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Councilor Papé concurred with comments from Councilor Pryor. He felt Councilor Bettman’s comments were well-taken. He remarked that the cost of the warehouse seemed expensive. Mr. Corey responded that $148 per square foot was a realistic planning estimate at this time. Councilor Papé asked if the warehouse space would be rented out. Mr. Corey replied that renting parts of it was a possibility. Councilor Papé noted that the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce endorsed the project. He opined that the City of Springfield, as a jurisdictional partner in the Willamette Valley, should join the City of Eugene in the management and support of this airport. Councilor Solomon agreed with the latter comment. She perceived the grant application as a way to get tax dollars already paid to the State to potentially come back to the community. She averred that not pursuing this grant would “cheat the citizens.” Councilor Kelly recalled that the council approved the Airport Master Plan. He asked if the project as described in the application was essentially identical to what had been described in the plan. Airport Manager Bob Noble responded that the plan did identify the project, but did not identify a funding source. He added, in response to Councilor Papé, that renting some of the space to other entities was in the plan. He clarified that $148 per square foot was not just for a warehouse, as the structure would include restrooms and offices. Councilor Kelly agreed with Councilor Bettman that the process should require that a proposal of this magnitude come before the council. Councilor Bettman said her biggest problem with the project was that it had not been considered among a range of competing projects. She opined that the airport had come up with what “they wanted to do” and found an avenue to get it done. Councilor Pryor acknowledged the procedural and philosophical process issues raised by his colleague. He hoped that future projects would come before the council in a way that was more effective. He said “being in a real world here today” he could not turn down several million dollars on a procedural or philosophical basis. He stressed the importance of getting the grant in for the funding to do this project. Councilor Solomon, seconded by Councilor Ortiz, moved to direct the City Manager to submit a ConnectOregon grant application for the air cargo project. Roll call vote; the motion passed, 6:1; Councilor Bettman voting in opposition. Mayor Piercy adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dennis M. Taylor MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 23, 2006 Page 12 Regular Session