CC Minutes - 11/10/08 Work Session

Home Browse Search

Additionally, Ms. Ortiz wanted to thank the voters. She had been inspired to see so many young people getting involved in the political process. She also stated that the Whiteaker Community Council and the Active Bethel Citizens were both having their monthly meetings on November 12. Mr. Clark extended his congratulations to everyone on their victories. He expressed appreciation for the Mayor’s statement about honoring our veterans. He noted that he had a good friend from college from North Bend who had been killed in Afghanistan a few weeks earlier. He also felt it was entirely fitting to take time to remember Randy Papé for his service to the state of Oregon. Mr. Clark recalled that he had supported the idea of the street bond but had thought the timing might not be the best for it. He was happy that the voters had supported it and that his concerns were unwarranted. He stated that he would make efforts to ensure the council was a good steward of those funds and that the money would be put to work in the ways that had been indicated up front. Mr. Poling wished the United States Marine Corps a happy birthday. He thought the corps was now 233 years old. He thanked all of the marines for their service to the country. He related that the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County (CVALCO) was exploring the option of opening up another visitor center in the Gateway/Beltline area, close to the freeway. He noted that he had been experiencing computer troubles; if anyone had not received a response from him it was likely that he had responded but it had not gone through. Mr. Poling said a letter to the editor would be published soon and was to be signed by the Mayor and councilors. He did not intend to sign it. He felt it would be hypocritical for him to thank the voters for measures that he did not support. He noted his intention to ensure the bond money was used as it was intended. In closing, he thanked the Mayor for recognizing veterans in honor of Veteran’s Day. Mr. Pryor expressed gratitude to the voters for entrusting the council with bond money. He felt it presented a unique opportunity to show that the council could take the money and use it wisely. He related that he had attended the HIV Alliance breakfast and it had been inspiring. He had also attended the Churchill Area Neighbors meeting, as well as a couple of meetings on Bailey Hill Road. He said the first of the latter meetings was a small gathering to talk about the changes to be made to the road. He had an opportunity to speak with the mother of the boy who had been killed there. He stated that this had been followed on November 7 with a press conference with Senator Ron Wyden, and some other people, to talk about larger transportation issues. He underscored that the Bailey Hill changes were on his mind and he wanted to see them through. He also wished to express appreciation for Randy Papé. He said he had worked with him a couple of times on school-related issues and had found him to be very thoughtful, deliberate, careful, and competent in what he did. He shared his gratitude to the veterans for the kinds of sacrifices they make in their service to the country. Ms. Solomon thanked everyone for their thoughtful and kind words about Randy Papé. She said he would be greatly missed. She also congratulated everyone who had been reelected. She clarified that the Active Bethel Citizens were holding a meeting of their steering committee later in the week. City Manager Jon Ruiz expressed his gratitude for all of the work that Executive Director of the Public Works Department, Kurt Corey, and his team had done to prepare for the ballot measure on road funding. He noted that he was a veteran and thanked everyone for acknowledging the veterans’ service. He added that while he appreciated the Marine Corps, he believed the Army was older. MINUTES—Eugene City Council November 10, 2008 Page 2 Work Session