02/18/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e 4J e' Mr. Farah stated that LEIC is working on State legislation for revolving loan funds for the County. He feels LEIC must not be allowed to die. Ms. Wooten stated that the council should reaffirm the comprehensive economic develop- ment approach. However, she feels a decision for staffing should be postponed until it is determined what Springfield and Lane County will do. Mr. Gleason stated that the council's efforts on community economic development are broad- based and the County has similar concerns; however, those concerns are not necessarily parallel with those of Springfield. He does not think it is pos- sible to bring these options together and also keep this opportunity alive. It appears that this is a real opportunity and we should see if we can hold it together by our own staffing. Between now and July, continuation of planning is necessary, and relating that to the role of intergovernmental relationships can help bring positive solutions for everyone. Ms. Wooten asked if there is any indication of willingness from the other jurisdictions to continue this on a voluntary basis. Mr. Hamel stated that Springfield set aside money in next year's budget for LEIC. Nick Landis, LEIC staff, stated that the County has no funds in their budget for any programs at all right now. This should come up next week. The action to cease operation taken last night was because there is no assured funding for continuation through the end of the fiscal year. The revolving loan fund could provide some money later, but it is not available now. They had to cancel one contract because of a lack of assurance of available staff to deal with the contract. Ms. Schue stated that as the council's representative to the L-COG Board, she has been an interested observer. There has been a friendly relationship at the staff level between L-COG and LEIC. She is pleased to see the staff effort for a workable agreement on a temporary arrangement. She supports having the Planning Department staff LEIC on an interim basis. Mr. Lindberg asked Mr. Landis if he will be terminated. Mr. Landis stated that as of February 27, that would be the situation unless addjtional funding is found. Mr. Lindberg asked if in option 1, one is providing time for other options to come forward. Mr. Landis stated that that would be one way of looking at it. Mr. Lindberg asked if Mr. Landis is the only staff person. Mr. Landis stated that that is correct except for a half-time HUD intern. Mr. Lindberg asked if there are other projects that will be discontinued. Mr. Landis stated that a lot depends on the legislation for the revolving loan fund, but there are pending projects in Cottage Grove, Veneta, and Oakridge, which are ongoing. Mr. Lindberg asked if the Planning Department could assume these projects or find a new direction. Mr. Farah stated that this will only be an interim solution to try to keep the projects going and the Planning Department should not be involved in long-term efforts. The projects would have to be prioritized. Mr. Lindberg expressed concern that if the amount available, even with the City's total contribution, is only for one month, then that is not long enough to solve the problem and we would really be wasting our money in that case. He feels that perhaps it should be dealt with now instead of a month from now. Mr. Gleason stated that the longer-term issue is economic MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 18, 1981 Page 8