02/21/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

a .. Mr. Delay said he presumed there would be further opportunities for the Council to discuss the actual composition of the committee when the resolution was before Council later in March. Mayor Keller expressed his total support of such a committee. He said it was necessary to have some mechanism to deal openly with companies and businesses who are interested in locating in the city. He felt it necessary for the City to be able to give some direction to these companies that is not presently available now. No one par- ticular person can speak for the City today. He felt the real thrust of the committee would be to make sure that what happens economically in the future of the city is dealt with as the Council wishes it to be dealt with. This mechanism would give the Council an opportunity to make sure Eugene remains economically viable. Mr. Obie expressed concern that the committee might be able to achieve its objectives. He was not in favor of any more studies, but wished to see some accomplishments. He wondered if there were any time frame in which the committee would actually start working. Mayor Keller responded that the committee would have a seven-month study period, the balance of 1979, to recommend specific proposals and guidelines within which to work. e Mr. Lieuallen noted his full support of the concept when he first heard it a year ago. It appealed to him because of the lack of coordi- nation and efficiency within the city in dealing with economic develop- ment. He saw this as an effort by the city to coordinate activities of already-existing groups, such as ERA, the Planning Commission, and Airport Commission, which would result in more efficiency. He said it may not be a direct action committee, or it may be, but it would also provide many other needed activities. He saw it as an effort by the City to become directly involved in economic development activities. The creation of the committee would recognize the fact of finite resources in the city, and the need to be more efficient in the use of those resources. He was pleased with the inclusion of the repre- sentative from the Human Rights Council. He said economic development is a concern and activity which effects all citizens of Eugene. Manager noted the role of the proposed committee is not an implementing agency, but a goal-setting one, or a guiding and coordinating agency. The Chamber of Commerce, ERA, etc., would be the implementing agencies. Keith Parks, EWEB manager, said he had been involved with many companies who had expressed interest in relocating in Eugene. When asked what is the attitude of the governing body, the City Council, toward this form of business, his answer had to be, "nobody knows." Vote was taken on the motion, which carried unanimously. e 2/21/79--11 104-