Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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In conclusion, Mr. Pryor announced that the Springfield Chamber of Commerce withdrew its financial support from the partnership. He expressed hope that the chamber would return when it realizes the benefit of a collaborative effort. Ms. Bettman reminded constituents in the Bethel area to look at both sides of the ballot when voting. She then reported that the Police Commission created two committees to (1) craft prototype ordinance language for the Civilian Review Board; and (2) craft prototype ordinance language for the Police Auditor. Ms. Bettman announced that the Farmer’s Market was now open for business at the Tuesday Downtown Market. Continuing, Ms. Bettman asked the City Manager if there would be an additional cost to post the City Council Agenda via Metro Television. Ms. Bettman reasoned that constituents access such information from their television sets more readily than the computer. City Manager Dennis Taylor surmised that this cost could be absorbed into existing budget costs. He said he would research the issue and advise accordingly. Mr. Papé? reported that a member of the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) Board of Directors recently reminded the board that it was the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the area and had delegated that charge to the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC). As a result, staff provided an historical account of that delegation and the LCOG board, which had expressed a concern regarding the status of transportation projects, would begin to monitor MPC activities. Mr. Papé? announced that he recently met with Library, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Angel Jones and other staff to discuss the feasibility of transforming Fire Station #1 into a community center for teens, however, it was determined the space would not be appropriate for that purpose. He said he was hopeful staff would recommend other City-owned facilities for this purpose. In conclusion, Mr. Papé? announced that the River Road/Santa Clara Transition Team and Task Force would complete their work on June 30 and both organizations have agreed to accept responsibility for future transition issues. Mr. Poling congratulated the 70 firefighters who graduated from the Fire Academy in April. He turned to recent “Letters to the Editor” regarding the removal of trees along the north side of Oakway Mall off Coburg Road. He explained that the trees were beginning to deteriorate the sideways, curbs, and streets, and causing issues with the storm drains. Mr. Poling said that neighbors were notified of the tree removals and that new trees would be planted which would be appropriate for the environment in that particular area. In conclusion, Mr. Poling announced that an Accessible Pedestrian Signal Ceremony would be held at 10 a.m. on May 9 at the new intersection at Oakway Mall. Mr. Kelly clarified that with regard to MPO/MPC and transportation issues, in November 2006, he and Mayor Piercy followed City Council direction when they cast their votes to forward 66 of the 67 transportation projects on the list and reject the West Eugene Parkway project. Further, new projects – amendments to current projects - that were time-sensitive had been supported 100 percent. Mr. Kelly then reported that he attended an excellent training devoted to issues related to the Arab Muslim and Sikh communities and the dedication of the new Royal Carribean building, which was a first-class facility. He shared that the company housed in the building planned to employ a total of 500 employees over the next few years. In conclusion, Mr. Kelly reported that Region 2050 Policy Steering Committee recently met and received information from the State and LCOG which would be carefully reviewed. He said he plans to meet with Planning Division MINUTES—Eugene City Council May 8, 2006 Page 2 Work Session