08/12/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Robinette said he wished to continue providing small business counseling. He said that the combination of the loan program and business counseling would provide support for the community's small businesses that could not be found elsewhere. Mr. Robinette said his focus was on local, small business and not on soliciting large businesses or developing City properties. He pointed out that "doing things differently" will require funding. Mr. Boles pointed out that the Metro Partnership contract was a contribution to the same effort. Mr. Robinette disagreed. Mr. Boles said that while he appreciated the concept, he was unsure how the City would establish controls to ensure that the type of business development occurring was at the neighbor- hood scale. Mr. Robinette suggested that staff be directed to develop a proposal for council review. Mr. Boles said that the issue for him was whether to provide direct business assistance to the private sector or invest that money in the overall climate in the form of public safety, parks, and streets. He said he understood the need for neighborhood-scale development, but was unsure that the City should, provide the service. Mr. Rutan spoke in opposition to the motion. He said that business counseling is available from a variety of entities, such as Lane Community College, the Private Industry Council, the Business Assistance Network, and SCORE. He said that, in addition, there are professionals who are willing to advise for free. Mr. Rutan envisioned a community consortium of business assistance and business recruiting efforts and a consolidation of the Willamette Valley World e Trade Center, the Metro Partnership, the former functions of the Business Assistance Team, and the functions of the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Bascom endorsed Mr. Rutan's remarks and said that elimination of the City service will not eliminate its availability to the community. Mr. MacDonald said he had anticipated that the business community would develop a vision for economic development in Eugene for the 1990s. He expressed disappointment that such a vision was not put forth. Mr. MacDonald said that he supported a business license fee dedicated to support such economic development activities to be directed toward a consortium such as that described by Mr. Rutan. However, he had been unable to secure support for his concept. Mr. Nicholson discussed his own experience in working with the City's Business Assistance Team, which he termed unsatisfactory. He said that individuals seeking business advice could turn to Lane Community College. Mr. Robinette said he was not satisfied that other groups were delivering the services he believed were needed. He urged the council to direct staff to prepare a proposal for further review. The motion failed, 2:6. e MINUTES--City Council Work Session August 12, 1992 Page 3 5:30 p.m.