Item 2F: Ratification of Intergovernmental Relations Committee Minutes

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Ms. Wilson provided a brief description of HB 2838 to the committee members and noted that staff was currently recommending a Priority 3 oppose position regarding the bill. Ms. Wilson commented that HB 2838, the apprenticeship bill sponsored by State Representative Holvey, had been scheduled for a legislative work session and that even though the bill itself was considered to be dead the provisions and content of the bill might be transferred into another piece of legislation. Ms. Taylor stated that the committee should support HB 2838. Principal Civil Engineer Paul Klope stated that while the City of Eugene had only a small number of contracts valued at more than $750,000 and would subsequently not be greatly affected by HB 2838, staff’s recommendation to oppose was based primarily on the fact that the bill had the potential to significantly reduce the number of bidders for city contracts. He further noted that the bill called for certain administrative costs to be paid in order to fully enact the provisions of the bill. AIC Facilities Management Division Supervisor Mike Penwell expressed that HB 2838 had the potential to significantly reduce the availability of prevailing wage employment positions related to city contracts and that the bill ultimately shifted much of the responsibility for the training and oversight of apprenticeship programs from trade organizations to the state government. Ms. Taylor believed that the apprenticeship provisions called for in the bill might serve as a way to train more skilled workers in the area. Ms. Piercy recognized that Representative Holvey had in the past been a strong advocate of apprenticeship programs and the availability of workforce training but characterized the bill as a blunt instrument towards those ends. Mr. Penwell agreed with Ms. Piercy’s statement. Ms. Wilson, responding to a question from Ms. Ortiz, stated that it was unknown whether or not Representative Holvey had a broad vision for all of his concepts and whether that vision was fully supported by any unions or trade organizations. Ms. Taylor restated that the committee should not oppose HB 2838. Ms. Wilson reiterated that HB 2838 was likely dead in the legislature but that the contents of the bill might be transferred into another piece of legislation. She suggested that she would be happy to monitor the progress of the HB 2838 and any subsequent apprenticeship legislation. Ms. Taylor and Ms. Ortiz supported Ms. Wilson’s suggestion. Mr. Poling agreed with the staff assessment that HB 2838 might result in significant cost increases with respect to city projects. He further maintained that contractors and associated trade organizations had a much better understanding of the nature and overall effectiveness of apprenticeship programs that did the state government. Ms. Ortiz, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to adopt a monitor position regarding HB 2838. The motion did not pass (Mr. Poling voting in opposition). SB 0972 – Relating to an apprenticeship; appropriating money. Ms. Wilson provided a brief description of SB 0972 to the committee members and noted that the bill was identical to HB 2838. She further noted that the bill in its current form was dead in the legislative session. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations April 29, 2009 Page 2