11/02/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Mall Maintenance--Mr. Miller said merchants in other parts of town maintain their properties. Later in the meeting, he wondered if downtown e maintenance funds could be used on streets. Mr. Rutan said the downtown maintenance involves rights-of-way. Tax Allocation funds could not be used because buildings such as the library and Hult Center are outside the Tax Increment District. Community Affairs--Ms. Wooten said $218,000 is a lot for reporting to the mass media about police and other emergency activities. She suggested the funding be reduced. She said the Crime Prevention Team could absorb some educational programs of the Community Affairs section. Ms. Bascom agreed with her. Ms. Ehrman said she would 1 i ke more information about the section's activities. Answering questions, Mr. Gleason reviewed the activities of the division. He said it is part of the Crime Prevention Team. He said informing the mass media of emergencies is very difficult. Automation Equipment/Software--Ms. Wooten sa i d the City spends much for automation. She suggested the item be deleted this year, Ms. Ehrman agreed. Ms. Bascom said automation changes fast and potential efficiencies might be lost if the item is deleted. Mr. Gleason said about half of the $346,000 is for a new communication system for computers, Existing programs cannot be connected to new software without the communication system, Career Criminal Unit--Ms. Ehrman said she sees no reason for the unit. e Ms. Bascom said the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Department should be evaluated. Mr. Whitlow said records maintained by the unit are essential to investigative work. Rental Housing Property Management--Mr. Rutan pointed out the program creates more revenue than it costs. He said the properties are needed for the future. Answering questions, Mr, Gleason said the program used to be contracted but the cost was greater than now. Spay/Neuter Clinic--Mr. Rutan said local veterinarians provide the same service and the City should not compete with them. He said $10,000 could subsidize private programs or spay or neuter stray animals if it is needed. Ms, Schue said the local veterinarians charged more before the City provided the service and the program has made animal control easier. She said it would be expensive to begin the program again if terminating it does not work. Ms. Wooten said the program is functioning well and should be retained. Answering questions, Mr, Whitlow said the net cost of the program is about $42,000. The program provides about $100,000 in revenue. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 2, 1987 Page 6