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<br />- <br /> <br />E. Urban Renewal Position <br /> <br />Mr. Bennett brought up an article by Mr. Holmer that appeared in The <br />Register-Guard addressing the issue of downtown urban renewal districts. <br />He said he does not agree with Mr. Holmerls position, and asked if the <br />council has taken a formal stance on what role the downtown area should <br />play in economic development. <br /> <br />Ms. Schue said the council has regarded the downtown area as a priority <br />over the past several years. She said differences have arisen over the <br />method to strengthen the downtown area. She noted that Mr. Holmer1s <br />article was not inappropriate because he was not speaking on behalf of <br />the council. <br /> <br />Ms. Bascom said it is important that an article representing the other <br />side of the issue be written. <br /> <br />Mr. Miller suggested that the council explore the issue in more detail at <br />another meeting. <br /> <br />Ms. Ehrman said she agrees with Mr. Bennett on what role downtown should <br />play in economic development. She said she disagrees with Mr. Holmer's <br />view of having the public vote on issues such as tax increment financing. <br /> <br />- <br /> <br />Mr. Bennett said tax increment financing is an important part of downtown <br />development, although it is not the only method of fostering development. <br />He said the council needs to restate its focus for the benefit of council <br />members and staff. <br /> <br />Ms. Bascom said the council has taken two votes reaffirming its <br />commitment to downtown. Mr. Holmer said both votes occurred during work <br />sessions and were never repeated during a formal session. <br /> <br />Mr. Miller suggested scheduling a work session to further discuss the <br />matter. Ms. Ehrman said it was her impression when she asked that <br />Willamette Street be put on the agenda that the council was ready to take <br />a formal vote. She said the vote should be scheduled for a date when <br />everybody can be present. <br /> <br />Mr. Holmer said he has no objection to tax increment financing. However, <br />because of the large amount of money involved, the public ought to be <br />included in the decision-making. He said he would like the council to <br />affirm its commitment to downtown. He said the council should also take <br />formal action if it decides to sell bonds with only council <br />authorization. <br /> <br />Ms. Wooten said she is willing to discuss the issue again. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Mr. Gleason said staff will investigate scheduling a work session at the <br />February 22 dinner meeting. <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br /> <br />February 10, 1988 <br /> <br />Page 2 <br />