09/23/1985 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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propose a personal income tax of one-half of one percent and indicate the - revenue will be dedicated to the administration of the tax act, the replace- ment of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds, the expansion of the airport terminal, and the replacement or expansion of the library. Mayor Obie opened the public hearing. A gentleman in the audience asked if the meeting was dedicated to hearing the general public or to hearing people on the City, County and State payroll. Mayor Obie said the council would listen to anyone who wished to speak. Thomas Gilbert, 1451 Waite, said passage of the income tax will demonstrate that Eugeneans place the common good above individual differences and are willing to contribute to the community's quality of life. He said a new city library must be in the package. A new library closer to the downtown mall will stimulate business. A wait of seven years for the new library will deprive the mall of many customers. The library has proved to be a very popular City service. The population has doubled since its construction and book circulation has increased five times. He said there is no safety hazard at the airport now. If the airport expansion is delayed, more Federal funds may be available. Construction of a new library closer to the downtown will ensure passage of the income tax which is critical to the city, Mr. Gilbert said. Liz Cawood, 34496 McKenzie View, lives outside the city limits. She has a business in the city. She and the employees use the airport and the library e which she would like to see upgraded. Her clients depend on the City's public facilities, she said, and she supports the Eugene Agenda. Bill Peckham, 597 East 39th Place, favored the CIP. He is in the construction business. He said the city.s infrastructure needs to be repaired. The streets, alleys, sidewalks, and parks need well-planned, regular repair which is a good investment. He said funding for the CIP should be as high as pos- sible. Peggy Mulder, 970 East 44th, is Vice President of the Friends of the Library. She sald the organization favored including the library expansion on the ballot because a new library or an expansion of the existing library is an over-due community project. Anticipating a vote on the Eugene Agenda, the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Library committed the membership to work for passage of the income tax. Charles Stephens, 360 East 48th, is chairer of the Eugene Public Library Board. He was gratified that a new library is one of the community's top priorities. He said an adequate library is needed by Eugeneans. He thought the many people who use the library will support the necessary taxes. Jim Saul, 2780 Elinor, endorsed the council's proposal because continuing and recognlzab1e funding is needed for the CIP, the proposal indicates the commu- nity's priorities and provides funds for them, and the community has supported carefully considered positions in the past. Mr. Saul said the proposal recog- nizes that the community.s priorities will change. - MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 23, 1985 Page 2