10/26/1992 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e section has been deleted from the current draft ordinance. The CIC approved all of the other proposed changes to the ordinance and, in addition, recom- mended that the City Council request that the committee review Section 2.972, concerning the requirements for the number of signatures for initiatives and referendums. Responding to a question from Mayor Miller, Mr. Biedermann explained that Section 2.972 was not among the proposed changes referred to the CIC by the council, but the CIC recommended that the council refer that section back to the CIC for review. Responding to a question from Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Biedermann said there was some discussion by the CIC about possibly amending the ordinance in the future if the State adopts changes in statistical sampling methods for the verifica- tion of signatures. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Biedermann explained that the CIC recommended removing Section 2.977 for further review based on the public testimony at the earlier council public hearing. He said the CIC did not discuss that section in detail and felt it needed more time than what was available in one two-hour session. Responding to a question from Mr. MacDonald, Glenn Klein, City Attorney's Office, said that there were no proposed changes included in the current draft ordinance that would change the process for advisory elections. He said he would follow up to determine if the current draft ordinance would prohibit e citizens from using the initiative process to place an advisory measure on the ballot. Responding to a question from Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Biedermann said that the proposed changes which would increase the time period for verification of signatures would not affect the time for petitioners to gather signatures. Mr. Klein added that the time for verification of signatures is not included within the time period in which petitioners have to gather signatures. Mayor Miller opened the public hearing. Dave Sweet, 1237 Ferry Street, noted that the section he mainly objected to has been deleted from the current draft ordinance. He urged the council to exercise its leadership and remove any changes that would negatively affect the initiative/referendum process. William J. Mason, 1803 West 34th Avenue, expressed support for the CIC's recommendations. He felt that the City's initiative/referendum code violated the Eugene Decisions' concept of advocating intergovernmental cooperation, saying that the adoption of the Secretary of State's Manual for 1992 City Elections would save staff resources as well as keep the City in compliance with State law. He expressed concern about the short time frame in which the draft ordinance was referred to the CIC and brought back to the council. He submitted additional written testimony. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 26, 1992 Page 3 7:30 p.m.