CC Minutes - 05/26/11 Joint Elected Officials

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In regard to the first concern, Ms. Riner pointed out decision - making remained with each jurisdiction and recommendations would reflect existing policy direction and local values. She described how the consortium would work and anticipated that each jurisdiction's staff would pursue implementation at their respective agencies. In regard to the second concern, Ms. Riner outlined steps to help ensure accountability to elected bodies, which included development of a communication plan that would ensure monthly updates. In regard to the third concern, Ms. Riner emphasized that the process was intended to fill in the gaps between some of the existing plans with technical assistance. All the work contemplated was focused on increasing efficiencies. In regard to the fourth concern, Ms. Riner said new members would only be added if all consortium members agreed. In regard to the final concern, Ms. Riner emphasized that staff work outside of currently programmed activities would be funded with grant funds, and the funding would allow staff to better leverage the work they were already funded and required to do. Ms. Riner acknowledged that some questioned the need for additional planning. In addition, there had been questions about how the process in question differed from the Region 2050 process. She pointed out the different funding source and group of participants involved in that effort, and suggested that lessons had been learned from the Region 2050 process that could be applied to the consortium. Ms. Riner reviewed next steps in the process, which included revisions to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between participating agencies. Mr. Clark asked about the scope of Eugene's three -year commitment. Eugene City Manager Jon Ruiz anticipated it would largely be an in -kind match. Mr. Clark suggested the potential the federal funding approach changed again; what was the value of the work? Ms. Riner pointed to the reauthorization of federal transportation funding as one example of an area where the results of the consortium could be employed. Mr. Poling did not believe the Eugene council had received sufficient information about the consortium and suggested the council schedule a work session on the topic. He had received the meeting materials too late for adequate review and did not feel able to discuss them. He questioned if Eugene would be looked to disproportionately as a source of funding. Ms. Wylie supported the proposal. She spoke of Springfield's TEAM Springfield effort, a consortium of all Springfield public agencies, and said that effort had accomplished a great deal. She emphasized the important role that consortiums played in forming the relationships that were necessary to local problem solving. Ms. Ortiz pointed out to Mr. Poling that there were many grant opportunities the council did not hear about. She supported the consortium and said it sounded exciting. She suggested the elected officials needed to have faith in the judgment of staff. Mayor Piercy recalled that the council had been invited to an event celebrating the kick -off of the consortium. She suggested that much of what was contemplated through the consortium was embedded in the City's Envision Eugene planning effort and fit into the work the City was already doing. MINUTES —Joint Elected Officials— May 26, 2011 Page 4 Lane County, Eugene, and Springfield