Item 2C: Ratification of Unanimous IGR Committee Actions

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Ms. Ortiz felt that the provisions of the bill made sense as motorcycles riders were much less protected than persons traveling inside of a larger vehicle. Mr. Poling, speaking in his capacity as a former motorcycle rider, understood the rationale behind the bill and noted he would support it. Ms. Piercy concurred with Mr. Poling’s statements and indicated she would support the bill as well. Ms. Wilson commented that recent testimony on HB 2554A had focused on the fact that there were many drivers in Oregon who did not pay adequate attention to those persons that were classified as “vulnerable users.” Ms. Ortiz confirmed that the CCIGR would continue the staff recommended position of Priority 3 support regarding HB 2554A. SB 0556A – Relating to automated external defibrillators. Ms. Wilson provided a brief description of SB 0556A to the committee members and noted that staff was currently recommending Priority 3 opposition and Priority 3 Support positions regarding the bill. Ms. Wilson reported that staff’s primary concern regarding SB 0556A was that it had not been worded carefully and might cause confusion regarding the requirements for defibrillators with respect to public assembly locations such as city parks and other areas not generally classified in terms of building square footage. She further noted that the bill did not provide any funding for the defibrillators that it called for. Ms. Wilson noted that staff had conferred with the City Attorney who had advised them that formal support of SB 0556A might be advisable if the bill were amended with clarifying language regarding the bills application to enclosed buildings versus open spaces such as parks and public walkways. Ms. Wilson, responding to a question from Mr. Poling, noted that SB 0556A only applied to buildings with a square footage in excess of 50,000 square feet. Mr. Poling, seconded by Ms. Ortiz, moved to adopt a Priority 3 support position of SB 0556A if amended. The motion passed unanimously, 2:0. HB 2001 - Transportation bill Ms. Wilson noted that IGR staff was reviewing HB 2001 which was a transportation bill to be combined with a senate bill to increase payroll taxes for transit purposes. She further noted that the bill apparently contained language that would preempt local gas taxes although the City of Eugene’s current gas taxes would not be affected due to the grandfather clause of the bill. Ms. Wilson commented that tan amendment had been introduced by 1000 Friends of Oregon and would call for transportation and land use management that would take into consideration those planning tools which ultimately reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Ms. Wilson stated that staff was currently reviewing the provision of the proposal to determine how much federal flex funding would be required to initiate the pilot program called for under the proposal. She noted that the proposal might eventually turn into an unfunded mandate although it potentially gave MPO’s the authority to determine how greenhouse gas planning strategies would function. Ms. Wilson, responding to a comment from Ms. Piercy, noted that the proposal as it had been drafted represented good policy but needed to have the details worked out more thoroughly. MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations May 6, 2009 Page 2