06/23/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Keller noted that people have indicated a desire to speak but this is not a public hearing. Concensus of the council was to allow Mr. Radcliffe of the e Convention Bureau and Mr. Miller of Eugene Summer to speak. Mr. lieuallen said that the Eugene Summer Program had received $9,000 last winter. This $9,000, coupled with the $59,110 of the room tax allocation means the chamber received closer to $68,000 last year. He also wanted clarification as to whether any of the Lane Regional Arts Council money has gone to the Convention Bureau. Mr. Henry responded that that is separate. David Radcliffe, 4510 Briars, stated that a metropolitan Eugene-Springfield convention center was formed. Their highest priority was for the City of Eugene. The funding given to them has been responsible for $5.5 million of new convention business within the Eugene-Springfield area. They have requested the full 25 percent this year. They are working with a bare-bones budget for what is needed to step into a competitive market. They feel they need to expand and they hope the council will support their efforts. Budget information from the chamber has been given previously to the council. Philip Miller, 580 West 8th, stated they have had cooperation in the last year. The arts are becoming more important. They would like a Eugene Summer Task Force to be developed. This group would work with the convention people, the arts community, and staff. They have had a good working relationship in the past and would like to see this improved by representation on the board. Ms. Smith noted she is in support of the entire 25 percent being allocated. She thinks a task force would be helpful. Mr. Lieuallen noted that Mr. Radcliffe e and co-workers should be thanked for the work that they have done and felt they have accomplished a great deal. He feels that use of the room tax monies would be a reinvestment in the cycle. He would like to see this reviewed on a continuing basis. He noted it is important that they come in with a line item budget. He would like the bureau to report back on the task force proposal. Ms. Miller stated that last year it was determined that the Convention Bureau should be separate from the Chamber of Commerce. She had two main concerns. She hopes they will continue to work with groups such as Eugene Summer, LRAC, etc., as tourist attractors and hosts and, too, she expects they will continue to broaden their funding basis as she would like to see Lane County contribute also. Mr. Obie stated he supports the 25-percent recommendation and appreciates the willingness of separate factions to work together. Ms. Schue stated she is also pleased and noted agreement with Mr. lieuallen. She stated the figure works out to 25 percent this year but there is no guarantee that it will be that percentage for next year. She would like to review it again next year. Res. No. 3388--A resolution designating the Eugene Chamber of Commerce as the supplier of specific services and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for the provision of such services for fiscal year 1980-81. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Lieuallen, to adopt the resolution. e 6/23/80--15