06/18/1984 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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production management should be improved before changing the nature of the e production. Mr. Hansen stated that the public access must perform an outreach program. In response to a question, Mr. Gleason stated that televised council meetings would possibly begin in October. H. Open Public Testimony Period at Council Meetings Stating that the issue had been raised at the previous council meeting and at the Goals Session, Councilor Ball suggested that the council attempt to provide limited time for public comment on non-agenda items at one meeting each month. Mr. Gleason responded that his past experience with similar programs included the problem of people venting their anger at the council and staff. Mr. Ball felt that the council and staff could handle the situa- tion, adding that any problems would be a trade-off for the added public rel ations. He felt that allowing the open public testimony would increase the credibility of the council. Ms. Ehrman commented that the council should perform the program on a trial basis before the council meetings were televised, stating that the television coverage may affect the council response and the public presentation. Mr. Hansen said he would support the idea, adding that the Mayor should set the ground rules so that the individual would state his or her problem without any personal attack on the councilor staff. Mr. Obie agreed that some ground rules should be established; he suggested that the council prohibit any repetitive presentations and those by political candi- dates. Mr. Hansen suggested that the Mayor could monitor the presentations. Mr. Holmer said that the City provided numerous opportunities for public testimony; he suggested that the council consider having citizens apply for e testimony time on issues specified by the council. Mr. Gleason suggested that citizens could ask for specific issues to be listed through their respective councilors. While Mayor Keller agreed that the program could be tried at some .time in the future, there was no consensus for action by the council. He commented that the council has previously circumvented ground rules that he had set. 1. Gi 11 espi e Butte Councilor Ball stated that he was interested in the council's position on this issue. Mayor Keller suggested that it could be scheduled for discussion. In response to a request for clarification of the issue, Mr. Ball said the City's previous bid had been rejected; he added that the property was still avail able. Ms. Wooten said she was still interested whether the City should obtain the property to maintain as open space. Mr. Gleason said staff was attempting to schedule a dinner session between the council and EWEB with an agenda of developing a process between the two groups on how to list items for discussion and then a process for resolution through a subcommittee. Assistant City Manager Dave Whitlow said the meeting was tentatively set for mid-July. Mayor Keller said the subcommittee should work with staff and then make a presentation to the council. Mr. Hansen said he would support maintaining Gillespie Butte as public space. In response to a question, Mr. Ball stated that the area was not presently included in any major City pl an. Ms. Wooten questioned how the City would obtain both the Gillespie Butte and the riverfront property. Mr. Gleason said e the issue will come back before the council before the mid-July meeting with EWEB. MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 18, 1984 Page 8