02/08/1988 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Gold asked whether Section 2.994 (d) of the ordinance, concerning content and other general information, included maps and graphs, and whether both proponents and opponents would be able to submit relevant information for inclusion. Mr. Gold referred to Section 2.995, concerning preparation of an explanatory statement. He said the statement was to include an estimate and explanation of the annual financial costs to the city if the measure is passed. He asked what resources would be afforded to the committees to do their work and who would bear the costs. Mr. Gold asked why only the opponents were required to swear under oath that they were opposed to the adoption of the measure, while the proponents were not. Mr. Gold said he would like to add to Section 2.995 (3) the word "neutral" before "explanatory statement for each measure for review by the committee," because the City Attorney sometimes had problems with that. Mr. Gold said he thought the ordinance was intended to provide one committee for each measure, but the text seemed to imply that one committee would prepare statements for all measures. e Mr. Gold suggested lowering the petition requirement for submitting arguments to 250 voters, rather than 500, in order to foster the greatest possible participation. Mr. Gold said he appreciated the effort to develop the local voter's pamphlet, and he thought the council also should consider costs, because many low budget items already were being cut. Gary Kutcher, 85560 Svarvend, said he appreciated the opportunity to speak and the council's presence at the late hour to receive public comment. Mr. Kutcher said he had some questions about the voter's pamphlet, and like Mr. Gold, he was pleased to find that he agreed with the council for a change. He said he thought the issue was important to public awareness, the people should have the right to know what was on the ballot, and it was the council's responsibility to make sure that happened. Mr. Kutcher asked how a pamphlet would deal with advisory elections, if the council passed the ordinance planned for consideration tonight. Mayor Obie said questions would be answered after the public hearing had been closed. e Mr. Kutcher said one part of the ordinance that he found valuable and that he believed should be a major part of all ordinances considered by the City was the public input process in preparing explanatory statements. He noted that the committee formed to draft the statement was required to provide reasonable public notice, to hold a public hearing on the draft statement, and to seek public comments thereon. Mr. Kutcher said he wanted to stress his feeling that it was very important that the council receive public input on any ordinance it planned to act on, and that it give reasonable public notice for such action. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 8, 1988 Page 30