04/05/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Ms. Smith questioned whether the persons pursuing the port district had been working in any direct relationship with those working on the economic improvement district. Ray Walder said he was working directly with both groups. However, he said the citizens' committee working on EID had failed to have a quorum and, therefore, had not yet adopted a set of bylaws which would allow establishment of the commissioners for such a district. Mr. Morgan indicated he had talked last week with Commis- sioner Bob Wood. He clarified for Council the commission would be a policy-making body, whereas the port authority would be an acting agency with a right of buying land, etc. He felt there was no real conflict between the two, with the exception the commission is not accountable to the people, but a port district would be. e In response to a question from Mr. Obie, Mr. Amundson said a port district has rather extensive powers. Resources would come from the Economic Development Commission, the State, loans and grants; or sources could be obtained from the issue of revenue bonds which are highly acceptable on the open market. He al so noted the port di strict woul d be allowed to issu~ unlimited bonds for pollution control. A port district can acquire land, put in improvement systems (sewer and water), build roads and buildings. The district can develop management programs for resources of mcmpower opportunity, maintain convention centers, work and own land joint~y with other port districts. He cautioned one danger was assuming that a port district would do all these things. The reason it has such an array of power is to allow it to be an implementation agency and he said it was not bound by city government powers. Mr. Obie wondered how supporters of a port district would answer the charge that this would encourage more growth in Eugene. Mr. Amundson did not feel port districts should address that question as people are coming into Eugene and will continue to do so as it is an attractive area in which to live. It was the feeling there was no need to pursue increased population or new industries as the area was not ready to accommodate them. However, the group pursui ng a port di strict was not satisfied with the belief that the economic situation in Eugene can be solved by federal programs. It was felt there had to be some comparable growth and some basic industries to complement the service and govern- mental base of its present economy. Mr. Del ay requested staff recap the position on the proposal, and focus on the question if the City wants to encourge another taxing entity that would be beyond control of the City. Mr. Walder said in regard to staff's comml~nts, he did not think any entity could violate the City's goals and guidelines, but rather would have to work within those goals and guide- line-i. In regard to Mr. Obie's concern, Mr. Walder said it was not the intent to try to attract industry to bring in people, but rather to attrdct diversification of industry for a more heal thy economy. e 4/5178--7 2..1.0