07/13/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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IV. Overview of 1977 Legislative Action Paget Engen, Legislative Liaison, noted there would be a detailed report e out in about a month on action taken at the Legislature. She said said the most important thing was that the Legislature did not mandate any new major expense functions for city governments. She mentioned State Revenue Sharing, explaining that cities will get 14 percent of liquor revenues over the 20 percent they are now getting. On field burning, Ms. Engen noted that acreage burning limitations were raised from 95,000 to 195,000 acres this year and from 50,000 to 180,000 acres in 1978. She also said the responsibility for administra- tion has moved to the Environmental Quality Commission for policy and the Department of Environmental Quality for administration. In regard to Eugene's position on field burning, Assistant City Manager noted that staff has been looking at the City's options. The City Attorney's Office has advised that there may be legal options available. Staff is currently operating under policy set by Council which mandates that all efforts are made to reduce the effect of field burning upon the Eugene- Springfield area. Mr. Keller felt that staff should pursue, according to City policy, and keep Council updated. City Attorney Stan Long noted that much work needs to be done to determine if a legal course can be followed. At this point, he said, it looks as though the matter should be investigated. Mr. Delay felt the City must continue according to present policy. Mr. Long noted there is enough involved to do at least another month's work and come back to Council with a report on the legality of the field e burning legislation and what the City's options are in that regard. Ms. Smith thought it wise that the City Attorney's Office pursue those options and, after the report comes back, Council can then make a decision on whether to "go" or "no go". Mr. Obie was concerned about costs involved, feeling any decision to proceed should await more details on cost. Ms. Engen mentioned changes to LCDC, noting that local representation has been added to the LCDC Board. Goals and guidelines were redefined, a two-year moratorium on setting up new goals was set, and power was removed from LCDC to take over local planning. Boundary commissions were funded for another year, but Ms. Engen felt that the death knell was sounded for boundary commissions in the future. On tort liability, Ms. Engen noted that legislation was passed which should ease problems of local governments. Regarding personnel changes, Ms. Engen noted that a Department of Workers Compensation was created and the makeup of the Board was changed to include an administrator appointed by the Governor. She said the Circuit Court was removed as a step in the appeals process. Legislation passed in the area of unemployment insurance would set a voluntary State trust fund pool. The cost of becoming involved would be based upon actual experience, rather than a percentage of payroll. e 7/13/77--4 5105