11/23/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Smith said she did not feel the two issues could be separated e and would support the recommendation under the conditions that Eugene have the right to review actions and 40 percent representation. She said it was clear Eugene could not develop an economic vehicle alone and felt it to Eugene's advantage to participate in this development. Mayor Keller noted at the Friday economic development meeting, it was clearly set forth that a port district was a possibility, but that might curtail ativities for four to five years. He said at least getting involved in the Economic Improvement Commission would be a good start. Mr. Bradley understood if the Council joined in the Economic Improvement Commission, that would be a first step toward an Economic Improvement District. He felt it important at this first stage that Eugene have the final authority over the appointments of the members to the Commission. He said if the County Commissioners cannot accept Eugene Council's recom- mendations, then he would not support the Economic Improvement Commission. He thought it important to have control over economic development within Eugene and that could be done through the appointment process. Mr. Obie said, as he remembered Mr. Whitelaw's presentation, that job training was an integral part of the presentation. He wondered if this meant as the area moved from an economic commission to an economic district whether more CETA employees would be involved. Manager replied that was certainly a possibility, as there would be potential for more grants e to help in this area. Mr. Whitelaw replied the two were unrelated. He said having a commission or not having it has no effect on more or fewer CETA employees. Mr. Haws said he felt the staff would be working with Lane County regarding CETA funding in any event. Assistant Manager replied staff was working on it at the present time. He said having City Council maintain some major control over what is happening with the economic development in the area could interrelate the two. He said Eugene would have some specific impact for distribution of CETA funds. He said having the ability to deal with the employment problem in the County made it important that that strategy stay closely in connection one with the other. Mr. Porter read the November 5 memo from the Planning staff to City Council in which recommended actions suggested that the City join with the County in a cooperative relationship to develop an economic improvement commission and district. The City Council should endorse the same type of partnership arrangement in employment training and job development (CETA). He, noted it important that Council look at jOb training issues in connection with the employment and the economy. 11/23/77--9 e ~~