Item 2A - Approval of Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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effective and said the staff members, with input from citizen advisors, had selected the least cost alternative that would meet the new federal guide lines. She commented that, while some complain of the high cost of the proposed infrastructure, the health of the river was priceless. Ms. Abernathey termed it shocking to consider that the City would plan to violate the discharge permit and pay the fines. She called this "highly irresponsible stewardship." She stated that, due to a history of effective and forward-thinking planning of infrastructure, the current SDC rates were among the lowest in the State. She underscored that the best plan had been identified and any "foot-dragging" would only result in a greater cost to the public. Steve Greenwood, 2169 Essex Lane, introduced himself as a former State regulator and a member of the Willamette Restoration Initiative Board of Directors and a public policy consultant. He echoed the last speaker's sentiments and underscored that all of the effluent eventually went into the river. He stated that much of the Willamette River had very poor quality as defined by DEQ standards, with some areas of the main stem violating the levels for temperature, bacteria, and mercury levels. He stated that significant regulatory changes had taken place since 1977 and it was time to update the MWMC Facilities Plan. Regarding the cost, he agreed that $144 million sounded like a lot of money, but emphasized that it was in line with what other communities were spending. He added that, as a professional in the field, he found the staff and organization of the MWMC was one that tried to reduce their costs as much as possible. Camilla Pratt, 120 Westbrook Way, explained that she had served on a citizen advisory committee for the Wet Weather Flow Management Plan for two years. She related that the committee had studied many aspects of the plan and, in addition to meeting the requirements of State and Federal agencies, the committee was concerned with the fairness of the plan, including its ability to be understood by various customer classes and its ability to be administered effectively. She stated that the plan, completed in 2001, had been adopted by the MWMC and the cities of Eugene and Springfield. Since then, she said several more years of careful investigation and analysis had been invested in other aspects of the MWMC Facilities Plan and 20- Year Project List. She called it the obligation and responsibility of Eugene to ensure a high quality water resource for the needs of all downstream users. Larry Gunn, 32555 Beymer Road, spoke in support of the MWMC Facilities Plan. He opined that the cost seemed reasonable and that it seemed the time was right for the council to endorse the plan. He recom- mended doing the work now and not in the future when it would cost more. Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing. Councilor Bettman, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved to keep the record open until June 16 at 5 p.m. Roll call vote; the motion passed unanimously, 8:0. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: Proposed Modifications to Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission Regional Wastewater System Development Charge Methodology and Rates Resolution 4791 Adopting Amended Systems Development Charge Methodology For Regional Wastewater System; Amending Resolution No. 4740; and Repealing Resolution No. 4776; and Resolution 4792 Adopting Amended Systems Development Charge Rates for Regional Waste- water System and Amending Resolution No. 4740 MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 14, 2004 Page 14 Regular Meeting