10/27/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Answering a question from someone in the audience, Mayor Obie said the council was not holding a public hearing on Ballot Measure 51; consequently, the e council would not hear testimony. Glen Potter of the Intergovernmental Relations Division gave the staff report. He said passage of Ballot Measure 51 would result in Eugene becoming a nuclear-free zone. He said the council discussed the measure on August 13, 1986, and tabled action on a resolution urging people to oppose Measure 51. He said the Council Committee on Economic Diversification di scussed the measure and decided to present the issue to the council again. Mr. Potter said Mr. Miller asked the staff to prepare Resolution No. 4012. Mr. Miller said he and Mr. Holmer discussed Measure 51 and decided that the council probably would not agree on reasons to support or oppose the measure. Consequently, the resolution before the council does not include a judgement on a nuclear-free zone. It simply opposes Ballot Measure 51. Res. No. 4012--A resolution opposing Ballot Measure 51. Mr. Hansen moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman, to adopt the resolution. Ms. Wooten said she had given the issue much thought. She said she does not support some parts of the measure which are technically flawed. Because the issue is so overwhelming and pertinent, she said she asked the City Attorney to consider preparing amendments so that the council could amend the ordinance immediately upon its passage. She said she would oppose the resolution because of the importance of the issue and because the council has an e obligation to take a stand on the issue. Ms. Wooten said there are over 3,000 nuclear-free zones in the world and 118 are in this country. She said declaring a city to be a nuclear-free zone is common sense. It is not daring. She said passage of Measure 51 will not hurt the City's efforts to diversify its economy. She urged other councilors to oppose the resolution. Pointing out that Measure 51 was placed on the ballot by an initiative petition, Ms. Bascom said she favors letting the voters decide about it. She said the measure has some flaws but the initiative process shoul d be respected. Some people in the audience applauded and Mayor Obie asked them to respect the opinions of other people and refrain from demonstrating an opinion. He said the council's rules do not allow demonstrations because the council wishes to be fair to people who support and to people who oppose resolutions. Ms. Schue said she is concerned about the Nuclear Free Zone Board and other things which Measure 51 would require. Answering her question, City Attorney Tim Sercombe said Measure 51 would become a City ordinance if it is passed by the voters. An ordinance can be rescinded or amended by the council. If the measure passes, the City Attorney.s Office will review it and may recommend amendments. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 27, 1986 Page 9