09/26/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-~~ e Noting that the Eugene Code only affords the appellant a hearing, Ms. Ehrman asked Mr. Gary about allowing measure proponents to testify on the measure. In response, Mr. Gary noted that the purpose of the hearing is to determine what is a fair and impartial ballot title. He felt that the testimony which will be presented from the measure proponents might make the council's deci- sion easier. Responding to a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Gary acknowledged that a State Statute mandates that a ballot title submitted to voters in an election cycle shall not be so similar to another ballot title submitted in the same elec- tion cycle as to make it unduly confusing. He noted that several issues raised during ballot title consideration caused him to question whether the City Attorney's Office should submit a new ballot title. In particular, he said that he was informed that measure proponents were circulating additional petitions of the measure, but was uncertain about which version. Also, some concern was raised on behalf of measure proponents about whether the measure, if it was successful, would require that a portion of Broadway Street between Oak and Willamette streets be closed to traffic. Mr. Gary concluded that although it would be possible to rewrite the ballot title to respond to that concern, he chose to certify the original ballot title. Mr. Rutan asked whether measure proponents would be willing to make a change in the ballot title to respond to the appeal. In response, Mr. Gary said that because there is some disagreement between measure proponents and oppo- nents about what the ballot measure provides, he is doubtful that the two e parties would be able to reach an agreement on acceptable ballot title word- ing. The council agreed to hear testimony from both measure proponents and appel- lants. Mike Schwartz, 2390 Lariat Drive, testified in favor of changing ballot title wording. He felt that the measure, if successful, would clearly permit clo- sure to traffic of the section of Broadway Street in question. However, ballot title wording on this issue is unclear and should be rewritten to reflect the intent of the measure. Mr. Schwartz registered concern about the possible impact that street closure would have on First Interstate Bank. Gerry Gaydos, no address given, spoke on behalf of First Interstate Bank in favor of alternate ballot title wording. He concurred with Mr. Schwartz that the ballot title wording is unclear. He spoke about the negative impact street closure would have on First Interstate Bank and said that the ballot title should be rewritten to reflect that street closure would apply exclu- sively to additional vehicular traffic. Mr. Gaydos submitted a proposal for alternate ballot title wording that would clarify this issue. Doug DuPriest, speaking on behalf of Don Zadoff and the Save the Mall Commit- tee, testified against the appeal. In disagreement with Mr. Schwartz, he said that the ballot measure is clear in its intent not to create any addi- tional road closures and felt that the ballot title wording reflects this e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 26, 1990 Page 2