08/07/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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tation in lobbyist organizations with the idea of reducing expenditures in . those areas to support the lobbyist proposal. She hoped that the lobbyist would be beneficial, stating that she did not want Eugene to fall behind by not having a lobbyist. She also commented that Eugene's Congressional representatives had approved the proposal. Ms. Ehrma n sta ted tha t she di d not want to abuse the council's link to the 4th Congressional District. Councilor Hansen said he had at first supported the proposal but now felt that most of the work could be performed by staff. Before committing to a lobbyist, he suggested that staff study the effects of funding more fre- quent City contacts in Washington, using City personnel in their own areas of expertise. Councilor Bascom said she supported the lobbyist proposal on a trial basis, stating that the staff material suggested that such a person would be use- ful in identifying grants for the city. She stated that funding sources for the library and development of the riverfront should also be identi- fi ed. She felt that a lobbyist would be an addition to, rather than a sub- stitute for, the contacts of City personnel. Councilor Wooten said she appreciated Mr. Holmer's comments. She acknow- ledged that Congressional representatives did not have the time to be per- sonal advocates for cities in seeking grants. She said the proposal should be approved on a trial basis, with a cap to be placed on funding, and that a list of priorities be developed for the lobbyist. Ms. Wooten also sug- gested that the City conduct an ongoing visitation program to Washington. e Councilor Holmer said that it was questionable whether the City increaSing its presence in Washington would be effective in increasing grants based on the foreseen decrease in Federal grants. He said the proposed funding should be placed into the Intergovernmental Relations Division to assess the opportunities at the Federal level rather than paying overhead costs for a 1 obbyi st. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Mr. Hansen, that the City of Eugene, in line with the recommendation of the Legislative Subcommittee, proceed with contracting for a Federal liaison in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the City of Eugene, with the caveat that the City, prior to approving any contract, establish stipulations as expressed by the City Council in the plan for the use of that lObbyist. In response to a question by Councilor Hansen regarding program funding, Mr. Gleason stated that staff will provide a report on funding of the 1 obbyi st. Mr. Hansen said he would oppose the motion, stating that he felt it would be more appropriate for the staff to be involved than a lObbyist. Roll call vote; the motion carried, 5:2; Councilors Wooten, Bascom, Ehrman, Miller, and Rutan voting aye, and Councilors Hansen and Holmer voting nay. Mayor Obie commented that he wished to have the Legislative Subcommittee or e some council representation involved in the contracting process. MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 7, 1985 Pa ge 7