03/14/1988 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Marker said she can obtain the names of hundreds of people who feel similarly that they are mistreated in Eugene. She said this is the reason that Eugene has a lack of shoppers downtown. Ms. Wooten asked if Ms. Marker thinks the meter was broken. Ms. Marker said the meter had worked earlier in the day but still registered two hours of parking time at 4:45 p.m. Gary Kutcher, 85560 Svarverud Road, said he would like to address the decrease of public comment opportunities before the council. He said it is his understanding the public forum portion of the meeting will only be offered once a month, and that comments cannot be addressed to agenda or future agenda items. He said the move is undemocratic and signals a close-mindedness on the part of the council, which should be open to hearing from the public. Mr. Kutcher said he is also bothered by the potential cutting of three programs: cable access, community schools, and neighborhood associations. He said the three programs are crucial to the City and another sign that the council is neglecting the public's interest. Mr. Kutcher said he is concerned that the council is still considering reopening Willamette Street to traffic after approximately 75 percent of those speaking at a public hea~ing voiced opposition to the plan. He reiterated it is important for the council to listen to members of the public and give them an opportunity to speak. Linda Duggan, 728 West 5th Avenue, said it appears the cuts outlined in the Strategic Financial Plan are aimed at community and citizen services. She said the neighborhood and community school programs represent important resources and links between the City and the community. Ms. Duggan said she is a member of the Public Access Advisory Board and is concerned about the possible elimination of the public access program. She said money in the General Fund for public access is collected from cable subscribers through a franchise fee and is not a tax. She urged the council to look carefully at the issue of how the public access money is spent. Tom Halferty, 728 West 5th Avenue, said he is afraid that the Strategic Financial Plan will demoralize the community. He said cutting the community school and neighborhood liaison programs appears like a conscious effort to remove local citizens from city government. He said council members should remember that citizens need and want input into local government. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1988 Page 2 ~ ~ ~ . , . . - e e