CC Minutes - 12/09/02 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mark Peeters raised concern over the proposed transportation maintenance fee. He said people from west Lane County driving into the City would not have to pay the fee. Mr. Peeters suggested taxes for Christmas decorations, the Homebuilders Association, and toll roads for people passing through the area. He suggested a fuel tax would be more equitable. Robert Richards, Timberline Drive, urged the council to deal with local issues. He commented that the greatest issue for the area was the lack of funding for social services. He observed that the funding for an addition to Autzen Stadium was easily obtained but no one wanted to address funding for social services. Tom Slocum, 1950 Graham Drive, urged the council to not pass a transportation tax and concentrate on a fuel tax. Nick Urhausen, 2858 Warren Street, urged the council to pay more attention to the PERS deficit issue. He said PERS was bleeding all City budgets. Regarding Measure 20-67, Mr. Urhausen expressed his concern that the constitutional rights of citizens had been violated. Mayor Torrey called on councilors for comments. Councilor Rayor said he was convinced that the transportation fee ordinance would directly address the problem of repairing streets was indicated that he was one of two councilors who voted against Measure 20- 67. He noted that the measure had passed in three wards and failed in the rest. He said the City had helped out a school board that was too weak to go to the State legislature and demand adequate funding. He said PERS was causing the budget problems in the schools. Councilor Meisner said he was very aware of the problems along the shores of the river. He said the City had done a good job of maintenance within its city limits. Councilor Meisner reiterated Mr. Urhausen's concern over the constitutionality of Measure 20-67. Councilor Meisner noted that action had already been taken on the PERS issue and noted that it was a legislative priority for the council in the upcoming year. Councilor Pap~ thanked Ms. Rich for her comments. He said that he enjoyed his tenure on the Human Rights Commission and expressed his belief that all of the councilors should experience the council liaison position. Councilor Bettman thanked those who testified. She encouraged Mr. Richards to apply for the open position on the Budget Committee. She believed that Ballot Measure 20-67 was constitutional. Councilor Nathanson expressed her appreciation for the fact Councilor Meisner had clarified that the council had already taken action on the PERS issue. Addressing Mr. Richards, Councilor Nathanson said the council tried several times, locally and at the State level, to enact legislation to fund social services supported by Eugene's citizens, and that those actions had MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 9, 2002 Page 2 Regular Meeting