03/18/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-. e - Ms. Smith said that administration cost concerns have been discussed in the past. She asked about timing. She shares the concerns of high administrative costs but asked if it would be possible to revise any of the recommendations at this late date. Ms. Hofmann responded that the applications could be revised before the application is submitted to HUD on April 1. However, revisions at this point could be contrary to the stated needs of those who have partici- pated in the process. She would be concerned about those who have worked through the system on submitting their proposals. Ms. Smith noted appreciation for the work that has been done, but she would like to request an additional review by the committee and staff to see if there is a way to decrease the administrative costs involved in the program. Mr. Gleason responded that this could be done. He thinks that in the past six years, an elaborate process has been built and the outcome is now being observed. This might be an appropriate time for review of next year's process and outcome as well as a good time to make suggestions and recommendations. This is the City Council's only chance to make a decision. It would be awkward for them to interject themselves at this time and not submit the application. That might cause a negative impact. Work could be done to more finely tune the process but this is a late time to change the proposals. Ms. Smith noted that these concerns have been expressed by the council members for the past two to three years. Perhaps the process needs to be refined and studied prior to action being taken. Ms. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Obie, to delay action and request CDC come back with a response prior to the end of the timeline to see if the concerns regarding administrative costs can be addressed this year. Mayor Keller asked if the motion could be withheld until all had had an opportu- nity to speak. Ms. Smith agreed to that, as did Mr. Obie. Ms. Wooten noted agreement with Mr. Gleason that the application should be submitted to HUD. She agreed that it would be helpful to refine the process and to try to reduce administrative and design costs but she feels staff should proceed. Ms. Schue noted agreement with Ms. Wooten, particularly in view of the uncertainty of Federal funding. She does not feel this is the time to make changes, but she is concerned about the percentage of administrative costs. She feels neighborhoods have designed their own improvements and this is not the time to tell them that the council would have preferred something different. Mr. Lindberg stated that when this program was rewritten in 1977 and much of the money was to be distributed by cities, they had an obligation to build in citizen participation. At this time, the council IS role is to control adminis- trative costs as much as possible. He asked if perhaps City staff could provide some of the consulting assistance required. He does not feel the process should be interrupted at this time. Mr. Obie stated he had heard before that these elements would be looked at, yet no change has occurred. It is no longer acceptable. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 18, 1981 Page 8