08/09/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e in producing the pamphlet, which could include modifying the fee structure for arguments submitted for publication. Mr. Holmer asked whether staff has considered limiting the size of the pamphlet to eight pages, making those who wish to submit arguments compete for space in the pamphlet. Ms. Bellamy said the council could do this, but it would impose an artificial limit on the number of pro and con arguments that could be printed. Ms. Bellamy added that the council committee that recommended the voters' pamphlet ordinance assumed most people would choose to pay a fee to submit an argument rather than collect signatures; however, very few people choose to pay the fee. Ms. Bellamy said the council could require a fee for every argument. Ms. Ehrman asked if the pamphlet could be distributed with the newspaper to help reduce distribution costs. Ms. Bellamy said staff checked into this. The Register-Guard requires that inserts go to an entire circulation area--in this case, to all of Lane County. To do this, the City would have to print approximately 15,000 extra pamphlets. In addition, not all registered voters subscribe to The Register-Guard. Mr. Bennett suggested that the size of the pamphlet be limited by appointing representative committees to draft the pro and con arguments, with both arguments being paid for. Mr. Sercombe said the State has a loosely analogous process in its voters' pamphlet ordinance. In the State's process, a legislative committee is appointed to draft a pro statement when the legislature proposes a referendum or initiative. e Mr. Holmer said those who are initiating a measure could automatically be charged with drafting the pro statement, so the council would only have to authorize an "anti" committee. Mr. Holmer thought that the Ci~y should pay for this additional committee. Ms. Bellamy thought this would be less expensive than the current process. Ms. Bascom reminded councilors that the voters' pamphlet was intended to be experimental. She did not feel it has been successful so far, and said the user surveys indicate this. Mr. Bennett said he agrees that the cost of the voters' pamphlet needs to be reduced, but he does not believe the voters' pamphlet should be eliminated. He said the voters' pamphlet is a helpful means of distributing information to people who need it. Mayor Miller requested that staff return to the council with the following: 1) an analysis on the cost of distributing the voters. pamphlet in The Register-Guard; 2) an analysis of the cost of a pamphlet containing the ballot text and a neutral explanation; 3) an analysis of the cost of a pamphlet containing the ballot text, a neutral explanation, and pro and con arguments; and 4) an analysis of the cost of printing the pamphlet in other shapes and sizes. . MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 9, 1989 Page 6