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MINUTES <br /> <br /> STATE OF THE CITY <br /> O'Neill Williams Room--Eugene Conference Center <br /> <br /> January 7, 1998 <br /> 11:30 a.m. <br /> <br /> I. WELCOME <br /> <br />Mayor James D. Torrey welcomed various guests, City Council President Laurie Swanson <br />Gribskov, Vice President Pat Fart, and councilors Tim Laue, Nancy Nathanson, Scott Meisner, <br />Bobby Lee, Betty Taylor, and Ken Tollenaar. He thanked the Shasta Middle School Band for its <br />performance and acknowledged director Joe Ingram and Shasta Principal Betsy Fernandez. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey recognized and introduced elected officials present. <br /> <br /> II. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey began his remarks by quoting from an early speech made by Eugene's first mayor, <br />Sam Friendly, in April 1894 regarding the financial condition of the city. He noted that the speech <br />was made before women had the right to serve on the council. Mayor Torrey acknowledged the <br />contribution of women on the City Council. He contrasted the structure of the first common <br />council with that of the current council and noted that both councils consisted of unpaid <br />volunteers. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey narrated a slide presentation illustrating the City's accomplishments over the past <br />year. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey introduced members of the Eugene City Council present and thanked them for <br />improving the level of civility on the council and for their ability to express disagreement without <br />disrespect. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey acknowledged outgoing Council President Laurie Swanson Gribskov with a gift of a <br />book. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey commended the City Council and Budget Committee for meeting the challenges of <br />Ballot Measures 47/50. He reported that Eugene had been able to retain many services desired <br />by the public while keeping its financial status sound. Mayor Torrey noted the challenge facing <br />the City's new manager, Vicki Elmer, and acknowledged Ms. Elmer's contribution. He also <br />recognized the contribution of City employees and said that employees had continued to deliver a <br />high level of service when facing the stress of possible job loss. <br /> <br />Mayor Torrey recognized the following City employees for their professional and personal <br />contributions to the community with plaques: Tina Napier, Bob Hammitt, and Bev Mason. <br />Mayor Torrey recognized the Rotary Club for its work on Skinner Butte, in particular Ray Wiley, <br />and presented a plaque to Diana Bray and Peter Gribskov. <br /> <br />MINUTES--State of the City January 7, 1998 Page 1 <br /> <br /> <br />