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Mr. Miller announced that Lane Community College had scheduled a candidates' forum for October 21 and that the Lane County Democrats were also meeting that day. He noted that The Oregonian had endorsed John Kerry for President and The Register-Guard had endorsed Don Hampton for County Commissioner. Mr. Miller called attention to the map that was at the election board. He thought the map did "a horrible job" of designating the boundaries of State representatives and senators. Mayor Torrey closed the Public Forum and called for council comments. Councilor Bettman thanked everyone for their testimony. She commended the Eugene Citizens for Housing Standards (ECFH) for their vigilance and for their articulate testimony. Councilor Bettman agreed with the Crest Drive neighbors that the meeting was confusing and difficult. She asked for draft language for an amendment to designate the streets as local and not collectors as the council would be considering street designations soon. City Manager Dennis Taylor said he would work with City Attorney Glenn Klein to craft the intended motion for her. Councilor Bettman apologized to AFSCME members for having to work without a contract since June. She surmised that the sense of insecurity and unpredictability must have an impact on their daily lives. She stated that the council was forbidden from interfering with bargaining. However, she acknowledged that AFSCME members had brought up an interesting issue and asked City Manager Taylor to speak to it. City Manager Taylor said that mediation was set for Wednesday, October 13, and he believed the two bargaining teams would agree to a fair contract. Councilor Bettman asked City Manager Taylor to speak to the allegation that significant sums of money were being budgeted for unfilled positions. City Manager Taylor said he was not prepared to provide an analysis of vacancy savings at the present time. He did not think such an analysis could be completed within the time that a council assignment was limited to. He suggested that the item be brought for consideration during the Budget Committee process. Councilor Bettman asked if there was validity to the claim that there were 100 unfilled positions, budgeted at $6 million. City Manager Taylor responded that the City bargained at the bargaining table and not through the newspaper, rallies, or City Council meetings. He thought Councilor Bettman was trying to get into the bargaining process by asking the budget question. He did not feel he could gather the information prior to the mediation meeting with AFSCME. Councilor Bettman suggested he provide the information on vacancy savings after the mediation meeting. Councilor Pap6 thanked everyone for coming down and speaking. He asked staff to provide the percentage of benefits in relation to the actual wage of employees. Councilor Pap6 commended the work of the Crest Drive neighbors in lobbying for the street designation. He felt some form of consistency was needed and wanted to know if other neighborhoods were exempt from such changes. He thought there were safety issues to consider as well, noting that he and a friend MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 11, 2004 Page 4 Regular Session