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Responding to a question from Mr. Pap8 regarding the budgeted amount recognizing <br />increased revenue and program expenses for the swimming pools, Ms. Kittleson <br />clarified that the amount was unrelated to the Amazon Pool renovation. <br /> <br />The motion passed unanimously, 7:0. <br /> <br />5. ACTION: RESOLUTION 4587 ESTABLISHING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE USER <br />FEES FOR 1999; AND REFERRING THE ISSUE OF FEE STRUCTURE <br />RESTRICTIONS IN STATE LAW TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS <br />COMMITTEE <br /> <br />Glen Potter of the Eugene Fire Department was present to answer questions. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to adopt Resolution 4587 <br />establishing hazardous substance user fees for 1999. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly moved, seconded by Mr. PapS, to amend the motion by stipulating the base <br />fee would be $500 rather than $1,000, plus the appropriate per-employee amount. <br /> <br />Mr. Klein identified changes to the resolution that would be required if the amendment <br />to the motion was adopted. <br /> <br />Mr. Kelly shared the Toxics Board's frustration at the City's inability to base the fee on <br />a company's actual chemical use because of restrictions in existing State law. He <br />pointed out that there had not been overwhelming consensus on the recommended fee <br />change on the part of the board. He said that $500 reduced the largest employer's <br />burden by several thousand dollars, whereas raising the rates increased the rate for 31 <br />of 43 reporting companies. He felt that the issue was related to equity, and until there <br />was legislative changes to existing State law he preferred the lower number. <br /> <br />Mr. Rayor concurred with Mr. Kelly's remarks and favored the lower amount until <br />changes to the State law were made. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner supported the amendment. He said that maintaining continuity and <br />consistency over the next few years was important. He understood the board's <br />rationale about the largest company covered by the program, but was more <br />sympathetic to the small companies whose rates would increase by about 60 percent to <br />provide relief to the larger companies. Mr. Meisner said that the number of employees <br />was not a direct indicator of a company's ability to pay the fee, but was an indicator of <br />sorts. <br /> <br />Mr. Farr said that he was reluctant to vote against the majority of the Toxics Board and <br />would oppose the amendment. <br /> <br />The amendment to the motion passed, 6:1; Mr. Farr voting no. <br /> <br />The main motion to adopt resolution 4587 passed unanimously, 7:0. <br /> <br /> <br />