Item 7: Ratification of Intergovernmental Relations Committee Actions

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Mr. Ramsing explained that the “Neutral” recommendation was because only one item was being added to a long list: “premium efficiency biomass combustion devices” (methane furnaces). Everything else on the list was already in the law. He said while the addition was a good idea, it would have little impact on Eugene. Mayor Piercy said the bill was important in terms of City policy and should be supported. Mr. Pryor asked if there would be any effect on utilities, such as a buyback. Mr. Ramsing was not aware of one; he said there could be a tax credit. Mr. Ramsing said he would send a list of the devices in question, some of which may not yet exist. ? HB 2273 – Relating to signs; creating new provisions. Recommended Neutral. Ms. Bettman asked if the bill would create a proliferation of signs. Ms. Osborn said the intent was to be more restrictive and bring back Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT’s) ability to do permitting, which they had lost due to a recent judicial ruling. Ms. Bettman moved to change the recommendation to Priority 3 Support. Mr. Pryor ascertained that the bill did not affect local sign codes. Ms. Osborn said it was more of a gesture of support for ODOT. Ms. Taylor seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. ? SB 354 & SB 419 – Relating to smoking. Recommended Oppose, Support respectively. Ms. Osborn said the problem with SB 354 was that it repealed the provision that was specific about local jurisdictions; City legislative policy was to retain the ability to be more strict. A second problem with SB 354 was its requirement of a ten-foot no-smoking buffer zone around doors and openable windows. Eugene adopted ten feet for privately-owned buildings and 25 feet for publicly-owned buildings. She said SB 419 was not as comprehensive so did not pose the same problems. She added that State Public Health staff said there would be a House bill coming out that may address concerns about home rule. Regarding SB 354, Ms. Bettman, seconded by Mr. Pryor, moved to change the recommen- dation to Priority 1 Oppose unless amended to exempt local jurisdictions that already had a stricter standard and address the ten versus 25 feet at the entrances. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. Regarding SB 419, Ms. Bettman, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to changed the recom- mendation to Priority 1 Support. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. ? HB 2238 – Relating to councils of governments. Recommended to Drop. Ms. Walston said the bill eliminated the requirement that councils of governments send a copy of their budget to the Department of Revenue. She recommended “Drop” because it saved paper, Lane Council of Governments had already audited, and the bill did not affect the City of Eugene. The audits still had to be done; they would no longer have to be sent to the Department of Revenue. The recommendation was accepted. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental February 6, 2007 Page 7 Relations