01/25/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Smith said under II-A-2, economic development policy, she did not feel action status should be lipS", as there had not been satisfactory progress. .Ail Manager replied the staff had been trying to develop all data which would .., affect policy decisions. However, apparently the proposed vehicle for economic development may not develop, as Springfield is not cooperating in the formation of the Economic Development Commission. He wondered if the Council had any direction for additional staff effort, noting there would be continuing update reports from Mr. Whitelaw. Mr. Porter said staff will be presenting to Council a recommendation for use of vacant industrial land in West Eugene, which will have some effect on economic health of that area. He felt the City was making satisfactory progress and Mr. Whitelaw had indicated the economy of Eugene was healthier than ever. Manager noted the employment studies were continuing with L-COG' and the City. Mr. Delay noted if "PS" action status meant economic development was under control, that would never be achieved. II-C, Manager noted the date of April 4 for a possible wastewater facility bond issue election. If that occurred, then another date would have to be chosen for the bond issue election for the Civic Center auditorium. It was more desirable for the bond issue for the wastewater management treatment plant to occur' first, as it was a larger project and it would not have an effect on the bond rating of the City. 11-0, Mayor Keller questioned whether the June 30 date for T-2000 was a serious deadline date. He wondered if the City was making that kind of ... progress. Manager said it was necessary to do so to get funding. John .., Porter said a tentative date of March 16, 7:30 p.m., had been set for a joint session between City Council and Lane County; it was hoped the Council could adopt the T-2000 plan in some form by June 30 in order to maintain federal funding for mass transit. II-G, Manager noted a possible election date for the Civic Center Auditorium in June. II-H, suggests working with Department of Transportation towards securing more highway financial aid~ Manager said this was a continuing process and funding was being sought particularly for Highway 99 and Sixth and Seventh avenues. Staff had been in contact with State staff involved in the six-year plan and had worked with various committees hearing these issues in an attempt to get more funding for Eugene. Mayor Keller noted the importance of working through the legislative process to obtain funding. Ms. Smith mentioned the state transportation meetings in Eugene Thursday and Friday, and Manager said he would be attending Friday afternoon. Mr. Lieuallen wondered under the T-2000 plan if the money was being sought to rehabilitate streets, and if that were a high priority. Assistant Manager said it was the broader issue of street maintenance in neighbor- hoods that is very important. Don Allen noted the support of the City for the two cents gas tax increase for these purposes, as the City is des- perate for money for street maintenance. Specifically, the T-2000 plan is di,rected at Highway 99 and 6th and 7th avenues. _ 1/25/78--10 4'