CC Minutes - 09/08/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Councilor Bettman elaborated on the distribution of the TSMF between businesses and residences, stating the fee was fair and legally supportable because it was based on standard data commonly used for that purpose. She asked if there were other methodologies that could have been applied. Mr. Corey replied that the methodology used for purposes of describing the TSMF was an ITE methodology that applied trip generation to different classes of property and was a legally defensible means to apply the TSMF. He noted that caps on the assessment and exclusions had been discussed by councilors. Councilor Bettman asserted that the methodology was considered fair in other calculations such as systems development charges (SDCs). She opined that making unilateral decisions, based on input from special interests, to arbitrarily adjust rates calculated on the basis of hard data was unfair. Councilor Solomon addressed Mr. Hauser and Terry Connolly of the chamber. She reminded them that, when discussing the TSMF, the chamber had challenged the council to put the burden back on the chamber to spearhead a larger discussion around transportation issues. She noted confusion among the councilors on whether a meeting was being scheduled and who was convening it. She hoped that the chamber would take a %igger lead" to ensure that all of the parties involved could begin work toward resolving the transportation maintenance crisis. Councilor Nathanson expressed hope that the staffs of the primary parties involved would be convening to discuss the process. She pointed out that the process should be fair and productive. She opined that it would be premature to discuss potential solutions at this juncture. She commented that much discussion on the repeal of the TSMF had transpired at previous work sessions and meetings and that the public hearing was closed. She asked the City Attorney if there was anything in the charter that would preclude finishing the item at the present meeting by voting upon it. City Attorney Glenn Klein deferred to Mary Walston of the City Manager's Office regarding the council's operating agreements, but said that in terms of the charter, it would take unanimous consent of the council for a vote to occur at the present meeting. Mayor Torrey asked if there was objection to taking a vote on the ordinance. Seeing none, he invited the council to provide a motion. Councilor Pap~ moved, seconded by Councilor Nathanson, to adopt Council Bill No. 4848, an ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 20273 concerning transportation system maintenance fees. Roll call vote; the motion carried, 6:2; councilors Kelly and Pap~ voting in opposition. Agenda Item (6) was deferred due to a lack of time. The meeting adjourned at 9:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dennis Taylor MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 8, 2003 Page 15 Regular Meeting