CC Minutes - 04/27/09 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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to award a construction contract. His goal was to complete negotiations within a month and avoid any legal proceedings related to eminent domain. Ms. Solomon asked if the City would be at a disadvantage if it initiated proceedings first because of a recent ballot measure. Mr. Schoening agreed that the ballot measure did put governments at more financial risk to go through eminent domain. Mayor Piercy cautioned against taking the matter to Congressman De Fazio. She understood that there were people who wanted other projects to take priority, but the City had applied under specific funding categories, including one that created jobs and stimulated the economy, and should use the funds as planned. Councilor Clark understood the value of creating jobs, but noted there were other higher priority projects that could accomplish the same goal. He did not feel the bridge project was the best way to spend $6 million. Councilor Ortiz agreed with Mayor Piercy’s comments and did not want to delay a decision on the matter. She asked what would happen with the funds if they were not spent on the designated project. Mr. Schoening said the funds would be returned to the State for reallocation. Councilor Zelenka determined that the City had asked Congressman De Fazio for funds earmarked for the Delta Ponds bridge project. He would not support the motion. Councilor Taylor agreed with Mayor Piercy’s comments. She noted that the project had been planned for a long time and the council should not delay its decision. Councilor Pryor said he supported Councilor Clark’s concerns in principle, but he had been persuaded by comments from other councilors and would not support the motion. The motion to postpone failed, 7:1; Councilor Clark voting yes. Item 2E on the Consent Calendar was approved, 7:1; Councilor Clark voting no. Councilor Ortiz asked staff to elaborate on the status of legislation to curb metal theft. Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Brenda Wilson replied that Senate Bill 570 had been passed by the Senate and referred to the House for consideration. She noted that the entire Lane County legislative delegation supported the bill. Councilor Ortiz commented on the problem that metal theft was in the community and acknowledged the work of the legislative delegation to pass legislation to address the situation and thanked them for their efforts. Item 2F on the Consent Calendar passed unanimously, 8:0. 3. ACTION: Ratification of Unanimous Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Committee Actions and Discussion and Action on Non-Unanimous IGR Actions on Legislative Policy from April 15 and April 22, 2009 Councilor Zelenka, seconded by Councilor Clark, moved to ratify the IGR Commit- tee’s majority position of Prior 2 Oppose on HB 2865 related to collection of sys- tem development charges by local governments. MINUTES—Eugene City Council April 27, 2009 Page 4