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<br /> ~ <br /> Mr. Williams suggested that perhaps the expert consultant for the screening <br />e committee would have input on whether or not the 27 applications, or new <br /> applications, should be considered. He felt that more sensible than <br /> Council trying to make a decision in a vacuum. <br /> Assistant Manager noted for Council the importance of its indicating <br /> at the beginning of this process whether or not it is going to weigh <br /> more heavily a local firm versus a national firm. If that is to be an <br /> important element in the criteria for selection, the Council make that <br /> declaration and then should be prepared to treat it only as it effects the <br /> working relationship in the success of the project. This would reduce <br /> manipulation later on. <br /> Mr. Lieuallen explained his reasons why he favored a local firm. The <br /> community had indicated to him it very much wants the City Council to <br /> hire a local firm. He felt the argument of whether or not a local firm <br /> is not capable was not well founded, as he felt there were many capable <br /> ones in Eugene. He also felt the issue of the dollars circulating in the <br /> community to be an important issue. Finally, he felt sensitivity to the <br /> area would be more prevalent with a local than a national firm. <br /> Mr. Bradley said his concern was that the Council find the very best <br /> possible firm to do the job. If that were to be a local or national <br /> firm, he did not care. He felt the decision should be made on the basis <br /> of the merit, ability, and qualifications of the architectural firm. <br /> , <br /> , <br /> Mr. Williams agreed with Mr. Bradley's remarks. However, he said if i <br /> i <br /> there were two equal firms, he probably would prefer a local one. It was i <br />e i <br /> important that the best and most qualified firm be selected. <br /> Mr. Obie expressed concern that Council did not allow national firms to go i <br /> through the process of making presentations and then end up voting for a ; <br /> local firm simply because it was a local firm. He felt the judgment <br /> should be made on the merits of the individual firms. <br /> Mr. Delay expressed concern that it would be difficult for any of the <br /> Councilors to determine which one of the 27 proposals was the best possible. ! <br /> He felt there was a great deal of normative judgment in the criteria. For , <br /> the design sensitivity, he felt it could be achieved better by a local I <br /> firm. He felt again it might be best to open up the process of accepting <br /> new proposals as that might be the best possibility of getting the most <br /> qualified firm. The prime concern should be a good jOb done by a firm <br /> who is sensitive to the community and a facility which the people will be <br /> happy with. <br /> Mr. Baumgartner reminded Council that in the initial process only six <br /> proposals from outside the area had been invited as well as proposals from <br /> all local firms. Twenty-seven proposals were received, 17 from outside <br /> the local area. The process that would require new RFPs could be a very <br /> lengthy one depending on the areas solicited, but he added it might add <br /> something to the process. He said in the National Architectural Code, he <br /> felt it was not stated that any firm would not listen to its clients. <br /> Whether a local or national firm is selected, it comes down to selecting <br />e the most qualified. The 27 proposals on hand meet the criteria right down <br /> the line. , <br /> 7/19/78--11 <br /> S/~ <br />