Item 3D: Ratification of Intergovernmental Relations Committee Minutes

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Mr. Heuser stated people opposed to annexation were well organized and would likely be vocal during the next session, noting there was no organized effort to support annexation. Mr. Heuser said the Oregon Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) Investment advocates would actively promote affordable housing through legislation to increase transfer fees and closing costs by a modest sum that could raise $50 million annually for investment in the OHTF. The proposal was supported by the Home Builders Association, the realtors were neutral and the mortgage brokers had been silent on the issue. He said Eugene’s support could make a difference on this issue, particularly in collaboration with Portland. Mr. Heuser reported it was likely that the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association would introduce legislation for a statewide smoking ban, as had been adopted in Washington and California. Mr. Heuser said legislation on historic neighborhoods could come back during the next session, adding the federal government had turned the issue back to states and local governments. Mr. Heuser opined if the Democrats assume control of both houses, organized labor, trial lawyers and the environ- mental lobby would have proposals they would strongly support. Additionally, education funding would be a big ticket item for this session. Mr. Heuser suggested the governor could support Connect Oregon II which would address passenger rail issues. He added the governor had a major renewable energy call in which the state would secure 25 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy. In response to a question regarding Systems Development Charges (SDCs) from Mr. Pryor, Mr. Heuser said parks SDCs had always been vulnerable, due to questions about how they were assessed and used. He said the Home Builders Association had favored restrictions on how parks SDCs could be used in the past. Mr. Heuser stated during the 2005 session, legislation had been introduced that would trade school SDCs for caps on existing SDCs, and the issue could come back during the 2007 session. This had been supported by the Washington County delegation in 2003. Ms. Bettman said it made no sense to trade school SDCs for caps on existing SDCs. 3. Overview and Discussion of 2007 Legislative Policies Document Mr. Heuser facilitated a review of the City of Eugene Legislative Policies for 2007 Legislative Session document. Ms. Bettman inquired about the procedure for modifying the document for the target audience. She said the document was too big and too difficult to use as a resource for legislative advocacy. Mr. Heuser replied it could be modified by the CCIGR and/or at the City Council. Ms. Taylor suggested condensing the document to make it more readable. Mr. Heuser suggested making the Legislative Policy document a set of principles in the future, and having a separate agenda for advocacy. He opined that the priority issues would rise to the surface. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental October 17, 2006 Page 2 Relations