06/09/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Keith Martin, assistant city manager, explained the county-wide economic develop- ment plan now in existence which would be the basis for receiving Federal grants. The Federal grant sought by the County based on this plan was rejected because funds would not be concentrated in urban areas. Hence, the proposal for the Economic Development Association with participation of the cities to develop implementation strategy. Recommendations would then be returned to the cities for consideration. He explained that because of time restraints a preapplication had been submitted to keep open option for receiving Federal money ($30,000, $10,000 in-kind match from local agencies). CouncllmanMurray questioned the meaning of one of the functions of the commission listed - to correct or minimize negative factors associated with interaction of prospective clients and community in locating new business or industry. He ex- pressed concern that the commission would become a quasi-official body which would find itself intervening between a public body and the public in terms of taking an advocacy position toward location of an industry. Mr. Murray also expressed concern about the proposed function "to encourage development of industrial sites and parks." He felt that was a "big step" and somewhat inconsistent with com- munity goals statements calling for reduction of industrial zoned land where the living environment would be impaired. Mr. Martin answered that the proposal was an attempt at addressing the question of the community's willingness to ac- cept new industry and the results of that new industry - to determine the environ- mental price of having new industry. He agreed that the commission could take an advocacy position with the Council as does any other city commission - Human Rights, MAPAC, Joint Parks, etc. Councilman Hamel noted that the commission would be concerned with the entire County, not just Eugene itself. Mayor Anderson interpreted the proposal as one which would contain future in- dustrial development in parks such as that on the west side of Eugene rather than having a scatteration of industry. - Mr. Murray said that in general he shared the interest in the objectives of creat- ing more jobs and revitalizing the economy. However, he thought the proposal seemed too narrow and too conclusional. The language seemed to place emphasis on attracting new industry to the exclusion of other concerns, genuine assurances of having clean industries should be spelled out. Councilman Keller said he read the proposal as a "give and take" which was necessary if the community was to have ~ndustry for economic vitality and still have something compati/Jle with the city's programs. Mr. Murray agreed but thought the statement of functions was not balanced enough. Assistant Manager noted that economic development for the metropolitan area under the proposed grant would remain in control of the Eugene and Springfield councils and be based on the plan developed for this area. It was separate from the pro- posed commission and would not deal with county-wide issues. The proposed commis- sion would provide a forum for bringing in new industry to be located throughout the County where it would be compatible and control location as well as type of industry. Mr. Murray recognized the difference but said the language of the pro- posal should be more explicit about major concerns rather than relying on taking care of those concerns at a later time. Mr. Martin suggested taking care of those concerns by including them in the resolution endorsing the proposal. Mayor Anderson thought the major thrust of any resolution which might be adopted should be toward utilization of the existing labor pool so as not to cause a major influx of people. Councilwoman Beal thought the proposed commission would be setting up a quasi- official body. She asked what the fiscal impact would be on the city and who would staff the propnsed commission. Mr. Martin explained that the commission was en- tirely separate from the Federal grant, that no planning would be done by this group. Staffing was unsettled, he said. It could be through LCOG, or perhaps Lane County. - Mrs. Beal moved seconded by Mrs. Shirey to approve the proposed Economic Development Association in concept and request further information and refinement to know what would be expected of the city before adopting any specific resolution of endorsement. 3\5 6/9/75 - 13