02/21/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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"4t Mr. Farah noted the Planning Commission, on January 15, spent consider- able time reviewing the staff proposal. As a result of the review, several changes or points of emphasis were suggested by the Commission. The Planning Commission did vote unanimously to endorse the concept of the Eugene Economic Development Committee. The changes suggested by the Commission had been incorporated in the recommendations. Mr. Farah referred to the recommendation incorporated in Item 5, which would include "recommendations or actions that effect land-use planning or implementation should be referred to the Planning Commission prior to Council consideration." A second addition was in the makeup of the Committee in which membership from the Eugene Human Rights Council was added. He said there would be some budgetary support needed for materials, minutes-taking, and supplies, but no new staffing was anti- cipated. He said the intent of the formation of this committee was to deal with the city's economic health. It would be structured to deal with all possible conditions the community might face in the future through use of the city's resources. e Ms. Smith wondered where the employment, training, and CETA would fit into the proposed committee. Ed Whitelaw said he saw four substantive topics that would be integral parts of the economic development: 1) employment and training programs and human resources; 2) resource management; 3) land-use planning and growth management; and 4) all economic planning for industrial and commercial activities. He said it was up to Council whether it wanted to institutionalize those now with the concept approval, or let the committee consider those. He felt all four should be addressed on an equal footing by the committee, but noted that was a policy decision to be made by the Council. Mr. Farah referred Council to No.3, page 5, which speaks to that issue. It was felt the Committee would be tapping ETAC/CETA as resources as it goes through the resource training. Mr. Delay felt there should be goals and criteria establishing what is economic development. He said there is a difference of opinion about what represents economic development and economic progress for the city. Thus, it may be necessary to establish different criteria for goals, depending on the definition. Mr. Whitelaw responded he envisioned the committee as starting within the context of the goals and statements within the 1990 Plan. It would be the committee's task to clarify and set the definition and determination. Regarding work programs, Mr. Delay thought long-range planning of the committee is absolutely critical. He said it is necessary to think about the possible scenarios which the City might face in the future. Since Eugene seems economically healthy right now, that does not mean it will continue to be so. Also, he felt if the committee were formed and such a task were taken on, it would probably require more staffing. He was not sure the approach was realistic, saying there was no need e ) 02. 2/21/79--9 '-