CC Minutes - 06/25/01 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilor Farr moved to amend the motion by accepting Hyundai's proposal. The amendment to the motion died for lack of a second. Councilor Nathanson acknowledged that Hyundai had provided a lot of jobs in the community and was doing what the enterprise zone was intended for, but noted that the bottom line was the impact to the City's budget and the decision had to be made accordingly. Councilor Kelly agreed that the vote was about the City budget and not a reflection on Hyundai. He stressed that the City budget could not take the hit that the extension would create. He also noted that there was an issue of equity with other companies that did not receive tax exemptions. City Manager Johnson cited a letter from former Mayor Ruth Bascom regarding the tax exemption and stressed that no commitment was made to extend the tax exemption. Councilor Meisner agreed with Councilor Kelly. He said that Hyundai was a good corporate citizen but that was no reason to forgive taxes due the City. He stated his support for the motion. Councilor Nathanson reiterated that the vote was about the City budget and not a judgement on Hyundai as a company. She stressed that the City could not afford the proposed extension. Councilor Fart raised concern over the future beyond the years being discussed. He stressed the importance of keeping Hyundai in the community. He was opposed to the motion. Mayor Torrey expressed his support for Hyundai. He stressed that the company had been a stellar corporate citizen but said that the extension was not in the best interest of the City. He said that he would have voted for the motion and reiterated that the vote was about the City budget and not a reflection on Hyundai. Roll call vote; the motion passed 7:1, Councilor Fart voting in opposition. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, James R. Johnson City Manager (Recorded by Joe Sams) MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 25, 2001 Page 16 Regular Meeting