CC Minutes - 08/14/02 Work Session

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Ms. Nathanson raised concern over the cost of the plan. City Manager Carlson said it would cost more in the private sector. He said the workshop provided Iow-cost, high-quality services to governments in the state. He said that it was a reasonable cost. In response to a question from Mr. Pap~ regarding how the study would be different than the one done the previous year by the Metropolitan Partnership, Mr. Kelly said the difference was that the Contact Program by the Metropolitan Partnership only contacted manufacturing firms whereas the Community Planning Workshop would contact all types of businesses. He added that another difference was that the Contact Program was a self-selected sample program of firms willing to come forward and be interviewed. He noted that the Community Planning Workshop was also a professionally designed survey. Ms. Bettman raised concern over the cost of the plan. She said the project had not been identified as something needed and had been suggested by an outside entity. She stressed the need for other viewpoints than just that of business. She added that there had been no competitive bidding process. She said she would not support the motion. Ms. Taylor said she would not support the motion. She raised concern that the money would be better spent in human services. Mr. Fart said he would support the motion. He said he was astounded when people did not realize that businesses were providing the funding for human services in the community. He also raised concern that the council was already undisciplined in the use of its time during the meeting. Mr. Rayor said he would not support the motion. He said he wanted the matter referred to the council through the Metropolitan Partnership. He stressed the importance of following proper channels. Mayor Torrey said he and Mr. Kelly had discussions with staff from the University of Oregon School of Business earlier in the year about having the school assist the council in identifying problems or successes that existed in the community that could be analyzed from an economic development standpoint. He said the Community Planning Workshop would be an objective analysis of the business climate in the community. He said it was important to understand how businesses perceived the City. Mr. Meisner said he would support the motion. He said it would assist the contractor retained by the City to look at economic development opportunities. He said it was appropriate to undertake the study as quickly as possible. Mr. Kelly said the information in the study could make the existing businesses in the community more successful. Ms. Taylor raised concern over the amount of money that the council had already allocated to the Metro Partnership. She said economic health came from having a healthy community and the money could be used for other things to help the community become more healthy. She raised concern that money was being "thrown away" for no reason. Ms. Bettman said the economic downturn faced by the City was significant and profound. She commented that the businesses participating in the survey by the University would not be able to MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 14, 2002 Page 2 Work Session