03/18/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Perhaps these things could be absorbed by their profit. Mr. Obie stated that it would be difficult to make a decision unless all information is available. He would like to see comparison data. Ms. Baker noted that that kind of informa- tion is being provided by Ms. Swenson to the commission. Mr. Lindberg stated that there are two criteria for determining the necessity of a rate increase: a reasonable rate of return and a reasonable degree of service. He feels that cable access is a critical service. Ms. Wooten indicated that she could adjust her motion. Mayor Keller stated that the level of service should be the first thing to challenge. The rate payer should be assured of quality service. That seems to be a major concern. Ms. Wooten withdrew her motion with the agreement of Ms. Smith, the second. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Smith, that the council go on record in support of the Metropolitan Area Television/Translator Cable Commission and to not support the rate increase being requested by Teleprompter unless council determines that there is a need for the increase. Ms. Wooten said that Lane County Commissioner Jerry Rust, who is on the Cable Commission has suggested that the rate of increase be delegated to a task force for review. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. VIII. COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF GILLESPIE BUTTE ACQUISITION--RESPONSE TO EWEB BOARD LETTER DATED MARCH 3, ,1981 /', . ,J .. Mr. Obie stated that the council had received a letter from the EWEB board with a deadline of March 25 for disposition of the Gillespie Butte property. Council had also received a letter from the EWEB board dated March 17, 1981, stating recognition of areas of possible disagreement involving EWEB and the City. That letter indicates a willingness to cooperate and work toward mutual agreement. Mr. Obie stated that last night's newspaper had said that EWEB was "softening" their position regarding Gillespie Butte. However, he feels that the council should not interpret this position as a "softening" although the letter is written in a conciliatory fashion. The deadlines for Gillespie Butte and the property at 8th and Pearl are still to be dealt with. The City staff memo indicates there have been 30 years of tradition regarding disposition of real property and that that procedure has only changed in the last three months. In the past, EWEB has transferred property to the City at market value, at less than market value, and sometimes at no cost. At this time, the water utility has a financial problem. This is why they want to sell Gillespie Butte. The City must weigh the public benefits and the important of Gillespie Butte and determine how to deal with property disposition issues in the future. The City Charter asserts that the City Council has authority to dispose of all real property and the code needs to conform with the charter. The City Manager should be authorized to deed Gillespie Buttee at the request of EWEB. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 18, 1981 Page 13