10/10/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Ms. Schue asked about Spectra-Physics' attitude toward participating in the mitigation costs. Mr. Croteau said Spectra-Physics was in disbelief when it found out about the wetlands requirements and the added expense of fulfilling these requirements. He said Spectra-Physics has not committed to remaining in the area, but has not made a decision to leave either. Mr. Holmer felt the City should at least be prepared to help Spectra-Physics by acquiring a loan from the State for the company. He was not certain whether the City should participate any further than this. Mr. Holmer pointed out that Spectra-Physics bought property which was zoned industrial; he felt this implies a certain amount of City obligation for dealing with the wetlands issue. Mr. Miller felt it is a question of how much money the City is willing to spend on economic development to create 750 jobs. Ms. Ehrman said that beyond this question is the issue of precedence; she felt many other companies would want the same kind of City assistance in the future. Mr. Gleason said one way to deal with the additional mitigation requests is to establish a funding mechanism in which wetlands mitigation is treated similar to the development of storm and sanitary sewer systems. Mayor Obie felt the council should keep in mind the huge public investment in the west Eugene area. He felt the City should be part of the solution in order to protect the public investment. e Ms. Bascom pointed out that Spectra-Physics is important to the community not only for the jobs it provides, but for its ability to attract similar businesses to the area. Ms. Schue agreed, saying Spectra-Physics could be extremely important in recruiting businesses for the Riverfront Research Park. Mr. Rutan felt the council should further discuss the issue. He said there are creative ways of financing the $120,000 debt the City would incur if it helps Spectra-Physics with mitigation. He felt the City should consider all of the options and should negotiate with Spectra-Physics to determine its level of participation. Mr. Bennett said he is interested in having the City be part of the solution to wetlands problems. He stressed that financial contributions are not the only way for the City to get involved, however. He felt the City should pursue legislative changes to make the definition of a wetland clearer as well as creative mitigation options. Mr. Bennett said the City has a right to bargain about this issue and that Spectra-Physics should feel some responsibility for contributing to the solution of its wetlands problems. He pointed out that no company get into business believing everything will go smoothly. Ms. Ehrman agreed that the City should be helpful to Spectra-Physics and said City staff have already been generous with its time. She voiced concern that Spectra-Physics currently feels no responsibility for dealing with the issue. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 10, 1988 Page 4 -