10/28/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Bascom said that from that point on present commission members will know - the consequences of losing their downtown-interest status. The motion carried unanimously. 8:0. Ms. Wooten moved. seconded by Mr. Hansen. to direct the City Manager to prepare an amendment to the ordinance to indicate the Downtown Commission will be composed of 5 members with a down- town interest and 4 at-large members from January 1. 1986. to December 31.1986. Mr. Holmer said the proposed amendment is not necessary. He would oppose it. Explaining the reason for the motion. Mr. Hansen said Ms. Bennett will become an at-large member on the Downtown Commission because she no longer has any specific downtown interest. Therefore. if the motion is not approved. the council would need to appoint three new commission members with specific downtown interests. However. the City has advertised an at-large position. The motion would allow the council to appoint two commission members with specific downtown interests and one at-large member as advertised. Ms. Wooten said the motion is intended to apply only to this one case. The motion carried unanimously. 8:0. Ms. Wooten moved, seconded by Ms. Ehrman. to accept applications - and interview selected applicants for the fourth at-large posi- tion on the Downtown Commission. Mayor Obie noted that passage of the motion would require Ms. Bennett to reapply for a position on the Downtown Commission. Failure of the motion would mean Ms. Bennett would automatically fill the fourth at-large position. Mr. Hansen said the City Attorney indicated that Ms. Bennett is a member in good standing of the Downtown eommission. Mr. Hansen said interviewing for the fourth at-large position is not necessary and contrary to the City Attorney's opinion. Councilor Rutan said Ms. Bennett had worked hard on the Downtown Commission and should remain a member. He wants to encourage people like Ms. Bennett to work in City organizations. He would oppose the motion. Ms. Wooten said Ms. Bennett has been a fine commissioner. but Ms. Wooten thought appointments on City organizations should be open to all. Ms. Ehrman said the problem could have been prevented if it had been identi- fied earlier. She said the ordinance does not state that a commissioner who loses a specific downtown interest automatically becomes an at-large member. She said there are reasons for requiring specific qualifications for positions and ordinances should be written clearly. Ms. Schue said the council could appoint Ms. Bennett to an at-large position - without an interview if it wished. MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 28. 1985 Page 5