CC Minutes - 05/08/06 Work Session

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whereby the City retained a number of “no fee” uses for community events at the Cuthbert. Mr. Kelly stated that he would prefer that the contract include a metric on that component. Ms. Taylor stated she would be pleased if Eugene could be classified as the “Greatest City for Justice for Working People.” She spoke to the stage hands and the fact that they would not receive benefits in the new arrangement. Mr. Loigman explained that the stage hands would continue to hold a contract with regard to the activities that occur at the Hult Center and, while working at the Cuthbert, these individuals would not be considered City employees and therefore would not receive benefits for the hours worked there. However, he stressed that there would be more opportunity for work under the new agreement then in the past. Ms. Taylor opined that privatization of the Cuthbert could prove to be a detriment to employees. She expressed hope that something could be done for employees who were working for lower wages and no benefits. Ms. Bettman spoke to the parking issue and asked if that component would be changed. Mr. Loigman explained that there would be adequate parking for park users and the parking ordinance would be adhered to. He added that a small parking fee, such as $1 or $2, would be included in the ticket price as opposed to being charged upon entrance into the park. (It was noted that the previous parking fee at the park was $5.) Mr. Loigman added that the City would receive one- half of the parking proceeds at the end of the season by formula with other ancillary revenue sharing. Ms. Bettman questioned if the City could have held on to the Cuthbert and said that inadequate information with regard to the RFP process did not reveal if this decision was a wise and prudent step. Ms. Ortiz pointed out that the removal of employee benefits amounted to a reduction in wages. She then expressed hope that Kesey Enterprises would look at the entire community as it moved forward with the future planning of events as the cost of some of the shows in the past were exorbitant for many members of the community. Mr. Pape? echoed Mr. Kelly’s comment that the City Council was not adequately informed about the process. However, he complimented City Manager Taylor and staff for looking for alternative models to provide services to the community. Mr. Pape? opined that the decision to privatize was prudent and he supported it. He said he would look forward to attending upcoming events. City Manager Taylor commented that the Willamette Folk Festival had outgrown the University facilities and the change in venue would bring out more members of the community. He said that ongoing and new clientele accessing the Cuthbert would provide a stimulus for other ways in which to utilize the venue. Mayor Piercy stated she was pleased at the number of performances that were already scheduled for the summer; however, she also expressed concern about the reduction in wages. She pointed out that cultural services were essential for the community, as well as sustainability for the City’s employees. Ms. Jones voiced her view that it was not the role of government to provide the service; however, it was the role of government to ensure the service. She said she continues to view the challenges around the delivery of services with the limited resources available and competing priorities. Mr. Poling voiced concern regarding the wage and benefit component; however, he was pleased that the privatization allowed the Cuthbert, a great City asset, to remain open. He asked if the MINUTES—Eugene City Council May 8, 2006 Page 5 Work Session