Item 3E: Ratification of IGR Actions

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regarding HB 2141. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. HB 2183 - Relating to field burning; declaring an emergency . Ms. Wilson stated that HB 2183 sponsored by Governor Ted Kulongoski would adopt a policy to phase down field burning in the state of Oregon. Ms. Taylor opined that Representative Holvey’s bill LC 1701 regarding field burning was better, but did not know if the committee should support HB 2183 in case LC 1701 did not pass. Ms. Wilson perceived that Governor Kulongoski’s field burning bill did not stand a chance of passing. Senior Management Analyst Eric Wold commented that Governor Kulongoski’s version of the bill would phase down field burning by 2011, and that as written it provided somewhat more specificity than LC 1701. Ms. Wilson, responding to a question from Ms. Taylor, expressed that it might be strategically sensible to support both bills in some manner, although it would not be advisable for the City of Eugene to go on record opposing Governor Kulongoski’s bill only to turn around and support it later on. Ms. Wilson noted that she had asked Representative Holvey if he would support HB 2183 if it appeared there was significant support behind it. She added that Representative Holvey had replied that he would do so. Mr. Poling commented that he could not support LC 1701 as currently written without more specific language regarding exceptions for environmentally strategic burns as well as field burning for firefighter training purposes. He noted that the bill appeared to contradict existing City policy and further noted that controlled field burning was an important tool for firefighter training. Ms. Wilson stated that specific language such as Mr. Poling was concerned about regarding field burning would kill the bill. Mr. Wold noted that some of the language from LC 1701 was confusing, but that it could be modified to make its provisions clearer in order to protect the City’s interests. Ms. Wilson noted that the Seed Growers Association had planned to use the City of Eugene’s position regarding field burning legislation against LC 1701. She further stated that she would hate to have the City’s support for the bill ultimately end up killing it. Ms. Wilson suggested some amendment language which Eric Wold and Mr. Poling agreed to. Mr. Poling, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to adopt a position of Priority 1 support of LC 1701 if amended to include similar language as found in HB 2183 into LC 1701. The motion passed unanimously, 3:0. HB 5049/5050 - Relating to financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB); declaring an emergency. Ms. Wilson noted that while budget-related bills such as HB 5049/5050 were not usually assigned to staff for review she thought it might be beneficial for staff to review those budget bills where they had applied for money MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations February 4, 2009 Page 5