05/18/1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e H. Joint Social Services Fund Hearing Ms. Ehrman reminded the council that there is a public hearing on May 19 regarding the Joint Social Services Fund. The hearing will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. II. ADVISORY VOTE ON WILLAMETTE STREET CONSTRUCTION Mr. Weinman of the Development Department gave the staff report. He noted that the council requested ballot language that would establish voter senti- ment regarding the opening of Willamette Street to traffic. He referred to the ballot title, ballot question, and ballot explanation in the council packet. The number of words in each is limited by State law. Mr. Weinman said there are three potential election dates available in 1988: August 9, September 20, and November 8. The former dates would likely be mail ballots, while November 8 is the date of the general election. He noted the legal deadline for submission of the ballot questions and the deadline for inclu- sion in the Voters Pamphlet. Mr. Weinman said the council decides whether or not to issue a Voters Pamphlet. If the council agrees on an election date and the ballot language, the staff will return in one week with a resolution. Mr. Holmer suggested that action by the council be divided into three votes: one vote on the statement as staff has submitted it; one vote on the date of the election; and a third vote on whether or not to have a Voters Pamphlet. Mayor Obie agreed to this process. Council members discussed the first question. Ms. Ehrman said that the title refers to "advisory vote"; in the explanation there is a phrase lithe council intends to abide by the voter advice." She questioned whether this is an advisory vote. Mr. Sercombe said this vote would not bind the council; it is, rather, a representation of the .council's intent at this time. Mr. Rutan felt this should be discussed. He said the grammar of the ballot question is bad and does not read in a straightforward manner. Mr. Holmer suggested that the ballot question read "Should Willamette Street between 8th and 10th avenues be reconstructed for pedestrian and limited traffic uses?" The council agreed that Mr. Holmer1s phrasing was clear and easy to understand. Ms. Wooten questioned why the word "limitedll was included as the council had previously voted not to pro- vide a concept of the redesign. Ms. Ehrman said the words "limited" and "through" could be taken out. Ms. Bascom expressed concern that the public might interpret a yes vote as a blank check for the council to fill out. She asked if a redesign to Broadway only was possible. Mayor Obie said this was a different decision that should be made before the decision to put the measure on the ballot was decided. Ms. Schue cautioned against asking for the voters' opinions and not following it. She said the council should not ask for the voters' opinions if it did not want them. Ms. Wooten said she liked the language about abiding by voter advice. Regarding Ms. Bascom's suggestion, Ms. Wooten said the council would be lImonkeying up the works" to try to develop another option for voters. She said she would be willing to accept Mr. Holmer's language on the ballot question. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 18, 1988 Page 4