CC Minutes - 08/13/03 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES Eugene City Council Work Session McNutt Room-City Hall August 13, 2003 Noon COUNCILORS PRESENT: Gary Pap~, Nancy Nathanson, Scott Meisner, David Kelly, Betty Taylor Bonny Bettman, George Poling, Jennifer Solomon. Mayor Torrey called the meeting of the Eugene City Council to order. A.WORK SESSION: Discussion Concerning Transportation System Maintenance Fee The council was joined for the item by Lane County Commissioner Bobby Green. Mr. Green thanked the council for the opportunity to participate, and indicated he would listen first to the discussion and then provide input, noting that he was only one of five members of the Lane County Board of County Commissioners. Mayor Torrey called on the council for comments. Mr. Meisner indicated a preference to retain the transportation system maintenance fee (TSMF) as a tool, but judged that from the calls and e-mail messages he received, there would be no one campaigning to keep it. Mr. Meisner, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, moved to direct staff to return with an ordinance to repeal the TSMF. Mr. Kelly indicated opposition to the motion because of his concern over the loss of the TSMF as a tool and his concern that people would perceive that the council backed down in the face of initiative petitions. He noted that parties such as the council, the board, and the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce agreed that there was a funding gap for street maintenance. The TSMF would raise $7 million annually. He asked Mr. Green to suggest alternatives to fill that gap. Mr. Green said that the question was a good one, but a better one might be what the City's priorities were. He thought the County's partnership with the City over the past ten years was well- documented. He said that a regional solution involving all Lane County communities was the best solution. Mr. Kelly agreed with Mr. Green that the issue was a countywide issue. He said that a regional solution would require more funding, but he had heard nothing from any critic of the TSMF suggesting a solution to funding the need. Ms. Nathanson noted her previous interest in a moratorium. She thought it represented a good- faith effort, and was disappointed that was not enough for the opponents of the fee. The logical next step toward a lasting solution was to do what it took to set the stage for community dialogue. For that reason, she supported the motion. If the only way to have the discussion was by repealing the ordinance, the council needed to take that action. She wanted to ensure a level MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 13, 2003 Page 1 Work Session