03/14/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e this type of building would require the addition of a time limit regulating how quickly all houses must be finished. Though this could be done, Mr. Reed was reluctant to recommend that the council interfere in this non-health- and safety-related area. The final issue raised by the council was zoning enforcement. Mr. Reed maintained that the current priority on health and safety is appropriate. If complaints continue to increase, the service level will drop for some of the other lower priority activities. If the Riverfront Research project is successful, Mr. Reed anticipated a continuation of the current rate of growth for the next three to four years. He also predicted a shift away from the public side projects and more private money over the next two to three years. If interest rates remain fairly stable, he forecast sustained growth. Mr. Gleason offered his opinion that the building permit/inspection system has the potential for creating the most animosity from the business community toward the City, and conversely the inability to adequately enforce and abate nuisance zoning issues creates animosity from neighborhoods. Removing resources from the permit and regulation systems results in dislocations within the regulations. Mr. Reed stated that the Building Safety Division is approximately 65 percent funded by fees. While Mr. Holmer suggested the permit program could be entirely fee-funded, Mr. Reed said the State sets a cap on the rate that fees can be charged. e Ms. Ehrman expressed a concern about the complaint backlog and she reiterated her concern that economic development is assigned a higher priority than the complaints of individual property owners. She encouraged the division to direct its attention to satisfying citizensl complaints. Mr. Rutan asked how many lawsuits presently involve the City. Ms. Miller answered that approximately ten zoning and nuisance violations are being litigated. Mr Rutan continued that although there are opportunities for fee increases, it is important to remain sensitive to the fact that the division is providing a public service. He observed that if complaints are not about things detrimental to the health and safety of the community, there is less cause for concern about a backlog. Ms. Wooten commented that Mr. Reedls presentation indicated instances of staff vacancies which might have resulted in the backlog accumulation. Mr. Reed explained that the divisionis efforts to eliminate one-of-a-kind positions and cross-training were responsible for the staff vacancies he reported. Ms. Schue noted that in view of the current budget situation, staffing increases are unlikely. She said this made it especially important for staff to be helpful and to educate the public to understand the process and to have realistic expectations. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session March 14, 1988 Page 5