02/21/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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for additional staffing. Mr. Whitelaw agreed strongly with Mr. Delay's comments about long-range planning, and thus his emphasis on considering all four topics simultaneously. Mr. Porter replied to the additional ~.... staffing question, saying this committee was experimental at this ~ juncture. More st~ffing is not felt to be necessary at this time. As the committee expands its work incrementally, there will probably be a need. But, he emphasized there is no need for additional staff and certainly no immediate request for this budget year. Mr. Obie requested the specific rationale behind including in the pro- posed committee structure a representative from the Eugene Human Rights Council and a representative from neighborhood organizations. Mr. Farah replied the Planning Commission had specifically commented that dis- advantaged groups in the city were not represented, but did have an economic interest in the city. The Human Rights Council is the only bOdy that in essence speaks for the disadvantaged groups in the city. The neighborhood groups were included because there is quite a lot of interest at the neighborhood level for economic development. He said if that interest is occurring, it was felt that neighborhood groups had to be included. Neighborhood economic development and planning affects the entire city. Mr. Obie wondered if consideration was given to EWEB representation. Mr. Farah said EWEB would be considered in the same light as the Airport Commission or Eugene Renewal Agency, a resource to be drawn upon. In response to a question about rail or LTD (transportation service) representation, Mr. Farah said the LTD board would be a resource board, but no consideration had been given to rail trans- ~ portation representation. ~ Mr. Haws felt the Council was facing a policy decision regarding the funding. He said it looked as though the Council would have to make a decision about funding the Lane Economic Improvement Commission, the Eugene Economic Development Committee, or both. Mr. Porter replied the priority for funding from the Planning Department includes $26,000-$27,000 for the Lane Economic Improvement Commission. Also included is a request for $5,000 for materials, overhead, and supplies for the Eugene Committee. He said those would go to the Budget Committee for consideration this year. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, to adopt in concept the Eugene Economic Development Committee. Lorie Loehr, 1312 Piper Lane, said the neighborhood leaders met Monday, February 19. They discussed the format of the committee. A unanimous motion was passed that more members should be included on the committee from the private and innovative sectors, i.e., small businesses. e 103 2/21/79--10