04/02/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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- e e can be either a boon to the quality of life or a drain on the energy of Eugene. He said the City must realize the importance of the arts community in creating the quality of life in Eugene. Stating that he had understood that the Hult Center shortfall would be balanced against other social services or the resources available to those groups which cannot afford to use the center, he found that this situation was disturbing, particularly when it was mentioned that other funds would be available during the next fiscal year to cover the $125,000 previously budgeted by the EAF. He felt that an unnecessary conflict was being created for the next fiscal year. Mr. Pincus stated that it was obvious that the City needed new revenue sources. He urged the council to make a commitment to maintain existing service levels and to develop a greater recognition of the importance of maintaining a broad, healthy arts community. He said the involved groups should work together to maintain the quality of life experienced prior to the Hult Center and to develop the resources now present in the city. Speaking in opposition to the task force recommendations: Gordon Elliott, 938 Jefferson Street, stating that he has been a resident of Eugene for over 60 years, commented that he never felt deprived of cultural needs prior to the Hult Center. He felt that career-oriented courses and apprentice training should be established to enlarge the taxpayer base in the city. He also felt that thrift should be encouraged until the citizenry can afford such luxuries as the Hult Center. He suggested that volunteers from the patrons of the arts provide any labor above that supported by ticket sales and that any Federal funds received by the City be used for urgent and practical needs. He said that MacArthur Court, high school auditoriums, and the WOW Hall were adequate to support the local performing arts groups. He said he was having sufficent problems paying his present taxes without having to support the Hult Center. He stressed that the citizens should not be saddled with the center's shortfall. lone Pierron, 1360 Ferry Street, stated that she was confused as to where the City periodically found money to purchase property or to bailout the Hult Center. She stated that if hidden funds did exist for emergencies, then the money should be used to support the basic public services rather than support the Hult Center. While she enjoyed the events at the center, Ms. Pierron stated that the impression had been given when the original bond measure was passed that no other taxes would be demanded in the future. She supported the recommendation of using the room tax allocation to cover the deficit until more private financing can be obtained. She said the role of the Eugene Arts Foundation should be to support the local performing arts groups. She sug- gested that the City consider leasing the center to a management group which specializes in performing arts centers, thereby relieving the City Manager of any present burden and allowing the City to turn its attention to more basic needs. Andy Thompson, 2910 Ferry Street, commended the work of the City Council and the task force, but he questioned some of their basic assumptions. He asked why the option of mothballing the Hult Center was not considered. He felt that the citizens had purchased a white elephant and that $500,000 was an MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 2, 1984 Page 6