CC Minutes - 07/24/06 Work Session

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of immigration status. He said the legal and philosophical aspects of immigration had been complex and controversial for decades and hoped that discussions about immigration could be conducted with nuance, respect, reality, and appreciation of the complexities. Mr. Kelly reported that the Metropolitan Policy Committee met on July 13 and unanimously adopted a transportation improvement program for FY2006-09 without the West Eugene Parkway. He looked forward to focusing on transportation projects for west and north Eugene in the near- and long-term. He said the Human Right Commission commended the Communities of Color meeting and asked what the next steps would be. He asked the City Manager to consider a follow-up work session with the council. He praised the Fairmount rowhouses as a perfect example of well-designed infill. Mr. Poling reported that on July 10 he attended the Oregon Economic Development Association conference where a number of topics were showcased, including a presentation by Lane Workforce Partnership on the RV (recreational vehicle) consortium. At its July 20 meeting, the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) voted unanimously to accept a settlement that was reached regarding problems with the initial pumps installed at the biocycle farm. He said that the second phase of the biocycle farm would include planting approximately 120 acres of poplars. He announced that the Cal Young Neighborhood Association would conduct a candidate forum at its July 27 meeting and encouraged everyone to visit the Science Factory and become acquainted with Jerry Yu, its new executive director. Mr. Papé thanked REI, Inc. for sponsoring the recent river clean-up event and John Brown for his organizing efforts. He remarked that transient camps along the river contributed to water pollution and hoped that Eugene and Springfield cooperated to prevent camps from being located along the river. He hoped that bike trails would also be maintained well in anticipation of the 2008 Olympic Trials. He said that the River Road/Santa Clara community park project was moving forward and might require the City to consider condemnation, depending on site location and acquisition issues. Ms. Bettman agreed with Mr. Kelly that Councilor Ralston was entitled to his opinion and voiced her support for everyone who lived and worked in the community, regardless of whether they were born here or moved here. She believed that everybody deserved the same respect, dignity and opportunities. She appreciated the leadership of the Latino community in responding to the issue. Ms. Ortiz thanked allies that were involved in the gathering at Springfield City Hall. In response to Councilor Ralston’s email, she read a statement indicating she was saddened by his comments regarding illegal immigrants. She agreed he had a right to his opinion but, as elected officials and community leaders, she believed that councilors should not make such comments. She cited a section of Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) related to prohibiting political subdivisions of the state from using resources to detect or apprehend persons whose only violation of law was related to federal immigration laws. She thanked Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken for his quick response to Councilor Ralston’s email and the Communities of Color for their efforts. She appreciated the opportunity to participate in events related to the Princess of Thailand’s visit. Ms. Bettman, seconded by Mr. Kelly, moved to schedule a work session for August 14, 2006, as part of the 7:30 p.m. meeting, to consider what close-in neighborhoods and River Road are currently threatened by inappropriate infill and what can the City can do in the short term to pause or mitigate this negative effect. As part of MINUTES—Eugene City Council July 24, 2006 Page 2 Work Session