05/27/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e e ~ House and Senate Revenue Committees, regarding the economic impact of the University of Oregon on the Eugene-Springfield metro area. Ms. Wooten said that as much as $26.3 million would be taken out of the local economy as a result of the proposed ten-percent reduction in the budget of the University of Oregon. The idea of closing one of the three major universities in the state of Oregon was also unconscionable. She suggested that councilors consider forwarding letters of concern to the committees which are deliberating on this issue. Ms. Wooten noted that the University of Oregon is a major industry in this area and provides needed diversification from the ailing timber economy. She therefore felt that the City needs to protect this industry. Ms. Miller agreed wholeheartedly. She felt that some impact of budget reduc- ons at the University of Oregon was already being seen in the area. She asked staff to suggest an appropriate role for the City on this issue at a future council meeting. Ms. Wooten suggested that councilors pursue this topic with legislators at the legislative brunch on the 30th of May. Mr. Lindberg said that he had a brochure which illustrates the economic impact of the University of Oregon on Eugene which he would share with councilors. Councilors agreed to review the draft of Ms. Wooten's letter on this issue, with an eye to endorsing a statement from the entire council. E: Testimony Regarding Possible Closure of Lincoln School Ms. Wooten referred to copies of testimony she planned to make to the Eugene District 4-J School Board on the subject of the proposed closure of Lincoln School. She.said that her testimony outlined how the Metropolitan Area General Plan, neighborhood refinement plans, and a number of other policies and goals of the City relate to the closure of that school. Ms. Wooten noted that the testimony had been reviewed by the City Attorney's Office which had said that the testimony will create a precedent of protecting the comprehensive plan and may affect subsequent discussion with special districts about the necessity for compliance with the adopted plan. Ms. Wooten said that she had intended to ask for an endorsement from the council for her testimony, but that Councilor Obie had indicated that he does not agree with the testimony. She feels that this is not a question of whether one lives in a particular ward, but instead one must look at the total issue. She therefore asked for direction from the council. Mr. Obie said that he had no objection to Ms. Wooten's reading this testimony on her own behalf, but that he was uncomfortable with using the influence of the council relative to consideration of anyone school. He felt that school board members are elected and responsible to the same groups of constituents that the council is responsible to. He did not feel that the council should go beyond the forwarding of informational materials to the school board to aid them in making their own decision. Mr. Hamel agreed with Mr. Obie. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 27, 1981 Page 3