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<br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />- <br /> <br />$100,000 which would be offset by private donations and the room tax. He said <br />that the majority of the donations mentioned by the foundation at that time <br />have proven to be very tentative. Briefly reviewing the donations. Mr. Heusel <br />stated that the end result was that the City cannot depend on the EAF for <br />funding because of its financial difficulties. He felt the City has failed to <br />monitor the Eugene Arts Foundation and what was to have been 25 percent of the <br />offsetting revenue for the Hult Center. Mr. Heusel felt that the Hult Center <br />must survive in order to lure industry into Eugene. but he suggested that any <br />donations be sent directly to the City of Eugene, thereby saving the 30 <br />percent used by the foundation for its own operations. <br /> <br />George V. Stathakis. 830 Hilyard, stated that while he was in favor of support- <br />ing the Hult Center. the report has not mentioned the source of the support or <br />given any assurance that the support will not come from basic services. He <br />said the City Council should present a definite financial plan and assure the <br />citizens that the shortfall will not affect basic services. He felt that the <br />WOW Hall should continue to receive the room tax money, stating that it is <br />also part of the arts community. Mr. Stathakis suggested that the management <br />of the Hult Center should be opened to competitive bidding to relieve the City <br />of that burden. He also stressed that efforts should be made to rid the City <br />of its snob image by becoming more involved with the citizens who need <br />employment. <br /> <br />Also speaking in support of the task force's recommendations: <br /> <br />Camilla Pratt. 375 Broken Oak. complimented the task force on its recommenda- <br />tions for the room tax moneys. stating that she felt the proposals were fair. <br />She stated that some of the testimony presented had angered her. stressing <br />that it was irresponsible to suggest that the City turn its back on a major <br />capital investment because of a few management errors. She stated that many <br />people still supported the center even though they were not present at the <br />hearing. She stated that the issue was one of priorities. explaining that <br />many people spend an amount comparable to the cost of tickets on alcohol and <br />movies. She did not think the ticket prices were the main issue. She sug- <br />gested that more effort be placed in developing the market outside Eugene. <br />She stated that destination-point tourism. of which the Hult Center was key. <br />was a factor in the development of Eugene as a convention center. As the <br />general manager of a chamber orchestra. she stated that she has enjoyed <br />performing in the Soreng Theater and that the group's audience has increased <br />due to the relocation. <br /> <br />There being no further testimony, the public hearing was closed. <br />The meeting was recessed at 9:04 and reconvened at 9:15 p.m. <br /> <br />Councilor Wooten, responding to the testimony presented. stated that Hult <br />Center Executive Director Dick Reynolds had commented on the subject of cable <br />and satellite hookups for the center at the first task force public hearing. <br />Mr. Reynolds had stated that a market for the Hult Center shows was not <br />currently available and that the proposal was not cost-effective. Ms. Wooten <br />stated that she would support any effort to explore this option. but she <br />stressed the factor that it was not currently financially feasible. Referring <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br /> <br />April 2. 1984 <br /> <br />Page 8 <br />