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<br /> . Mr. Bennett referred to an article he had read in Business News regarding <br /> progress in technology in the area of plastics and said new developments in <br /> the biodegradation of plastics would influence any response to the issue. <br /> Ms. Schue responded that the use of paper products was an important <br /> consideration. <br /> I. Buil di ng Permi ts <br /> Mayor Obie reported continuing criticism of the City.s apparent inability to <br /> issue building permits in a reasonable length of time. Describing the <br /> backlog in August as reaching a crisis level, he proposed that the council <br /> direct staff to prepare an ordinance requiring permits to be issued after a <br /> reasonable length of time if the appropriate professionals agree that all <br /> codes have been met. Mayor Obie considered 45 days a reasonable period of <br /> time for the process. <br /> Mr. Bennett suggested reviewing practices in other communities. <br /> Mr. Miller also saw a need to address the timely issuance of building <br /> permits, but he emphasized the need to consider liability issues. He <br /> cautioned against jeopardizing the public by moving too rapidly. <br /> Ms. Wooten suggested the creation of different categories for building <br /> permits. While 45 days may be reasonable for plan check approval, it may not <br /> be appropriate for a major project. <br /> e Mr. Holmer asked about the architect and engineer sharing the liability for <br /> errors they might make. Mr. Bennett responded that while shared liability <br /> may be fair, he doubted its practicality because of the difficulty of <br /> obtaining insurance coverage. He said it was important to specify the type <br /> of permit when discussing the question of liability. <br /> Ms. Bascom indicated she would favor discussing the issue. Ms. Ehrman <br /> requested that a work session be scheduled before an ordinance is considered. <br /> Mayor Obie directed Mr. Gleason to schedule a work session as soon as <br /> possible and suggested that professionals be invited to participate. <br /> Mr. Rutan asked that an objective assessment of the actual performance level <br /> be included in the work session background information. <br /> II. ELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT <br /> Ms. Bascom moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, to elect Ms. Wooten <br /> as City Council President. The motion passed unanimously. <br /> Mayor Obie cal'led for a meeting of the Council Committee on Committees as <br /> soon as possible. <br /> ~MINUTES--EUgene City Council September 7, 1988 Page 4 <br />