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e III. RESOLUTION CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION CONCERNING WILLAMETTE STREET RECONSTRUCTION City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the item. Mr. Bennett excused himself from participation in this agenda item. Rich Weinman, Eugene Development Department, gave the staff report. On May 18, 1988, the council adopted ballot language to place the issue of reconstructing Willamette Street on the November election ballot. In July, the council considered an election resolution and asked for information about a po 11 . Mr. Weinman said a private opinion poll would cost approximately $700 and could be completed on very short notice. September 7 is the deadline for placing the issue on the November ballot and for deciding whether there will be a voters pamphlet. Mr. Weinman referred councilors to their packets and a copy of the proposed election resolution and a copy of alternative ballot language explanation that was submitted by a private citizens group. Ms. Schue reported that an informal poll she conducted at the County Fair indicated public opinion was strongly in favor of keeping Willamette Street closed. Mayor Obie outlined three potential actions the council can take: 1) place the issue on the ballot and proceed with an election, e 2) vote to open Willamette Street, or 3) vote to keep the street closed. Based on the public hearing held on this issue, which had the largest attendance in the history of the community, Mayor Obie said he believes the only appropriate action the council can take at this time is to follow the expressed desires of the community by voting to keep Willamette Street closed. Mr. Holmer suggested that such a long-standing issue warrants an election with the advantage of full discussion in the voters pamphlet. He said a council vote at this time would be a mistake and would not be as definitive as a public election. Mr. Rutan said feedback from his constituents conflicted with Mayor Obie's description of the expressed desire of the community. He favored giving the community an opportunity to speak through an election. Mr. Miller said he supported an election because of the emotional quality of the issue. He said a council vote to keep the street closed carries assurance that the issue will not resurface only if there is also agreement not to reconsider the matter for a specified period of time. He pointed oct that such an agreement by the present council would not be binding for future councils. 4ItMINUTES--EUgene City Council September 7, 1988 Page 5