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forthcoming. He appreciated that while the statement was short on detail it sent a clear signal to businesses and the <br />public that the economic viability of the area was a high City priority. <br />Mr. Zelenka noted as an addendum to Mr. Sullivan’s economic presentation that government as a percentage of the <br />local economy had decreased significantly over the past few decades. <br />Mr. Zelenka appreciated the policy direction provided by the EDS as well as its direction to provide the council with <br />a specific economic action plan by March 31. He suggested that an economic summit with the City’s local partners <br />as well as forums with consulting business professionals might be beneficial to the creation of the action plan. <br />Mr. Ruiz, responding to a question from Ms. Taylor, noted that the adoption of the EDS did not constitute <br />acceptance of the final report and recommendations of the Mayor’s Committee on Economic Development. He noted <br />that the report was merely part of the background information on the EDS provided by staff to council. Ms. Taylor <br />added that she did not support certain portions of the EDS supporting information listed in the agenda item summary. <br />Ms. Taylor asked Mr. Ruiz to confirm that adoption of the EDS did not constitute any specific direction to staff other <br />than the discussion of economic issues and the generation of the action plan. Mr. Ruiz reiterated that the EDS was <br />only designed to provide policy direction to staff regarding economic concerns. <br />Mr. Clark reminded the council that Mr. Ruiz had a great deal of experience with job creation programs such as the <br />Fresno Jobs Initiative in his former position. <br />Mr. Clark noted that he would like to foster a discussion on any economic initiatives that would help private <br />businesses act quickly to stimulate the local economy. <br />Mr. Clark, seconded by Ms. Taylor, moved to adopt the proposed City of Eugene Mayor <br />and City Council Economic Development Statement. The motion passed unanimously, 8:0 <br />Ms. Zelenka adjourned the meeting at 1:29 p.m. <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Jon Ruiz <br />City Manager <br /> <br />(Recorded by Wade Hicks) <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 28, 2009 Page 6 <br /> Work Session <br />