HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem A - Res.on Enterprise ZoneEUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Resolution 4832 Authorizing the City Manager to Make Application to the State of
Oregon for Designation of a West Eugene Enterprise Zone
Meeting Date: April 20, 2005 Agenda Item Number: A
Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Denny Braud
www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-5536
ISSUE STATEMENT
Consistent with the direction provided in the March 7, 2005 work session, the council is being asked to
approve a resolution authorizing submittal of an application to the State of Oregon in 2005, for
establishment of an enterprise zone in Eugene. The council is also being asked to consider options for
adoption of job quality standards that would apply to the enterprise zone tax exemption.
BACKGROUND
Action on this agenda item was originally scheduled for April 11, 2005. Due to time constraints at that
meeting, the agenda item was rescheduled for April 20, 2005.
On March 7, 2005, the council directed the City Manager to bring back a resolution authorizing
submittal of an application to the State of Oregon for designation of an enterprise zone in 2005, jointly
sponsored with and supported by Lane County. The application will be submitted on or before April 25,
2005. If the application is successful, the proposed West Eugene Enterprise Zone would be in place on
July 1, 2005.
The Lane County Board of Commissioners reviewed the joint sponsorship issue on April 6, 2005, and
has provided direction to bring back a Board Order authorizing the application on April 20, 2005.
At the March 7, 2005, meeting, the council also directed the City Manager to bring back a
recommendation for establishing job quality standards applicable to the proposed enterprise zone.
Because the local standards are not required to be included in the State of Oregon application, such
standards can be created and amended at any time prior to the designation of the zone, or any time
during the life of the zone. In accordance with State statutes, additional criteria must be "reasonably
related to the public purpose of providing opportunities for groups of persons to obtain employment."
The Mayor's Committee on Economic Development did not recommend specific job quality standards.
However, it suggested that job quality be considered based on attractive wages, employee benefits, job
training, advancement opportunities, job retention, and utilization of programs that assist
disadvantaged workers.
Various amendments to the resolution prepared for the April 11, 2005, meeting have been proposed.
Therefore, an amended resolution reflecting proposed changes is included as Attachment B.
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Additionally, questions have been raised regarding additional railroad-related property that was not
removed from the proposed enterprise zone boundary. A response to these questions is included in
Attachment E, and an alternative map depicting the removal of this additional railroad-related property
from the proposed enterprise zone is included in Attachment F.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The enterprise zone tax exemption addresses the following related City policies:
· Sustainable Community Development. The council's Sustainable Community Development goal
addresses high quality of life and a healthy economy. The availability of quality jobs is a basic
quality of life issue. With a local unemployment rate that exceeds the national average, and local
income levels below state and national averages, the creation of new production sector jobs is
fundamental to the health of the local labor market. The creation of an enterprise zone will also
provide an incentive for redevelopment, infill development, and brownfield redevelopment, which
are primary sustainability goals.
· Growth Management. The enterprise zone advances the City's Growth Management goals by
encouraging more intensive industrial development in a defined area that has been zoned
accordingly, and where existing public infrastructure investments have already occurred.
· Fair, Stable, and Adequate Financial Resources. The long-term property tax revenues resulting from
new investments that are encouraged by the short-term tax exemption address the council's goal for
financial resources adequate to maintain and deliver municipal services.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
Regarding the establishment of job quality standards, the following three options have been identified:
1. Establish standards prior to July 1, 2005. Under this option, staff is proposing that the enterprise
zone subcommittee of the Mayor's Committee on Economic Development be utilized and expanded for
the purpose of developing a recommendation on job quality standards. The subcommittee participants
included Rusty Rexius, Cathy Smith, Steve Korth, Tom Bowerman, and Jana Rygas. The expansion of
the subcommittee would include a representative from the Eugene Springfield Solidarity Network, and a
representative from the University of Oregon's Economic Forum. The Lane Workforce Partnership has
also expressed an interest in participating in the process. The Oregon Employment Department would
be utilized to provide relevant local employment and wage data. The expanded subcommittee group
would gather public input, draft a recommendation on job quality standards, and present the
recommendation to the public for input prior to Council adoption.
