08/09/1976 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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it "crystal clear" that the revised Charter would include the provision that vacancies on the Board were to be filled through appointment by the Board - itself. However, that provision was not carried into the present draft as the result of Council action that carried by a margin of only one vote. He pointed out the importance of maintaining appointing power with the Board to avoid operation of the utility "through politcal influence." Also, the high- ly sophisticated business involved and the amount of dollars involved in its operation which call for careful and well managed planning if necessary bond issues are to meet requirements of financial underwriters and investors at r8la- tively low cost. Mr. Hollis called attention to the AAA rating now enjoyed by the Board in financial markets on its bond isses, competing with some of the largest corporation in the country for attracting funds to build the utility system now enjoyed by the people of Eugene. With such a success story that has carried over the past 65 years, he said, "Why meddle with it?" Mr. Hollis recalled statements that the purpose of this Charter revision was not to make basic, substantive changes in its provisions, rather it was to clear up ambiguities in the language and to make clearer and more workable document. For that reason, he felt that filling of vacancies on the Eugene Water & Electirc Board shoulti be filled by appointment by the Board itself. Only with that pro- vision, he said, would the Council be truly acting in a manner consistent with intent of the origianl Charter and implementing ordinances and placing the Board in a position where it could act upon future financial and bond issues divorced from all politics. Upon a show of hands requested by the Mayor, about 75 to 85 people in the audience indicated they were supporting the position stated by Mr. Hollis and EWEB. e Others speaking in support of Mr. Hollis' position were Dave VanFossen, 2700 Almaden Street; Walter deMartini, 1313 Lincoln Street, speaking for the New Car Dealers Association; Dennis Cuddeback, 4125 Highway 99S; and Charles Strong, 495 West 26th Avenue. They objected to management of the utility's finances by an appointive Board. They also recognized the efficient and low-cost opera- tion under the present method of operation. Mr. Strong presented a prepared statement to the Council in which he pointed out that management, planning, service, personnel, and finances all were characteristics of the utility opera- tion that would be affected by a change in the method of Board selection. Upon questioning from a Brion Marquez with regard to reasons for changing word- ing in the freeway amendment and deletion of requirement for bold face type in posting notices of election prior to freeway construction, Mayor Anderson said explanations would be forthcoming at the conclusion of public testimony. John Morrison, 2609 Central Boulevard, commented on the service provided by EWEB employes and the courtesies extended to the public. He said he couldn't imagine interfering with an operation that had met with the kind of success that would result in that type of service. Public hearing was closed, there being no further testimony presented. A short recess was taken. Upon reconvening, Mayor Anderson said there would be further discussion of pro- posed revisions at a subsequent meeting. However, he recognized John Tiffany, - chairman of EWEB. Mr. Tiffany said the Board hoped for affirmative action by the Council on the July 28 draft (providing for EWEB' s fil] ing vacancies on its own Board). However, 893 8/9/76 - 7