11/02/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wading Pools--Ms. Bascom said wading pools in parks in affluent neighborhoods are funded by people in the neighborhood but wading pools in poor e neighborhoods are not used because the people cannot afford an attendant. Ms, Schue said this is not a good time to start a program. Ms. Wooten said the Ci ty used to fund the program. She said the cost of the program is only $15,000 and, without it, children in poor neighborhoods cannot cool off in the summer. Mr. Mi 11 er agreed wi th her. Refinement Plans/Special Area Studies--Mr. Rutan said refinement plans usually cannot be funded privately, Specialized Recreation for the Physically and Mentally Handicapped Mr. Rutan said the program is important but the cost should be decreased. He said other programs duplicate this one. Mr. Miller said the City should provide for the handicapped because it is too expensive to do privately. Mr. Bennett wondered how to decide what is fair in providing for the handicapped. Ms, Ehrman said she would like information about what the program includes, Ms. Bascom said the council seemed to be decreasing the City's parks and recreation programs extensively. She suggested the entire program be evaluated. Owen Rose Garden--Mr, Bennett said the $117,000 is too high. He would like to know how many people use the garden. Other councilors said it is used by many people. Ms, Wooten said picnic tables and lawn have been added but $117,000 should provide better maintenance. Ms. Ehrman said the garden is important to tourism. e Answering questions, Mr. Whitlow said the $117,000 pays for two staff members and equipment for maintaining the garden. The councilors voted on moving programs lower in the ranking, At least five councilors voted to move the community affairs, automation equipment/software, and career criminal unit down, F, Revenues The councilors received the results of the second ballots. Some councilors wondered if $6 million in working capital is necessary. Mayor Obie wondered if additional revenues are needed. Ms. Wooten, Ms. Schue, Ms. Erhman, and Mr. Rutan said additional revenues should be considered. Mr. Bennett pointed out that Eugene's taxes are high now and he wondered if cuts in the budget should be made before additional revenues are considered. Ms. Schue said the total taxes of Eugene residents are not extremely high but they are not balanced. Ms. Ehrman said plans should be made for future needs. Mayor Obie said property taxes go up six percent each year but wages have not increased six percent and property taxes are so high that people may lose their homes if there is a recession. He said it would be difficult for him to support a new revenue source unless property taxes are reduced, the new e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 2, 1987 Page 7