CC Minutes - 01/27/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilor Pap~, seconded by Councilor Nathanson, moved that the City Council approve Resolution 4748 adopting amended systems development charge methodologies and amending Resolution 4740. In response to a question from Councilor Bettman regarding increasing wastewater charges to rate payers, Mr. Ruffier said the rate increases would be for operations and maintenance rather than capital improvement costs. Councilor Bettman said the issue was whether to have development pay its own costs or ask rate payers to pay increased rates. Councilor Kelly said MWMC was a model of regional cooperation and efficiency. He appreciated Ms. Cuellar's testimony but would look to Mr. McVey for verification of City compliance with State law. In response to a question from Councilor Kelly regarding the current treatment plant reaching its maximum capacity, Mr. Ruffier said the old plant components would still be there functioning but the new capital improvements would increase its capability for greater capacity. Councilor Nathanson said the rate increase was significant but noted that the rates would still be among the lowest in the state for residential development and would not substantially change Eugene's ranking in comparison with other Oregon communities. Councilor Poling said he had no doubt that there was a need to expand the system but expressed a desire to have legal council review the written documents submitted. He commented that the fees would eventually be paid by citizens in any event since developers would pass on their costs to the consumer. Councilor Solomon, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved to table the motion until the Wednesday work session. Councilor Solomon reiterated Councilor Poling's comment that it was prudent to review the written documents submitted during the public hearing. Councilor Kelly offered a friendly amendment, which was accepted, to take action after the regular agenda items had been dealt with. Councilor Bettman said she would not support the motion. She reiterated that the homebuilders association had been involved with the process of revising the SDC and opined that if there were any substantive issues in the written material, it would have been put forward during the rate- setting process. Councilor Taylor said she would not support the motion. She said the written material submitted during the public hearing did not say anything new. She said she had been adequately assured that the methodology was legal under State law. Roll call vote; the motion failed, 4:3; councilors Solomon, Kelly, and Poling voting in support. The main motion passed, 5:2; councilors Solomon and Poling in opposition. MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 27, 2003 Page 9 Regular Meeting