Pros. - Utilizes subcommittee participants who are familiar with the enterprise zone issues,
and previously initiated some work on local standards.
- Expands the subcommittee to include additional special interest and local expertise.
- If application is successful this year, standards would be in place prior to designation
of the zone.
Cons. - Requires dedication of resources, and time commitment from the public, with no
assurance that Eugene's application will be successful this year.
- Timeline for thorough analysis, public input, and recommendation is compressed.
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2. Adopt interim standards. Given the uncertainty about the State's approval of an application this year,
the council could adopt interim standards that would be in place until new standards can be fully
processed and adopted. The new standards would be processed immediately following a successful
State zone designation. Staff is proposing that a slightly amended version of the enterprise zone "Public
Benefit Criteria," adopted by the council in 1997 (Attachment C), could be used for any investments that
qualify prior to adoption of new standards. As an interim policy, the Public Benefit Criteria (minimum
85% tax exemption benefit), originally adopted through an extensive public process, could be amended
to reflect the minimum 75% tax exemption benefit intended for the proposed enterprise zone. The
proposed amendment to the Public Benefit Criteria scoring formula is included in Attachment D. These
interim standards would be adopted by resolution prior to July 1, immediately following notification
from the State of Oregon that Eugene' s application is successful.
Pros. - City would know whether its zone designation application was successful prior
to expending resources on development and adoption of new standards.
- Allows additional time for analysis of new standards and public input.
- Public Benefit Criteria can be easily amended in the interim to reflect the minimum
75% tax exemption benefit intended in the proposed enterprise zone.
Cons. - New job quality standards would not be in place on July 1, 2005, if the City's zone
designation application is successful this year.
3. Defer process for adoption of standards until zone application is approved. Under this option, the
process to create job quality standards would not begin until there were assurances that Eugene's zone
designation application was successful.
Pros. - City would know whether its zone designation application was successful prior
to expending resources on development and adoption of new standards.
- Allows additional time for analysis of new standards and public input.
Cons. - If zone designation application is successful in 2005, it is possible that a new
investment would qualify for an exemption prior to adoption of standards.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends that the council adopt the Resolution (as amended in Attachment B)
authorizing the submittal of an application for designation of an enterprise zone in 2005.
The City Manager also recommends that the Public Benefit Criteria, as amended in Attachment C, be
adopted as interim standards in the event that Eugene's application is successful this year. The interim
standards would be adopted by resolution prior to July 1, following notification from the State that
Eugene's application is successful. New job quality standards would be created in a timely manner
thereafter, in accordance with the process outlined in option 1 above.
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SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to approve Resolution 4832 authorizing the City Manager to make application to the State of
Oregon for designation of a West Eugene Enterprise Zone.
Move to direct the City Manager, in the event that Eugene's enterprise zone designation application is
approved by the State of Oregon this year, to bring back a resolution prior to July 1, 2005, for adoption
of interim local criteria consistent with the Public Benefit Criteria included in Attachment B and
amended in Attachment C, with the understanding that new job quality standards would be adopted as
soon as practical following notification of a successful designation application, in accordance with a
public involvement process approved by the council, with the intent that 25% of the tax exemption
benefit for qualified enterprise zone investments would be subject to the job quality standards.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution (Exhibit B to follow)
B. Amended Resolution
C. Public Benefit Criteria (1997)
D. Proposed Amendment to Public Benefit Criteria
E. Response to Railyard Questions
F. Alternative Enterprise Zone Map (removal of additional Railroad property)
G. Comments from Service Districts
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Denny Braud
Telephone: 682-5536
Staff E-Mail: denny.braud~ci, eugene, or.us
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ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF OREGON
FOR DESIGNATION OF A WEST EUGENE ENTERPRISE
ZONE.
