06/09/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Mr. Holmer, to amend the ordinance to restore the phrase IIresolution of the council II and delete the phrase lIan administrative rule of the city manager adopted in the manner prescribed in section 3.012 of this code.1I Mr. Holmer said fees for City services are of great concern to the public and the council should accept the responsibility for setting them. He will support the amendment. Responding to Ms. Bascom, Mr. Gleason said the council has many things to consider and it is difficult for councilors to find time to consider fee schedules as often as necessary. He said the council adopted a policy about fees, rates, and schedules. He recommended that the policy be implemented administratively. In that case, a pUblic hearing will be held, the findings will be available to the council, and a change in fees will be changed. Ms. Wooten said the council does not consider each of the other fees and rates charged by the City. She sees no reason why the council should review the land use fees. She will oppose the amendment. Mr. Miller said the council is adopting a policy of recovering a fair and equitable share of the costs of City services because the City has lost revenues. He said the council should consult with the City Manager about changes in fees. He did not fear permitting the City Manager to set fees. Mr. Gleason responded that the council has indicated that fees should be based on cost analyses. The council has not directed that a specific percentage of costs be recovered. Ms. Ehrman said the councilors do not have expertise in setting fees. She said they should consider what the community expects of volunteer councilors. Mr. Holmer read the Purpose and Section 14 of Section 9.850 of the proposed ordinance. He said they indicate that the City Manager may waive any fees for a particular class of applicants when it is in the public interest. He said he is not prepared to approve such a broad delegation of authority. Responding to a comment from Mr. Rutan, Mr. Gleason said the City Code contains several methods for setting fees. He said the proposed changes will increase consistency. Mr. Rutan said it is important that the council be involved in lithe pocketbook of the community. II He said fees are important enough for the council to consider because the council's charge from its constituency includes them. Mayor Obie said he has much faith in Mr. Gleason's judgment, but there will be other managers in the future. He said the council should decide whether a charge is a user fee or a tax. Answering a question from Ms. Wooten, Mayor Obie said the council should consider any changes to City charges over which the council has authority. Answering questions from Ms. Bascom, Mr. Gleason said the proposed ordinance concerns land use fees only. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 9, 1986 Page 5