CC Minutes - 02/13/2013 Work Session

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MINUTES Eugene City Council Harris Hall, 125 East 8 1 h Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 February 13, 2013 Noon Councilors Present: George Brown, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, George Poling, Mike Clark, Greg Evans, Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor Her Honor, Mayor Piercy called the February 13, 2013, work session of the Eugene City Council to order. A. WORK SESSION: Local Option Levy for City Services The City Attorney reminded the council of the language changes made at the previous meeting: Bethel and 4j School Districts would pay the residential fee, and the non - residential fee was increased from $20 to $30. City Attorney reviewed the three motions to be considered: 1. Motion 1 motion would adopt the resolution and allow the council to place the ordinance before voters on the May 21, 2013 ballot. 2. Motion 2 would direct the City Manager to publish and distribute a voter's pamphlet, including neutral information about the fee ordinance. 3. Motion 3 would appoint up to three councilors to be on the proponent's committee to write the argument in favor of the measure and the rebuttal if there are arguments submitted, for the voter's pamphlet. Comments, concerns, ideas and issues: • If other options can be found, cuts may be averted. • The definitions in the proposed ordinance needed refinement. • There is confusion about how separate units /businesses would pay. • Apartments and multi -unit complexes - each unit would be charged. • Businesses - one property, one address, separate entrances, all would pay. • Clarification: This fee will not expand services; it is designed to maintain current service levels. • Reminder: Services will be cut if not funded. • There are concerns about competing with other measures on the May ballot, including funding for human services, public safety, and the number of jail beds. • Ensure the public knows what's at stake. • There are still other revenue sources to explore. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Poling, seconded by Councilor Pryor, moved to adopt Resolution 5082 calling a city election on May 21, 2013, on a City Service Fee. PASSED: 6:2, Councilors Taylor and Clark opposed. MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Poling, seconded by Councilor Pryor, moved to direct the City Manager to publish and distribute a local voters' pamphlet and neutral factual information for the special election scheduled for May 21, 2013, on a City service fee, and to authorize the expenditure of funds from the General Fund contingency account that are required to produce that voters' pamphlet and neutral information. PASSED: 8:0. MINUTES — Eugene City Council February 13, 2013 Page 1 Work Session