The City Council of the City of Eugene finds that:
A. The City of Eugene and Lane County are jointly sponsoring an application for
designation of an enterprise zone.
B. The City of Eugene is interested in an enterprise zone to encourage new business
investment, job creation, higher incomes for local residents, and greater diversity of economic
activity.
C. The proposed enterprise zone, as depicted on the drawn-to scale map attached as
Exhibit A, and described in Exhibit B, has a total area of 7.67 square miles and meets other
statutory limitations on size and configuration.
D. The proposed enterprise zone contains significant land that is designated for
industrial use as indicated by the land use map(s) from Comprehensive Plan(s) acknowledged by
the Land Conservation and Development Commission, and included in the application, and such
industrial sites are accessible, serviced or serviceable, and otherwise ready for use and further
development.
E. The designation of an enterprise zone does not grant or imply permission to
develop land within the enterprise zone without complying with prevailing zoning, regulatory
and permitting processes and restrictions for applicable jurisdictions; nor does it indicate any
intent to modify those processes or restrictions, except possibly as otherwise in accordance with
Comprehensive Plans.
F. The City of Eugene appreciates the impacts that a designated enterprise zone
would have and the property tax exemptions that eligible business firms might receive therein, as
governed by ORS 285C.050 to 285C.250.
G. All of the municipal corporations and special service districts, other than the
sponsoring governments, that receive operating revenue through the levying of ad valorem taxes
on real and personal property in any area of the proposed enterprise zone have been informed
and asked to comment on this proposal.
Resolution- 1
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NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a
Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows:
Section 1. The City of Eugene proposes and applies for designation of an Oregon
enterprise zone to be named the West Eugene Enterprise Zone, comprised of the area described
in Exhibits A and B attached hereto.
Section 2. The City Manager is authorized to submit the application for the City of
Eugene and to make any and all substantive or technical changes to the application materials, as
necessary, after adoption of this resolution.
Section 3. The City of Eugene will give priority to the use in the proposed enterprise
zone, if designated, of any economic development or job training funds received from the federal
government.
Section 4. The City of Eugene commits, upon designation, to jointly appoint with Lane
County, a local enterprise zone manager or co-managers.
Section 5. The City of Eugene will jointly comply with Lane County with the
requirements and provisions of ORS 285C. 105.
Section 6. The City of Eugene commits to prepare, within six months of designation, a
list or map of local lands and buildings owned by the state or by municipal corporations within
the enterprise zone that are not being used or designated for a public purpose and that have
appropriate land use zoning, and to strive in making such real property available for lease or
purchase by authorized business firms pursuant to ORS 285C. 110.
Section 7. The City of Eugene makes a binding commitment to undertake any and all
actions necessary to implement the specific enhancements in the level, efficiency or availability
of local public services within the proposed zone, as described in the application.
Section 8. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution adopted the __ day of ,2005.
City Recorder
Resolution - 2
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West Eugene Enterprise Zone (Est. 2oos) Exhibit A
Eugene Urban Growth Boundary Miles
~Enterprise Zone Boundary 0 0.25 o. 5
Acreage: '~907,82 .......
Sq. Miles: 7.67 Ci~ofEu~Teqe
Ffenn/ng ~ Development
Narch t5~ 2005
ATTACHMENT B
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF OREGON
FOR DESIGNATION OF A WEST EUGENE ENTERPRISE
ZONE.
The City Council of the City of Eugene finds that:
A. The City of Eugene and Lane County are jointly sponsoring an application for
designation of an enterprise zone.
B. The City of Eugene is interested in an enterprise zone to encourage new business
investment, job creation, higher incomes for local residents, and greater diversity of economic
activity. In accordance with ORS 285C. 150, the City of Eugene intends to adopt job quality
standards' applicable to eligible business firms seeking the enterprise zone tax exemption, with
the intent to impose a public benefit contribution of up to twenty-five percent of the value of the
tax exemption from eligible business firms based on their conformance with specific job quality
standards'.
