04/02/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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c 1he City's position is to take the first step toward a consortium, and a conflict situation is not necessary in taking that step. It is her hope that there would be no negative "spinoffs" into other intergovernmental relationships. She feels that Lane County and the City can work together, and she would urge the County to reconsider its decision. Mr. Allen stated Gary Long, Personnel Director, and Ed Whitelaw, consultant to the City on economic issues including employment and training, are ~vailable for any questions the councilors might have. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the difference between the City and County approaches is one of contracting the services such as outreach, intake, counseling, etc. Mr. Long said the proposed options involve consolidation of grants, planning, and audit, as well as contracts for service delivery. Some services would be provided by a central staff. The adult training program could be contracted and, it is hoped, the youth program would be contracted by the school district. The public service employment section would require central administration. In regard to client services for Eugene residents, it is the staff's feeling that many could be contracted. Mr. Lieuallen asked if the primary difference is in who would deliver the services. Mr. Long responded that the analysis of performance and cost are the City's primary concerns. After receiving the Department of Labor statistics, they concluded that a more efficient way to provide the same services could be initiated. Contracting is a more productive and efficient way of delivering these services. There is a secondary question over the necessity of an intergovernmental department. ( Mr. Lieuallen said the memo stated that the consortium model with a combination of separate programs and cooperative services is preferable and more consistent with City policy and interests than other approaches. He wanted to know what specific City policies were involved. Mr. Long responded that the approach has been that employment and training should be coordinated with other City services and goals, and that has not been the pattern of program operations to date. He also feels that intergovern- mental departments, since they would become separate units of government, should not be created unless there is a specific need for them. Mr. Lieuallen asked for one specific example of a City policy that might not be considered. Mr. Long replied that in the economic development area, staff would like to see CETA funding in this area made consistent with the policies of the Economic Development Committee. This would also be true of the Performing Arts Committee and Performing Arts Center. Ed Whitelaw stated that employment and training, resource management, and land use were all part of a major goal which the Council adopted. This launched the Economic Development Committee. To be consistent, then, with City policies and interests. an integrated approach to employment and training and how they relate to economic development in general should be considered. Mr. Long stated that the .City was unab 1 e to get agreement from the County to the consolidated consortium. There is no agreement from the County as to how to organize this intergovernmental department. 4/2/80--6 - e e