Item B1: Approval of City Council Minutes

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Lisa Warnes , 5020 Nectar Way, stated that she had been with the Southeast Neighbors for four years and was now serving as the Vice President. She commended former Neighborhood Services Manager Beth Bridges for her dedication and hard work. She always found Ms. Bridges to be “warm and kind.” She predicted Ms. Bridges would be a “tough act to follow.” She conveyed her concern that the neighborhood program might now “fall apart.” She expressed her gratitude for Ms. Bridge’s hard work and said she would be missed. th Drix , 305-½ 14 Avenue, asked how many eyes were there in Eugene and said the answer was all of them. He said “we are all here in Eugene and a part of it.” He related that he had attended the Burning Man Project and the Lane County Fair. He felt they were all a slice of life. He had attended the Eugene Celebration. He averred that the city of Eugene was blessed on many levels. He reiterated that the community would build on the two holes in the downtown by pooling resources and working together. Zachary Vishanoff , Patterson Street, expressed concern regarding the older bridges around the country. He asserted that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) had “culture problems” and things had “gone horribly wrong.” He believed that the bridges on the way to Springfield were beginning to crumble. He thought the council should talk about traffic-calming in the University neighborhood less and should talk about forming “special teams” that were not affiliated with ODOT that could give an independent analysis of the local bridges. He believed there were links between “big pork barrel projects” and transportation projects. He did not think ODOT was adequately assessing infrastructure. Joe Collins , PO Box 24411, said he had been disheartened that the first person giving comment had not been allowed to proceed. He continued his testimony in regard to his allegations that drug manufacturing was occurring in his condominium complex and his feeling that the Eugene Police Department (EPD) was not being adequately responsive. He related that he had contacted County Commissioner Peter Sorenson and Mr. Sorenson responded with an offer to arrange a meeting with two members of the EPD. He decided it would not be in his interest to meet with people he “did not trust.” He felt they would use what he said against him if they could. Paul Moore , 2586 Potter Street, read a letter from Amy Gibson. She expressed concern that her children were being encouraged to ride their bicycles to school but she feared allowing them to ride on Crest Drive. She asked that the City put its “money where its mouth is” with regard to streets. Mr. Moore read from a petition signed by residents in the Crest Drive/Storey Boulevard area. He related their support for an increase in bicycle facilities. He said they expected such facilities to be included in order to support the choice of bicycling as a transportation or recreational option. Mayor Piercy closed the Public Forum and called for comments from the council. Councilor Clark said he appreciated Mr. Collins’ dedication in bringing his concerns forward over time but asked him to refrain from impugning the character of the Police Chief. Councilor Ortiz thanked everyone who testified for coming out. She also wished to convey her gratitude to Ms. Bridges for her service to the community. She had faith in the choices that had been made for who would follow in Ms. Bridges’ footsteps. She assured those concerned that the neighborhoods were in good hands. MINUTES—Eugene City Council September 10, 2007 Page 2 Work Session