C. The proposed enterprise zone, as depicted on the drawn-to scale map attached as
Exhibit A, and descr;~Sed ;~n Exh;~Sk ~ has a total area of 7.67 square miles and meets other
statutory limitations on size and configuration.
D. The proposed enterprise zone contains significant land that is designated for
industrial use as indicated by the land use map(s) from Comprehensive Plan(s) acknowledged by
the Land Conservation and Development Commission, and included in the application, and such
industrial sites are accessible, serviced or serviceable, and otherwise ready for use and further
development.
E. The designation of an enterprise zone does not grant or imply permission to
develop land within the enterprise zone without complying with prevailing zoning, regulatory
and permitting processes and restrictions for applicable jurisdictions; nor does it indicate any
intent to modify those processes or restrictions, except possibly as otherwise in accordance with
Comprehensive Plans.
F. The City of Eugene appreciates the impacts that a designated enterprise zone
would have and the property tax exemptions that eligible business firms might receive therein, as
governed by ORS 285C.050 to 285C.250.
G. All of the municipal corporations and special service districts, other than the
sponsoring governments, that receive operating revenue through the levying of ad valorem taxes
Resolution- 1
L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050420\S050420A-attB.doc
on real and personal property in any area of the proposed enterprise zone have been informed
and asked to comment on this proposal.
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a
Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows:
Section 1. The City of Eugene proposes and applies for designation of an Oregon
enterprise zone to be named the West Eugene Enterprise Zone, comprised of the area described
in Exhibits A an~ E attached hereto.
Section 2. The City Manager is authorized to submit the application for the City of
Eugene and to make any an~ al! suSstant;~ve ar technical changes to the application materials, as
necessary, after adoption of this resolution.
Section 3. The City of Eugene will give priority to the use in the proposed enterprise
zone, if designated, of any economic development or job training funds received from the federal
government.
Section 4. The City of Eugene commits, upon designation, to jointly appoint with Lane
County, a local enterprise zone manager or co-managers.
Section 5. The City of Eugene will jointly comply with Lane County with the
requirements and provisions of ORS 285C. 105.
Section 6. The City of Eugene commits to prepare, within six months of designation, a
list or map of local lands and buildings owned by the state or by municipal corporations within
the enterprise zone that are not being used or designated for a public purpose and that have
appropriate land use zoning, and to strive in making such real property available for lease or
purchase by authorized business firms pursuant to ORS 285C. 110.
Section 7. The City of Eugene makes a binding commitment to undertake any and all
actions necessary to implement the specific enhancements in the level, efficiency or availability
of local public services within the proposed zone, as described in ~ Exhibit B.
Section 8. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
The foregoing Resolution adopted the __ day of ,2005.
City Recorder
Resolution - 2
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West Eugene Enterprise Zone (Est. 2.005) ~]×hibit A
Eugene Urban Growth Boundary Miles
~ Enterprise Zone Boundary 0 0.25 o. 5
Acreage: 4907.82 Cityo££ug~'~
Sq. Miles: 7,67 F/,~/Yng a'Td Dev~'opme')t
Mar~h t~ 2005
Exhibit B
(Enterprise Zone Resolution April 11, 2005)
Summary of Proposed or Recent Enhancements to Public Services
Eugene Airport
The Eugene Airport is immediately adjacent to the western boundary of the proposed
West Eugene Enterprise Zone. The Eugene Airport is the fifth-largest airport in the
Pacific Northwest, providing commercial air service to a six-county region in mid-
Oregon. The airport also has an expanded air cargo facility to serve the growing air cargo
demands of the region.
In 2004, the Eugene Airport received a $10 million grant from the federal Airport
Improvement Program that will be used to make airport improvements that support
future development. The improvements include construction of a new runway that runs
parallel to an existing runway, and the realignment of Greenhill Road and Airport Road.
In May 2004, Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines began twice daily non-stop jet
service between Eugene and Salt Lake City. This air service initiative is the result of a
two-year effort by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and the Eugene Airport to
secure competitive eastbound air service.
