CC Minutes - 02/11/08 Work Session

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Mr. Zelenka suggested that the text read “325 words or the space available.” Ms. Feldman observed that she had been contacted by members of the public with a lot to say who asked if they could use 4 point type, which she felt would be unreadable but which was not currently precluded by code.. City Attorney Lidz was unsure that font sizes were specifically standardized to last the test of time; if that was the case, he believed the City could specify a font size. Mr. Pryor suggested that for the sake of consistency, there be some word limit. He noted the State limited the number of words that could be used. He did not want to limit the ability of people to express their opinions, but he believed a word limit was needed. Mayor Piercy asked about the State word limit. Mr. Pryor suggested the City’s limit be consistent with the State’s word limit. Ms. Bettman agreed with Mr. Pryor about the word count. She said if there was still room on the page after it contained 325 words, staff could determine how many more words would reasonably fit in and still be readable. Ms. Bettman said she did not think the council should have the discretion to not produce a voters’ pamphlet in conjunction with City elections. In situations where there were just EWEB candidates on the ballot, she asked if there was a way to require voters’ pamphlets for such elections. Ms. Feldman said yes, if the council was willing to spend the money. Ms. Bettman thought that it was important to have pamphlets for such races given how disengaged people were and how important such races were. She indicated she would give the issue some thought. Ms. Feldman asked if Ms. Betttman’s focus was on contested races. Ms. Bettman said yes. Ms. Feldman clarified that the City did not have discretion to not have a voter’s pamphlet when it had a measure on the ballot; the City only had discretion when there was an election with no City measures. Only candidates in municipalities of 50,000 or greater could participate in the State voter’s pamphlet and special districts were not included. Ms. Bettman asked if there was a way to require a voters’ pamphlet for such elections. Ms. Feldman said yes, if the council wanted to pay for the pamphlets. Ms. Bettman supported voters’ pamphlets for such things as Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) commissioners’ races and indicated she would be considering text to that effect. Speaking to Section 2.994, Ms. Bettman suggested that the “ballot title” be defined in the glossary because it was news to her that the ballot title included the question, the summary, and the caption. She suggested those terms should be defined in the glossary as well. Referring to Section 2.996, Ms. Bettman asked if staff was proposing to change 54 days to 56 days for the deadline. Ms. Feldman said that 54 days appeared to be “taken out of the air.” Fifty-six days constituted eight weeks, and it was easier to think in terms of weeks and easier to reference. Mr. Zelenka asked how much it would cost to send a voters’ pamphlet for EWEB races to all residents in the case of a contested at-large commission seat. Ms. Feldman indicated she would have to calculate that cost. Mr. Zelenka asked if EWEB could underwrite the cost. Ms. Feldman said the school districts pay their per-page cost on a voluntary basis. She said that option could also be suggested to EWEB. Mr. Zelenka thought that made sense. He said that EWEB could make that choice, and he did not think the City should have to pay for it. MINUTES—Eugene City Council February 11, 2008 Page 10 Work Session