02/12/1973 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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councilman Murray, with Councilman Wood's concurrence, favored the Parks De- partment policy of not permitting weddings in the rhododendron garden, remark- ing that the rhododendron show is held only once a year for perhaps two or :three days. He said they are'highly in favor of weddings, but would like to ,see the garden left as it is. Councilman Wood added that the garden is located I :on a scenic drive where parking is restricted and allowing its use by private : groups would tend to restrict the rights of all of the people. .ft is a show- 'place for visitors and the quiet and beauf::iful atrrosphere would become crowded . and congested were pri vate groups allowed its use. 't ,J 'Councilwoman Beal asked if there were other areas in Hendricks Park where wed- :dings could be held, saying that weddings in parks now seem to be the "thing." ;parks Director answered that there are 1000 acres in the parks system and the :Department is asking restrictions on only three. Weddings are permitted in other parts of Hendricks Park and in other parks such as the Rose Gardens. ;In answer to Councilman Keller, who also favored present policy, Director said : they have 45 to 50 requ~sts a year to hold weddings in the rhododendron garden. ;Assistant Manager, in answer to Mr. Keller's question about enforcement of the policy, said efforts are made by the caretaker to have people leave who insist on using it in this manner. So far, citations have not been issued because of, reluctance to disrupt wedding parties and it becomes difficult to determine who should be cited in a wedding party. Parks Director added that the policy :is administered as part of the parks rules and regulations and is not officially, :adopted in ordinance form. ' ... Councilwoman Campbell was concerned about restrictions placed on use of public areas in Eugene, but said she was not aware other areas in Hepdricks Park were available nor of the number of. requests to hold weddings in the rhododendron garden. She asked if there i's a place in Skinner's Butte Park whereweddin'gs could be held. She suggested perhaps the use of a "conditional" type permi;t for small wedding parties which, would not allow chairs, music, and which would 'limi t the number of people at anyone time. . 'Councilman Williams voiced his concern about "hassling" of wedding guests by' the caretaker at the Park. He felt usage should be absolutely forbidden or a ,procedure adopted as to what will be allowed. As~istant M.an~gg:r ~aid, it ,is,,,, , :Jfoped that the" present adiiilnistratJ."ve'j>riwtice 'can be continued to prohibi t weddings in the garden and that it will not be necessary to resort to use of citations. Parks Director said the particular instance mentioned by Councilman 'Williams of "hassling" was unfortunate but the caretaker was following orders. He said that type of problem can be handled if the Council decides to continue :prohibition of weddings in the garden. Mayor Anderson expressed the opinion that the City is obligated to provide 'satisfactory natural settings for weddings or whatever uses the public wants, :but since there are a number of other parks in the City which can be used it ;would seem that obligation is adequately fulfilled. He suggested that the City :. 'rely upon the staff for care and maintenance of these areas and on their judg- ',ment as to how they are to be used. Mr. Anderson said he would assume if no :'action is taken by tl1e Council it would mean they do support the present policy I and would ask the Parks Department staff to be more prudent in future enforce- :men-t ,otthe policy. No action was taken. y.L~gislative Report - Jim Luce, legisl~tive analyst in the Manager's office, was , introduced. He is working on a part-time basis and is available each afternoon during the legislative session for those councilmen who may have questions about 'or wish to see certain bills which are before the Legislature. Mr. Luce gave a , detailed report on matters which may affect the city of Eugene and on which legislation is expected - school financing and property tax relief, land use plan- ning, collective bargaining, highway revenue funds for mass transit, adjusting city boundaries, treatment of alcoholism and rehabilitation, personal liability of public officials. Other items in a lower priority group reported upon were effort to re- ,move city business license exemption, Jow-cost housing, state subsidy for extra- 'ordinary services rendered by ci ties to the state in areas of fire and police pro:- : tection, muni cipal court reform. He sai d there are other items of concern, but " those reported on were considered to be of greatest significance. ;In answer to "Mr. Hershner, he explained that the first group is legislation on which the Senate and House leadership has said in effect there will be legislation this session. The second group will be before the Legislature but won't command the public atten- tion and won't be as likely to be acted upon. Comm l/24/73 File '. tl" ,Mrs. CampbelJ asked about possibility of a vehicle inspection law, saying it should ,be of particular interest during hearings on noise pollution. It was suggested such : legislation could lead to sorre type of control on noise caused by autos . Mr. LuCe .said this is tied in with mass transit and there is possibility revenues will be included. He said it is proposed that the owner of a vehicle would pay a fee for vehicle safety inspection including pollution control devices with revenues ex- . ceeding the cost of the program di ve,rt61d .to mass transi t. . ' , ~ .r.2/l2/73 - 18