Transportation Improvements
There have been significant recent road improvements in West Eugene. The widening of
Beltline Highway, between Barger Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, has been
completed. Roosevelt has been extended from Beltline to Danebo Drive.
Improvements of over $50 million are planned for the interchange at Interstate 5 and
Beltline Hwy. The project will include the construction of a northbound to westbound
flyover; realignment of the southbound off ramp, and construction of a bike/pedestrian
bridge. Beltline Hwy, via Interstate 5, is the major access route to and from the West
Eugene industrial area.
Public Safety Station
The Bethel Public Safety Station (BPSS) is Eugene's fourth neighborhood public safety station,
located at 464 Highway 99N in Eugene (within the proposed Enterprise Zone boundary).
Funding for the Station is jointly provided by the Bethel Weed & Seed grant and the Eugene
Police Department. The neighborhood public safety station is an element of community policing
and partnerships with a firm commitment to prevention services. The BPSS was established in
January 2004.
Bethel School District
A majority of the proposed West Eugene Enterprise Zone is included within the Bethel
School District boundary. The District has recently completed construction of two new
K-8 schools, Meadow View and Prairie Mountain. Kalapuya High School, a new
alternative high school, has also been established recently.
ATTACHMENT C
PUBLIC BENEFIT CRITERIA (1997)
1. The extent to which the average wage of new jobs is equal to or greater than the
average county wage.
Points
The average wage for all new jobs is:
>_ 100% and _< 110% of average county wage 25
> 110% and _< 115% of average county wage 35
> 115% of average county wage 40
2. The extent to which the company hires from local training/referral agencies.*
Points
>_ 10% - _< 35% of all new jobs 5
>35% - _< 50% of all new jobs 15
>50% of all new jobs 25
3. The extent to which the company hires persons with barriers to employment.**
Points
>_ 5% - _< 10% of all new jobs 5
> 10% - _< 20% of all new jobs 10
> 20% of all new jobs 15
4. The extent to which the company dedicates funds for non-mandated training and
benefits.***
Points
>_ 1% - _< 5% of entire company payroll is dedicated 5
to non-mandated training & benefits
> 5% - _< 10% of entire company payroll is dedicated 10
to non-mandated training & benefits
> 10% of entire company payroll is dedicated to 15
non-mandated training & benefits
5. Whether the company is a small business.
Points
_< 50 employees at time of precertification 10
6. Whether the company is utilizing a previously developed site, including expansion at
an existing site (i.e., the investment will take place at the same physical location as
the existing facility), or redevelopment of an industrial or brownfield site.
Points
Expansion at existing site 1
Redevelop preexisting industrial site 2
or brownfield site
7. The extent to which the assessed value of new investment exceeds $500,000 per acre.
Points
Investment >_ $500,000 per acre 1
CRITERIA NOTES:
Examples of qualified local training or referral agencies:
Lane Workforce Partnership
Oregon Employment Department
Lane Community College
Adult/Family Services
Vocational Rehabilitation
Private Rehabilitation Agencies
Goodwill Industries
Catholic Community Services
St. Vincent de Paul
Salvation Army
Examples of persons with employment barriers:
Low/moderate income
Disabled
lnjured
Veteran
Welfare recipient
Displaced worker
Teens/youth
Ex-felon
Older workers
Short-term jobs history
Displaced homemaker
Drug/alcohol abuse history
Protected classes (Female head of household, Hispanic, Black, Asian or
Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaskan Native)
Qualifying non-government mandated benefits include: health/life/disability
insurance, retirement, profit-sharing, paid vacation/holiday, child care,
transportation, sick leave, tuition assistance, career development/training.
