11/17/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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-- . . Urging caution in the area of agenda control, Ms. Bascom commented that the council needs to be focused, direct, and specific. She thought that if Mr. Gleason knows the council is trying to be more clear, it may lead to better balance. Mr. Green commented on his role in the hiring of Deputy Director Cooke and commended Mr. Gleason for heeding the council's direction to hire more people of color. He said individual councilors have ready access to department heads and he had never felt excluded from any process. Mr. Green added that the council's focus on Eugene Decisions had prevented it from focusing on much else recently. Responding to Mr. MacDonald's question about his continuing enthusiasm if the period of change ahead requires him to deconstruct much of what he has built as City Manager, Mr. Gleason said that he expected to be challenged by the changes ahead. Mr. MacDonald continued by thanking Mr. Gleason for his restraint as the council considered its policy choices during Eugene Deci- sions. He emphasized the importance of the council being clear in its direction to Mr. Gleason. Mr. MacDonald said the City needs to prepare itself for the possibility that there will be no new revenue source. Providing regular information to the public and trying to understand what citizens want and expect will be key activities. Mr. MacDonald commended the organization for its support of the Eugene Decisions process and told Mr. Gleason that his personal awareness of what is happening at the service-delivery level will be critical for the success of that process. Mr. MacDonald requested better staff coordination to provide proactive support for councilors taking the lead . in intergovernmental efforts. He asked for Mr. Gleason's help in developing a strategic approach to being more effective with the City's local partners. Mr. Nicholson commended Mr. Gleason for his willingness to implement changes as directed by the council. Commenting on intergovernmental issues, Ms. Bascom saw a need to limit the City's commitments to those intergovernmental efforts in which it could be effective. Mayor Miller summarized by commending Mr. Gleason for respecting the demo- cratic process as well as individuals. Referring to Eugene Decisions as a major accomplishment, he said Mr. Gleason needs to prepare the council to move forward and be responsible with the revenue available. Mayor Miller went on to recognize that in taking risks, mistakes will be made. Reiterating his belief in democracy and satisfaction with his job, Mr. Gleason thanked the council for the public process and commented that the culture fails to prepare people for group decision-making in public. He considered Eugene Decisions to be a learning and humbling process that will require further effort and energy to implement. Referring to the issues that had been raised regarding the charter, Mr. Gleason said that the organization is a mixture of interests and concerns. . MINUTES--Eugene City Council Special Meeting November 17, 1992 Page 3 11 :30 a.m.