10/22/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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, . e Mr. Delay asked for clarification since this seems to represent a change of direction. Ms. Smith said the commission has been talking around this for several months. Not all commissionersjs:taffhave the same opinion of contracting. At the goal session a few months ago, it was identified as a decision that needed to be made. Mr. Delay asked what the argument in favor is. Ms. Smith responded that the argument maintains that MWMC could operate better as a separate agency than as a contractual situation. There have been some misunder- standings in regard to design of the East Bank Interceptor. Trust level is also involved. Mr. Del ay asked if the arguments have been di scussed. Ms. Smi th responded that they have been somewhat and will be again tomorrow morning. Cost differences will also be discussed. She feels it would be cheaper to contract and use existing staff but some do not see that. Doug Cook, Public Works, stated that if MWMC runs the plant they feel they would need to be looking over the shoulders of the contract agent which would require staff and not be a staff savings. Mr. Delay asked if the commission members are new. Ms. Smith responded that some are. Mr. Westling stated that he had a question regarding the interpretation that Eugene would operate the plant. He said that was staff level communication. He has served on the Advisory Board as Eugene's representative. Mr. lieuallen left the meeting. e Mr. Westling continued that the only decision that was reached in the Advisory Committee was to avoid creating another level of government. The concept of building a big new staff went with that. MWMC has been attempting to look at the operations issue and options. At an early step in the process, lane County operating the plant was erased as an option. That was also true of Springfield, which left them with Eugene operating the plant. The other option was to operate with staff being set up. As a result of the process, they have not found a good argument that will document that it is more effective operation either regionally or by the City of Eugene. This would leave them with no reason to do anything but contract with Eugene which would be the original intent. This should be reviewed by the jurisdictions. There were no arguments for or against except the principle of establishing another governmental entity in this region. This is calling for subjective and political judgments. Mr. Delay asked Ms. Smith if that was her understanding. She stated that she would suggest going back to the beginning and reviewing the intergovernmental agreement. Mr. Delay stated that he felt that would be the proper way to proceed. This issue will have to be resolved. He agrees with Mr. Henry that the one alternative of creating a separate agency leaves no future option. The option of contracting leaves the option of a separate agency open. e MINUTES--City Council October 22, 1980 Page 12