Based on the number of public benefit criteria points earned in each Enterprise
Zone tax exempt year, each company shall make a public benefit contribution which
shall be a percentage of the total tax exemption in any given year, based on the
following:
Points Public Benefit
Earned Contribution %
80+ 0% contribution
a-79 Apply formula: Contribution due = a percentage equal to
15 minus ](point total + 80) x 15]
Example: If point total is 40
15 minus [40 + 80) x 15] = contribution of 7.5%
Example: If point total is ia
15 minus [(ia + 80) x 15]= contribution of 13.125%
ATTACHMENT D
Proposed Amendment to Public Benefit Criteria
Based on the number of public benefit criteria points earned in each Enterprise
Zone tax exempt year, each company shall make a public benefit contribution which
shall be a percentage of the total tax exemption in any given year, based on the
following:
Points Public Benefit
Earned Contribution %
80+ 0% contribution
Example: If point total is 40
Example: If point total is 10
ATTACHMENT E
Questions Regarding the Railyards Property
The Council considered issues related to making application for an enterprise zone
designation at the March 7, 2005 work session. At that meeting, the Council directed that
property contained within the railyards be excluded from the proposed enterprise zone
boundary. Staff subsequently published an amended map that excluded the railyards
property.
In making these adjustments to the proposed enterprise zone boundaries, City staff relied
on map information provided by the State Department of Environmental Quality to
determine the location and dimensions of the railyards property. The DEQ map was
drawn in the early 1990's as part of initial environmental investigations completed on the
site. As was pointed out in public testimony at the April 11, 2005 Council meeting, there
are seven parcels of property at the north end of the railyards property that are adjacent or
proximate to the railroad right of way, and yet continue to be included within the
proposed enterprise zone. It was suggested in public testimony that these properties were
either part of the current railyards, or part of the historic railyards property; and, as such,
should also be excluded from the proposed enterprise zone.
Councilor Polling has asked several questions regarding these properties, as follows:
1. How or why did the seven tax lots identified by citizens get included in the
proposed EZ boundary when the wording and intent of the motion was to remove
railroad property?
As stated above, the staff relied on railyards boundary information provided by
the DEQ when amending the map as directed by Council to remove the railyards.
The seven tax lots are not within the railyards as depicted in the map data
provided by DEQ. However, the DEQ study area encompasses additional
properties owned by various private parties, including industrial and residential
properties outside of the railyards boundary, but within the area of environmental
concern. The seven parcels in questions are part of the area outside of the
railyards that was included in the DEQ study area. These parcels are different in
character from the railyards in that they are parceled, zoned, and include a mix of
ownership and uses. The area eliminated from the proposed boundary is un-
parceled, un-zoned property in sole ownership of the railroad.
2. Is the railroad the sole owner of the seven tax lots?
No. Southern Pacific Co. (the railroad) is listed as the owner of two of the
parcels, which total 25.7 acres. Four of the parcels are owned by Santa Fe
Pacific Pipeline Partner's, LP. These four parcels total 24.1 acres. Pick and Pull
LLC owns one parcel totaling 49.3 acres.
$. How are the seven tax lots currently zoned?
Unlike the railyards, which are not zoned, the seven lots are zoned 1-3, which is
the heavy industrial classification.
4. What are the current uses of those properties?
The largest 49.3 acre parcel is owned and operated by Pick and Pull, an auto
wrecking and used auto parts business. The 24.1 acres owned by Santa Fe Pacific
Pipeline Partner's is an operating fuel storage and distribution facility. The
remaining parcels are owned by Southern Pacific, with a use described as railroad
switching and marshalling.
5. How many of the seven properties are totally in the proposed boundary and how
many have been divided by the boundary?
The two parcels owned by Southern Pacific overlap the boundary of Enterprise
zone and a small portion of these properties appear to be within the railroad right
of way. The remaining 5 properties are totally within the proposed boundary of
the enterprise zone.
ATTACHMENT F
West Eugene Enterprise Zone (Est. 2005)
· ,.~n~ton or, ........... -?iii}
Eugene Urban Grow~ 8oundary Hiles
Enterprise Zone Boundary 0 0.25 0.5 1
Enterprise Zone:
Acreage: 4816,96
Sq. Miles: 7.53 Ob/ o£ Eugene
Planning ~Y D~lopment
April 13, 2005
ATTACHMENT G
Bethel School District #52 Together we will reach, teach,
and inspire each student'to
excellence.
