05/31/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

, VII. Mr. Bradley'sReport On L-COG Action on Economic Improvement Commission Mr. Bradley explained for Council the recent action taken by L-COG at ~ its May 25 meeting regarding the Economic Improvement Commission. He clarified for Council there were two weighted votes: One as listed in the Economic Improvement Commission by-laws, and one as listed in the L-COG membership by-laws. At its recent meeting, there were not enough votes to approve the EIC: Only Eugene, Lane County, and Lowell. The reasons others would not approve were that they were not in favor of the by-laws in giving a weighted vote to allow Eugene one vote per 1,000 population; and the funding ratio was unfair. Mr. Bradley suggested Eugene would give up its weighted vote in the by-laws to get the EIC approved. Lane County would be willing to fund the total amount for the first year. This passed by a vote of 8-7, with the seven abstaining because of the change in the by-laws and necessity to discuss with their jurisdictions. The result of this, as noted by Mr. Bradley, was that Council would have to reconsider this month the by-laws for the EIC without the weighted vote and decide whether or not it can instruct its delegate to use its weighted vote of L-COG to pass the EIC in June. He noted this would be the first time in history the weighted vote for L-COG board member would be used. Very serious effects could result in the area of cooperation between those on L-COG. Mr. Delay said he felt the weighted vote good insurance to protect the interests of Eugene as a jurisdiction. However, he did not favor use of the weighted vote just to get our own way. Mr. Porter explained the federal government regulations were the basis for the "one man, one vote" in estab 1 i shi ng L-COG. However, he noted the weighted vote was necessary to give those jurisdictions with a major proportion of population an equal amount of say it needed in L-COG. He also noted Eugene contributes financially on a population basis. Mr. Obie felt Eugene had a responsibility to be represented on an equal basis, but felt the weighted vote should not be used on L-COG just to get our own way. - Mr. Bradley also noted if the County funds the first year for an EIC, it would retain veto power, which would be unacceptable to him. The matter will come before Council some time in June. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the meeting was adjourned to June 7, 1978. ~)~ Charles T. Henry Ci ty Manager CTH:DT:pm/CM12b4 - 5/31/78--12 "+I'Z..