09/21/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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\ .- '- The main reason for that request is that the Port District Steering .' Committee of Eugene and Springfield has been studying ways to go in encouraging economic development. During October, the Committee will meet with Ed Whitelaw and the Small Business Administration. The letter further notes that Springfield has decided to postpone a decision until November 1. Mr. Williams wondered what the impact would be in delaying until November 1. Mr. Haws said he was never clear exactly what the time pressure was. Mary Wahl, Administrative Aide for Commissioner Wood, noted that they have not had an opportunity to contact all of the groups involved. Should L-COG vote on September 22 to delay decision on the matter until their next meeting, it would allow the County to contact the remainder of the groups. She said she ,is not aware of dollars that would be lost right now if the decision is not made at the September 22 meeting. Mr. Delay said that discussion hinges around endorsing the idea of putting a commission together to study the possibility of forming an economic development district. He said that is a complex question and must be analyzed in terms of effect on the City of Eugene. He does not believe any commission should be formed without coming back to the-local units of government first. He wonders what the powers of such a commission would be, i.e., whether they would have the power e to form an economic development district, make grant applications, etc. Stan Biles, Administrative Aide for Commissioner Bob Wood, noted that several months ago there was talk of Lane County forming a single district. Because of opposition, a multi-county organization was ultimately suggested. He said that coming back to local jurisdictions would not be a problem since there would be representatives of each city council sitting on the board. Mr. Delay expressed concern that the City should have proportional representation and a review of any plans that would affect it. Ms. Wahl noted that EDA has required that no political body can have veto power over a group set up as a coordinative effort. Mr. Biles noted that any decision in terms of representation would go to an L-COG advisory group, then to the Commissioners. At that time, if there is any dissatisfaction, the City does not have to go along. It would be up to each City's representative to express concerns at that time. Manager noted he discussed the matter with Commissioner Wood. As he understands it, if the district is formed and if the Commission becomes the governing bOdy for the district, Eugene could only have one elected representative. The question then would be how many non-elected repre- sentatives might be considered from Eugene, and how would they get on the Commission, since the City of Eugene represents 40 percent of the population" business activity, etc. He said that those kinds of matters have not as yet been determined. e 9121177--2 7/5