02/12/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Ms. Schue said she understood how both Mr. Hansen and Ms. Bascom felt. She will support the motion, but she would like the advocates of a new library to understand that the councilors do not know how to fund the expansion. She said councilors will probably be willing to go ahead with the planning, but it is a mutual problem and it would be unfortunate if no financial plans are included when the project is returned to the council. She said the councilors probably will be willing to take a "leap of faith" and authorize the planning because they believe in the project. Answering a question from Mayor Obie, Mr. Gleason said the planning process includes a financing element for both the construction of the expansion and its operation. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to approve the plan for an expanded library facility as detailed in the February 12, 1986, memo to the Mayor and City Council from the Planning Department. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. V. QUARTERLY EUGENE/SPRINGFIELD VISITORS AND CONVENTION BUREAU REPORT (background information distributed) City Manager Micheal Gleason introduced Scott Lieuallen, Executive Vice President of the Eugene/Springfield Visitors and Convention Bureau. Mr. Lieuallen introduced Betty Olson, president of the Board of Directors of the Bureau. He also introduced staff members of the Bureau and discussed their responsibilities. He said Eugene and Springfield contract with the Bureau to solicit visitors as vacation travelers and convention delegates because it is a public benefit. Discussing the meetings held in Eugene and Springfield during the last quarter, Mr. Lieuallen said 62 conventions were held and the 23,000 delegates probably spent about $100 a day or a total of $5 to $6 million. During the quarter, he said the Bureau staff also "closed" many conventions that will be here in the future. He said the University of Oregon has been identified as an excellent source of "leads" for meetings, and the Bureau has developed a process for encouraging the faculty and staff to make contacts. He emphasized that the Bureau also works with other organizations in the community to generate "leads." Mr. Lieuallen discussed the Bureau's efforts to attract tourists to the area by inserting ads in various publications. He distributed proofS of some cooperative ads. He enumerated many activities related to Expo 186 and said he considers Expo 186 an opportunity to familiarize people with this area. He said much of the economic impact of the Exposition probably will be felt in future years. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 12, 1986 Page 11