CC Minutes - 12/01/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Continuing, Ms. Murdoch stated that the capital carryover estimate was being reconciled with the actual amount that was spent, a routine budget practice each year. Ms. Murdoch reported that the airport was asking for authorization to move $388,000 from the airport development fund reserve to the operating budget for use as a revenue guarantee for new air service from Delta Airlines. She explained that the stormwater capital budget was being reduced by $577,000 to reflect the council's decision to eliminate the stream corridor acquisition program. Also, the transportation utility fund had a large change due to the action associated with the rescinding of the Transportation System Maintenance Fee (TSMF) comprised of a $568,000 reduction to the operating budget and an $8.8 million reduction to the capital budget. Ms. Murdoch reported the repayment of inter-fund loan from the previous year, but added that staff was asking for a new capital inter-fund loan of $750,000 and a $150,000 transfer from the special assessments fund to pay for operating costs incurred for initial development of the billing TSMF system. Additionally, Ms. Murdoch said new property was being purchased on Garfield Street, with $1.625 million from four funds paid through an inter-fund loan from the fleet reserve. She also noted the financing plan for Fire Station # 11 was being established, as per the council-adopted directive. Mayor Torrey opened the public hearing. Melanie Foster, 2307 Churchill Street, urged the council to help fund the reopening of the cattery at the Lane County Animal Regulation Authority (LCARA) with available funds. She stressed the importance of continuing support of "this necessary and humane part of our community." Ms. Foster cited Eugene Code (EC) 4.330, stating that the City Manager appointed the Animal Regulation Authority to enforce and administer the provisions of 4.330 to 4.490. She cited 4.335, regarding animal abuse and the provision of minimum care, and asserted that leaving the cattery closed was in violation of this provision. She cited Oregon Revised Statute Chapter 609, which detailed at length the regulations for the well-being of animals. Ms. Foster said Resolution 4781 included $10.5 million in proposed budget changes. She asserted that ongoing franchise fees would generate an approximate $500,000 per year. She added that there was one- time money from other resources that could "kick-start" the LCARA cattery, such as a surplus from property taxes. She felt revenue could continue to grow through a supported program. Janetta Overholser, 30300 Cottage Grove-Lorane Road, Cottage Grove, speaking as a representative of the Cottage Grove Humane Society, asked the council to help restore funding for the cattery. She recounted the problems that the Greenhill Humane Society had due to a feline disease epidemic and expressed her gratitude that this had prompted the emergency reopening of the cattery. She noted the recent closing of a trailer park in the community of Saginaw and the stray cats abandoned there. She related that she had taken in nine of the 31 left behind and her house was overburdened with cats. She commended the veterinarian who had volunteered to spay and neuter the abandoned cats. She asserted that, had the Humane Society not stepped in, the cats would have faced death by starvation, sickness, or by being hit by MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 1, 2003 Page 9 Regular Meeting