11/26/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Smith stated that the basic concept of involvement is good. She asked if by approving this" the council is locking the Budget Committee into a position . before seeing what else would be included in Tier 2. Mr. Henry stated that this is only a strong recommendation that this program be considered. The City Manager's Office could prepare the initial budget with this program included. This is all subject, however, to review by the Budget Committe and the council. Mr. Lieuallen stated that this would provide money for neighborhoods which will promote involvement. Mr. Delay stated that this program proposal was developed by the Community Devel- opment Committee and HCC with the assistance of Sheila Arthur, Council Assistant. This program makes sense in many ways for this community. This will provide an opportunity for more involvement in neighborhoods which will create an ability to effect change rather than simply react to land use planning decisions. The only objection he has heard is whethert with such limited resources in the city, money should go into non-CO-eligible areas. He thinks this program looks good and will help balance other city needs. He thinks it will take about $10,000 more to wind down the program should it stop. Mr. Obie asked if this would be refined and brought back in ordinance form. Mr. Henry stated that if this program were in Tier 2 and approved, HCC and CDC would establish guidelines. Neighborhoods would then submit proposals. Staff would review the proposals and recommend those to be chosen for implementation. The City Manager would approve each contract. Mr. Obie stated that the council could request that the guidelines be approved . by the council. He asked if this could include historic restoration. Ms. Hofmann stated that it could. Projects should benefit the neighborhood in . general, not just one person or group. Mr. Obie approved of the matching part of the proposal, but would not want the matching resources from the neighbor- hoods coming from other tax dollars. Ms. Hofmann stated they have suggested $5,000 be the maximum for any project and, for example, it could supply VISTA volunteer workers in a neighborhood with needed materials. Mr. Obie does not want to see Federal tax dollars matching City tax dollars. Mr. Delay stated that this is viewed as a small project operation similar to the CD-funded IFA's. An evaluation process would be included. The Neighborhood Leaders' Association will also evaluate this program. Contracts will be let about one month behind CD contracts. The Community Development Committee did not address other tax money being used as match, but this issue could be addressed. Preliminary'. guidelines are included in the memo. Mr. Obie asked if other tax dollars could be used as matching funds the way the guidelines are now written. Mr. Delay stated they have made no restrictions regarding where the matching funds came from. They had not considered excluding any forms of resources, but the council could ask the committee to consider that. Mr. Obie does not want to approve the program if it means matching tax dollars with tax dollars. Mr. Obie also stated he has problems with the high administrative costs. Ms. Hofmann stated that the administrative costs would .be for a half-time staff person. Mr. Delay stated that $15,000 would be for staff and $10,000 of that would be to wind-down the program should it be discontinued. A higher figure for the amount of contracts could have been recommended, but they decided to go with a lower figure to see how the program worked. A larger program might be . run with the same administrative costs but this is experimental. He does not MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 26, 1980 Page 8