March 29, 2005
Denny Braud
City of Eugene
Planning & Development Department
99 West 10~ Avenu6
Eugene, OR 97401
Dear Denny,
Thank you very much for the information about the City Council's consideration of a resolution
requesting a designation of a West Eugene Enterprise Zone. From the materials you-sent it is
clear that it has been a practice of creating various zones throughout the state, including Lane
County, for quite sometime. An enterprise zone, for example, previously existed in West Eugene
from 1987 to 1997.
In the past, our School Board and the district has taken a neutral stance in matters such as this
and I intend to maintain that stance. Our primary concern is to ensure that the children of our
school district receiVe an outstanding education. We, o£ course, need resources to provide such
an education. The primary source of our funding is the state. Each year we are guaranteed a
minimum amount of per pupil funding. We are concerned about any proposal that would' reduce
that level of funding.
I understand the importance of economic development in ensuring a vibrant economy for our
region and our state. Clearly, such an economy is a key to adequate funding for schools. I
Would. be pleased to provide you further information if it would be helpful.
Superintendent
c: Board of Directors
REC~'' '"'ED
APR 0 z 2005
4640 Barger Drive · - - Cit~, Cdcincil Agenda page 47 · www.bethel.k12.or.u$
HERSHNER HUNTER
LLP
STEVE CORNACCHIA
scomacchia~ hershnerhunu~r, com
March 31, 2005
Denny Braud
City of Eugene '
Planning & Development Departmen. t
99 W. 10th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
RE: West Eugene Enterprise Zone
Our File No. 10461.20102
We-represent Junction City Water Control District. The District has received your letter,
dated March 16, 2005, regarding the proposal to re-designate the West Eugene Enterprise
Zone. We provide the following comments on that proposal on behalf of our client.
The District manages a system of flood control and irrigation canals across western Lane
County and western Benton County. In addition to the cost of managing that system, the
District must also repay federal loans that paid for the initial construction of that system.
The District levies a modest property tax to cover the cost of managing and paying for the
System
Actions taken by the City of Eugene and Junction City can negatively affect the District's
ability to provide its required service to its constituents. Each time either city withdraws
property from the District following annexation or, as in subject proposal, limits the .
District's collection of resources, the District's financial condition is affected. The subject
proposal is additionally troubling considering the fact that the City of Eugene charges a
storm water fee within its borders and then collects that storm water and discharges it into the
District's system without any financial participation with the District.
· The designation and operation of the West Eugene Enterprise Zone will reduce the District's
fax collection and will continue the gradual erosion of its financial ability to provide services
APR 0 4 2005
ATTORNEYS 180 East llth Avenue, EugerEi~fjeL~e~~ ~p~7~)i~q~reg0n 97440 541-686-8511 fax 541-344-2025
OS abed epua§¥ Ipuno:) ~],!)
VII-IDDVNrklOD
Board of Directors
PENNY JORDAN
BRUCE PILLING
EMERALD PEOPLE'S UTILITY DISTRICT RECi:~.~.!c,~ .' . KATHERINE SCHACHT
3733 Seavey Loop Road . PA3-1'I CHAPPEL
BILL TANNER
:ugene, OR 97405-9614
'hone(541)746-1583 ' NAR 3 1 2005
FAX (541) 746-0211 General Manager
www. epud.org FRANK LAMBE
March 24, 2005
Denny Bmud
City of Eugene
Planning & Development Department
'99 W 10th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
Dear Mr. Braud:
While Emerald PUD is a taxing authority, we do not tax and we. do not have any
plans to in the future. All of our revenue com~s from Energy Sales.
However, we do not see any negative impacts by the Proposal and appreciate
your administration of this project.
Sincerely,
General .Manager
~M A K I N G C_O.N S F R V~ AT N C O M F O RTA B L E
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