Item 2F: Ratification of Intergovernmental Relations Committee Minutes

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Ms. Piercy noted that she had only flagged HB 3248 for discussion by the CCIGR because of the significant number or railroad crossings in Eugene and wanted to make sure there would be no adverse effects on the City should the bill ultimately pass. Mr. Larsen commented that the prioritization of railroad crossing alterations was a minor change to current laws and did address concerns about railroad crossings strongly enough to engender stronger support for the bill. Ms. Wilson commented that the intent of HB 3248 may run contrary to the federal railroad crossing policies of the Federal Railroad Administration. Ms. Piercy noted that it might be difficult to address any issues regarding the ten railroad crossing sites in Eugene particularly with regard to the City’s established quiet zone policies. Ms. Wilson stated that she would stay in close contact with representatives from both Portland and Corvallis regarding the matter and report back to the committee with any new information. Ms. Wilson, responding to a request for clarification from Ms. Ortiz, noted that ODOT had attempted to close certain railroad crossings in Corvallis but ultimately been unsuccessful. Mr. Larsen commented that all of the railroad crossings in the area were governed by a public utilities commission working under a tri-party agreement between the railroad, the road authority and ODOT. Ms. Piercy maintained that as a community, the citizens of Eugene would need to recognize that if they wanted a quiet zone there would need to be some sort of move in the direction of railroad crossing closings. Ms. Taylor, noting no objections from the other committee members, confirmed that they would continue under the staff recommended Priority 3 support position regarding HB 3248. HB 2865 - Relating to system development charges (SDC). Ms. Wilson provided a brief description of HB 2865 to the committee members and noted that staff was currently recommending a Priority 2 oppose position regarding the bill. Ms. Wilson reported that HB 2865 had been introduced into the current legislative session at the request of the Oregon Homebuilders Association and noted that it would prohibit local governments from collecting SDC’s until the time of issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy. She noted that the bill would also limit parks and recreation SDC’s based on increases in their level of service. Ms. Wilson noted that passage of HB 2865 would have a significant financial impact on the City of Eugene because not all new connections to the City’s systems or intensifications to the system occur when a permit was issued. She further noted that the bill would significantly impact the City’s ability to collect parks and recreation SDC collections. Mr. Poling maintained that while staff comments listed in the agenda item summary materials indicated that the bill might have a negative financial impact upon the City of Eugene, the impact did not appear to him to be significant. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations April 15, 2009 Page 3