked how the DFI was started and its relationship to the Visitors and Conven- tion Bureau. Mr. Gleason said that two Parks staff were assigned to the pro- gram and one added later for the Eugene Celebration. The original money came from the Visitors and Convention Bureau. None of the three positions are new positions, but came from other program areas. In response to Mr. Miller's question, Mr. Gleason continued to explain that there is no duplication of activities of the Visitors and Convention Bureau and the OPA. The Visitors and Convention Bureau has revised its mission statement and has nothing to do the the Eugene Celebration. MINUTES--Eugene City Council Work Session February 25, 1986 Page 4