COMMITTEE CHAIR ROUNDTABLE

BUDGET/FINANCE, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, SOLID WASTE

MEETING NOTES

February 5, 2002

Present:      Carl Hosticka, Rex Burkholder, David Bragdon, Bill Atherton

Also Present:    Susan McLain

The meeting was called to order at 1:12 p.m. in the Council Annex. Chair Hosticka explained the purpose of this committee was to discuss the coordination of overlapping issues in the work of Council committees. He urged discussion by which issues could be resolved and timelines utilized.

1.  Parks/Solid Waste Fee Proposal: The Executive Officer was proposing an ordinance to utilize solid waste funds for parks related activities, to include a Code amendment. Any budgetary changes would need to be made by March 1 for budget inclusion and appropriate effective date. There was discussion about the Natural Resources Committee and the Solid Waste Committee both scheduling time on their agendas since their meetings are consecutiveto discuss issue. It could be on the agendas of both committees as early as February 20, 2002.

2.  May Election Issues: The cost of adding any additional measures to the May ballot was discussed. Jennifer Sims, Chief Financial Officer, said she would review Metro’s history and attempt a prediction of costs, although it would be very difficult. Funds have already been set aside for the election, and any additional funds would be taken from the contingency or excise funds.

3.  Regional Drinking Water Initiative: Chair Hosticka explained that he had sent a letter to Commissioner Eric Sten of the City of Portland indicating Metro’s interest in participating in the group, however, due to Metro’s different commitment level, and status as a non-water provider, flexibility in the fee schedule would be necessary. Offering an in-kind service in lieu of fees, or offering the Metro Regional Center as a meeting location were discussed as offerings to the City of Portland. Because Metro will have to enter an intergovernmental agreement to participate, it was suggested that Chair Hosticka meet with Commissioner Sten to work out possible solutions. Michael Morrissey, Council Analyst, will provide copies of a draft IGA to committee members, as well as a copy of Chair Hosticka’s letter of January 30, 2002, to Commissioner Sten.

4.  Transition: The Transition Task Force has worked hard to narrow down the issues involved in transition, however, has not yet converted them to budget items. There was discussion about resolving as many transition issues as possible, as expeditiously as possible, and probably should be discussed at a Council Informal prior to a joint Council/Cabinet meeting. It was suggested that staff be informed about the process, and progress Council has made. As information is known, it will come before this committee for review.

5.  Zoo Operations: Councilor Bragdon mentioned that zoo director Tony Vecchio would be meeting with Councilors to discuss operating changes in the Zoo Gift Shop.

The next scheduled committee meeting will be March 5, 2002.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Mannhalter

Council Assistant

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