Item 2G: Ratification of Unanimous IGR Actions

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bill but the association indicated it could not apply prevailing wages if businesses did not locate in Oregon, and expressed concern the bill would make businesses chose other states because the bill was a disincen- tive to business. Ms. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to change the City’s position on HB 2429 to Monitor. The motion failed, 2:1; Mr. Poling voting no. HB 2430 Ms. Wilson said the bill defined building construction and modified the definition of residential construc- tion for the purpose of applying the prevailing wage to projects that predominantly provide affordable housing. Mr. Weinman had recommended the City take a position on the bill of Priority 2, Oppose. Ms. Taylor supported the bill for the same reasons she cited for supporting the previous bill. Mr. Weinman said he believed that all housing providers wanted people to earn more money, but the bill would nearly cripple the ability of low-income housing providers to provide affordable housing due to the increase cost of construction. Ms. Taylor argued that an inadequate wages caused people to need subsidized housing. Mr. Weinman pointed out that the wages involved were not minimum wages; they were substantially above that level. He said that the prevailing wage was a lot more than the wages paid for many typical construction jobs. . Mayor Piercy thought that taking a position on bills related to the prevailing wage was a significant discussion that required considerable education. She strongly supported unions and good wages and benefits, but thought it dangerous to take a position if the committee was not fully informed or without a more complete council discussion. Ms. Taylor suggested that to oppose the bill was to take a position. Ms. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to change the City’s position on the bill to Monitor. Mr. Poling opposed the motion because the bill would increase the cost of low-income housing. Ms. Ortiz welcomed the broader council discussion that would result from the committee’s action. Mayor Piercy reiterated the need for council understanding of the issue given that it was a significant labor issue. The motion failed, 2:1; Mr. Poling voting no. Ms. Wilson observed that there were many bills related to the prevailing wage had been introduced into the current legislature but there was disagreement about their impact. She agreed a broader council discussion was in order and would be useful in guiding staff in the future. Ms. Ortiz asked that the council be provided with a definition of ‘prevailing wage’ and ‘living wage.’ Mr. Poling asked Mr. Weinman to secure a “ballpark” figure on how the bill would affect a typical affordable housing project in terms of percentage of increase. HB 2476 Ms. Wilson said the bill created enhanced sentencing for sexual abuse in the second degree when the offender was 21 years of age older and was a minor’s coach. Staff had recommended a position of Priority 2, Support. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations February 18, 2009 Page 4