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<br />- <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />M I NUT E S <br /> <br />Eugene City Council/University of Oregon Work Session <br />Treehouse Restaurant <br /> <br />May 29, 1984 <br />5 p.m. <br /> <br />PRESENT: Gus Keller, Mayor; Brian Obie, Cynthia Wooten, Joyce Nichols, <br />Emily Schue, Dick Hansen, Freeman Holmer, John Ball, Councilors; <br />Roger Rutan, Ruth Bascom, Councilors-elect; Paul Olum, Dick Hersh, <br />Richard Hill, Don Genasci, University of Oregon; Micheal Gleason, <br />Dave Whitlow, Susan Brody, Jim Farah, Cathy Freedman, Jody Miller, <br />Tim Birr, staff; Deborrah Brewer, EWEB. <br /> <br />ABSENT: Betty Smith, Councilor. <br /> <br />Mayor Keller called the meeting to order and welcomed the guests from the <br />University of Oregon. <br /> <br />I. INTRODUCE TOPIC <br /> <br />Mr. Obie said that this meeting was called to discuss the potential for a <br />City-University partnership in economic development efforts. In the course of <br />meetings on this topic with several businesses, the principal assets needed <br />for economic development have been identified as an airport and a research- <br />oriented university. It is hoped that this meeting will be helpful in dis- <br />covering areas where the City and University can work together to further <br />economic development strategies. <br /> <br />II. THE UNIVERSITY'S SURVIVAL AND WHAT THE CITY CAN DO TO HELP <br /> <br />Mr. Olum then spoke on the present financial climate at the University, and <br />made suggestions for community assistance. <br /> <br />It has taken years for the University of Oregon to develop into a first-rate <br />institution. While several professional schools and departments are highly <br />ranked, the quality of the science department is exceptional. The research <br />program in optical science is very well funded from private sources, and soon <br />will have the best laser facility in the West. The recent budget cuts will <br />hurt the University as the quality faculty that have made this success pos- <br />sible are underpaid, and lack of financial incentive could cause them to <br />leave. Current funding is 25-30 percent below that of peer institutions. It <br />is important for the community to be aware of the threat that this is to the <br />continuation of the high ranking of the University. The University's attrac- <br />tiveness to industry could be weakened. The community can help by giving <br />their support to the University and by being vocal with State legislators and <br />higher education officials. Much support is needed for this research Univer- <br />sity because of the potential for attraction of industry to this area. <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner Meeting <br /> <br />May 29, 1984 <br /> <br />Page 1 <br />