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Lisa Warnes, 5020 Nectar Way, said she spoke on behalf of her neighborhood, which bordered on a development owned by Joe Green of Portland. She supported efforts on the part of the City to purchase a portion of the property. She thought the development proposal being considered was too intense for the area in question and would negatively affect the natural resources on the property. She maintained that the presence of natural resources on the property argued against dense residential development, even at a total of seven lots. She quoted from a letter from Engineer Tom Pogue to Appraiser Richard Duncan, who indicated the best use of the site was development of seven lots with no connection to Nectar Way, and access to be taken from Dillard Road. Ray Wolfe, 1473 Louella Street, said he did not oppose taxation in general but noted that records indicated property owners were in arrears with their taxes and many residents were at poverty levels. He attributed bond measure losses to that state of affairs. He suggested that the City consider progressive income taxes rather than regressive property taxes. He thought that would help to pass bond measures in the future. He suggested that well-paid City employees who design bond measures were detached from the realities facing their fellow residents. Kate Pearle, 4740 Wendover Street, spoke in opposition to the land change proposal intended to facilitate the development of a regional park in Santa Clara, saying that those in opposition to the proposal were opposed to shifting the urban growth boundary on a case-by-case basis because of the potential it would lead to sprawl. She suggested that existing facilities be remodeled as a community center and aquatic facility. She thought it irresponsible to encourage development on Class 1 farmland. Kevin Matthews, 120 West Broadway, Friends of Eugene, agreed with the concerns of the previous speaker. He opposed the appointment of Randy Hledik to the Planning Commission as Mr. Hledik was the general manager of Wildish Sand and Gravel. He opined that Mr. Hledik would have to recuse himself frequently from commission business due to his employment. He also averred that there was a "growing community perception" that the commission was "dominated" by business interests. Mayor Torrey called on the council for comments and questions in response to the Public Forum. Councilor Taylor hoped the opponents to the proposed Santa Clara regional park continued their opposition. Councilor Taylor hoped the City was working to purchase Mr. Green's property before the cost of the property went up. Councilor Taylor thought Mr. Matthews made some very good points. Because of the number of public hearings and the number of people wishing to offer testimony, Mayor Torrey called on Council President Bettman for a motion regarding Item 7. 7. ACTION: Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees Councilor Bettman, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved to reappoint Surendra Subramani to Position 2 on the Human Rights Commission for a MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 8, 2004 Page 2 Regular Meeting